Anonymous asked this question on 4/21/2000:

Several questions: 1) I've heard there are many sects to the wiccan practice. Does anyone know how many and why? Is this disunity? 2) Are all wiccans also pagans and vise-versa? I noticed many list themselves as "experts" in both. 3) How does your practice define the difference between the "soul" and the "spirit"? 4) How do you view the christian bible? Does it hold any truths/beliefs for you? I appreciate your time and effort, and value your opinions.

EdThePagan gave this response on 4/23/2000:

Hi Anonymous,

First Question. Pagans/wiccan share differences in interpretation and ideaology in minor to major ways. It is in application that they are most the same and different. I myself have a fairly tame pedigree, but I believe in Pagan Bio-Religious Diversity as a point of great strength and power. This is similiar to any religion which has hundreds of different cells, sects, and traditions.

Second Question. Wiccans are to Pagans as a Luthern is to Christianity. Wiccans are the oldest Branch of the Pagan Movement, argueably.

Third Question, Generally I don't but I know all the definitions that seperate them.

Fourth, Personally having been a Bible Scholar I see the Bible as a piece of Mythology that has become dominate in our society, much as the Quran has become Dominate in Arabic Culture. On my Shelf, the Bible is kept with over 200 other defining Religious books, history mixed with Theology, and liberal doses of Mythology. The Worst aspect of the Bible is when it is used as law to justify murder and death. Then it is just a book of blood, and in this it is at it's worst.

BB Ed

The average rating for this answer is 4.

Anonymous rated this answer a 4.

Thanks for your opinions.