There are so many Christian "experts" on the subject of Paganism... some claiming to have been part of a "cult" or having been "seduced". Many of these people have already been proved to be frauds, but still, they are the ones to go to when a Christian wants to know about the occult, Wicca, Paganism or Satanism.
These people warn that we Pagans are out to harm or ritually kill children, that we practice orgiastic sex, and whatever other manner of sickness. Christians believe them. In fact, we're being accused of doing just what the Christians were early on.
There are other "experts" that may have bought a book by LaVey, Buckland or Starhawk and believe that one or two books makes them an expert. That would be like reading the Proverbs, Genesis and Revelations and claiming expert status on Christianity.
Why can't Christians go to Pagans to understand Paganism? Why do they instead go to Christians with dubious credentials?
2006-10-21 04:21:40 · 15 answers · asked by Deirdre H 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
To Southern Apostolic... if you have any sincere questions, you may email me off list, and I'd be glad to answer those I can. I went to try to email you, but you have for some reason chosen not to publish an email address. Please write if you have a sincere question.
2006-10-21 04:29:28 · update #1
As far as the asker who mentioned "pagan experts on Christianity", I don't consider myself an expert, but I do have a great of Christian education. I've read the Bible, in many versions, through more time than most Christians (who haven't read it completely once). I was a music minister, Sunday school teacher, Vacation Bible School teacher and attended many classes and workshops. I left when I started learning many of the lies I had been taught. Not an expert; I wouldn't ever attempt debating R.C. Sproul on Christian theology. I do know my own religion though, and do recognize lies about it when I hear them. What takes me by surprise, I investigate.
2006-10-21 04:45:40 · update #2
It's safer for them to go to one of their own. And most people seem to take "experts" at their word and books as truth (especially if the books were written by the alleged "experts"). It's just plain *willful* ignorance IMO. They have a chance to learn the truth, but they want to believe the sensational stories. The truth isn't as exciting or evil enough for them.
It's too sad some still believe the nonsense. I've been active in the pagan and satanism scenes since the early mid-eighties and never have I met anyone who sacrificed babies or molested kids, or practiced criminal behavior in conjunction with their beliefs.
2006-10-21 04:46:11 · answer #1 · answered by swordarkeereon 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I *believe*, but am not entirely sure, that many christian churches or groups discourage their members from having contact with us. That could have quite a bit to do with it.
Also, take into account the christian tendency to feel there is only one 'right' belief system. They may subconsciously group all pagans together because of this and therefore misinform about various paths. Others truly believe any religion other than theirs is the 'work of the devil' and don't seem to mind lying to get people to the 'straight and narrow'. They most likely think they're doing us a favor when all they're doing is displaying a frightful lack of honor.
I had a rather amusing (to me) case of mistaken identity/ignorance not too many years back. I had just moved into a new, rather close-knit neighborhood, and was having a difficult time trying to educate the neighbors who actually asked about my faith. I could not seem to get them to understand Wicca had many paths and that Asatru was not one of them. (Witches are in their bible, but sadly, Scandinavians are not.) One day a preteen boy came up to me and said "My Gran says you're going to hell". I asked why his Gran was so convinced I was hellbound and he said "Because you're a witch and you eat little kids on Halloween." Well, rather than try to explain the difference between me and a witch, again, I decided to just tell him the truth - that witches do not eat children.
"That's not true, honey. I can't stand children. They're entirely too salty."
He avoided my house for a while after that.
~Morg~
2006-10-21 04:44:49 · answer #2 · answered by morgorond 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They are much too narrow minded to ever consider Pagan and Wicca as anything other than evil. You can talk till you are blue in the face. Most Christians will not make any effort to investigate any other beliefs.
2006-10-21 04:28:43 · answer #3 · answered by Gorgeoustxwoman2013 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's amazing-the Christians have "experts" who insist that 99% of biologists and 100% of geologists are wrong about when and how the earth and its flora and fauna came into existence. In reality they're experts in selling a pack of lies to those gullible enough to believe them.
2006-10-21 04:35:57 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am Christian,Please do not include Me in that group.I believe
what feels right in my heart.I do not think any one is expert at anything.If I were to believe everything written, I would be running around screaming from confusion.You are welcome to Your belief,and I am entitled to mine.I would have no problem having lunch and chatting with any human.Two minds are better than one, perhaps I could learn something from You and you could learn something from Me.
2006-10-21 04:40:27 · answer #5 · answered by gwhiz1052 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know the answer to that, but I do know that most of our so called "christian" traditions came from paganism. Christianity is simply a kindegarten for spirituality to control masses of people, as is other great "religions". God is good and pure. When we start beliving that all people are worthy and part of His plan, then we free ourselves of pettiness and finger-pointing. Thanks for offering this question. Godloveya.
2006-10-21 04:26:29 · answer #6 · answered by Sassy OLD Broad 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Do you mean the ones like the pagan and athiest experts on Christianity?
2006-10-21 04:35:18 · answer #7 · answered by chara 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I don't know. Whenever I ask a question about paganism or atheism to try to gain knowledge, I get a buch of insults from them.
2006-10-21 04:24:35 · answer #8 · answered by Southern Apostolic 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
People believe in stuff..because the think they need it. Rule of thumb..."anyone can be a expert if your more than fifteen miles from home".
2006-10-21 04:26:34 · answer #9 · answered by ? 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
definite i think it. Jesus' dying replaced into to pay for our sins so eternal existence replaced into obtainable. Many immediately take sin to gently and Jesus' sacrifice as no longer something severe and that they are essentially silly in no longer attempting to appreciate God and Jesus greater efficient. God Bless
2016-10-02 12:51:40 · answer #10 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋