A Druid's question for the Christians?

Question

Ok, I'm a Druid and answer a lot of questions in the Religion and Spirituality section. And lately I see fellow Druids and Wiccans asking questions wanting people to help them further their religion. People come in and instead of answering the question, attack them with comments like "Burn the witch" or "Burn in hell" or "You have no place here" and even "You're religion is a fake." But yet if a Christian or Catholic or Lutheran were to post a question asking for help in their own religion, people are expected to support and answer honestly and fairly. I say if you can't tolerate the fact that some people don't believe in your religion, don't answer their questions, or find a site that is specifically for your religion. This is a forum open to any and all beliefs, whether or not some people think Y! Answers should ban those that aren't Christian, Catholic, or whatever. I'm a Druid, I'm proud to be one, and I'm a part of this forum, so get used to Druids, Wiccans, and Pagans being here.

So basically my question is, what right do these ignorant people have in disrespecting someone else's religion, when they expect everyone to bow down and respect and honor theirs in return? If you want someone to respect your decision on what you chose to believe, respect theirs first.

How can someone mock and disrespect someone's religious beliefs and then turn around and expect that person to respect and support theirs? It's completely hipocritical what these people are doing.

Answer 1

I'm a Humanist who believes in freedom of religion. You have as much right to practice your religion (so long as it harms no one) and share it with others (without forcing it upon them) as anyone else. Don't be bothered by those petty people who would deny you the same liberties that they consider their right. You can't make them respect you, but you can set a good example for us all by showing how fair and reasonable a Druid can be.

Answer 2

So where is your question? Your entire 'question' is more of an editorial not a question, but if you are wondering why you get those responses from Christians, lets take a look.

First, you are assuming that the responses are from religious Christians....or Christians period. First, they might be from variuos other religions, no religion at all or just a religion by name (ie, non practicing).

Secondly, many questions get responses similar to 'Burn the Witch' that could be taken as a really bad attempt at being funny. Don't take them seriously.

Third, make sure that Druid's aren't doing that to other religions in the yahoo answers. Nothing deep about this one, just be nice to each other.

Finally, IGNORE THEM. Your religion is small and vastly mis-understood by most people. Educate them (without trying to convert) so they don't make idiotic comments. People fear what they don't understand. (PS. Catholics and Lutherans are just Christians....)

Answer 3

Anyone who says "burn the witch" or "burn in hell" isn't a true Christian. A TRUE Christian does not attack others' beliefs or lifestyles, but rather believes in tolerance and acceptance, and knows that it's not our place to judge others. The kind of people you are talking about are the people who give Christians a bad reputation, and I'm sorry they are the ones who answer your questions. I don't know much about Druids and Wiccans, so I just don't answer those questions at all, although I do occasionally read them to learn.

Answer 4

You've raised a very good point here. This is a forum for any religion and like the USA, everyone has the right to freedom of religion here.

But would you consider a couple of issues. First of all, there are narrow minded people who need to grow up and be more tolerant in all religions and as a Christian, I'm sorry that the Christians just don't get the "love thy neighbor as thyself" commandment from Jesus himself.

Secondly, some of these people may be trolls. I've seen people pose as Christians on this board and say horrible things to infuriate people against Christianity, so some of them may be from that group (a good way to check is to look at the questions they ask and answer in their profile - if they are level one, probably are trolls).

Finally, this happens to the Christians as well. Unfortunately when Yahoo!Answers refuses to expand this category to allow more subcategories in the hopes of creating understanding, they are forgetting that this is like putting the KKK and the Black Panthers on Jerry Springer's TV show and expecting them not to fight.

While I do not agree with your religion I do recognize that you have the right to share your beliefs on here. My hope is that we can all learn to get along with one another.

Like you said, if the question gets you upset, the best thing to do it bypass the question instead of responding in anger.

So, for you: do no harm. For me: walk in Love. Both basically mean the same thing.

Answer 5

I agree. Each religion feels that their's is the only true one and the only way to reach paradise or heaven. Look at all the trouble the world is having because of jihads. Religion is whatever makes each person happy and comfortable. I feel that I can reach heaven if in this life I have learned to truly love someone enough to sacrifice my life for them, if I learn how to give and care about others and to sympathize with whatever pain they are going through without judgment or criticism, to accept others regardless of their lifestyle or belief, and to never intentionally hurt anyone else. And words can be the most hurtful of all. Treat everyone else the same way you would want to be treated and the world would be a much, much better place.

Answer 6

I wish people would be more relaxed about religion, they all have the same core values anyway just look different. They all serve a purpose and as long as you know that then it will be ok. I get criticized all the time for being catholic (we are not very liked either)

Answer 7

There are religions, Christianity is one of them, which one can fall into the "one and only way" trap. Plus if you are brought up in a religion, study it all your life then anything else may seem strange and alien. Even frightening. "True Christian" (read that fanatics) consider anything else satanic. Those are the ones you are running into. There are open minded Christians who (gasp) even believe in evolution and should have no problem with other religions.

Answer 8

Realllllllllllly???
You are a shaman from an extinct celtic culture?
Wow that is amazing.
How did you manage to keep your ancient traditions?
I thought most druids joined the clergy in medeival times.
Or are you some new ager with no real ancient tradition other than stuff made up by neopagans? So you assign yourself a name like druid and now feel you belong to a 'specail' group.
But when are you told to burn in hell?
I can understand others thinking you are a fake but not a victim.
I have studied druidry there buddy and have only found scraps of any original source. Seems solar/male dominated. I suspect it was more formal than wicca which seems to have survived with the peasantry, but like your own claim most is modern source neopaganism.
Most of it has been fabricated by modern 'practictioners'
You see some folks like to consider themselves open mined and then call others with differetn views idots as you yourself has done or bigots as others have done.
Dare I state a 'Christian' quote.
Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
Your 'question' came off sounding aggressive so I just wanted to remind you and all other 'open minded' pagans that it goes both ways.
You see i share much of your belief if druidry is truly what you believe, but I just don't share your antichristian sentiment.

Answer 9

i respect all druids, wiccans, pagans, etc, because they are very devoted religous people. they also have a very hard time in society. i pray that one day you will be more widely accepted in modern culture, and know that you always have people like me and friends of mine who see all of you as equals.

Answer 10

I am christian and I do not have a problem with other religons, and I think christians who do are not following the words of God by picking on other religions.

"To each his own"

Peace ;)