BellaOnline Forums Religion and Spirituality Wicca Political Issues

I know politics is typically considered outside the arena of Wicca, but politics is still something that affects us all.

In all my reading, I've never discovered what Wiccans (in general) think about abortion, capital punishment, etc...

This is just something I'm curious about, and maybe it is just person by person. If that is the case, what do you believe and how is that supported by your Wiccan beliefs?

Thanks!! <img src="/images/graemlins/music.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/fish.gif" alt="" />

I struggle with this all the time. Especially the death penalty. I would like to consider my self a humanist/humanitaritan as well as follow harm none, but I can't get past keeping Clifford Olsen in jail (and others like him). He doesn't care either way, he's a psychopath. I'm conflicted.

Abortion...I believe in the right to choose. If you want to keep it, go for it. If you want to have an abortion, go for it. I'm not one for telling another what to do individually. Same for gay marriage. Who am I to tell others what to do in regards to social issues? But this conflicts with harm none. Is a fetus qualified as the 'none' the Rede refers to? Again, I'm conflicted!

Other issues are easy, like my response to climate change in keeping the impact of my footprint on earth as little as possible.

If anyone can offer a bit of insight on handling the issues of the day, I'd be grateful.

Good question!

I'm conflicted on abortion as well. Though I am definately pro-choice, it is still a debateable question. Is the fetus cognant in those months before? I guess I have to go with my own gut and the fact that abortions have been taking place for many millenia (even during goddess worship times, supposedly) and give it the benefit of the doubt.

Capital punishment is more hazy, and yet they harmed people first... Who's right? Who knows??? The only thing that makes me against this is that I've read that possibly up to 30% of those on death row are innocent. That is incredibly high.

I agree that ecological issues are easier, though they become harder and harder as the world population increases. I guess we can only do the little bits that we can to make that less of an issue.

As far as how the topics you mentioned fit in with Wiccan Beliefs... Everyon interprets the Rede to their own level and we all have to find our own point of balance.

I tend to not be a very vocal or activist person. Personally I prefer to keep my opinions my own, though there are actually quite a few activist Pagan groups.

While I don't mind a little political discussion on this forum IF it is relevant to the topic of Wicca. I would prefer that we keep it related to this topic. I want this forum to be a "safe space" for people seeking to learn about Wicca.

The more you talk politics with Wiccans and Pagans, the more you're going to find that everyone has a very individual opinion. These religions don't preach, or espouse the idea that everyone is supposed to believe exactly the same thing. They do put an emphasis on individual thought and responsibility. You'll find that to be in contrast to many religions which put forth the ideas that everyone has to believe the same thing in the exact same way, or you get kicked out of the group.

As with many people I know, I have my personal guidelines, beliefs and feelings, and I consider individual situations in relation to those beliefs instead of having a mindset that is utterly concrete. To look at the world in totally yes/no or black/white relationships seems to me to be too inflexible and too close-minded.

LOL Rae..

a much more eloquent way to say what I was thinking! Thank you

Definately a good point. If only more people would abide by this idea...

I understand your stance completely. I wasn't asking this to get a debate going on these issues. I was just curious as to the general trend of ideas that Wiccans have regarding these issues. I don't want to force my beliefs on anyone!!

<img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

That helps. Thanks Rae.

<img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> No worries! I know where you were coming from and what you were trying to get to... I just wanted to be careful because these topics can break down into arguement really fast sometimes!