Okay, that question got me thinking... can I be a latter-day saint and a buddhist? Or Pagan?

Question

Okay, no crappy answers, let's be serious here.

Can I be a latter-day Saint Christian, and a buddhist? How about a latter-day Saint Christian with elements of paganism, such as respecting the earth and active prayer?

Thanks for your answers!

Answer 1

From a Buddhist point of view, yes. I don't know about from a LDS point of view.

Answer 2

There is general agreement that the word "Pagan" comes from the Latin word "paganus." Unfortunately, there is no consensus on the precise meaning of the word in the fifth century CE and before. There are three main interpretations. 16 None has won general acceptance:

Most modern Pagan sources interpret the word to have meant "rustic," "hick," or "country bumpkin" -- a pejorative term. The implication was that Christians used the term to ridicule country folk who tenaciously held on to what the Christians considered old-fashioned, outmoded Pagan beliefs. Those in the country were much slower in adopting the new religion of Christianity than were the city folks. They still followed the Greek state religion, Roman state religion, Mithraism, various mystery religions, etc., long after those in urban areas had converted.
Some believe that in the early Roman Empire, "paganus" came to mean "civilian" as opposed to "military." Christians often called themselves "miles Christi" (Soldiers of Christ). The non-Christians became "pagani" -- non-soldiers or civilians. No denigration would be implied.
C. Mohrmann suggests that the general meaning was any "outsider," -- a neutral term -- and that the other meanings, "civilian" and "hick," were merely specialized uses of the term. 17

By the third century CE, its meaning evolved to include all non-Christians. Eventually, it became an evil term that implied the possibility of Satan worship. The latter two meanings are still in widespread use today.

There is no generally accepted, single, current definition for the word "Pagan." The word is among the terms that the newsgroup alt.usage.english, calls "skunk words." They have varied meanings to different people. The field of religion is rife with such words. consider: Christian, cult, hell, heaven, occult, Paganism, pluralism, salvation, Witch, Witchcraft, Unitarian Universalist, Voodoo, etc. Each has so many meanings that they often cause misunderstandings wherever they are used. Unfortunately, most people do not know this, and naturally assume that the meaning that they have been taught is universally accepted. A reader must often look at the context in which the word is used in order to guess at the intent of the writer.

We recognize that many Wiccans, Neopagans, and others regularly use the terms "Pagan" and "Paganism" to describe themselves. Everyone should be free to continue whatever definitions that they wish. However, the possibility of major confusion exists -- particularly if one is talking to a general audience. When addressing non-Wiccans or non-Neopagans, it is important that the term:

Be carefully defined in advance, or that
Its meaning is clearly understandable from the text's context.

Otherwise, the speaker or writer will be referring to one group of people, while the listeners or readers will assume that other groups are being referred to.

Answer 3

Buddhism is a philosophy, not so much a religion. so yes, you could be both LDS and Buddhist. And you can respect the earth, without being pagan. However, the polytheistic nature of most pagan religions is pretty well forbidden in LDS, along with all other christian faiths, so you couldn't be both LDS and pagan.

Answer 4

I really don't know much about being buddhist or pagan...just Mormon. From my point of view, you could be Mormon as long as no other "beliefs" contradict or interfere with what LDS believe... it would be hard to be living two religions I think and still be dedicated to both because really you could only give 50% to each...

Answer 5

You certainly can! You can do anything you want to do. I'm fluctuating in my beliefs right now, but I'm currently calling myself a Christo-Pagan. I follow Pagan beliefs but substitute the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost for the three forms of Gaia.

Answer 6

Well let's see? There is only one true God, and He's put everything we need to know, (while here on Earth), in the Bible. So, you're either going to follow His Word, or you're going to follow any one of the many, many man-made religions, right? Follow man and you'll be subject to failure, deceit, lies, and most likely eternal damnation. And don't just take my word for it, 'cause I'm a man too! Decide for yourself by reading the only true Word of God - the Bible! Otherwise, you're just fishing for "opinions" of people and deciding which one "sounds" best for you, (And what kind of reality is that, but purely subjective?)!

Answer 7

Many "religious beliefs" do seem to be mixed more often these days. I myself am mixing christian with some Pagan, Wiccan, and New-Age beliefs,

"...an it harm no one, do as thy will".

Answer 8

you can be whatever you choose to be. but i know for a fact that no one at the church will approve.
last year i was a christian witch
then i turned into a wiccan, but being a christian witch worked out fine for me

Answer 9

No, two seperate religions. I dont think you could call yourself a member of one when you believe elements of both.

Answer 10

No, God wants us to worship Him and Him alone, if you worship other things like little statues of fat men, this is called idolatry and is a sin that will be judged by God.