I have a friend who is Christian, but has an interest in many things that are pagan related. I always thought angels sent from a Christian God, were referred to as male in the Bible, and the only instance of a female angel mentioned in the Bible, had to do with a demonic angel who disguised himself to deceive others. At least I think that was the Bible.
Also, the raven usually presents magick or some forms of voodoo, mojos, charms, spells, and such. Aren't these more pagan related interests than christian? The strange part, is that she doesn't realize a lot of her interests are non-christian. But she keeps telling me I'm wrong. I think she is being manipulated by spirits, and slowly being pushed into black magick. I'm worried about her, because she seems confused about her spirituality, which means she may end up into anything. She also deals with a lot of depression, and talks a lot about manfesting good things in her life by positive thinking and sending love into the air.
2006-12-05
04:36:11
·
13 answers
·
asked by
Zumi
1
in
Society & Culture
➔ Religion & Spirituality
I thought Christians put all belief in God, and did not depend on their own "positive thinking", "manifesting", and similar things. You can't be Christian and have pagan or voodoo type beliefs. Maybe she is more of a pantheist and doesn't know it. She's very confused and mixes a lot of beliefs, but leans toward pagan and magick type beliefs, but still reads scriptures and calls herself christian.
2006-12-05
04:38:30 ·
update #1
Yes, she says that she is "saved" and was baptized and everything. But even I know, what she's doing is not Christian. She also goes through periods where she is really depressed and switches from this manifesting love everyone person, to someone who is sad and needs time alone. That sounds like spirit manipulation to me.
2006-12-05
04:41:30 ·
update #2
I don't care what others choose as their religion. But she claims to be a SAVED CHRISTIAN who is doing all these things. I'm asking these question to find out if a SAVED CHRISTIAN would really have these interests. I have friends into different beliefs, but I think she is being manipulated by "something" because of her actions and I'm worried about her.
2006-12-05
04:43:39 ·
update #3
I've also heard that some pagans believe that two winged FEMALE angels, are demons known as Lilith, and have some type of Jezebel spirit, which I believe christians have spoken of. So everytime I've read about female angels, it was never positive, and was always an insult of true angels mentioned in the bible. Almost, how people into demon worship use an upside down cross.
2006-12-05
04:59:44 ·
update #4
She doesn't sound saved. Have you asked her point blank for her testimony and EXACTLY what she is believing in that makes her think she's a Christian? I would ask her right away!
EDIT:
I don't believe a saved person would be dabbling with the occult like she is doing. I think she's fooled herself. A lot of people make false professions of faith.
2006-12-05 04:39:16
·
answer #1
·
answered by lookn2cjc 6
·
3⤊
3⤋
To start angels are ambiguous. They show characteristics of both male and female. Take a look at the movie Constantine. Gabrielle the angel can pass for either male or female. Angels have not sexual orientation. The bible reflects on a patriarchal religion that was written during a time when women were thought to be inferior to men. That is why the bible talks about them being male.
The raven is nothing more than a symbol for death. The raven if thought to help carry the souls of the dead to the other side. It was believed that when you see a raven you or someone you knew was going to die.
Remember it says in the bible that God will help those that help themselves. If she has positive thinking and wants to bring good things into her then let her. If she is depressed she needs those good things around her. I battled the disease for years. When I decided to take action and bring positive things into my life that is when everything turned around for the better. Don't worry about your friend unless she starts on the path that hurts herself or others.
2006-12-06 11:44:34
·
answer #2
·
answered by Nelly 4
·
0⤊
1⤋
This question pretty much assumes you believe in "magick" (black or otherwise) and spirits. Do you? If so, then learn something about these beliefs before you condemn them. If NOT, then why worry? Your friend seems just like a naturally curious, open-minded person, who finds other cultures and religions interesting.
Many rituals now incorporated into Christianity originated in Pagan beliefs, such as Christmas and All Saint's Day (created by the church to offset Halloween). Even Easter, the highest Christian holy day, has been influenced by Pagan celebrations of the Spring solstice (that's where the bunnies and lambs, etc., come from!). (paganwiccan.about.com)
Why not check out links, like the ones below, so you have more information about various Pagan beliefs, before you jump to conclusions about your friend straying from Christianity or being influenced by spirits! I doubt she'd be flattered by these assumptions you have about her, since it sounds like you think she's not very smart and easily manipulated!
P.S. Maybe she will conclude that she WANTS to become a Pagan. Will you still be her friend, then?
P.S. - WHY is almost everyone here SO convinced that their version of religion is the "right" one and this girl needs "guidance" or "saving" ? Who died and made YOU all Pope?
2006-12-05 12:50:09
·
answer #3
·
answered by SieglindeDieNibelunge 5
·
2⤊
3⤋
A person can receive Christ in their life and heart and still be sidetracked by other things and religions. All it takes to be a Christian is to believe God sent his son to die for your sins and claim that salvation for your life, but it doesn't mean you are free from evil and sin. You have God mercy and grace but if you get into the wrong side you can be involved with spirits and no possessed but definitely oppressed by demons. The best thing you can do for your friend if you are a Christian yourself is to ask Jesus to show her what she's doing wrong; He is more powerful than any demon or spirit that might be fighting her. And if you're not a Christian ask God to show himself to you and really seek for a sign, try him and he won't let you down. I'm praying for you and your friend.
2006-12-05 12:46:51
·
answer #4
·
answered by Etherial 2
·
0⤊
2⤋
Your friend sounds distracted with things other than God. Ask, isn't He enough? She is definitely confused about her spirituality and her depression may be related to the oppressive, pagan-related pursuits. Encourage her to read the Word, it will be a light unto her path. If she is willing to pray with you, take these things to the Lord in prayer.
2006-12-05 12:44:22
·
answer #5
·
answered by lindakflowers 6
·
2⤊
2⤋
It sounds like some serious demonic oppression is taking over her life. (She might've opened the door to it)
If your really care for her and worry then get her to one of Bob Larson's conferences and check out this book :
LARSON’S BOOK OF SPIRITUAL WARFARE
An encyclopedic handbook on all you need to know about demons, the devil, angels, deliverance, exorcism, satanism, the occult, witchcraft & psychic phenomena. It includes the latest information on:
Influence of witchcraft and paganism in today’s culture.
Warnings about activities leading to demonic bondage.
Biblical foundation for understanding spiritual warfare.
Don't delay, you can also contact them for help, she needs major help & deliverance.
2006-12-06 01:44:49
·
answer #6
·
answered by You are loved 5
·
0⤊
2⤋
Your friend is obvious being influenced by the devil into thinking on her OWN and listening to ourside sources. DEVIL. Because a true Christian will not have interests in the things you describe. They revile a Christian as they revile GOd. It does sound like she is being manipulated by evil spirits. But, dont give up on her, just keep praying for her and speaking truth, tho if she wont hear it, you wont be held accountable, its our job to speak truth and live it, but its Gods job to do the convicting. Just be sure you are on a right place with God in obedience and love, and staying in the spirit before you attempt to deal with this person that may have evil spirits either trying to get in, or already are in. We arent to fear that, but we are to use Caution. you say she suffers grat depression. that is from evil influence also.
Now, the thought on the power of speaking out positive things, and watching them be manifest into your life by faith and prayer, is a good thing. Words are powerful and we need understand that. we can bless or curse someone by the words we use, and the same with ourselves. God says to call out what we want. SO,if I say That man is stupid, it is my prayer for him. SO, we must use caution in our words. But, it is God that brings things into manifestation, not us, by hearing our prayers. we arent God. It sounds to me like this is one confused person that needs love and prayer, and you can do that, and try to help her. Get her to see a pastor that is in the deliverance ministry if you dont know what all that is, and just do what you can. Just dont let her evil influcence you and take you down. Never give up praying for the lost. Nice to see a person still having such concern for another. God will bless you. Not all spirituality is good There is true spirituality and false, and it sounds like she is ready to leave the good for the bad. PRAY>>>>>
2006-12-05 15:20:30
·
answer #7
·
answered by full gospel shirley 6
·
0⤊
3⤋
Your friend is NOT thinking with the mind of Christ, and any fascination with voodoo symbols is of the world, and not of God. Here are definitions of the things you mentioned:
Mojo:
A mojo is a small bag, a type of magic charm, often of red flannel cloth and tied with a drawstring, containing botanical, zoological, and/or mineral curios, petition papers, and the like. It is typically worn under clothing. (this is a form of hoodoo)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mojo
Voodoo:
Voodoo (Vodun or Vudun in Benin and Togo; also Vodou in Haiti) is a name attributed to a West African ancestral religious system of worship and ritual practices, where deities are born and honored, along with the veneration of ancient and recent ancestors who earlier served the same tutelary deities. This system of worship is widespread in a multitude of African groups in West Africa.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voodoo
Magick:
An action or effort undertaken because of a personal need to effect change, especially as associated with Wicca or Wiccan beliefs.
http://education.yahoo.com/reference/dictionary/entry/magick
The charms, spells, and the symbology of ravens, female angels, ect all fall under the category of "magick", which is spelled differently from "magic" because of the religious connotation behind it. This person is either aware of what he or she is doing, and among christians with the intent to mislead them, or she is being influenced by spiritual forces, without realizing it.
When people are oppressed and attacked by demonic forces, and do not realize what's happening, it often leads to depression and fear. I hope that he or she renews their relationship with God, to strengthen their faith, allowing him or her to resist the spiritual attacks and manipulation that IS occurring. Otherwise, it's only a matter of time before these non-christian beliefs are fully accepted. Anyone can "say" they are a Christian.
2006-12-05 13:34:40
·
answer #8
·
answered by Anonymous
·
1⤊
3⤋
Well, what's wrong with her interest in other symbols? If she wishes to explore her world a little bit more and decide for herself whether her ideas are Christian or not, who are you to stop her?
Ravens are a bird. We humans just project our own suspicions and beliefs on them. I could tell you that the ravens is a messenger and a bringer of luck and peace, but you won't believe me. You've already basically said that you think ravens are bad, that they are evil because they represent "black magick" (btw, thanks for using the proper spelling of magick).
There is no such thing as black magick, just magick and people who use it for good or bad reasons.
~~Nao
2006-12-05 12:41:29
·
answer #9
·
answered by lighted_crystal 3
·
3⤊
4⤋
It means that they are only claiming to be christians and are not living according to the word of God.
Exodus 20:3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
Exodus 23:13 And in all things that I have said unto you be circumspect: and make no mention of the name of other gods, neither let it be heard out of thy mouth.
Judges 10:13 Yet ye have forsaken me, and served other gods: wherefore I will deliver you no more.
Matthew 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven
We are to focus on God and not the things around us. I'm sorry but your friend is just claiming to be a Christian, but her actions say other wise according to the word of God.
Titus 1:16 They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.
Your friend needs to get into the word of God and fill her mind and heart with His word, and stay away from the things of this world that is pulling her away from God.
Matthew 26:41 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
Romans 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Pray for your friend that she leaves those temptations and turn back towards God.
2006-12-05 12:43:33
·
answer #10
·
answered by Anonymous
·
1⤊
3⤋