well such biased "research" with pre-set agenda to find a common marginal outlook of the out casted people usually in young years is no phenomenon, it is a rather a paradigm of self -defense mechanism that in most cases do bury down in subconsciousness the immense number of complexes developed through the growing stages. BUT not all do come out in a healthy and natural grown ups... some results in all the social and behavior deviances in later life, ranging anywhere from home and family violence to maniac behavior and psychosis, with most common generalization of obsessive -compulsive disorder and are socially menacing people to around with. this is at least to say. The social deviation of ...

well such biased "research" with pre-set agenda to find a common marginal outlook of the out casted people usually in young years is no phenomenon, it is a rather a paradigm of self -defense mechanism that in most cases do bury down in subconsciousness the immense number of complexes developed through the growing stages. BUT not all do come out in a healthy and natural grown ups... some results in all the social and behavior deviances in later life, ranging anywhere from home and family violence to maniac behavior and psychosis, with most common generalization of obsessive -compulsive disorder and are socially menacing people to around with. this is at least to say. The social deviation of witch crafting needs to by public ally addressed, explored and the underlying motivation needs to be publicly broadcast, to treat the cause of the deviance and reduce the number of follower at the earlier stages, THUS helping young people to get back into their social groups of the main stream and grow up to all the goals and aspiration so that they can be what they want to be not what they choose to to shield themselves from peer and other social oppression. AND such reports needs to be prohibited and such professor should be held responsible for publishing intermediaries research results with no meaningful or purposeful analysis. These "PROFESSORS" are the social menace !!! BE AWARE>

So, Johnhealer, I take it you don't approve? Oh well, too bad - so sad. Witchcraft can provide a good ethical framework for its adherents without dictating to them specifically what behaviour is or isn't allowed. This ethical structure provides a mechanism for Witches to evaluate their own thoughts, behavoiurs, desires and beliefs, and holds them accountable for their choices.

Being on the "outside" of society isn't an inherently bad thing, especially given the state of mainstream society at times. Those who are on the outside are often the catalyst for change. Additionally, adhering to the mainstream dictates of behaviour and beliefs is no guarantee whatsoever that someone won't grow ...

So, Johnhealer, I take it you don't approve? Oh well, too bad - so sad. Witchcraft can provide a good ethical framework for its adherents without dictating to them specifically what behaviour is or isn't allowed. This ethical structure provides a mechanism for Witches to evaluate their own thoughts, behavoiurs, desires and beliefs, and holds them accountable for their choices.

Being on the "outside" of society isn't an inherently bad thing, especially given the state of mainstream society at times. Those who are on the outside are often the catalyst for change. Additionally, adhering to the mainstream dictates of behaviour and beliefs is no guarantee whatsoever that someone won't grow up to exhibit serious deviations - including (though not limited to) rape, murder, spousal/child abuse, pedophilia, hate crimes and so on. Every group - mainstream or not - has its fair share of criminals and deviants.

On a side note, I find it interesting, though, that you include "psychosis" in your list of deviations. Psychosis isn't a behavioural deviation - it's a psychological illness. Being a psychotic doesn't excuse anyone from responsiblity for their actions, but *being* psychotic certainly isn't something one chooses to become.

In any event, there's no evidence that a someone who becomes a Witch in their teens is going to turn out to be a "bad" adult any more than someone who follows a more mainstream path. Measuring their behaviour, desires and such against the ethical standard of "harm none" requires that Witches give serious thought to what they do and is a crucial skill that far too many people in society today don't seem to have.

Oops! I'm still getting used to using clipmarks! I havn't got to come on lately! Well I'll do the comment now . . . if I can figure out how to do the quote thing!
How do you reconcile these three? One had no Supreme Being, one has a dual God/dess, and one is monotheistic.

I can reconcile these by saying these are what I was kinda brought up by. I mean I always had a interest in Asian Culture. Ever since I was five. But, I was brought up strictly Lutheran Christian. I always had a interest in Wicthcraft, too. But, as I said, I was brought up in a strict Lutheran way. Recently I just adopted those religons. I'm still keeping my old one. But, I've adopted this way of living...

Oops! I'm still getting used to using clipmarks! I havn't got to come on lately! Well I'll do the comment now . . . if I can figure out how to do the quote thing!
How do you reconcile these three? One had no Supreme Being, one has a dual God/dess, and one is monotheistic.

I can reconcile these by saying these are what I was kinda brought up by. I mean I always had a interest in Asian Culture. Ever since I was five. But, I was brought up strictly Lutheran Christian. I always had a interest in Wicthcraft, too. But, as I said, I was brought up in a strict Lutheran way. Recently I just adopted those religons. I'm still keeping my old one. But, I've adopted this way of living. I just call myself that. I believe in alot of other gods, too. I rely on other gods, too, for certain spells. So, recently I've just adopted paganism (middle-eastern, North African, West African, Celtic, Nordic). And now I see Christ as more of a deity now. Since I have recently really started believeing in other God/desses and deities. So, I'm quessing I can consider myself a Wicca/pagan.