2nd February 2009, 08:10 PM
Hello Oddie, its great to have you engaging in the debate here. Don't worry, you're not going to be crucified, but you might be asked to justify some of your positions.
"Genetics can be argued either side of the 'fence', but becomes meaningful when linked not only with place but with self. DNA is the physical link, and rebirth the spirityual. While genetics are physical proof of identity, rebirth is a system of belief we either understand / do not understand / agree with / disagree with."
Here you come close to stating that genetic continuity is more important than spiritual beliefs. I profoundly disagree that genetics are the physical proof of identity: your genome only tells you about you DNA. Identity is a more amorphous concept of self, and probably has more to do with a sense of belonging and membership of a group. If genetic links are more important than spiritual belief, and 'identity' is a purely genetic characteristic, you risk some fairly poisonous people associating with you. You seem to be trying to change paganism from a loose and inclusive set of diverse beliefs into a racial cult.
"If and when groups/individuals from Egypt begin repatriation requests to museums in England, and if these people request our support, this will be given. Personally, I find mummioes facinating, but remain disturbed at their relocation - education aside, the poliltics of the matter demand the burying of the remains of post colonialism."
I think you might mean either museums in Britain (the B in CoBDO)or in the UK. I know there are mummies in Swansea and I would be very surprised if there weren't some in Scotland. Your comment on mummies is interesting: you find them fascinating because you know about them. If it weren't for a search for knowledge (into which you can include archaeology) you wouldn't know anything about them. It is unlikely that the Egyptians will demand repatriation and reburial of their mummies, as from what I've heard, people in Muslim societies are not particularly affected by pre-Islamic remains.
"Genetics can be argued either side of the 'fence', but becomes meaningful when linked not only with place but with self. DNA is the physical link, and rebirth the spirityual. While genetics are physical proof of identity, rebirth is a system of belief we either understand / do not understand / agree with / disagree with."
Here you come close to stating that genetic continuity is more important than spiritual beliefs. I profoundly disagree that genetics are the physical proof of identity: your genome only tells you about you DNA. Identity is a more amorphous concept of self, and probably has more to do with a sense of belonging and membership of a group. If genetic links are more important than spiritual belief, and 'identity' is a purely genetic characteristic, you risk some fairly poisonous people associating with you. You seem to be trying to change paganism from a loose and inclusive set of diverse beliefs into a racial cult.
"If and when groups/individuals from Egypt begin repatriation requests to museums in England, and if these people request our support, this will be given. Personally, I find mummioes facinating, but remain disturbed at their relocation - education aside, the poliltics of the matter demand the burying of the remains of post colonialism."
I think you might mean either museums in Britain (the B in CoBDO)or in the UK. I know there are mummies in Swansea and I would be very surprised if there weren't some in Scotland. Your comment on mummies is interesting: you find them fascinating because you know about them. If it weren't for a search for knowledge (into which you can include archaeology) you wouldn't know anything about them. It is unlikely that the Egyptians will demand repatriation and reburial of their mummies, as from what I've heard, people in Muslim societies are not particularly affected by pre-Islamic remains.