[MR] pentagrams in devices

[barry goen]

Well, let me put in my 2 cents. 

I think this is fair and right that we allow them in heraldic devices. That being said, if we allow them, then we must also consider allowing other religious symbols that are historical. Symbols like the Manji. That symbol was and still is used by the Budhist religions to represent the 4 stages of life. 

To say that people in the SCA are not tolerant is not correct. I think people in the SCA are just thinking about what could happen. I agree, we should be religiously tolerant. But what will happen when we try to obtain a site and the owner decides to deny us because of the religious symbols. Remember that while most people in the SCA are tolerant, most churches and people outside the SCA are not.

Just saying some symbol was used historically is not a good argument. Like I said, the Manji has been used for hundreds of years by Budhist and it was also an important symbol to the Dakota and Lakota Sioux for over a thousand years. That symbol is not allowed because of the symbolism that is attached to it from the 20th century. 

I think we should error on the side of caution. While I would like to see all religions represented in the SCA and have no problem with other religions symbols, people outside of the SCA might. If we cannot recruit new members because people view us as "Satanic", our hobby will die out. If we cannot hold events because people view us as "Satanic", our hobby will die out. 

Again, I am about as religiously tolerant as they come. This is by no means an attack on anyone's faith. I just think the SCA needs to think this through a little more. We in the SCA welcome all religions and faiths. I am not worried about the people in the SCA. I am worried about the ignorant people outside the SCA that we must deal with to rent sites or recruit people.

That is my 2 cents. Have a great rest of the week everyone.

 In service to Crown and Kingdom.


Barry Goen
SKA Alysandir of Elgin




Per chevron Or and azure, two frogs sejant respectant and a frog tergiant, all counterchanged.