On 3/21/10 7:11 AM, "Caduceus Books" <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> Another, perhaps unexpected, truth; and one which, perhaps, should be
> noted. In modern times, in which western country has the government most
> embraced paganism and occultism?
I think the verdict is still out on this question. "Paganism" loosely
defined is enshrined everywhere in the United States. The attempt to change
the face of Americašs pagan inspired governmental architecture with a
monotheistic monument of the Ten Commandments didn't succeed. There are
about two dozen very large Zodiacs in public government buildings in
Washington, D.C. and many more Zodiacs on monuments and room interiors
honoring pagan deities all over the capitol.
Author Jonathan Kirsch in God Against the Gods points out that from a
cultural perspective, paganism still holds a lot of ground here:
"Classical paganism,š then, was the official religion of a civilization
that is recalled and honored today in classical texts that are studied in
our universities, the statuary that fills our museums and the architectural
styles that grace our monuments and public buildings."
Even our seemingly benign daily rituals and customs, in America at least,
like making a wish by tossing a coin in a well or a fountain, give homage to
pagan gods. Though arguably the honoring of water deities and spirits is not
on most folk's mind.
Also would need to consider the modern native nations in North America that
celebrate their old beliefs and have incorporated them into their modern
sovereign governmental systems, especially when it comes to their official
holidays and festivals.
James
James John Bell
http://www.smartmeme.com
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