The idea doesn't bother my family so much as some of my christian friends. Anyone that has been through this, please help out. (P.s. not a wiccan, just a solitary practioner)
I just don't want to have to go through "the talk" w/ a particular friend. How do I word myself? How do I bring up the topic?
2006-08-14 15:51:28 · 19 answers · asked by Lenore 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I waited until the subject was brought up by the other party. When the other person mentioned going to church, I simply told them I am no longer interested in going, and let them do the talking. They asked what did I mean by that, and I explained to them that my choice in religion is that of my own, and that I had choosen to explore Paganism. Of course, I got the whole, you are a satanist, blah blah. Simply explain what you believe, you don't need to get technical with them unless they ask for more info. Tell them you still love them and respect them no matter what deity you believe in, and hope that they feel the same.
You will find that the Christian person you are speaking with will try and convert you like there is non other. Stick to your guys, and remind them that you are respecting their beliefs and to please respect yours.
2006-08-14 16:00:21 · answer #1 · answered by scare_all 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Tough question, and the answer is not simple. First you have to ask yourself, "If this person cannot accept that I am not the same religion as them, do I really want to keep them as a friend?" If the answer is still yes, then you have 2 choices - come straight out and tell them and cross your fingers and hope that they still want to be friends, or stay in the broom closet. It's a hard choice, but this is where you start to decide how you're going to live. Do you want to be open and honest with your beliefs, and choose you friends from among the people who don't ostracize you for that, or are you willing to always be half in the closet? You are lucky if your family will support you, they are the hardest people to risk losing. Brightest Blessings, and good luck.
2006-08-14 23:00:33 · answer #2 · answered by Nited1 2 · 5⤊ 0⤋
First of all, you are still Wiccan even if you don't belong to a coven. Don't think less of yourself. I am in a similar situation but I am waiting a while before I tell anyone else. Only my mother knows. But anyway, I completely understand your situation. I have a number of very conservative and/or Christian friends, and I've thought about what they would say and how they would react. Don't say anything that makes you sound unsure ... or fluffy bunny-ish, like "I'm Wiccan I'm such a rebel!!!" or "I was thinking about becoming...". Sound sure and don't take any crap. They're your friends, not your parents. They can't make your decisions for you. You're your own person and it's your choice. Say, "I wanted to tell you that I have chosen to follow Wicca. Now before you say anything about it, you should know that it's not what you think..." And tell them the facts without being uppity or too intellectual. You'll be fine. When you see a cross in the house or a Bible or something, bring up religion and delve into that.
2006-08-14 23:37:38 · answer #3 · answered by Rachel the Atheist 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Wait until THEY bring it up and then just speak your piece. If they want to argue about it tell them that at this point in your life you won't debate the issue; that this is a choice you've made regarding your own lifestyle but that you WILL answer questions if they have legitimate ones. Be prepared to lose friends though. Some people will NOT accept certain changes in their friends.
2006-08-14 23:10:03 · answer #4 · answered by Hidden .38 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Be honest and positive. Tell your friends that you've found a belief system that makes you very happy, but that it's different from theirs. Assure them that you're not going to be trying to "convert" anybody, and if they're uncomfortable, you won't discuss it, but you are not going to hide it either.
When you get into specifics and get the "A witch? You're a WITCH?!?" response, kindly but firmly dispel their misconceptions. Tell them paganism is not the same as Satanism, no matter what they've heard. Again, emphasize the positive basis of your beliefs and practice. If they can't set aside their prejudice and listen rationally, you'll just have to agree not to discuss it and tell them you're still the same person they've been friends with all along.
The reality is, if you lose any friends over this, as painful as it is, you're probably better off without them.
2006-08-14 23:07:35 · answer #5 · answered by hquin_tset 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Why bring it up if the possibility of becoming the target of a crusade to convert you is bothersome? I always respond, when someone who does not think as I do asks about my religious preference, that such matters are intensely private as far as I'm concerned and I prefer not to discuss it. If that person is uncouth enough to ask again, I am not quite so polite!
2006-08-14 23:03:58 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
How do you word yourself? Tell your friend, "I have something to tell you, I will just blurr it out and explain myself afterwards." How to bring up the topic? You dont need to feel awkward and start pondering of easy ways to let her/him know. Just start saying,
"Yeah so, Jim, I"m a solitary witch. I have been for such and such years. I just wanted to let you know because you are my friend and it's something I've been wanting to tell you. Feel free to ask any questions." I felt awkward telling my mother, because I thought she might think it's because my bf is also a witch, which is half true but it was still my decision to make.
2006-08-14 23:02:05 · answer #7 · answered by ? 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Welcome to the Wonderful World of Paganism!! According to many here you're damned forever...isn't that just forgiving and all Christian like? Alright, forgive Mom's rant. I would advise you to allow your friends to learn about it when you're ready. Jumping into a Christian group (made up of friends or not) is like walking onto a bed of hot coals...you may or may not be burned depending on your faith. I've told people that I have no problem with Jesus nor God. We're both on very good terms. It's just that we choose not to allow religion to screw up that relationship. I like solitary practitioners. I'm one myself and have been for over 30 years. Welcome to the Tree of Life, Dearheart.
2006-08-14 23:00:14 · answer #8 · answered by Mama Otter 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
That is a tough one. I had to tell my father about my religion and I just came right out and told him. It was out in the open in a second and then we had time to talk about it. I didn't do it in a public place. That way if he got mad I wouldn't have to talk about it with hundreds of people watching us. You want to do it in a comfortable place so that you won't have to hold back and you will be able to talk openly and honestly. Good luck!
2006-08-14 23:04:24 · answer #9 · answered by Mawyemsekhmet 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Well, just tell them, take them out for a coffee, get into a philosophical or religious discussion nd bring it up.
If they're really your friend, it won't matter much.
2006-08-14 22:59:20 · answer #10 · answered by guhralfromhell 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋