Columbia and The Wicker Man: Embracing The Barbaric?

Last updated on: July 13, 2010 at 10:29 am by Star Foster

Columbia and The Wicker Man: Embracing The Barbaric? 2010-07-13T10:29:34-04:00 Star Foster

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Over the July 4th weekend several Pagan blogs raised a cry of “Hail Columbia!”. This was met with some mixed reactions, one of the most thought provoking being from Meadowsweet & Myrrh (a blog worth checking out).

The critique for worshiping Columbia is this: she is a symbol of the oppression of white colonialism and her very name comes from an explorer who committed genocide. Also there is a feeling that she is a construct rather than a natural Goddess, and should we work with egregores as though they are Gods? These are excellent points.

First, should we worry that Columbia is a dangerous mixture of religion and state? That she is merely a symbol inspiring jingoism and blind faith in the government? I think the answer lies in taking a look at those who acclaim her.

Selena Fox has battled for religious freedom through her work with the Lady Liberty League. Working with politicians and other religious organizations, I don’t think anyone is more cautious about the relationship between religion and state than Selena. Cara Schulz, who blogs here and at Pagan+Politics, is a conservative, while I identify as a liberal. Jason Pitzl-Waters at The Wild Hunt doesn’t express a political bias but is passionate about religious freedom and equal rights for minority religions, and has expressed support for Pagan pacifism.

Continued —>

Previous Post

July 12, 2010

An Interview with Anya Kless, author of "Lilith: Queen of the Desert"

Next Post

July 14, 2010 Bella and SkyCat: Memories of PSG

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category alexandrian asatru astrology ATW Audio books btw ceremonial magick chaos classics community conversion cosmology dianic discordian druid dvd eclectic equinox ethics family feri festivals film Fully Inclusive Events gardnerian gender issues glbt heathen hellenismos history humor initiation interfaith magick meditation Military movies music mysticism myth networking news Open Thread Pagan Pagan 101 Paganism passings polytheism Polytheistic Religion polytheology praxis Reading List religio romana review ritual sabbats santeria service solstice symbols tools values wicca witchcraft

Select a Month July 2016 May 2016 April 2016 March 2016 February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 September 2012 August 2012 July 2012 June 2012 May 2012 April 2012 March 2012 February 2012 January 2012 December 2011 November 2011 October 2011 September 2011 August 2011 July 2011 June 2011 May 2011 April 2011 March 2011 February 2011 January 2011 December 2010 November 2010 October 2010 September 2010 August 2010 July 2010 June 2010 May 2010 April 2010 March 2010

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

Who said, "Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!"

Select your answer to see how you score.

Mary The father of a sick boy Peter Thomas