Asked this with the daytime crowd and didn't get too many answers, so trying again with the night-owls...
I've spent 30 years as a Protestant. And after hearing all the laws and rules, and about tithing, and the "evil" of being gay or Jewish or Atheist or whatever for 3 long decades...
I've really just had enough. Don't want to be a Christian anymore. Some of you are cheering, some are shaking their heads. But does anyone have any thoughts to share?
I've kind of been a...hmmm what's the word... "secret pagan" for a while anyway. Wicca seems like the way to go, or perhaps an eclectic pagan path.
Open to your thoughts!
2006-10-09 15:21:54 · 25 answers · asked by Rapunzel XVIII 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I was raised Christian (Episcopalian), never felt like that was the path for me. I had my "epiphany" when I read "The Spiral Dance" for the first time in the early '80s. I'm Wiccan/Pagan/Witch. It works for me.
2006-10-09 15:28:24 · answer #1 · answered by warriorwoman 4 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Several times Prabhu. I began life as a Christian, then went through short phases as a Wiccan and a Buddhist... neither of which suited me, so I became an atheist. During that stage I became an alcoholic, and eventually converted one final time to Vaishnavism (better known as the Hare Krishnas). It's exactly what I needed to answer my questions on God, and now by chanting the names of the Lord I no longer need to be tied to all my past addictions.
Whatever you choose as your religion, you should have a passion for it. I hope you end up finding as much peace as I did in religion, and know that speaking of which, there is no wrong one. All religions are a pathway to God, it's just that some answer more questions than others. Peace and love,
Dhani
2006-10-09 15:35:11 · answer #2 · answered by Dahni C 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Former youth minister, theology degree, heathen. The hypocrisy of the Christian church drove me away. Instead of taking care of the homeless, sick, prisoner, hungry,etc...Christians were more concerned with bake sales and voter drives. My pastor wore $100 shirts while I ate mac and cheese in college and spent most of my money at the youth detention center trying to give hope to trouble kids. Very few Christians go about Jesus' mission. Catholics are better at it than any other denominations, so they get attacked a lot.
But Wicca? Get serious.
2006-10-09 15:30:36 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
I considered other religions when I was questioning my faith in God, and not really following my faith either.
But I ended up turning back to God, and learning that it's not all about the rules. God really is amazing, and it's the church that has given us the impression that Christianity is all about rules to live by. We are taught to obey God's Word, but this is for our own good, as we can see from so many things when we practice them.
I think it's sad that you've been made to feel that it's all just doctrines and traditions. It's your relationship with the Lord that is important, and there are many Christians who know that, and their faith is a reality in their lives, not just a bunch of words.
2006-10-09 15:30:40 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
I converted from Christianity to Islam. I found that it answered all my questions that didn't seem to add up in Christianity... But honestly. What ever you do you need to be true to what you believe. It's worse to say your a specific religion and lie... because only God knows whats in your heart. Just be a good person.
2006-10-09 15:41:32 · answer #5 · answered by Tina 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Exact same as you! I've been a secret eclectic Pagan for quite some time.
2006-10-09 15:31:25 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
I started out Christian.I thought I had a pretty good understanding of God.Then I grew up.I converted to Wicca in my early twenties,but now,I've just given up on all of it.I'm trying to find some version of a deity that makes sense,but none of it seems very logical to me.If you lean towards Wicca,then go for it.It's a very personal decision to make,and you're the one that has to live with it.Good luck.
2006-10-09 15:33:29 · answer #7 · answered by kimberli 4 · 1⤊ 2⤋
I classify myself as a deist. I certainly beleive there is a God, but I beleive religions were man made tools bent on straying man from the truth.
Yes. I began life up to 22 years as a Christian. I began to question the bible and all religion at 23, I left that beleif, and from there on, I have been on a quest of prayer and meditation.
I still beleive in Jesus though. Buddha as well. I beleive they were indeed messengers of God to mankind. Doesn't mean we worship them, just learn from them.
2006-10-09 15:29:15 · answer #8 · answered by Goddess of Nuts PBUH 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
i started my religious path as a christian. read the bible several times,,,it is what made me turn form that religion. too much violence and intolerance..
i fell into Celtic Paganism. after researching every religion that o could think of. i continue to research religions and seek knowlege.
if you want un-biased info, join the "band of friendly misfits" yahoo group that Debra M started. if you ask she will send you the link.
and you can e-mail me if you want to. i will give you what info that i have on Wicca if you want it.
2006-10-09 15:27:54 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I've thought about other religions. Especially Buddhism. Never converted though. I think that staying christian is okay with me but believing in buddhist ways makes me feel better about myself.
2006-10-09 15:24:33 · answer #10 · answered by Dood0901 1 · 3⤊ 0⤋