The Dominion Post in Morgantown, West Virginia is reporting that students at Massey University are learning not just about Voodoo, but practicing it as well.
Apparently, for their first assignment for this course, students can make Voodoo Dolls, or "magical curse tablets". Students earn credit in either Classic, Religion, or History disciplines.
It is a wonderful thing that a university is teaching Voodoo as a religion. As far as I know, there are not many courses out there that touch on this religion. And in many parts of the world, including southern United States, Voodoo held an important cultural and religious place in the lives of many people.
Voodoo is a spiritual practice. Magic is just a part of it, and many people who practice that magic, called Hoodoo do not necessarily adhere to the spiritual beliefs.
It is clear that the teachers of this course do not believe that Voodoo has any magical validity. Students are encouraged to create Voodoo dolls of their professors, and I assume go through all the steps necessary to complete the ritual, including inducing pain.
Again, it is terrific to study other religions, but it is either disrespectful or foolish to have students actually practice magical rituals that could, if real bring about serious harm, or release evil spirits into this world.
No matter how respectfully presented, doing this is saying "Look at this quaint religion! Weren't they foolish to believe a doll could hurt anyone?"
How would YOU feel if you practiced Voodoo, and someone toyed with your rituals?
Article: Curses, the Students are doing Voodoo
Apparently, for their first assignment for this course, students can make Voodoo Dolls, or "magical curse tablets". Students earn credit in either Classic, Religion, or History disciplines.
It is a wonderful thing that a university is teaching Voodoo as a religion. As far as I know, there are not many courses out there that touch on this religion. And in many parts of the world, including southern United States, Voodoo held an important cultural and religious place in the lives of many people.
Voodoo is a spiritual practice. Magic is just a part of it, and many people who practice that magic, called Hoodoo do not necessarily adhere to the spiritual beliefs.
It is clear that the teachers of this course do not believe that Voodoo has any magical validity. Students are encouraged to create Voodoo dolls of their professors, and I assume go through all the steps necessary to complete the ritual, including inducing pain.
Again, it is terrific to study other religions, but it is either disrespectful or foolish to have students actually practice magical rituals that could, if real bring about serious harm, or release evil spirits into this world.
No matter how respectfully presented, doing this is saying "Look at this quaint religion! Weren't they foolish to believe a doll could hurt anyone?"
How would YOU feel if you practiced Voodoo, and someone toyed with your rituals?
Article: Curses, the Students are doing Voodoo
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