These are presented in no particular order (except the first one. It's my favorite.) and are all of the notes we've gotten in the last month or so. This site has been up since about Sept. of 1996 and we've been getting letters ever since. My comments are in italics.
All comments in italics on this page are those of:
at conrad@walton.com
Webmaster and (appearant) Hateful Wacko
Dear Loui;
For alot of people Religion is the scariest thing of all.
I can't really imagine anything that has caused more death,
misery, disease, or even fear than your religion.
I hope that you really don't think those little kids in
their little costumes aren't really going to burn in a
lake of eternal fire.
Wishing you hatefull wackos'
would just go away,
Jeff
We're here, we're Christians, and we're not going away. Sorry dude. And about that little "lake of eternal fire" thing, I think that's found in the bible, so I guess you'll really have to go argue with the bible instead of me. I'm just telling you what it says.
I guess that's one of the fundamental (sorry to use THAT word) issues here. What do people believe and why do they believe it? What is the TRUTH and how do you tell? As a Christian, I believe the bible is true. The bible says that all people are born sinful and going to hell, unless they receive Jesus as their savior. Not my argument, it's what it says. Either it's true or it's not and I guess we can all decide that for ourselves. But, it's what it says. It's what I believe.
As part of that, I believe that Wiccans have not received Jesus as their savior, and as part of the bible's theology, then they are going to hell, along with all those sweet little kids in their costumes. BUT, it's not because Wiccans worships Satan, they don't, or because the little kids are taking part in a Satanic ritual, they aren't. It's because they have not received Jesus as their savior. The cause is everyone's sinfulness, not their overt acts.
Another issue I have is this idea that we can all just believe in goodness and it's all OK, somehow. The problem with that is that the bible makes some pretty drastic statements about things that are absolutely opposed to what some other people believe. Call me a whacko (wait, you already did that) but a Wiccan cannot agree with me any more than I can agree with a Wiccan about the nature of God and other issues like that. Am I the "prejudiced" one or are they? Or are you? Why do you disagree with me? How can you say that I am wrong without violating your own principle of us all just getting along? As soon as you condemn me, you are not any better than me. But you can't help but condemn me because I say you are wrong. So, where do we go from there?I have the greatest respect for the Wiccans who say, "Yes, we disagree and you are wrong". That's very true and I appreciate the honesty.
Subject: Re: what are you doing? Date: 9/10/98 9:25 PM To: Sandra Smith, medi65@yahoo.com >Dear Mr.Conrad,
Sandy, good to hear from you. My first name is conrad. all that "mr." stuff makes me nervous.
>I would really love to know what on the earth you think you are doing?
well, you took the time to write a note to someone you don't know to try to explain truth to them because they are obviously mistaken. They are wrong and you are trying to set them straight by telling them the truth, right? You are just trying to help them out by telling them (me) the truth.
That's an honorable goal. I have the same goal myself. And that is what I am doing.
>Sorry to say it but it's people like you that give Christianity a bad >name. You have no right to go around telling people that their going >to hell just because you don't believe in their religion.
First, I think people like Hitler (see below) are a little bit more guilty of giving Christianity a bad name. We've had lots of losers and very bad people who have done horrible things in the name of Christianity. All I've done is state correctly the position that is taught by the bible. The bible is the offense, not my presentation of it.
I have every right to tell anyone anything. so do you. that's why you wrote your note. now, lets talk about defining 'the truth'. we can argue all day long about what is true and what is not. that's totally fair, and in my humble opinion, an honorable thing to do.
I am not the one saying that people will go to hell because I don't believe in their religion. I'm only saying what the bible says. go argue with the bible. there's only a few things that can be true here. either the bible is wrong adn i'm telling you what it says (which is wrong), or the bible is true and it's me that's wrong about it, or the bible is right and I am presenting it right, which means that i am right and you are wrong. which is true? you decide.
but don't tell me I have no right to state my belief. I'm not telling you that. lighten up.
>In my opinion, and in the opinion of many other none fanatic >Christians, a person doesn't go to hell just because they hold >differing theological beliefs.
that opinion is not an accurate representation of what the bible says. it's pretty explicit.
>You have to understand, Mr.Conrad, that the Bible should be used as a >tool, not an argument. The Bible holds a lot of great stories that >should be used to teach people how to be good and kind.
oh, that's nice. the gospel according to Pooh. maybe we should change the dictionary because some people might spell words wrong and we don't want them to feel bad about it. are you honestly saying that there is no absolute truth, only nice stories? I'll take your entire note as a nice story and just disregard it. does that makes sense?
>Unfortunately, it seems that it has had the reverse effect on you and >many other misguided people out there.Sorry, but I think telling someone the truth is a very good and kind thing to do. You've questioned my actions (what do you think you're doing?), told me that I "give Christianity a bad name", that I'm doing something that I have no right to do, that I'm a "fanatic", that I am not "good and kind", and that I'm going to hell, and that there I will be good friends with the ultimate bad guy, Hitler.
now let's review. which one of us is "good and kind"?
>I suggest to you Mr.Conrad, that before you start condemning people to >hell you should try to stop your own descent. I'm doing everything I can to stop my decent. what are you doing to stop yours? >Sincerely, > >Sandra Smith > >P.s. If you are right about only being able to get into heaven if you >have found 'Jesus as your savior' Do me a favor and say hello to >Hitler for me, because according to your theory, Hitler's already up >there waiting for you. You see Mr.Conrad Hitler found 'Jesus as his >savior' and I'm sure you two will become very good friends. >
there's a theory that any thread on the net can only last 20 notes before the name "Hitler" is mentioned. we've arrived.
From: mikeo@imprint.uwaterloo.ca (Mike Owen)
To: louismii@aol.com
Date: 97-08-13 09:12:57 EDT
I have to say, I'm puzzled by your confusion about this letter. (Well, that sentence sucked...) From looking it over I can pretty much guarantee that the letter is authentic. There's nothing innacurate in it, and it sounds pretty calm and reserved. You might be surprised to hear that most Wiccans are actually pretty laid back people - it's part of the lifestyle.
As for her assertion that Christians "are still paying homage to the earth religions," it is certainly true that Easter and Christmas were originally pagan celebrations, and Halloween is yet another that could fall into Christian hands. If she thinks that this is a good thing, then it's probably because it's such an amusing situation, knowing that holidays that are supposedly so "Christian" are actually Pagan holidays rehashed to facilitate the spread of Christianity in the early medieval ages.
I guess the part about the invention of Satan having been invented as a cop-out to avoid having to own up to personal mistakes is a bit underhanded, but who knows, it could be true. It all depends totally on your viewpoint. Since I share neither yours nor hers, I think I can try and explain the two.
As long as you're both happy, then it's all good, right?
cheers,
Mike
Well, if there's a bus driving down the street at us as we stand in the middle of the road, we either believe there's a bus or we don't. We either get out of the way or we don't. Either it's true or it's not. Doesn't depend on anyone's point of view, it depends on if it's true or not. Is Satan real or not? Are the Christian whackos right or wrong? They believe what they believe. What do you believe? Are you right? How do you know?
From: mpawsey@nbnet.nb.ca
Reply-to: mpawsey@nbnet.nb.ca
To: louismii@aol.com
Date: 97-10-11 14:47:07 EDT
Im trying to figure out, if this is a Christian site, why you have
demons all across the left hand side of your pages?? creepy!
Thanks, Melody.
Hummm... You don't think Christians should believe in demons? Don't you read the bible? Doesn't it talk about demons? Or, maybe you're confused because it says that Satan appears like "an Angel of Light" so you thought the demons looked too ugly when they're really actually very beautiful? Hummm...
Just wondering.....
From: novarama@televar.com (J & J and Wonder M)
Reply-to: novarama@televar.com
To: louismii@aol.com
Date: 97-10-04 02:54:33 EDT
Hurrah for the sweet Snow Raven!
May she open thine eyes that you might revel in truth. In researching
this most ancient of religions, don't forget also to see the atrocities
committed by christians in the name of your god. This is often referred
to as "The Burning Times" and occurred mostly between 1450 and into the
early 1900s. It still occurs today though not so horrendously.
Sincerely,
John G Valderrama
I thought my eyes are open. Aren't yours? ....... I mean, "aren't thine?"
From: stjeff@thevision.net (Jeff St.Louis)
To: louismii@aol.com
Date: 97-10-15 01:55:13 EDT
From: VW56STU@SEMOVM.SEMO.EDU (Myers Kelly L)
To: louismii@aol.com
Date: 97-10-01 17:10:13 EDT
Dear Sir,
In response to the "A Witch Responds" on your web page. . . Yes, my friend, it is real. The person who wrote you was Wiccan. I would like to let you know that Halloween IS a serious religious holiday, just like Christmas! It is actually called Samhain and it began as an ancient Celtic festival. Paganism and Wicca are very old religions. They are not being created, they are reemerging. Please, don't believe that Pagans and Wiccan are bad people!!! Paganism means nature religion. It is simply a religion honoring nature!!! There are as many deranged Christians as there are deranged Jews, Hindus and Wiccans. A person's religious beliefs do not reflect the person's desire to do harm. We, in the Wiccan religion, have a saying that goes: An it harm none, do as ye will. This is to enforce that Wicca is NOT a harmful and dark religion. Wiccans do not believe in the devil or Satan. That is a Christian concept! We believe that evil can manifest within certain people, but we most certainly do not revere it as a diety!!!!!
Sir, I strongly advise you to look into the Wiccan religion -- not to BELIEVE in what we believe in, but to try and understand why Samhain is such an important date to us. My mother and father are both devout Christians, but they have learned about Wicca and are happy that their daughter believes in something that has such a high repect for the Earth and for humanity. My parents are very open minded people, but there are many who aren't. It would be so nice if we could just live without so much prejudice!!!
Thank you, and Happy Halloween!
Kelly Myers
I'm glad you get along with your parents so well. They don't seem to understand what they say they believe or they wouldn't be so happy that their daughter is...um....well, is going to hell. Sorry, but it's true. Go read the bible and see what it says about it all. Hate to be harsh, but I'm just telling you what it says. I'm sorry, I really am. At least you're happy.
From: roebuck1@oio.net (rg)
To: louismii@aol.com
Date: 97-08-24 03:06:44 EDT
have to tell you that what 'witch' says is historically true....look at any calendar and see for yourself that the main holidays celebrated by us christians are within several days of the equinoxes and solstices.....pagans,wiccans(withches) and most all other "nature" religions celebrate these occasions....go look for yourseld...from what i've studied Jesus was not born anywhere near december 25.....astronomers and astrologers have placed His birth some time around April..can't cite sources off the top of my head...but if you study the history of religion and not just religion itself you will find many things that conflict with christian dogma......no where in the bible are the dates set for the major christian holidays....that is man's doing.........don't however let that disway you from being christian like me, just let it make you into a more responsible christian......follow the WORD and not any churches doctrine.......i have known these things and more for over 15 years............witch is not being facetious....
From: ccrouse@greenepa.net (Coster Crouse)
To: louismii@aol.com
Date: 97-10-13 10:03:40 EDT
Mr. Merryman- I am confused and troubled by your statements in Chpapter One of "Halloween Alternatives" as posted on your web site that Easter and Christmas were pagan holidays. Is Christmas not the celebration of the birth of Christ (grant it, the actual date of the birth of Jesus remains undetermined) and does not Easter celebrate the resurrection of Christ from the dead so that we may live eternally?
After reading the response from the witch, it brings to bear that Christians must be very careful about not only what they say but how they say it.
Subj: Halloween
Date: 97-10-11 21:45:35 EDT
From: Angelsong7
To: LouisMII
I read the "Apparent Wiccan responds..." letter and decided to write and throw in my two cents, whether is worth anything or not! :)
About a year and a half ago, I started emailing with two other girls who were deeply involved in Wicca. I was only a Sophomore in high school at the time, and although it completely freaked me out in some ways, it was good because it opened my eyes a little farther to the truth about Halloween and related subjects.
My personal view is that Christians have really missed the whole concept of Halloween. We've turned it into this fluffy little holiday where kids dress up and get candy. That's not what it is. It's so evil!!! This is a serious thing where people celebrate the giving of their lives to Satan, whether they call him Satan or not!
I don't exactly know why I'm sending you this... this is something that's really been on my mind lately. I guess I'd like to thank you for encouraging churches to give Christians an alternative to the traditional Halloween celebrations.
In Him,
Kristi Zimmerman
From: pistol@skylink.net (Ray Pistol)
To: louismii@aol.com
Date: 97-10-08 00:41:38 EDT
i was on the net and happened across a letter you wrote to the "christian halloween site'. i couldn't agree with you more!!! blessed be
treasure
treasure99@hotmail.com
From: fh35709@navix.net (Frederick C Howard Jr.)
To: louismii@aol.com
Date: 97-09-30 19:06:23 EDT
MM-Please correct your material regarding the "dark powers" paganism promotes. To let you in on a little secret, Paganism is a loving religion, harm is not a goal. If this is a trait you would have you child fear than I am sorry. You may not accept our ways but please do not lie about our intensions.
MP-Frederick Charles Howard III
I don't think it's your intentions as much as your state of being. You do not intend to worship Satan, I totally agree. But in not worshipping the one true God, then you are inadvertently worshipping Satan. It more of a semantic issue that causes misunderstanding on this issue. I do totally agree that your stated mission is to worship the Earth and Nature and not Satan. Satan is not found anywhere in any of your beliefs.
From: Michael J. Hurd, hurdm@mwr.kic.or.jp
To: louismii@aol.com
Date: 10/27 11:38 PM
Dear Walton,
One thing is clear here, Christians are very up in the air over
Halloween. I am a Southern Baptist and a Christian at heart by faith.
Our salvation lies in the hands of our Lord.
Halloween is fairly new in the United States, and many of us Christians grew up trick-or-treating. I believe this is why many Christians have a problem with saying yes or no to Halloween. I have read for a strong verse in the Bible that would clear it all up.
First, Christians should know what Halloween stands for, then look at the book of Ephesians 5:11. Halloween is the dark side of our world. Satan has many faces. Christians should get to know him well for the simple fact that he will not be able to deceive us. I saw a movie where the character said something that will stick with me forever. He said, "The best trick the devil ever did was to convince people he never exsisted."
I have read many quotes from Witches and Satanist. This I have to say to you: We Christians do not hate or wish bad things on you. Our Lord tells us to "love thy neighbour as thyself." It doesn't say love everyone except the Witches and Satanist. For this I pray for all of you everyday. The Bible also tells us that Satan will have his time on our earth in the end of times or the final days. Hope you will enjoy it, because it will not last, but for those of us who have accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we will go on to a life of eternity. I pray for that day and hope that you will be standing next to me when our Lord comes.
Bless all of you
Michael
From: mrohrs@worldnet.att.net (Michael Rohrscheib)
To: louismii@aol.com
Date: 97-09-26 21:52:20 EDT
regarding your Halloween alternative..
it is a good thing in some ways . things being the way they are today
but tell me what is so wrong dressing as a clown or doctor for the
halloween as the so called witch said double standard. if i dress as a
person from the bible thats fine.its just getting candy i think its sad
but you have the right .i think it cheats the children out of fun.you
said it your self oh the fun.this time of year realy bugs me. with all
this hogwash. i say let them eat candy.after all i believe that if you
took a poll that would be your answer anyway and most of the kids i see
anymore dont dress up. they just want candy. halloween is what you make
of it. by the way always dug house of the rising sun (amasing grace)
cathy
And sometimes a cigar is just a cigar, I agree.
From: lorib@lcc.net (Brian & Lori)
To: louismii@aol.com
Date: 97-09-25 05:11:29 EDT
Hello there,
I recently found out about Halloween from a fellow Christian. Although I must
admit I was a little peeved at the notion but I got on the internet and did
some researching on it. And the results were an eye opener. I guess what
got me so mad was a friend (someone else) told everything about Halloween was
dealing with the devil. So I guess that my 12 month old daughter in a bunny
suit was satanic. But my Christian friend corrected me. Yes I do some
decorating, but all in good taste. I can not stand that
goulish and demon type stuff. I would like my daughter's first festival to be
pleasant and not tramatic.
As for the responding so-called witch they are trully sick in the head and
definintly need to find JESUS.
Awakened in Huntsville, Lori
From: mmiller@ldd.net (Michael Miller)
To: louismii@aol.com
Date: 97-09-17 01:41:15 EDT
I was at your site recently and I read the letter from a Wiccan that you posted.
I must say that it seemed real enough. If they aren't a Pagan then they did their research. If you are interested in some information on how Pagans acctually celebrate Halloween or Samhain as we call it, please check out http://members.tripod.com/~TaraMiller/halloween.html There is also information on the beginings of this holliday.
The person who wrote the letter was correct. We don't worship Satan and our religion is about love for nature, all man kind, and God. Yes, Pagans do believe in God. We just have many different opinions on the Divine. For example: I think God is a spirit neither male nor female because the Creator is omnipotent. Therefore, the Divine can be revealed to us in many ways. The two I am familiar with are Gaia, the divine as the Earth Mother, and the Creator or Father. God isn't just a spirit but the Divine force which is a part of all lving things. All knowing, all seeing, all powerful, yet kind, loving, and understanding.
I admire your motivation to write about your faith. I, too, am a writer. Good luck in your endevors.
Peace above all and goodwill,
Tara Miller
From: dantonda@kconline.com (Tonda Hinton)
To: louismii@aol.com
Date: 97-10-12 17:20:09 EDT
I am 31 years old and I remember the Halooween of my youth as a wonderful and exciting day. It was about putting on a costume and being just a little scared and having a fun time with my family. I have never sacrificed anyone , and I think Satanism is stupid and that the people who believe in it are in some serious trouble. I am Christian. I celebrate Halloween. The only thing that has changed in all those years is that there are a lot of weirdos and kids need to be careful. There is nothing pagan about wearing a costume and for one day, pretending to be someone else. I do not and have never played tricks on anyone. I do not aloow my sons to do that. Hurting someone else or their property is wrong. Yet in your introduction, you site that you did this, harmless as it may be. The holiday is what people make of it. If you observe it as a pagan celebration or a satanic holiday, then it will be. 90% of the rest of it look at it as a fun day to enjoy the fall, be a little frightened, be inventive and make up a unique costume and get a treat.
Any holiday can be turned to be twisted . I could make Thanksgiving twisted and sick, people put to much emphasis on the evil and bad in the world. I would enjoy the Fall Celebration, but I am also going to enjoy Halloween. I do not want my children to miss out on something that I enjoyed in my youth because there are people out there who read way to much into everything.
Thank you for your time.
Tonda Hinton
From: biafra@ime.net (biafra)
To: louismii@aol.com
Date: 97-08-01 06:19:50 EDT
I agree with the e-mail you had on your web page, altogh I am not a Wiccan I do find it interesting enough to read about and know that it is true they do not worship satan or any other "evil" gods. I agree with that person in saying that Christians, and most other religions seem too know nothing of actual Wicca, or" witchcraft." And also I agree with the fact that it seems Christions, very early ones, just happened to have holidays or festivities extremly close to pagan holidays, these were in the days when Christians were trying to convert the world to their religion, and it worked. I love all religions that try to spread love and peace, which is a large piece of Wicca. It's just a shame that most Christians do not know this.
Yeah, bummer. Too bad more people don't understand what Christians really believe too. The "peace and love" part is but one part. It is a terrible thing to fall into the hands of the living God. Hey, I'm not making this stuff up. Go read the bible yourself and see what it says.From: silvrmoon@hotmail.com (SilverMoon Phoenix)
To: louismii@aol.com
Date: 97-10-13 21:03:06 EDT
Merry Meet,
I was at your site and saw about the book. Sounded interesting. I am
a student of religion and my religion of choice is Wiccan. I saw the
letter from the Witch about the book. Yes all of what she said was
true. All the best wishes for success with the book. Light and Love.
Blessed Be,
SilverMoon Phoenix
P.S. If you would like to find out more about Wicca for information sake pick up a copy of The Truth About Witchcraf Today by Scott Cunningham
BB
From: tj@communique.net (TJ Todd)
To: louismii@aol.com
Date: 97-10-08 17:48:11 EDT
Hello,
My name is TJ Todd and I have been called by God to manage a site called Forgiven - www.fhdesign.com/forgiven.html
We have just launched a Halloween section and I wanted to let you know that not only do I thank God for you and your service to our Father but, I have linked my site to yours. I have put on line the brochure "What's Wrong With Halloween?".
I just wanted to let you know that someone thanks you for your efforts. Any by so we have designed a couple of Re-wards (not awards)
You can post these on your site or not its just to let you know someone cares.
God Bless
TJ Todd
Romans 5:6
For when we were yet without strength,
in due time Christ died for the ungodly.
From: crispen@isgroup.net (Crispen Ontiveros)
Reply-to: crispen@isgroup.net
To: louismii@aol.com
CC: crispen@isgroup.net
Date: 97-10-05 07:15:50 EDT
Dear People: How can you do this to Church of the Living God! Wake up you say you are Christian you can not bring this into the Church and think in your mind that it is right with Almighty God it's a lie of Satan read 2 CORT. 11:13,14,AND 15 AND SEE WHAT ALMIGHTY GOD HAS SAID. You think that if you dress up like a Bible character it will be alright to do this well it is not, because all of them are dead, and this is working in Satan's behave. If you will listen to what the Holy Ghost is saying you will put this away from the going into the Church Almighty God, Jesus Christ, and Holy Ghost will not give their approvible on this by no means, so you all better read God's Word over again and get right with Him, before it's to late.
A CHILD OF THE LIVING GOD
RITA S. ONTIVEROS
From: rcox@microserve.net (Rick Cox)
To: louismii@aol.com
Date: 97-09-09 10:49:09 EDT
Dear Lou,
Thanks so much. I got my book today in time for my meeting tonight. I really thought it would be impossible to get it by today. Thanks for whatever you did to get it here so quickly. I've had a chance to look through it and it will definitly help us. This is our first time to do anything like this. We are calling it Hallelujah Night. We have just this month completed a new Ministry Center Building with a gym, classrooms and a kitchen in it. Perfect setting. We are really wanting it to be an outreach into our community to let people know we're here and have something for them.
I will be putting your check in the mail. Again thank you so much for sending the book so quickly and for sharing your experience and ideas through such a book. May God bless you and please pray a prayer for us that God will use our outreach to see people saved. That is our ultimate goal through the whole activity.
Thanks
Eunice Cox
We aim to please.
From: Mercy@mrin76.mail.aol.comHello and Merry Meet....
I believe that SnowRavens is absolutely correct. And, what's up with the
demonic border around the "A witches responce" page? We do not worship any
devil person or a satan. These people *the devil, satan* are all derived
from the Christian belief. And, I am not Christian. Therefore, how can you
call me a sinner in your God's eyes? I do not worship your God. Please, stop
this ignorance among religions. Do not allow yourselve's to be the cause of a
From: KIREE28@prodigy.net (KIREE28)
Reply-to: KIREE28@prodigy.net
To: louismii@aol.com
Date: 97-09-02 04:26:52 EDT
Merry Meet!
This ,too, is a letter from an open-minded
Wiccan.Your book looks very interesting.
And the fact that you are keeping to the "original"
theme that Halloween(or as we pagans call it "Samhain",pronounced
"sow-en") is really about; the final harvest before the coming winter.
Wiccans celebrate this holiday as one of reverance for the blessings of
the Goddess and the God.
Also in our tradition,this is the time of year when we pay respect to
our departed loved ones(which is where the death thing came into play)
Although,I'm not really sure where the holiday got it's relationship to
the darker side of the occult,probably another Hollywood creation.
Please don't judge all Pagans by the actions of a few misguided twits
The majority of us are tolorant and peace-loving and would NEVER think
of using Samhain as a festival for propitiation.This was,however,true of
our pagan ancestors.This is NOT part of Neo-paganism today ,too many
sacrifices have been made for one god or another in the past.We respect
ALL animal and human life forms.
I will agree with you on one thing though, Halloween,like your Christmas
and Easter,is VERY commercialized.
I wish your God give you succes in keeping the good balance between the
spirit and the mundain,perhaps this book will do just that.
Blessed Be,
and Merry Part!
Thoth-ap-Sidhe
From: fernety@mindspring.com (Helen Fernety)
Reply-to: fernety@mindspring.com
To: louismii@aol.com
Date: 97-10-07 09:43:58 EDT
Hello Louis,
We will be listing your book on our site for Halloween. It will appear in our bookstore/books listings. We typically don't sell books on-line but maybe we can help spread the word.
Nice ideas thanks for writing it.
Helen Fernety
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