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Concerns foreseen for psychic fair at Empire State Plaza
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
ALBANY — A crystal ball might have come in handy for state officials hosting a psychic fair at the Empire State Plaza — maybe they would have seen the criticism coming. “There is certainly a Satanic element to psychic fairs and to the occult and to new age religion,” said Rev. Jason McGuire, legislative director of New Yorkers for Constitutional Freedoms. McGuire said the event clashes with the line separating church and state — a boundary evangelical Christians are often accused of crossing when lobbying against abortion, for prayer in public school and other issues. “Unfortunately the line only seems to run in one direction, and that seems to leave out the Christian church,” he said. The state Office of General Services, however, said the second annual Psychic Fair and Halloween Festival is just good clean fun. Psychics, astrologers, mediums, people who talk to angels, dream interpreters and tarot card readers will be on hand Oct. 29 at the Empire State Plaza’s concourse, where thousands of state workers pass daily. Psychic fairs operate around the country, including Connecticut, Michigan, California, Pennsylvania, Minnesota and Kansas. They are usually held on private property. “These vendors who are coming are strictly entertainment,” said OGS spokesman Brad Maione, noting the fair isn’t a cost to state taxpayers. OGS officials said the fair was not connected to the occult or religion. “I understand that for many people this is sort of considered harmless, but it can lead one to becoming involved with Satanic elements,” said Dennis Poust, a spokesman for the Catholic conference. “I’m not saying these psychics are Satanists, though. The Catholic church does warn against divination, which is foretelling the future.” Thomas Kearns, an Albany-based psychic who says he’s a minister of spiritualism, doesn’t see a problem. Kearns said he doesn’t consider his work merely entertainment, but many in his line of work, for legal purposes, have an easier time presenting themselves as entertainers. “It’s not presented as a religion when they’re doing a psychic fair,” Kearns said. “They’re presenting it as a psychic fair. Some of the people who are there may have some spiritual beliefs and some of them won’t.” Get ALL of our news...Click here to subscribe to our online edition, a complete replica of our print edition.
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July 4, 2009
12:01 a.m. [ Suggest removal ]
“There is certainly a Satanic element to psychic fairs and to the occult and to new age religion,” said Rev. Jason McGuire
obviously, Rev. McGuire doesn't know anything about Pagan religions. Satan, the Devil, is Christianities creation. We don't try to blame our faults on a make-believe being, we take responsibility for our own actions. Also, a Psychic fair has nothing to do with proselytizing or promoting religion. We do not seek converts as the various Pagan religions are either something you feel drawn to or not. If so, great; if not, that's fine too. It is generally hoped that such a person is able to find their spiritual path, be it Pagan, Christian, or whatever. The point also needs to be made in that when certain Christian groups are accused of lobbying it's because they are trying to change something because it goes against their perceived beliefs and want something stopped, even if others want "it" for whatever reason. Pagans are not the ones trying to have laws created or changed to reflect their religious beliefs, there by making it something everyone must follow. If you don't want to attend a Psychic fair because of your religious beliefs, then don't.
12:48 p.m. [ Suggest removal ]
“Unfortunately the line only seems to run in one direction, and that seems to leave out the Christian church,” he said.
Hey rev, I'm sure they'll let you participate once you find a church willing to run with the theme of the fair!
It's not like there hasn't been venues in which left out the other elements of religion in that plaza.
12:55 p.m. [ Suggest removal ]
Why are the opinions of Jason McGuire relevant, especially when he's assessing things as "satanic" or not? What possible relevance are the opinions of a marginal fundamentalist? Satan doesn't exist--stop wasting ink and paper on such foolishness. Cover the Fair directly, without brining in the opinions of every crackpot preacher who has one. Or do you consult local ministers for all trade shows, or to comment on the goings on of OTHER religionists?
From my perspective, the doctine of salvation through blood sacrifice is backward, barbaric depravity. Do you interview non-Christians for what they think of the insance notion that salvation comes through the death of Jesus? Or for holding masses and consuming the "flesh and blood" of the Eucharist? That bloody stuff looks evil to me.