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Mish mash => Open Forum => Topic started by: bbroj on May 14, 2012, 04:35:17 PM

Title: Solicitation
Post by: bbroj on May 14, 2012, 04:35:17 PM
I have been living alone in my RV in North Carolina due to a voluntary job change for about 2 months now, while my wife, Kathy, is in NY trying to sell our house. Saturday, a potential buyer viewed our house for the 2nd time and we are told it is between our house and one other. The buyer, we are told, will make a decision this week. I ask all who are willing to send their thoughts and prayers (St. Joseph) our way for a quick and fair sale of our house, allowing us to be under one roof once more. Thanks.
Title: Re: Solicitation
Post by: snarf on May 14, 2012, 04:42:20 PM
Heres to good luck  :chugbeer:
you did burry a statue of st. Francis Joseph in your yard correct?
Title: Re: Solicitation
Post by: bbroj on May 14, 2012, 05:12:55 PM
I believe St. Joseph is the Saint to invoke in this case, and no, we did not bury the statue. We do have the statue in the house, but we researched the tradition of burying the statue and could find no link other than tradition to do so. Some of the tradition and prayers involved, actually seemed disrespectful. We decided to respectfully display the statue and pray regularly in his name for intervention on our behalf. The company we bought the statue from concured with not burying the statue, so we chose not to. I know others have claimed success after burying the statue, and that's great for them, but we decided against it. Thanks for the well wishes!
Title: Re: Solicitation
Post by: ZG on May 14, 2012, 05:57:45 PM
Prayers for ya BB!
Title: Re: Solicitation
Post by: Walker18 on May 14, 2012, 10:09:59 PM
I believe St. Joseph is the Saint to invoke in this case, and no, we did not bury the statue. We do have the statue in the house, but we researched the tradition of burying the statue and could find no link other than tradition to do so. Some of the tradition and prayers involved, actually seemed disrespectful. We decided to respectfully display the statue and pray regularly in his name for intervention on our behalf. The company we bought the statue from concured with not burying the statue, so we chose not to. I know others have claimed success after burying the statue, and that's great for them, but we decided against it. Thanks for the well wishes!

Actually, I believe the correct way is to bury the statue of St. Joseph upside down! Not say'in that it works, but after three months on the market,
I tried it, had the house sold in two weeks. No doubt just a coincidence.. or was it?  ;)
Title: Re: Solicitation
Post by: bbroj on May 15, 2012, 04:34:32 AM
Actually, I believe the correct way is to bury the statue of St. Joseph upside down! Not say'in that it works, but after three months on the market,
I tried it, had the house sold in two weeks. No doubt just a coincidence.. or was it?  ;)

We heard the same thing with many examples of "it worked for me". But after looking into how this tradition started, and that's all we could find it was, tradition, not faith or religion, we chose to simply display the statue and pray in St.Joseph's name. One prayer I read associated with the burial of the statue almost seemed like extortion! A bad idea in my mind where a saint is involved. The prayer basically said "I will put you in this uncomfortable position in the cold ground until my request is granted, once you have given me that, then I will give you a place of honor in my new home". I'm sure that's not word-for-word, but that's the impression I got when I read it.
Title: Re: Solicitation
Post by: Conrad on May 15, 2012, 04:55:08 AM
I just put on my wife's ruby slippers and clicked my heals together three times then sent some good thoughts your way. You better get some boxes and start packing.    :thumbs:
Title: Re: Solicitation
Post by: gPink on May 15, 2012, 04:58:38 AM
I just put on my wife's ruby slippers and clicked my heals together three times then sent some good thoughts your way. You better get some boxes and start packing.    :thumbs:
:yikes:
Title: Re: Solicitation
Post by: Conrad on May 15, 2012, 05:13:50 AM
:yikes:

I wanted to use your slippers Gary, they'd fit better, but you're too far away.
Title: Re: Solicitation
Post by: gPink on May 15, 2012, 05:19:00 AM
But mine aren't red.
Title: Re: Solicitation
Post by: snarf on May 16, 2012, 09:45:05 AM
BB all of that make perfect sense to me.  Your a good man and pure of heart, you dont need no stinking statues.  The Saints will always be with you.  Good luck on the sale.  I hope that you have good news real soon
Title: Re: Solicitation
Post by: jim_de_hunter on May 16, 2012, 12:41:39 PM
House was on the market 3 months while I was in Kansas and my wife and children were in Ohio.  We then buried St. Joseph upside down in the front yard and had a contract two week later.  Learned our lesson so we buried him again and sold the house in two weeks - sight unseen - the first time the new owner saw it, he already owned it.  Scoff if you will and try to "reason" with St. Joseph, bet he'll get buried,upside down in a heartbeat if I have to sell again.
Title: Re: Solicitation
Post by: bbroj on May 16, 2012, 05:52:46 PM
BB all of that make perfect sense to me.  Your a good man and pure of heart, you dont need no stinking statues.  The Saints will always be with you.  Good luck on the sale.  I hope that you have good news real soon

Thanks, Chris. I hope that is true, my heart skips a beat every time my phone rings this week, hoping it's good news from home.
House was on the market 3 months while I was in Kansas and my wife and children were in Ohio.  We then buried St. Joseph upside down in the front yard and had a contract two week later.  Learned our lesson so we buried him again and sold the house in two weeks - sight unseen - the first time the new owner saw it, he already owned it.  Scoff if you will and try to "reason" with St. Joseph, bet he'll get buried,upside down in a heartbeat if I have to sell again.
Jim, glad to hear St. Joseph has worked for you. Regardless of the process you use, I believe it's about belief. I believe if I ask and believe that my request will be answered, then it will. We have had the most encouraging news and viewings since bringing St. Joseph into our home and asking for his help.

This is a clip of the "prayer" to St. Joseph I found at one site in association with the burial of the statue. This is the one I found disrespectful and bordering on an extortion threat of a saint, not cool in my mind!

Dear Saint Joseph,
I know you would do this for me
out of the goodness of your heart
and in your own good time,
but my need is very great now
and so I must make you hurry
on my behalf.

Saint Joseph, I am going to place you
in a difficult position
with your head in darkness
and you will suffer as our Lord suffered,
until this [house/property] is sold.

Then, Saint Joseph, i swear
before the cross and God Almighty,
that i will redeem you
and you will receive my gratitude
and a place of honour in my home.

Do for me, then I'll show you honor and gratitude? I'll let my home sit on the market a few extra weeks if necessary. Nothing disrepectful to those of you who follow and believe in the tradition, but seeing this prayer/invocation turned me off to it.
Title: Re: Solicitation
Post by: snarf on May 16, 2012, 06:27:30 PM
Oh wow, I admit I buried the statue and 'eventualy' sold the home. I did say a prayer, but it was not that one. Good on you Blaise, men of conviction are HARD to find these days.
Title: Re: Solicitation
Post by: jim_de_hunter on May 16, 2012, 06:51:47 PM
Regardless of the process you use, I believe it's about belief. I believe if I ask and believe that my request will be answered, then it will.


Believe what you will.  It's my actions that determine who I am, not my beliefs.
Title: Re: Solicitation
Post by: snarf on May 16, 2012, 09:39:41 PM

Believe what you will.  It's my actions that determine who I am, not my beliefs.
Thats bull **** and you know it.  Its your beliefs in life that determine your actions. Sorry MODS right now I dont give a flying f&*k about anything.
Title: Re: Solicitation
Post by: lt1 on May 16, 2012, 11:10:08 PM
I'm assuming this will get locked and/or moved to the Arena before I see a response, but I am curious as to where/whether/if there is any scriptural basis for praying to saints and/or burying statues/graven images/idols rightside up or upside down in order to get a house sold.  I didn't seem to find it in my Bible.   Thanks for your cooperation.
Title: Re: Solicitation
Post by: Rick Hall on May 17, 2012, 12:10:15 AM
...  Its your beliefs in life that determine your actions. ...

Knowing that you're having a bad hair day, per a post in a 'hidden' board, I'm curious what you think my beliefs are. And if you say "Flying Spaghetti Monster", you may be close. Or not ;)

Actions speak volumes. And in my case, not related to the FSM... mostly ;)

Rick
Title: Re: Solicitation
Post by: CRocker on May 17, 2012, 12:28:50 AM
Blaise,

Our prayers go out for your house to sell...and your family to be together once again.

Brad
Title: Re: Solicitation
Post by: Conrad on May 17, 2012, 04:40:04 AM
It's all about the power of positive thinking. Positive thoughts attract positive outcomes, negative thoughts attract negative outcomes. At least that's the theory...

Good luck with the sale of your house, I didn’t mean to suggest otherwise in my post above.
Title: Re: Solicitation
Post by: snarf on May 17, 2012, 04:43:11 AM
I apologize.  Very bad hair night.
Title: Re: Solicitation
Post by: bbroj on May 17, 2012, 05:07:00 AM
I'm assuming this will get locked and/or moved to the Arena before I see a response, but I am curious as to where/whether/if there is any scriptural basis for praying to saints and/or burying statues/graven images/idols rightside up or upside down in order to get a house sold.  I didn't seem to find it in my Bible.   Thanks for your cooperation.

I'm no Biblical scholar, not by a long shot. I am not sure there is any scriptual basis for praying to Saints, as saints mostly appeared in history after the Bible was written. I believe it is more a Catholic belief/practice/dogma, as the Catholic Church is the body responsible for naming/cannonizing saints. As I am Catholic, I was raised on belief in and prayer to the saints for intervention on items that specific saints are supposed to be patrons of, i.e., St. Anthony for help in finding lost items. Statues, images, "idols" etc. seems to be, as far as I can find, tradition not based in the Catholic church but in personal belief and stories. This is another reason I chose not to partake in the burial "ritual". I do have the statue to remind me to remain vigilant in my prayer and belief that St. Joseph will intervene on my behalf with his stepson.
Title: Re: Solicitation
Post by: jim_de_hunter on May 17, 2012, 07:12:21 AM
Thats bull **** and you know it.  Its your beliefs in life that determine your actions. Sorry MODS right now I dont give a flying f&*k about anything.

If I believe that recycling is important but send my newspaper to the local dump, it's my actions that define me.  If I believe that traffic laws are important, but drive through stop signs, it's my actions that define me.  If I believe that all men are equal then treat anybody as something other than my equal, it's my actions that define me.  I don't think it's bullpucky.
Title: Re: Solicitation
Post by: lt1 on May 17, 2012, 07:16:11 AM
<snip>
Thx.
Title: Re: Solicitation
Post by: lt1 on May 17, 2012, 07:19:51 AM
If I believe that recycling is important but send my newspaper to the local dump, it's my actions that define me.  If I believe that traffic laws are important, but drive through stop signs, it's my actions that define me.  If I believe that all men are equal then treat anybody as something other than me equal, it's my actions that define me.  It's seems to me that you have it backwards.
It seems like you two are like the blind men and the elephant.  Both are correct, but seem to see only part of the equation.  Emerson's whole quote, which I take to be a pretty accurate observation of life, is: " Sow a thought and you reap an action; sow an act and you reap a habit; sow a habit and you reap a character; sow a character and you reap a destiny."
Title: Re: Solicitation
Post by: jim_de_hunter on May 17, 2012, 07:28:24 AM
It seems like you two are like the blind men and the elephant.  Both are correct, but seem to see only part of the equation.  Emerson's whole quote, which I take to be a pretty accurate observation of life, is: " Sow a thought and you reap an action; sow an act and you reap a habit; sow a habit and you reap a character; sow a character and you reap a destiny."

You might be right, or course.  However, I've found that I usually act my way into good thinking rather than think my way into good acting.  I've never been able to think my way out of a problem.  I consider my options and then take an action.
Title: Re: Solicitation
Post by: bbroj on May 17, 2012, 10:25:20 AM
There is a lot of truth being spoken in the philosophical discussion taking place here, and I'll weigh in. I agree that actions are what defines a person. I can't speak for all, but my actions are largely based upon my beliefs. I believe there is power in positive thinking, prayer if you choose, and that power can effect the outcome of a given situation. As my beliefs change, as will happen as an individual continues to grow and mature, my actions have changed to reflect my beliefs. If you believe something is right or wrong but don't reflect that in your actions, you don't seem convicted to your beliefs. And, perhaps, that is the term that has not entered the conversation yet that may clarify things, conviction. I believe in a lot of things that don't guide who I am or how I act (I believe baby squirrels exist, even though I've never seen one), but the beliefs I am convicted to, do.
Title: Re: Solicitation
Post by: snarf on May 17, 2012, 10:46:03 AM
Baby squirrels? Seriously? They are a myth; isnt that like believing in Saint Nick 8)
Title: Re: Solicitation
Post by: VirginiaJim on May 17, 2012, 10:49:29 AM
There's no St. Nick?  :yikes:
Title: Re: Solicitation
Post by: snarf on May 17, 2012, 12:30:25 PM
There's no St. Nick?  :yikes:
There actually is one.  Unfortunately he is buried face down in my front yard.  I guess its supposed to help people buy me bigger, better, faster, more expensive presents.
Title: Re: Solicitation
Post by: Conrad on May 17, 2012, 12:50:32 PM
There actually is one.  Unfortunately he is buried face down in my front yard.  I guess its supposed to help people buy me bigger, better, faster, more expensive presents.

 :rotflmao:

How's that workin out for ya?
Title: Re: Solicitation
Post by: VirginiaJim on May 17, 2012, 12:53:15 PM
It would be my guess......not well.
Title: Re: Solicitation
Post by: Taff on May 17, 2012, 01:15:57 PM
Lighten up girls, life is too short believe me!

"All in the best possible way" ala Kenny Everett great British zany comic!  ;D ;D
Title: Re: Solicitation
Post by: Walker18 on May 17, 2012, 07:02:08 PM
There actually is one.  Unfortunately he is buried face down in my front yard.  I guess its supposed to help people buy me bigger, better, faster, more expensive presents.

I dont know, but I'm willing to guess that Santa's helpers are bringing more than just coal to your blanket party...

(https://public.bay.livefilestore.com/y1pw9T7uZW8YmSCyYwt5iRddGA54VXQB8l0eGODz6Hn_DFwj3D_C8nreKZBHdsg9GjrRss_jjZxK8uW5xZ3YJfRxw/Snowman16.jpg?psid=1)
Title: Re: Solicitation
Post by: VirginiaJim on May 18, 2012, 04:10:55 AM
Lighten up girls, life is too short believe me!

"All in the best possible way" ala Kenny Everett great British zany comic!  ;D ;D

I don't know, I think of the Little Britain sketches.  That makes me laugh.

That's a fairly good technique when you are feeling down.  Think of things that make you laugh.  I think about some of the members here and start chuckling all the time.
Title: Re: Solicitation
Post by: snarf on May 18, 2012, 05:22:56 AM
(https://public.bay.livefilestore.com/y1pw9T7uZW8YmSCyYwt5iRddGA54VXQB8l0eGODz6Hn_DFwj3D_C8nreKZBHdsg9GjrRss_jjZxK8uW5xZ3YJfRxw/Snowman16.jpg?psid=1)

Ummmm thats sorta creepy.  Somebody has way to much time on their hands
Title: Re: Solicitation
Post by: bbroj on May 18, 2012, 10:36:15 AM
No joy on the sale, the potential buyer went with the other house. We are not out of the game yet, though. The other house is a complicate sale involving the divorce of it's current owners. We, along with our agent, are offering a "sellers offer" to try to entice the buyer back our way. Offering a price below our current asking price (with room to negotiate) as well as some of the power equipment in the shed. Snowblowers, generator and the lawn tractor along with it's attachments will either not be needed in NC or will get replaced. Our sale is also a "no drama" sale; they pay, we move. Done. We still have hope to get our foot in the door with this buyer. Keep those thoughts and prayers headed our way!
Title: Re: Solicitation
Post by: Conrad on May 18, 2012, 10:38:51 AM
No joy on the sale, the potential buyer went with the other house. We are not out of the game yet, though. The other house is a complicate sale involving the divorce of it's current owners. We, along with our agent, are offering a "sellers offer" to try to entice the buyer back our way. Offering a price below our current asking price (with room to negotiate) as well as some of the power equipment in the shed. Snowblowers, generator and the lawn tractor along with it's attachments will either not be needed in NC or will get replaced. Our sale is also a "no drama" sale; they pay, we move. Done. We still have hope to get our foot in the door with this buyer. Keep those thoughts and prayers headed our way!

Do you have the address of the other potential house? If so, burry this in the yard.

(http://static2.bigstockphoto.com/thumbs/3/0/2/large2/2036586.jpg)
Title: Re: Solicitation
Post by: bbroj on May 18, 2012, 10:41:09 AM
Actually, we do....
Title: Re: Solicitation
Post by: MAN OF BLUES on May 20, 2012, 12:56:55 PM
wow, this is the first time I have heard of burying idols being condoned by the catholic church...I find it a bit intriguing they would suggest extortion  upon a saint, pretty funny.
(http://bp3.blogger.com/_nKa-dM7PvEo/RgIlYYdCcXI/AAAAAAAAAb4/YAO48UjEAfQ/s400/St.+Joseph+real+estate+2.gif)

I suppose you could bury this in the yard,
(http://www.debtfreespending.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/st-joseph-aspirin.jpg)

(http://www.cartoonstock.com/lowres/dre1855l.jpg)
Title: Re: Solicitation
Post by: Taff on May 20, 2012, 01:44:22 PM
I don't know, I think of the Little Britain sketches.  That makes me laugh.

That's a fairly good technique when you are feeling down.  Think of things that make you laugh.  I think about some of the members here and start chuckling all the time.

Laughing is good for you!  :rotflmao:
Title: Re: Solicitation
Post by: bbroj on May 20, 2012, 01:52:58 PM
wow, this is the first time I have heard of burying idols being condoned by the catholic church...I find it a bit intriguing they would suggest extortion  upon a saint, pretty funny.
(http://bp3.blogger.com/_nKa-dM7PvEo/RgIlYYdCcXI/AAAAAAAAAb4/YAO48UjEAfQ/s400/St.+Joseph+real+estate+2.gif)

I suppose you could bury this in the yard,
(http://www.debtfreespending.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/st-joseph-aspirin.jpg)

(http://www.cartoonstock.com/lowres/dre1855l.jpg)

MOB, just to be clear, I don't believe any of this is condoned, or even suggested by the Catholic Church. Other than praying to saints for certain favors, the statue burying and the "prayer" I partially quoted above, were all found either online or in retail, by those selling the statues.
Title: Re: Solicitation
Post by: Strawboss on May 21, 2012, 06:18:53 PM
I've never heard of this custom/belief. I'll not make fun of someone who practices it. I will wish you good luck in getting your house sold and your family together again.
Title: Re: Solicitation
Post by: T Cro ® on May 22, 2012, 05:01:30 AM
I've never heard of this custom/belief. I'll not make fun of someone who practices it. I will wish you good luck in getting your house sold and your family together again.

Only reason I know of this ritual is that I've seen the small wooden idols for sale at the local hardware stores.
Title: Re: Solicitation
Post by: MAN OF BLUES on May 22, 2012, 08:25:42 AM
MOB, just to be clear, I don't believe any of this is condoned, or even suggested by the Catholic Church. Other than praying to saints for certain favors, the statue burying and the "prayer" I partially quoted above, were all found either online or in retail, by those selling the statues.

Please don't take my comment in a bad way, I truely believe that anything people have faith in is always a good thing.

I actually mentioned this to my wife when I was posting, and she is Catholic (went to Catholic school and all...), and she actually was telling me "oh YES... it is condoned, and there are places that sell the heck out of those little plastic statuary for that reason".
I had to laugh, because I do believe her. She also went down the list of the other Saints that she has "utilized" and what thier "specialties" were...I was pretty amazed.
But, as it is St. Joseph is the only one that gets buried....but it is also bad to leave him there once the house sells. Gotta retrieve him at that point, and place him on the mantle. Or the dashboard.  ;)

we are looking for a nice St Francis for our back yard right now...he's my patron, seeing as I was named after him  ;D

best of luck on the house sale, I'm sure it's difficult dealing with family matters from afar as you are; my wife also mentioned placing money at the feet of a St Jude statue, that is supposed to bring a good price/luck in the sale.
Title: Re: Solicitation
Post by: Conrad on May 22, 2012, 08:37:11 AM
Off topic but related...

The Patron Saint Of Motorcycling

The Vatican has officially endorsed an early Irish saint, Columbanus of Bobbio, as the patron saint of motorcyclists. He was born on the Carlow/Wicklow border in the year 543 ad, and died at the monastery he founded in Bobbio, in what is now Northern Italy in 615 AD, after many years of traveling around Europe. His bones still lie interred in his church there.

A handsome rugged kind of chap, he left Ireland to escape the clutches of lascivious women who were irresistibly attracted to him. According to the biography of his life written by Jonas, one of the many miracles attributed to him involved the multiplication of bread and beer, as follows:   (I'm sure that all of us motorcyclists can identify with this, the beer and lascivious women I mean  ;) )

"A while after, Columban went to the monastery of Fontaines and found sixty brethren hoeing the ground and preparing the fields for the future crop. When he saw them breaking up the clods with great labor, he said, "May the Lord prepare for you a feast, my brethren." Hearing this the attendant said, "Father, believe me, we have only two loaves and a very little beer." Columban answered, "Go and bring those." The attendant went quickly and brought the two loaves and a little beer. Columban, raising his eyes to heaven, said, "Christ Jesus, only hope of the world, do Thou, who from five loaves satisfied five thousand men in the wilderness, multiply these loaves and this drink." Wonderful faith! All were satisfied and each one drank as much as he wished. The servant carried back twice as much in fragments and twice the amount of drink. And so he knew that faith is more deserving of the divine gifts than despair, which is wont to diminish even what one has."
Title: Re: Solicitation
Post by: gPink on May 22, 2012, 08:58:58 AM
Party on 23 November.
Title: Re: Solicitation
Post by: jim_de_hunter on May 22, 2012, 12:33:43 PM
Okay. I just went to the expert.  I work at a Catholic High School and the Parish Vicar's classroom is right next to mine.  He said that burying St. Joseph to sell is a well known Catholic tradition.
Title: Re: Solicitation
Post by: lt1 on May 22, 2012, 01:13:33 PM
Okay. I just went to the expert.  I work at a Catholic High School and the Parish Vicar's classroom is right next to mine.  He said that burying St. Joseph to sell is a well known Catholic tradition.
Did he offer any scriptural, doctrinal and/or other basis for the tradition? 
Title: Re: Solicitation
Post by: jim_de_hunter on May 22, 2012, 02:39:33 PM
Did he offer any scriptural, doctrinal and/or other basis for the tradition?

I didn't think a priest had to.  So I didn't ask.
Title: Re: Solicitation
Post by: bbroj on May 22, 2012, 06:50:45 PM
I didn't think a priest had to.  So I didn't ask.

I'd be interested. As others have mentioned, the practice seems a bit like idol worship to me, which the Catholic Church clearly frowns upon. The tradition seems to have several possible origins, but none that I have found, in admittedly limited research, that are tied to the Catholic Church. One has a group of nuns burying St. Joseph medals in order to bless lands for sale. Rather than copying and pasting the entire page, here's the link, it's a quick read.  http://www.catholic-forum.com/saints/stj01002.htm (http://www.catholic-forum.com/saints/stj01002.htm)  A few things I take away from this page are the ones I hold on to; Have faith, believe it will work for you. Whatever you do, believe in it and do it respectfully (Not with threats!) Even this page treats it as tradition, not Catholic teaching or Dogma. I found the burial of the statue, at least as associated with the previously mentioned "prayer", disrespectful, and chose not to do it. Had I found a more respectful prayer associated with it first and a believable tradition to link it to (like the nuns in the link), I may have continued the tradition myself. Good conversation. I appreciate all who have and continue to offer their thoughts and prayers for the sale of my house.
Title: Re: Solicitation
Post by: MAN OF BLUES on May 23, 2012, 11:24:58 AM
I'd be interested. As others have mentioned, the practice seems a bit like idol worship to me, which the Catholic Church clearly frowns upon. The tradition seems to have several possible origins, but none that I have found, in admittedly limited research, that are tied to the Catholic Church. ..

You have to clearly understand that prior to Christianity, or the Roman Catholic Church, the world practiced a bizillion pagan forms of "belief", and during the infancy of what we call "modern christian religions" the churches found it beneficial, albeit even necessary, to parallel the pagan traditions to "gather followers". It is well known that many of the catholic traditions stem directly from actions done for that exact purpose, and the church at times tried to quell some, but all in all, a large amount of modern religion still has much-a-do with ancient beliefs.
 further reading;
http://www.nvcc.edu/home/lshulman/rel232/resource/RileyPaper.htm (http://www.nvcc.edu/home/lshulman/rel232/resource/RileyPaper.htm)
http://www.seiyaku.com/customs/pagan-symbols.html (http://www.seiyaku.com/customs/pagan-symbols.html)
http://godkind.org/pagan-holidays.html (http://godkind.org/pagan-holidays.html)
http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/False%20Religions/Roman%20Catholicism/catholicism_christian_or_pagan.htm (http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/False%20Religions/Roman%20Catholicism/catholicism_christian_or_pagan.htm)

this seems to be a real topic of dicussion on the net, one that is both interesting, and eyeopening.