I know.....Just putting forth another opinion on why its not.
I think too many people see the big 3 religions of the world and want to include every little traditions along with it to be politically correct.
Simply not being a religion do not make something obsolete......in fact it makes it even more interesting.
Yes but that opinion is not sensible.
Some mental exercises are best left in the mind.
A problem during the information accumulation stage is the inability to see the big picture and a tendency to get stuck on narrow definitions. It takes time and a certain intellectual maturity to realize that others have been there and one really has nothing new to add.
You said you are currently reading the bible....and believe me you will soon think that you have uncovered the mystery and true meanings of the words.
The size of a religion or tradition does not tell us anything about its religiosity......just as the number of people using a form of communication does not tell us if it is a language or not...and it has nothing to do with political correctness.
Before pushing out your own theories, it is crucial that you understand the reasoning behind the opposite view you are trying to debunk. Otherwise you are just shouting in a vacuum.
1. Actually that post was not directed at you...it was a question about Haitian Vaudou....and since you are ignorant about things haitian I really did not expect you to reply.
2. I could not care less about what africans think about their practices or whatever they want to call it.
3. I listed some definitions of religion...and Haitian Vaudou practices while varied meet definitions 1, 3, 4, & 5.....if whatever you practice does not meet any of them well that's life....not all people and societies and races are capable of religious thoughts.
4. You really give yourself way too much importance to think that I would be looking for an argument with you....argue about what? witchcraft? black magic? nonsense? .......so try your passive/aggressive posturing on someone else.
5. If you insist on replying, save me the mumbo jumbo nonsense about spirits and divination...and your place in the practice of this or that..(this is NOT about YOU)..........and stick to what is being asked.[/size][/color]
I apologize, if you did not intend your answer to be directed to me; however, you asked a question about Vodun. And since I am an African Vodunon and have been involved with this thread (it started because of my questions) I answered. It is obvious that you could care less about Africa or its people! However, those who actually PRACTICE Vodun, whether Haitian or African, should be free to speak. Your calling Vodun "mumbo jumbo nonsense" also reflects your complete disrespect for Vodun as well as its practitioners. To look in a dictionary and attempt to try and discuss what Vodun is or isn't... and you do not even practice it... speaks for itself. I am simply asking you to have some RESPECT for those who DO practice Vodun and understand more than YOU. You are an extremely DISRESPECTFUL person. While GFranc and I have disagreed on issues he at least prefaced his comments on what he has been told or have understood about Vodun; and, even HE can see that it simply isn't a religion by YOUR standards. Why not, at least, give CREDIT to those who live by Vodun...the benefit of the doubt that they at least know what it is. I will end this here. I do not CHOOSE to answer anymore of your posts, that are specifically directed at me; because I am sure you will lash out again and continue your banter of disrespect and ignorance! From reading your posts across the website....I believe you to be some type of White Racist hanging out on this site attempting to denegrate Blacks....And, if you are? When it comes to Black folks, their culture or how they worship...YOU DON'T KNOW JACK!!!!
[ I am simply asking you to have some RESPECT for those who DO practice Vodun and understand more than YOU.
WedoSi
Respect has to be EARNED.
And you are INCORRECT about practitioners understanding more than the outside observer.
Practitioners may FEEL, may KNOW the rituals...but They CANNOT I repeat CANNOT use reason to understand. Their blind faith prevents them from truly UNDERSTANDING.
[ While GFranc and I have disagreed on issues he at least prefaced his comments on what he has been told or have understood about Vodun; and, even HE can see that it simply isn't a religion by YOUR standards.
WedoSi
By "MY STANDARDS????"
Maybe you and Gfranc should start a petition to the Haitian government, The Benin Government, the CIA Fact Book, the World Almanac and countless other sources and DEMAND that Vodou/Vodoun be removed from the listing of RELIGIONS.........due to you having been possessed by the spirits and Gfranc's extensive research on the subject.
And then start a petition to the world's dictionaries and DEMAND that they redefine RELIGION..and RELIGIOUS..since you have been possessed and GFranc has done extensive research.
Maybe you and Gfranc should start a petition to the Haitian government, The Benin Government, the CIA Fact Book, the World Almanac and countless other sources and DEMAND that Vodou/Vodoun be removed from the listing of RELIGIONS.........due to you having been possessed by the spirits and Gfranc's extensive research on the subject.
And then start a petition to the world's dictionaries and DEMAND that they redefine RELIGION..and RELIGIOUS..since you have been possessed and GFranc has done extensive research.
I will end this here. I do not CHOOSE to answer anymore of your posts, that are specifically directed at me; because I am sure you will lash out again and continue your banter of disrespect and ignorance! From reading your posts across the website....I believe you to be some type of White Racist hanging out on this site attempting to denegrate Blacks....And, if you are? When it comes to Black folks, their culture or how they worship...YOU DON'T KNOW JACK!!!!
Have a good holiday!:)
WedoSi
1. That is your prerogative Ayido...to answer or not answer. Keep in mind that when I post, even when addressing a specific person, I am posting for the entire board.
2. So you have been reading my posts across the website....good for you....I am sure it has been to your benefit.
3. Some type of White Racist trying to denigrate blacks???..........You are quite perceptive in your assumption Ayido...must be the spirits who have endowed you with such clairvoyance.
4. When it comes to black folks Ayido...I WROTE THE BOOK...I KNOW YOUR PEEPS.
Maybe you and Gfranc should start a petition to the Haitian government, The Benin Government, the CIA Fact Book, the World Almanac and countless other sources and DEMAND that Vodou/Vodoun be removed from the listing of RELIGIONS.........due to you having been possessed by the spirits and Gfranc's extensive research on the subject.
And then start a petition to the world's dictionaries and DEMAND that they redefine RELIGION..and RELIGIOUS..since you have been possessed and GFranc has done extensive research.
Good Luck.[/size][/color]
This is very sad....Again, Happy Holidays!!!:)
OHHH You have No IDEA how sad it really is.......don't just take my words for it, check with the SPIRITS.
3. Some type of White Racist trying to denigrate blacks???..........You are quite perceptive in your assumption Ayido...must be the spirits who have endowed you with such clairvoyance.
4. When it comes to black folks Ayido...I WROTE THE BOOK...I KNOW YOUR PEEPS.
THOUGHT SO!!!! You are ADMITTING to being a "white racist" and saying that YOU wrote the book on Black folks???
Oh My! LOL!!!!
ooooops gotta plane to catch! I have been ENLIGHTENED this day! My goodness!!!!
Why do you keep doing this?...... You know my addiction and you keep pushing......
Why is Haitian Vodou a religion? With some examples as well on why you've taken that positioning.
On another note: The argument between Ayida and JC is hilarious indeed.... ...JC is a white racist.. ...I KNEW IT....Hahahaha....
I know your addiction GFranc.......that's why it is so fun for NOW......but you'll get over that addiction with time...you seem to be smart enough.
As for the religion part, it is simple .....any belief, ritual, tradition, practice that deals with one or many deities...spirits...and other similar ideas falls under the very..I repeat very broad definition of religious belief. That is why the sources I have listed in my previous post call Haitian Vaudou a religion. That is why Haiti and Benin recognize them as such. That is why they are listed in most listing of world religions.
There is not ONE structure for religions.
Since you are going against the prevailing wisdom, it is YOU who need to make the case.
You have tried and I am sticking with the other view.....thank you.
...so let's move forward with the discussion...you can call it tradition and i'll call it religion....as long as we both know that we are referring to the same thing......it's all good.
As for poor Ayido...don't be too harsh...she is under the spell of the SPIRITS.
[ Edited: 24 December 2008 09:34 AM by Jesus Christ ]
You know my addiction and you keep pushing...... 
