let's try to get the facts straight.?

Question

i've noticed alot of hostility between the Pagans and the Christians so i've decided to post some links explaining the Pagan and Wiccan point of view, and why many of us fear Christians. Before I get attacked here, i'm not trying to insult anyone. I just want to educate a bit. So after you look at these please give me you opinion. Thank you
http://en.wikipedia.org/wki/Paganism
http://en.wikipedia.org/wki/wicca
http://en.wikipedia.org/wki/witch_hunts
the thoughts of everyone will be appriciated, but can we please try not to be blantenly offensive.

Answer 1

I thank you for trying to educate and not vent. That does lead to a intelligent discussion rather than a rant. Since your links did not work I looked up wicca myself. If you will notice just about every group of people have a persecution story. Being persecuted lends no more or less creedence to a belief system.
Christians have been persecuted and tortured for believing in Jesus. I have books on such persecution. I think it is more of a psychological condition to persecute than a belief system. I am a Christian and I would never hurt anyone regardless of your belief. However, many many many Christians have according to history. Many others have also. Christians are not the only ones who have persecuted pagan and wiccans.

So, I am still not sure what facts you are trying to get straight. Yes, Pagans and Wiccans have been persecuted by Christians and Muslims. If you are trying to say that Wiccans are not hateful toward Christians but leary....point taken. If I were in your shoes I would feel the same way. I know how I feel when I read or hear of persecution Christians are currently suffering in today's world. Persecution is wrong, no question.

Now here is the crucial difference between most other religions and Christianity. Ok, I am going to be the bad guy but I am going to lay it out. As you undoubtably know, Christians believe in ONE God. We believe there are only two "families" if you will, God's and the devil. John 8:38, 44, John 1:12-13. Which does go so far as to say that all other religions are false. So, your religion and many others want a peaceful co-existence and think everything is relative. Christians believe in only one true God so there is a peaceful co-existence---but not acceptance of any other belief. I support anyone's right to worship as they want. However, this position is only to secure my position that I can worship the Lord. So, yes, get one screwball, hostile, ego maniac who thinks it is either his way or the firey pit---you will have diasterous results. However, history dictates that there are screwballs of every religious affliation that have caused disasterous results. Being a Christian myself, I do not want any harm to come to you. I don't want you to feel threatened by Chrisitanity. If you do, then those Christians did not represent Christ well. I simply think that your religion is false. I do realize that in many eyes that will make me closed minded. However, as you have your belief, I have mine.

I do thank you for offering all the information. It was enlightening. However no amount of history lessons will change my belief. Not saying that that is your goal---clearly that isn't. I am sure you onely intend on educating and finding a peaceful solution. I don't consider you my enemy. I don't wish you ill will. However, according to my belief system I am inclined to want to see you accept the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. According to the book I follow, that is my job. Hopefully, I will not do that job so poorly that others feel threatened by Christianity. Jesus was no threat.

Answer 2

Well ... there are a lot of reasons why Pagans/Wiccans are just a little fearful of Christians and fundamentalists of all stripes.

The Inquisition, engineered by Pope Gregore, being the primary reason. This period in history lasted over 200 years with millions murdered as a result. Most women.

Then you have the bastardization of the path itself. The Horned God became their visual representation of Satan. Neptune's Triton became Satan's pitchfork. Which I believe is the fundamental reason behind why Christians think Pagans are Satan worshipers. They have no knowledge of the ancient pantheons so they assume our Horned God is their Emperor of Evil.

Add to this, all of our sacred holidays being twisted to fit into their protracted faith, and it just makes you wonder. Was the Christian action of European conversion truly an act of faith? Or was it, in fact, an act of deep greed and an insatiable need for power?

I respect all spiritual paths in life. I enjoy going to festivals and specials days with friends from many religions. Truly, the only time the little hairs stand up on the back of my neck is when someone, from any faith, makes an arrogant statement along the lines of, "This is the only way to heaven - or Nirvana." Whatever the case may be, this slams the door on any real debate and opens the door to hatred and intolerance.

Answer 3

Merry Meet!

Being wiccan for a while I have noticed this too.. And even being as outspoken as I can I have had to revert to secrecy in many ways because of the scrutiny I have received from the outside world. It has even went as far as my sister does not speak to me anymore because she is christian ( I look at it as she is to dense for me in that matter ). I feel the pain of thi subject often.

If only there were more people out there that understand wicca's and pagan's. We do not worship the devil. We do not sacrifice our young or farm animals or any animals for that matter. We are simply in touch with nature on a different level.

I respect others' beliefs and honor any "rituals" christian or otherwise that my family practices. To help bridge the gap. But, They will NOT honor mine in return. EVEN AFTER all the reading into the wicca and pagan ways.

I have often wondered if it is a useless fight. A neverending battle. I also wonder if when my time comes... They will not honor the rites I would like preformed. I know my husband will do the rites on his own to honor me.. and I would do the same for him.... But my mother, sisters and brother will not. It is a matter of acceptance that nothing I say or do will change their minds about the subject.

My children are free to choose their own religion to suit them best. I only wish my more stubborn older family members were more open minded like me.

Thanks for posting on this. You have given a voice to many. Whether you feel you have or not. I know you will recieve much scrutiny over this and bad comments. As will I.

Anyone that is open minded enough to take the time to read what you have posted will be more than likely learn that wicca does not mean MONSTER.

Just my opinion on the subject.

So mote it be...

Answer 4

Christianity is not very understanding of other religions or practices. Basically I feel many think it's their way or the highway and are willing to become agressive about it. I left the church due to this kind of attitude from the church leaders, who condemned me for playing roleplaying games, and this was a supposedly an accepting nondenominational group.

I think they have probably shed more blood in His name than any other religion in thier 2000 year old war to stomp out other religions. I trust in God, not people, and believe that everyone should find their own path.

Answer 5

I would think it was the other way around. People fear what they don't understand and get offensive and critical, hence, the violent and condemning attitude that christians had/have towards wiccans and pagans.

Answer 6

Thanks. I agree.

I don't actually *fear* Christians - many are exceptionally good people - but I have a very strong dislike for being told that MY perception of Divine Truth is wrong when it comes from the same innate knowledge that allows someone else to be certain of Jesus' role in Divine truth.

Answer 7

I don't fear Christians, but there is a lot of ignorance in society about Paganism/Wicca.

Answer 8

I got a kick out of the person who asked why a Pagan or Wiccan would fear christians.

Oh, I don't know... perhaps due to 2000 years of persecution, witch burnings, and inquisitions??????????????????????


MY gods, learn your history.

Answer 9

As for me, I am not attacking you.
You are free to practice anything you want.
If you want to become a Pagan /Wicca Baptist Catholic Pentecostal, blood drinking Goth, you can as far as I am concerned.
What you are doesn't mean a thing to me.
I am who I am. That is what counts to me.
I believe what I believe, you believe what you believe. We are on our way, don't make us stay.

Answer 10

Thank you. Another really good site is http://www.witchvox.com.

Try these:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/paganism
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wicca
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/witch_hunts