Stephanie Wrote:
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> I dislike scientism to an extent as well but I
> also perceive that there are times where it
> definitely has applications.

Just to clarify here, scientism is an irrational belief that modern western science can solve or explain everything in the natural universe. It is a blind faith in thescientific method as some universal method. Scientism should not be confused with science or scientific methodology. What I'm questioning or challenging in what you say is what seems to be an inherent view that science can explain all phenomena related to skinwalkers (or any other supernatural occurrances). And that last bit is where I disagree.

> As are you, I am
> convinced that there are things that are beyond
> what we consider science.
>snip<
> So, there are things that are
> very hard to explain and probably shouldn't even
> be attempted.

I think it's OK to attempt to explain anything you want; I just object to having the explanation limited by scientific methodology is certain cases. If something is beyond science, that is, non-provable using proper scientific method, don't use science to explain it.


> Yes, it is exactly terrorism. These aren't
> critters roaming about without any purpose. When
> they have their sights set on someone, they
> continue until counteraction is taken. Blessing
> ways have a bit of an expiration date so they will
> return. It's an ongoing cycle. In a way, it is
> socially sanctioned because of the taboos. Because
> they are considered to be totally supernatural by
> many, the police just aren't called like they
> probably should be. Why would someone call the
> police to report a supernatural creature roaming
> the premises and what would the police be able to
> do?

Well, if they are human, they can be caught on film and by police or federal agents. If they are breaking laws, they can be prosecuted. If that's not happening, then the skinwalkers' behavior is being tolerated. If they are truly supernatural, then perhaps they would not be caught on film or by police and/or federal agents. If they continue until something is done that is counteractive, that still suggests a societal custom that is tolerated. What do Navajo who follow the NAC or Christianity do when they are attacked by skinwalkers? IOW, do spiritual leaders of those religions offer other solutions to their followers?


> However, to even suggest that the navajo are
> sanctioning skinwalker activity would be an
> absolutely repugnant idea. The Navajo view
> skinwalkers with intense shame, embarassment and
> revulsion.

"Sanctioning" and "tolerating" are not synonyms. If the skinwalkers are humans who are terrorizing their fellow citizens, there are legal remedies available, either within tribal law or under US federal law. If people don't use those, and engage in ceremonies and other social actions to deal with the problem, that suggests acceptance or tolerance to me.


> As far as the goals of my husband and I, we both
> have multiple reasons for attempting this. One is
> education. Like I've mentioned a couple times
> now, ignorance and disbelief put me in danger
> though I am sure if my skinwalker wanted to
> physically harm me in a direct manner, it would've
> had no problems. This is information that is not
> readily available to those outside the Navajo
> tribe and there are many who could potentially
> benefit from it. Just being aware can give the
> necessary alertness that one needs. I also hope,
> personally, that it would make some peace as well.
> They may be so damned by now that they would
> never become part of the tribe again nor choose to
> be a part of it again but perhaps just knowing
> that they are remembered as being as revered as
> medicine men once and what they originally were
> might be nice for a change.

Let me repeat the question I wrote above: what do Navajo who follow other religions do to cope with skinwalkers? Can other religious leaders help make peace? I suppose if there's a ceremony where one will come in and talk, maybe you could simply ask what they want and what it would take for them to leave you alone permanently? Is that possible?