Without them freaking out?
2006-12-20 07:06:32 · 29 answers · asked by ariadne_shadowfire 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
First off, be able to explain what you believe and why you believe it.
2006-12-20 07:09:27 · answer #1 · answered by Tim 6 · 4⤊ 1⤋
Very carefully.
If you are worried about your safety at all, or worried that they may ship you off to a deprogramming camp, tell someone you can trust exactly where you'll be, what you're doing, whom you're with, and if your friend doesn't here from you by an agreed upon time s/he needs to contact the police!
You may need to introduce the idea slowly. First of all, you may need to find out what the Christian's thoughts are about Paganism and correct any misconceptions. Kerr Cuhulain's articles about Witch Hunts are a great resource, and he published a book that is helpful for Pagans and non-Pagans alike.
Once you've established that Paganism is a legitimate path, and you both are comfortable with the subject, then you can share that this is your religion.
I think it's too bad that Pagans have to be in the broom closet in the first place. I wish you the best of luck. Blessed be!
2006-12-20 07:18:02 · answer #2 · answered by Mrs. Pears 5 · 3⤊ 1⤋
I am a Wiccan and I am I guess you could say halfway out of the broom closet. My mother knows and many of my friends know. The only one I am worried about is my father who is a Catholic Deacon. I will tell him eventually and it will be hard for me to do. When I came out of the broom closet to my mother we sat down privately and I told her what I believe and how I came to find Wicca as my religion. If you can give reasons why and possibly educate them in what your pagan religion is about then you could most likely have this discussion with ease. I am also waiting for an opportune time to tell him as well. My grandmother, his mother, passed away not too recently and I felt that it wasn't the appropriate time to tell him. As long as you remain calm and reinterate that you are still the same person that they knew before it should go well. I hope for the best and Blessed Be!
~Merry Meet, Merry Part, Merry Meet Again~
2006-12-20 07:23:01 · answer #3 · answered by B-love 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This really depends less on the two religions in the abstract and more on the relationship between these two people. The minute the conversation shifts to the abstract ideas of Pagans and Christians it is instantly going to be more tense. Focus on your existing relationship--what makes the two of you yourselves as individuals. That said, keep these things in mind when "outing" yourself:
(1) Avoid deliberate attempts to shock someone. If you try to scandalize someone, you usually will.
(2) Don't mention "the Burning Times" or other Pagan persecution complex issues.
(3) Don't enter the conversation with a chip on your shoulder.
(4) Emphasize, as simply as possible, what you do believe, rather than just refuting what you don't believe.
Good luck.
2006-12-20 07:14:32 · answer #4 · answered by snowbaal 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Do it like you would do anything else in life....honestly and with conviction. You have the right to believe whatever you want to, and should be proud of your choices in life. Don't hide in the broom closet! Come on out. If this person cares for you and respects you, they will respect your decision to be Pagan. If they don't, you don't want them as a friend anyway. Just hold your head high, and let them know you have a different religious path then they do, tell them you are Pagan, and explain your choice - without criticizing their religion. Mutual respect is key.
2006-12-20 07:10:47 · answer #5 · answered by nottashygirl 6 · 6⤊ 1⤋
be very careful here....christians have killed raped and stole from pagans since the start.
and nothing has changed but the method
first who is this person in relation to you....if it's some over you like a boss or super who could with a few not so kind words prevent you from promotions or pay raises...don't tell, you can bet yer last buck they will..it's the christian way
if it's an in law, don't tell, will only cause extra strain on your marriage.
i guess the point is...know without question you will either be hated, openly or under wraps is the only question.
christian faith is based on fear, fear walks hand in hand with hate and violence...need proof?...get a history book.
be careful is all I'm trying to say...never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups.
2006-12-20 07:17:08 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
It says I'm real sorry to break it to ya but I don't celebrate Christmas... in my Paganism we celebrate on April 1st.
That is our holiday according to the American calendar.
I hope you'll be alright with that, no offense it's just I'd rather
follow me and my fellow man thinking he knows all the answers
and that we created ourselves rather than give the credit to
a supreme being of any kind. I hope you'll just be and let be now that I told you and hey if I get on a religious or spirituality site, don't worry, I'm not ragging on you, I'm just having fun with all the other people like you just for kicks.
2006-12-20 07:15:45 · answer #7 · answered by sassinya 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
My only advice is don't use the word "pagan" at first since it can be a bit of a loaded term in Christian circles.
I would at first use the specific term for your religion, Asatru, Wicca, or whichever it is. Explain your rites and practices, and make clear that it is an earth-religion, one not related to Christianity or its demonic figures. Give him some idea of how devout you are, too. One thing that is important in any inter-religious relationship is for each to know not just what they are in for, but how much.
Once you've done that, your part is done. How he reacts is not something you'll have any influence over, unfortunately. :-)
Good luck!
2006-12-20 07:12:24 · answer #8 · answered by evolver 6 · 4⤊ 1⤋
There's no way a pagan can't freak out a Christian. Christians are paranoid.
Only your closest friends and family will accept it.
2006-12-20 07:11:22 · answer #9 · answered by Voodoid 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋
It's not easy. It depends on what "kind" of Christian they are, and how they practice their religion. It's likely a best idea not to say too much unless someone asks you directly, then you can explain your beliefs, this way you're less likely to be outwardly "offending" them and less likely to cause some kind of fighting. Usually when someone asks you, they're likely open-minded or trying to "recruit" and either one opens the door to you either educating them (in both situations) and/or getting them off your "back".
Talk to other pagans too to get support while you're doing this!
_()_
2006-12-20 07:12:43 · answer #10 · answered by vinslave 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Kindly. If you are a Witch,say you are a Wiccan,because if this person does not know much about your beliefs,they will assume the worst!
Just kindly let them com to you.When they do, explain your beliefs in a kind manner and maybe they will not take it in a bad way. Wicca is such a beautiful religion,perhaps you can help your Christian Friends learn abit more about it!
2006-12-20 07:12:14 · answer #11 · answered by Myaloo 5 · 5⤊ 1⤋