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It's nice to see that the beautiful development of the human language has again failed us miserably...
Let us address the issues of both "cult" and "fringe". Both are words that at their most core meaning, do not denote a negative intonation, but do to their use in the common tongue have come to do so. Let us replace the word "cult" with the word "following" as it is a synonym listed in the Merriam-Webster Online Thesaurus. This then provides a basis of comparison. Is Christianity a "following"? Yes, it is the following of the belief that Jesus Christ was the one true Savior. It is a belief that is based on Judaism (Old Testament) and continues forth where Judaism believes that the Savior has yet to come. Oh, and on the note, Mormonism is the Christianity as Christianty is to Judaism. It simply offers a third "testament" post Christ. So in this regard, Wicca is the same as Christianity, Judiasm and Mormonism (among others) which are protected religions. Another associated word with "cult" is "discipleship"... you know, like the disciples of Jesus!?
Let's look at "fringe". You could use the word "marginal" as a replacement. A marginal belief... much like Christianity was roughly 2000 years ago. It's crazy how similar they are.
As a side note, if one takes a look at Papal records, one might note the similarities of Christianity and many pagan beliefs that are, in fact, due to changes to the way the Catholic (and hence later Protestant) doctrine are viewed so as to make it a more friendly religion for pagans to convert to (worship on Sunday vs. Saturday, the true 7th day as worshipped upon by Jews and Adventists). Sunday was a convenient day for worship as pagans already worshipped (mostly) on Sunday... the day of the Sun. Also note the uncanny similarities between "spells" and "prayer" where in both you are asking a higher power to align reality to suit your own needs.
Sorry, I know this is jumbled, but I have oh-so-much to say on this topic...
Now let's move onto the possibility of nudity during worship and the potential negative effects this has on children... a) There are nudists colonies in the U.S. They are Constitutionally protected, and often include families with children. b) The U.S. is one of the few industrialized countries left where nudity is a horrific event. Most European countries have televised nudity, often even on daytime commercials. c) How is worshipping in the nude a worse value than teaching your child to partake of the "flesh and blood" of the savior, even symbolically (also uncannily akin to spellcasting and magic-weaving).
Lastly, WTF ever happened to freedom of religion in this country... the one thing, above all else, that caused people to come here in the first place?
*sigh*
~X
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