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7288: Re: 7279: Archim/Morse (fwd)
From: archim <archim@globelsud.net>
Sorry to reply "on-line", but since this was printed for our
list-members, it probably should be answered for our list-members to
read.
My post was positively for the purpose of receiving good answers. There
is nothing that I am "up to". I would like to know something more about
Vodou, and I am asking someone who knows more than I (and there *are* such
persons!) to help me understand. What is wrong with that, and what is so
suspicious? When people ask me to explain some things about the Greek
Orthodox Church, I answer them straight out; we have no secrets, nor do we
suspect that the one posing the questions is "up to something". I mentioned
that I am a former university professor of Comparative Religions, and I
know a good deal about the major world religions, but I am lacking in
deeper knowledge of Vodou, so I am asking. I listed a few reasons for my
quest, and they are serious. Do Vodou people have something to hide which
would cause them to wonder if I am "up to something"? It'a sincere request
for further knowledge.
I am personally-in-touch with several Vodou "priests"(houngans) and
Mambos, and I have never had any trouble talking with them. I especially
know several in the Jacmel/Cyvadier area, and we are on very friendly
terms. However, they were unable to answer the questions which I posed in
my post.
A main question has to do with what appears to be "evil" practices
within or under the name of Vodou. I would like to know if mainstream Vodou
(if there is such a thing) condones what others would call "evil"
practices. (eg. Causing illnesses for adversaries; making zombies;
subverting religious practices of others; stealing from friends; causing
problems for those one does not like; telling lies, etc.) Now this is in no
understood as my implying that followers of other religions don't do some
of the same things; I'm asking if such things are condoned by Vodou.
I have a number of friends who follow Vodou, and they are kindly and
genteel. I know others, however, who follow Vodou and are evil in any
definition of the word. (yes, I know, there are evil persons wqho follow
all kinds of religions; I am merely asking if there are various "sects" of
Vodou which condone evil practices. (And no one needs to respond by asking
me to "define" what I consider to be evil; I'm talking about practices
which harm others.)
Yes, I am a Priest of The Greek Orthodox Church. And yes, there are many
Vodou practices which are similar to Orthodox practices (eg. Meals on
anniversaries of death; praying for the departed; beliefs that the faithful
departed can be "contacted" in a spiritual manner; requesting the saints to
carry our prayers to God on a more perpetual level than we are able, etc,)
Because of this, I am asking questions.
Hope that clarifies my intentions...and my person.
archim