Is being Pagan bad?

Question

I am a christian and I have a few friends that are Pagan but I have never asked them why or what it is that they do. They are nice people but should I stay away from them since I was told that the bible says that is one religion christians need to stay away from. I have never found that and I thought you were suppose to love everyone no matter what they believe. can someone help me?

Answer 1

Pagan is any religion that isn't Judeo-Christian (this includes all the various sects of Christianity, Judeism, Islam and a few smaller religious sects that include, sorry to say, Satanism.)

I am Pagan, and so are most of my friends. I don't think it's bad. We are nice people who work hard, take care of each other, volunteer, support causes we believe in and extend generosity and kindness to strangers.

We are deeply religious and connected to the Earth and Nature which we believe to be divine. We don't believe that Christ came to save us for our sins and we don't want him to, we believe we will pay for our sins and that's how we think it should be. We don't believe in Heaven or Hell, we believe that our physical bodies will be broken down into compost and our souls will be recycled accordingly into another life form and that's how we think it should be too. We believe that any debt we don't pay in this life we will pay in the the next, as it should be likewise. We believe children are sacred, so much that they should be rare treasures, not one of a dozen and so we use our condoms(or something) as a moral act, yes, even when we're married. We don't think sex is a sin though, and we think it's very unfortunate to think it is. We also don't think it's anybody else's business who you have sex with as long as they're physically, mentally and emotionally prepared to agree to it and you aren't lying to anyone in the process. We enjoy spending time outdoors, we should buy stock in Borders and Amazon.com because we read like fiends. We respect artists, scientists and historians and have less respect for polititions and evangelists and laugh really hard when our dogs chase the Bible thumpers off the front porch.

Are we bad? You tell me. That's a very subjective question.

PS That necrophilia story was interesting, but necrophilia has nothing whatsoever to do with religion. What dude's friends do at their parties is really none of our business, but I assure you, there was no Pagan worship going on there. I have never met a single Pagan God who demanded that sort of sacrifice. Can you say ew? Besides, the mechanics of how that can be managed in mindboggling. I'm not sure Biophysics can handle that. Did they use a pump or what?

Answer 2

As a Christian you are supposed to love everyone including family, friends, neighbors, as well as enemies. I am not in any way comparing pagans to this as I am one of sorts in that I do not claim to be Christian, but Jesus spent time with tax collectors, thieves, prostitutes, etc. If this is so how much more should you spend time with your pagan friends? Try not to be judgmental, as the bible as preaches, but share information while sincerely and respectfully thinking about one another has to say. You'll win a lot more points with them if you are sincerely their friends then if they are used as just another proselytizing opportunity. As far as paganism goes in general no I do not think it is bad but there are many variation and interpretations. Some interpretations or slants are just different, and yes some are also dysfunctional. But just like most claiming to be Christians are not the same this goes doubly for paganism as there are many different religions labeled under the umbrella of Paganism. Some Christians would term Hindus and Buddhists as pagans too. Pagan is a derogatory term meaning country dweller. These people more often lived in the country & were some of the last to be converted or wiped out. In short, the term Pagan has been used to describe anyone that is not a Christian. In a modern day context people associate it with earth religions, Wicca, Greek mythology, etc. And no they are not all the same. So to answer your question in short, no Paganism is not necessarily bad. And yes, you should not shun them but continue to have a loving fellowship with them.

Answer 3

Being pagan isn't always bad,because pagan isn't a religion. It's a term, loosely translated it means out of country. Back when Christianity was hitting the main stream it was mainly practiced in the larger cities, so the people who didn't want to practice in the main stream were called pagans mostly farmers and people from smaller villages. So you should first find out what religion they really are then make your choice.
I would also like to add that we all live on the same planet. We all see the same stars. We all bask under the same sun, but each of us has a different story to tell about the earth, the stars and the sun. Maybe (withe the exception of that one guys necro friends) did you ever thing we See the same god we all just have a different story to tell.

Answer 4

You are correct in that most Christians would tell you to stop being friends with them, but I will tell that they are wrong. I was Christian once, and I converted to Paganism because I agreed with it more, and some of my friends are Christian (one of them is the daughter of a preacher). You can still be friends even if you do not share a common faith. What matters is that you guys are friends first, and then your religious differences come in last as far as the friendship is concerned. I do not think the Creator (God) would fault you for having friends that were not of your faith.

What is that line again: Do unto others as you would have done unto you.

Your friends are your friends because of who they are, not what they believe in right? Follow the heart the Creator gave you, that will help you out a lot. If these people are not using you for their own personal gain or some thing like that I do not see any reason why you should stop being friends with them. If this confusing let me know, and I will clarify my answer.

Answer 5

I sincerely hope you pay no attention to Panacea's comment. He is sooo wrong. I've been Pagan/Wiccan for over 40 years, have many Pagan friends (and many Christian friends). Your Pagan friends will tell you, should you ask them, that they don't believe in Satan. Satan is strictly a Christian belief.

As far as Paganism being a cult, Pagan/Wiccans/Witches do not prozeletyze or seek converts, although most of us will explain our beliefs if asked. Mostly we are a live and let live group, and recognise all spiritual paths as valid. Religion/spirituality is not a one-size-fits-all thing. Different paths work for different people. Even in the Pagan community, there are different paths.

In my many years in the Craft, I have never seen anything evil or depraved in any ritual I've been a part of, or at any festival I've attended. That little necrophilia story--think about it. How is a dead man going to get an erection so that a woman can have sex? Any basic knowledge of physiology will tell you that's just not gonna happen.

Answer 6

People are people, Just as there are good christians there are bad ones too. Same goes for pagans. Christian belief stucture is not just based on the bible but, pagan ceremonys. True pagans do not worsip the devil at all. Just incase you did not know. That is tv sensationalism at it's worst. I suggest talking to them to find out more. I personally know a few. and some are Christan pagans... The world is truly a wonderous place, don't let fear and hate cloud the view.

Answer 7

Don M had a great answer. If they're your friends then just show them the love of Jesus. There are a lot of variations to Paganism and what I've seen in my pagan friends is that they abhor hypocrisy and show love and respect if they get it. Jesus said to go into the world and make disciples; that's hard to do if all you hang out with are other Christians! Ask them about what they believe, but be warned: you'd better know what YOU believe and be able to give an answer if asked!

Answer 8

Actually, the Bible doesn't say to stay away from those people. If you read the Bible, those who followed the Biblical God were ALWAYS around Pagans. It states that you should not believe as they do or participate in their rituals as they were not set down by the God of the Bible. Oddly enough, most of the things you see in churches have Pagan origins.

Answer 9

I am a Pagan - an Eclectic Wiccan. I also happen to be married to a christian. I converted to Wicca long before I met my husband so he married me with full knowledge of my beliefs. I respect those whom respect me, I believe that everyone has a right to an opinion even if it doesn't agree with mine, and I never put down anyone elses belief system. We are not evil; we just choose to worship a different deities and in a different fashion than you do.

Answer 10

When they say to stay away from Paganism in the Bible, they mean they don't want YOU to be pagan, but love your neighbor anyway.