[Artemisia] Religion 'n' SCA/Site Tokens/Faith

Thu Nov 20 08:57:55 CST 2003

Greetings,

In my years in the sca I've accepted 'Thor's Hammers', pentacles, colored feathers, 'roman' coins, beads, fish, lobster medallions, leather suns, wooden crossed weapons, favors with such a variety of symbols on them that if I were offended I could find something offensive, up to and including icons of my king and queen.  So far, I haven't seen a fuss over them on any list or in anybody's mind.

So why the fuss over this?  A site token is not a statement, its an indication that you've paid your site fee.  If its really a worry, provide an alternative.  We try and provide vegetarian options at feasts, if you find cool pewter crosses, go ahead and get them.  Buy a few pewter dolphins (or something) for the people who'd rather not wear a cross.

Now, as for the following 'regulations' listed below, I have fairly routinely violated these (although, as Baron, I chose to use 'by the Grace of God') including holding a prayer on the battlefield for those willing to attend.  The SCA did not, I notice, screech to a halt.  Nor did anyone seem terribly offended.  At least they didn't say anything to me about it except that they didn't think it was 'legal' (although they found it interesting).  Most active participants seem excited.  The most moving religious experience I've had in twenty years I had on the battlefield of Pennsic a few years ago.  

My point would be that the SCA is what you make it.  Our society is chock full of religious overtones from a myriad of historical areas and era's.  You can not have a Muslim persona without making a religious statement.  Nor a Jewish persona.  To be those things is to be religious.  I note that this discussion only ever comes up when we begin to consider those things thought of as 'Christian', not when there are 'pagan' events held on a regular basis.  Reference anything entitled 'Yule' or 'Solstice' or anything related to the thinly veiled pagan ceremonies involved in 'Twelfth Night'.  

I have never and would never consider 'compelling' someone to share my religious beliefs.  Not only would it be offensive, it would be pointless.  Forced religion isn't about God, its about control.

This discussion actually ties in with Morgans virtue discussions I think, because I feel that one of the primary and perhaps most important chivalric virtues is 'Faith'.  But thats probably a talk for another time.

Maybe its time we worried less about religions overtones and started taking care to not be so offended by so many unoffensive things.

Sincerely,

Conrad v. Z

P.S.  I'm not jumping on HL Isabeau here, she just inspired me by suggesting (indirectly) that I've been breaking the rules.  Big surprise!!  :)

HL Isabeau de Sevingy <badsquire at yahoo.com> wrote:
Nice can of worms friend *grin*,

While I, myself, would have no objection to wearing most religious or other perfectly period symbols you could find to use as a site tolken, your question actually posses a different question. Not whether one would wear them, but if one would be an appropriate choice. The only answer I can offer, unfortunately, is 'No'. 

The item at issue here is the current interrpretation of Corpora. While the governing documents do not hold a line item that specifies the following, this is what has been common practice for many years. 'No SCA event shall have a religious event that one is, or could interrpret themselves to be, compelled to attend.' For example, one does not hold marriages in court. Also, the phrase 'By right of God' is not used during Coronations'. The commander of the Kingdom armies does not gather all fighters on the field, a priest, and hold a prayer before battle. Most events hold the caveat that attendees wear, in prominant display, their site tolkens. As most would agree that this constitutes being 'compelled', it would most likely be considered inappropriate under functioning SCA guidelines, even if not in violation of the letter of Corpora. Clear as mud?

I hope that my two cents help,
Isabeau

Ken and Mindy Wilson <kenandmindy at cableone.net> wrote:
Greetings friends,
In the spirit of friendly discussion, I present the following topic:
Is a cross medalion appropriate for a site token?
This quandry comes up after finding cast pewter crosses in a bead catalog
while pricing site tokens for an event bid.
Please include a reasoning for your opinion, this isn't a poll, it's a
discussion.
-Marcello

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