Your question is not silly at all, and thanks for giving me the opportunity to provide an answer.

Self-initiation is definitely possible, and has become more and more common during the Wiccan/Pagan revival of recent years (particularly for Solitaries). As this rite is very special and very personal to each of us, given our unique backgrounds and the beliefs/practices we’ve chosen to weave into our individual spiritual “tapestries,” I recommend spending several days thinking on what your self-initiation ritual could include in the way of wording, etc. to be most meaningful to you. If you’d like a framework to build on and make your own, I highly recommend picking up a used copy of Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner. Section 2, Chapter 12 gives an example of what he calls a “Self-Dedication” ritual.

I wish you all the best, and thanks for visiting.

Much of Christinity has become more of an institution and not a way of life. Once that happened, it was over. It wasn’t what Christ intended, not even close. (And by “way of life” I mean one marked with love, compassion, grace and forgiveness to those around us.)

Though some of us out there that aren’t sad to see Rome burn, if it means some good can come from it.

Through this process (and I think it is a process), some will be more entrenched, which can’t be avoided. But hopefully others will see a way through the cluttered woods of ideology and find their faith and Christ again (or maybe for the first time).

Thank you for the link to your e-book. I’m interested in checking it out!

Jerome

I apologize for my mis-presumtion.

My heart goes out to you. You’ve made a difficult choice and are walking a difficult path…but the outcome can only be good, because you’re following your heart and paying attention to your conscience. Be gentle with yourself and try to stay focused on the good you’re creating in your life, though its form(s) may not be clear yet.

I wish you all the best, and hope to have the opportunity to chat with you more.

Jerome

I mean no disrespect…but I’m not sure how offering definitions of Christian Reconstructionism and Fundamentalism along with a list of titles you’ve read discussing these furthers this particular topic of conversation.

Also, don’t assume that your “boldly proclaimed views” would offend me. You’re entitled to view yourself and the world in the ways you deem most empowering and beneficial. As long as you do your best to debate facts and not people, your contributions are welcome here.

Speaking of facts:

1. America is not a theocracy, nor was it ever intended to be.

2. America is not strictly a “Christian nation,” nor was it ever intended to be.

3. Some conservative Christians act in ways that seem to completely eclispe the God of Love they claim to follow.

4. Some conservative Christians frequently mistake their will for the will of God.

5. Some conservative Christians are willing to lie about the process if the end result means God’s law (according to their view of it) is followed.

6. Each of the above has contributed to these facts*:
a. The percentage of self-identified Christians has fallen 10 points in the last two decades.
b. The number of people willing to describe themselves as atheist or agnostic has increased about fourfold from 1990 to 2009, from 1 million to about 3.6 million.

*from Jon Meacham’s article.