Orthodox religion, as in established Abrahamic religion, has not lost the knowledge of sorcery. This is at least the premise of the thread.
The opening post makes no mention that it is specific to Abrahmic religion, in fact it clearly says all religion;
It is my affirmation that religion - all religion, mind you - is essentially sorcery. That, barring perhaps a Diabolic influence in some magic systems, the rituals of magic and religion are the same. .
When I say 'lost the knowledge' I mean that mysticsim and magic are ussually practised outside of orthodox religion. Now orthodox religion does still go through the same ceremonial ritual, but they have often lost the meaning behind the ritual. As far as I can see most orthodox religion goes little beyond basic acts of worship and trying to conform to some basic morals as laid down by the religion, with no real attempt being made to effect transformation, either internal (mysticism) or external (magic).
E.g. Christians may praise Jesus for healing sick or changing water to wine... but how many of them know how to heal sick or change water to wine? Jews talk of moses turning a stick to a snake (with gods help) but how many know how to do the same ? The stories are still there , the ritual is often still there , the knowledge is not.
Jesus said "all this you will do and more" , but how many can.
In Hinduism and Taoism the orthodox and mystical paths are still more intergrated, the emphasis in much of Hinduism being on internal transformations and in Taoism the magical path as well, with both external and internal transformations being focused on by different sects.
You will, however, be ostracized if, when practicing sorcery, your "source" is not the God of Abraham.
As I am sure you would be ostracized in wicca or druidic groups if your source
was the god of abraham.... what is your point?
