Originally posted by PhuzudakaMy knowledge of the occult is probably higher than most, since I had a large interest in it at the age of 16. I studied the history of transcendental magic in Europe, the origins of the myths folklore associated with it, and have read somewhat on Wiccans, Pagan pre Roman rituals, Aleister Crowley, Eliphas Levi and even some Kabbalistic rooted hagiology and demonology (though this was merely a passing fad). Whilst I have probably forgotten most of the detail, I'd hazard a guess that my conceptual knowledge is still pretty good.
[b]Witchcraft is smoke and mirrors, you should try living in the real world.
Are you sucking that our of your thumb or are you an ex-witchdoctor? You don't have a coocking clue what witchcraft is all about. Your knowledge of the Occult is appauling to say the least.[/b]
Why would I be an ex-witchdoctor if I don't believe in magic?
Originally posted by twhiteheadHe clearly stated that he does not believe in magic. He therefore could not possibly believe that he has been involved in witchcraft as that would require him to believe in magic.
He clearly stated that he does not believe in magic. He therefore could not possibly believe that he has been involved in witchcraft as that would require him to believe in magic.
I am in Africa and I have heard a few vague stories of witchcraft but have never witnessed any. The fact that most of those I have heard of that profess to practice it are po ...[text shortened]... end whose father was a witch-doctor but when his children got sick he took them to the hospital!
I did not ask him whether he believed that he has been involved in witchcraft. I am asking him whether or not he has ever practised witchcraft. His non-belief in magic is entirely irrelevant.
Originally posted by PhuzudakaWhat? Why would I practice witchcraft if I don't believe in it? What a bizarre question to ask.
[b]He clearly stated that he does not believe in magic. He therefore could not possibly believe that he has been involved in witchcraft as that would require him to believe in magic.
I did not ask him whether he believed that he has been involved in witchcraft. I am asking him whether or not he has ever practised witchcraft. His non-belief in magic is entirely irrelevant.[/b]
Originally posted by StarrmanSince you have never practised witchcraft, your first hand knowledge on the subject is non-existant.
My knowledge of the occult is probably higher than most, since I had a large interest in it at the age of 16. I studied the history of transcendental magic in Europe, the origins of the myths folklore associated with it, and have read somewhat on Wiccans, Pagan pre Roman rituals, Aleister Crowley, Eliphas Levi and even some Kabbalistic rooted hagiology and ...[text shortened]... wledge is still pretty good.
Why would I be an ex-witchdoctor if I don't believe in magic?
I have yet to meet a practising witchdoctor who believes that the occult is an old hags fairy tale.
Originally posted by PhuzudakaAnd as I said, he could not possibly believe that he has ever practiced witchcraft if he does not believe in it. His non-belief is not only relevant but directly answers your question.
I did not ask him whether he believed that he has been involved in witchcraft. I am asking him whether or not he has ever practised witchcraft. His non-belief in magic is entirely irrelevant.
Originally posted by twhiteheadHis non-belief without having tried it just shows that he is a bias bigot and his input on the topic is irrelevant.
And as I said, he could not possibly believe that he has ever practiced witchcraft if he does not believe in it. His non-belief is not only relevant but directly answers your question.
But if he had tried witchcraft and had practised in the occult, and in the process came to believe that the occult was simply an old hags fairy tale, then he may have had a point to make.
Originally posted by PhuzudakaHaving first hand knowledge or not is irrelevant here. There is no evidence to show that the supernatural exists, consequently belief in the supernatural should be withheld, to do otherwise would be madness.
Since you have never practised witchcraft, your first hand knowledge on the subject is non-existant.
I have yet to meet a practising witchdoctor who believes that the occult is an old hags fairy tale.
Your second statement is utterly trivial, of course a witchdoctor believes in the occult.
Originally posted by Starrman"Witchdoctor" is something of a pejorative term.
Your second statement is utterly trivial, of course a witchdoctor believes in the occult.
From your perspective, what is the source of a shaman's power? It's as well to deal with specifics, of course, so you might have to dig up something concrete. (That goes for you too, Phuzudaka).
Originally posted by Bosse de NageI don't believe he has any 'power'. Prowess in performance, rhetoric and folklore; maybe.
"Witchdoctor" is something of a pejorative term.
From your perspective, what is the source of a shaman's power? It's as well to deal with specifics, of course, so you might have to dig up something concrete. (That goes for you too, Phuzudaka).
Originally posted by StarrmanThere is no evidence to show that the supernatural exists
Having first hand knowledge or not is irrelevant here. There is no evidence to show that the supernatural exists, consequently belief in the supernatural should be withheld, to do otherwise would be madness.
Your second statement is utterly trivial, of course a witchdoctor believes in the occult.
That is a rather harsh statement coming from you. Do you really mean to say that there is no evidence for the supernatural even though a large percentage of the population on earth believe that the supernatural exists?
I would say that your stance sounds more like madness.