| From: | Christopher Higgins <as812@*******.CARLETON.CA> |
|---|---|
| Subject: | Sexism/Racism in SRII |
| Date: | Mon, 23 May 1994 12:58:57 -0400 |
I may have some valid points because not only have I been playing mage
characters since the Green Book first showed itself in Canada but in real
life I am a mystic (Celtic/Taoist). I have studied the influence of
Christianity in pagan Europe so I can say with great confidence that
despite the fact that Christ may have been a true Mystic, Christianity, by
the time it reached Europe, is about control. Remember that famous quote:"
Religion is the opiate of the masses". If this is true then the vatican is
a major drug dealer and they know it. Personally, I must agree with FASA.
Real magic is subtle and spiritual; something that cannot be measured. In
the world of Shadowrun, magic is much more blunt and obvious. It's easy to
hide real magic from the ignorant and the materialistic. Shadowrun magic
would throw the Church off its foundations. Christianity must accept magic
because it's there. Fireballs and dragons cannot be hidden. In addition,
if magic is evil then wouldn't the return of magic make people think that
Satan, himself has come to town. The Church would accept magic to a
limited degree so that people would think that as much as Satan has become
active so has God. It's all about control and propaganda. In SR, magic is
too blunt and powerful for the Church to fight but it is also another
source of control.
In the case of individuals, christians who are born with the Magus
Factor can be told that they are blessed and are drawn into the Church to
help them battle the "demon-worshipping mages" and the "animalistic, pagan
shamans". As much as the Church hates magic, they would need it even more
in the SR world to keep their piece of the pie.
Ivy K. says that she's not sure about the battle between Tir Na Nog
and the Church. I kinda agree but I also kinda disagree. From my studies
of Celtic culture and history, I've found that no matter what they did,
the Christians had a hell of a time defeating the Celtic religion and in
fact, they didn't. Many Christian traditions are Celtic traditions that
the Church had to absorb because the Celts refused to give them up. Holy
water comes from the Celtic worship of springs and wells as entrances into
the Otherworld. Belief in the Otherworld is still as strong in the Celtic
nations as much as ever. I think the return of the Tuatha de Danaan
(elves) would have as much effect as FASA believes it would. Especially,
if the Church tells the people to kill their Tuatha children -Bad Move!!-
That would be equal to the Church telling amerindians to kill their
shamans because they're agents of Satan. Say good bye to the Church! The
Church of Ireland still exists to a limited degree because of the power
Christianity developed in Ireland over time before the Awakening. Any more
direct attacks on the return of living Celtic spirituality (druids,
Followers, etc.) and Christianity can say good bye to the Celts completely.
Be back when I catch my breath,
Christopher Higgins.
