by Melody Landeros

Created on: April 25, 2010   Last Updated: April 27, 2010

To teach a child about all religions, mainstream and as in this instance, the occult will expand tolerance within that child for all religions.  The challenge of religious intolerance often manifests in people who have no knowledge of the basic principles of the religion, the rites and customs.  Ignorance often breeds fear, and fear creates another cycle of persecution or discrimination in a multitude of forms.

The Judeo-Christian-Muslim traditions are the most widely practiced traditions in Western countries.  Christianity has been an essential cornerstone of German society for centuries, but today with the influx of immigrants, the world economy and the Internet, other beliefs have become a part of German religious society.  Why not teach the future generations about religious tolerance?  Occultism may contain a greater appeal to children seeking something unknown, discouraged or condemned by Christians and other religious groups.  Why not remove the appeal by teaching the truth of this spiritual path?

Germany has embraced their theologians, philosophers and free-thinkers of the past. Ideas, once considered ludicrous, heretical or insane, became a part of what is religious Germany today.  Martin Luther, perhaps the most important leader of reform in Christianity was a German priest.  Friedrich Nietzsche, German philosopher provided key ideas for not only Germans, but the world  in existentialism and postmodernism.

Many German philosophers and existentialists preached atheistic concepts of God and man.  Germany may have been hesitant to accept these concepts in German teachings and society, they have an important place today; these concepts are taught in universities worldwide.  Did the society evolve into a godless society?  No, people’s minds expanded and a tolerant acceptance of the existence of these concepts took shape.

Teaching a child Christianity and the occult provides a balanced understanding of both ideologies.   Often, what many occultists lack today is an understanding and tolerance of Christian dogma.  Some occultists are quick to judge the ideology not by knowledge, but by hearsay or negative experiences without knowledge of the fundamentals.   Some Christians are quick to judge occultists as Satanists and evil.

Teaching Christianity and the occult allows an unbiased approach to both philosophies.  Children attracted to the mysteriousness of the occult, will attempt to learn from questionable books and people questioned may teach a distorted understanding.  No matter the religious dogma, without the dissemination of the fundamental truths, people can warp the most beautiful of truths into offensive misinterpretations.

People hesitant or opposed to teaching the occult alongside Christianity should put aside biases, fears and misinformation and focus on the positive aspect of understanding.  Germans have prided themselves on being freethinkers, educated and enlightened.  Here is an opportunity to continue this reputation of a progressive society.

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