I'm so very confused.
I believe in God, in a gut-instinct sort of way. Whether that has been bred in me from being raised in a Christian society or whatever, it doesn't really matter. Fact is, that's what my heart believes. And try as I might, I can't feel any kind of similar connection to a Goddess.
Trouble is, how do I reconcile my belief in God with all the problems I have with Christianity? And why am I continually drawn to Paganism??
2006-12-29 02:53:26 · 23 answers · asked by Kellenor 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Follow the deity/ies in your heart and work to build a deeper connection. The religion for you will become clear. Keep your eyes and heart focused on what really matters to you--your connection to your deity/ies. Perhaps some of the things that draws you to paganism (open minded people, environmentalism, etc?) can be found in other faiths also. You don't need to run away from a deity that you love simply because you don't like how a certain sect of people worship Him. Good luck and many blessings on your journey---wherever it may take you.
You may find this site interesting. It describes different Christian denominations and it is unbiased (from the University of Virginia). Perhaps there is a denomination that you would be more in tune with.
http://religiousmovements.lib.virginia.edu/profiles/listalpha.htm
2006-12-29 08:50:20 · answer #1 · answered by Witchy 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Well, are you male or female? If you're male, then it's understandable that you can't feel a connection to the Goddess. That's not a short-coming, it's just a matter of connecting with the aspect of the Godhead that resonates with you most. Goddess worship is on the rise among women in the U.S. for a very specific reason - we understand Her and identify with Her. If you're not a woman, that probably wouldn't be true for you. And, if you were raised as a Christian, you aren't going to immediately identify with the Goddess because She has been wiped completely from the Bible. It is very difficult to re-connect with a Divine that you have never known.
You are probably continually drawn to Paganism because they do not believe in Satan or sin, but rather nature as the Divine, and they are incredibly peaceful and accepting. You will also never hear a Pagan say, "If you're not a Pagan you're WRONG." That is not the Pagan way. Paganism is a much broader, wiser path in the sense that it recognizes all ways lead to the Divine and we are all headed to the same place - how you travel there matters only to you.
If you're drawn to Paganism, then be drawn to Paganism. You can focus on the God if you like, though really, you should try to learn more about the Goddess. She exists for a reason - because male and female, yin and yang, night and day, are what keep the world and everything existing thereon in balance.
Good luck!
)O(
2006-12-29 03:05:45 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The best thing to do is investigate all options out there and trust that you will be shown an appropriate path to God.
I had the same problem, coming from a christian background you think that you need to be a christian if you want to get close to God, however there are many paths, some not requiring organised religion at all.
If you believe in God, and want to strengthen your relationship with God, pray for guidance and do some research on religions and spirituality. Read up on different beliefs and choose something that feels right for you. And if you change your mind after trying something out, then no problem, you can try a different path.
A Loving God will not punish you for eternity!
2006-12-29 02:58:20 · answer #3 · answered by Ndumbipoint 1 · 3⤊ 0⤋
The problems you probably have with christianity is what the christians themselves do. Also with all the weird traditions we dream up and call doctrine.
The pure and simple truth to being a christian is to:
1 - Love and worship God
2 - Have faith in Jesus
3 - Recognize you are save by grace and not by works
4 - Live your life as an example for others. You can spread the good news of the gospel by the way you live your life. Show God's love to others in a practical way like buying a hungry man some food, etc.
5 - The only rules to follow is to love your God and love others as you love yourself. Study the word of God.
Everything else is crap that was made up by man.
You like paganism because a lot of its philosophies are the same as pure christianity. Love your neighbor, take care of the planet, be a good person. Just because they're pagan doesn't mean they have it all wrong like others say or that they are demon loving satanists. More than likely they are good people with good ideas.
We are supposed to care for the earth, it's Gods creation, we are to enjoy it.
We are supposed to love mankind and help it move forward.
We're not supposed to be christian on sunday morning only. The church is not about condemning people to hell. Christianity is not about passing judgement, we're not God.
The church is not the stupid building and the stupid rituals that have no basis in scripture. The church is the people, the body of Christ. It is a living and breathing organism.
Don't deny the conviction of the holy spirit because of the actions of others. Its not about them, but about the purity of the truth. Make a difference in this world and be a light. Show other christians how to live along with everyone else.
2006-12-29 03:06:16 · answer #4 · answered by Emperor Insania Says Bye! 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Christianity is not easy, Paganism is.
To be a really good Christian you wouldn't even kiss your significant other until after the wedding ceremony.
There's lot of work. If asked to carry a pack for 5 miles Jesus expects you to carry it 10 miles. If asked for your coat, Jesus expects you to give your sweater as well.
You're expected to learn, read and become some type of artistan.
Jesus was a carpenter. He could build a house without nails.
Jesus spoke Greek, Hebrew, Arabic and probably Latin.
Jesus also expects you to become so good with the sword that you defeat another swordsman without hurting one hair on their head. He expects you to put the fear of God into them.
Fighting solves nothing, it's a last, defensive resort agaisnt somone who draws on you. Otherwise turn the other cheek.
Go out into the world without a penny in your pocket and teach others the way and the truth, but don't hit them over the head.
Once you marry it's for life, unless they cheat on you.
God comes first, all others, except your spouse, come second.
See PAganism is easy. YOu can eat, drink and do Mary, but if you get Herpes, don't complain.
Your choice, free will.
Jesus is a hard obligation to take on. It's like being a Marine, only the best make it. The weak are for some other belief system.
Oh, and there are not rewards expressed or implied, other than Eternal Life (but no one knows where that will be) and the ability to go directly to God. Other than that, the reward is in the doing.
God wants Quality not Quanitity.
2006-12-29 03:04:54 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Well, I don't know what exact problems you have with Christianity or what pull Paganism offers, but you need to choose based on your belief set. If you think Paganism is the way to go, go for it and everyone else can deal with it. People will want you to follow their religion because they believe that you're damned if you don't -- that's not why you should do it. So I guess what I'm saying is, no one should have to prove to you that their religion is better than another one so this question is kind of a bad idea.
Good luck with your decision.
2006-12-29 02:59:30 · answer #6 · answered by dPaladin 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
how in the global are Christians and Scientologists a similar? Scientologists have self assurance there change into an Intergalactic warfare happening, which killed the extraterrestrial beings 'and their spirits' got here to Earth and took posession of mankind and characteristic considering change into our undesirable traits. are you able to in besides tell me what the relationship between Christianity and the above tale is? i do not keep in thoughts Jesus Christ being an alien. Or Mozes utilizing an unidentified flying merchandise to separate the red Sea. My record: Buddhists (which technically isn't a faith - yet a existence-style) Christians (as long as they're not great hardcore attempting to win me) Muslims (fairly a lot a similar deal there) Wiccans (not something for, not something hostile to) Pagans (not something for, not something hostile to) "keep in thoughts, i'm an Agnostic too."
2016-12-01 07:23:55 · answer #7 · answered by crabtree 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Pardon me, and correct me if I'm wrong, but it looks like you've contradicted yourself there. You cannot feel a connection to a Goddess but you are drawn to Paganism? How can that be? The Goddess is the main aspect of Paganism. I don't know. Maybe you cannot embrace the Goddess because society has cast her aside for thousands of years? Don't be a slave to society. The Goddess IS alive. But of course, it's up to you to determine if She is alive in you. Feel free to IM me if you want.
Blessed be.
2006-12-29 03:08:36 · answer #8 · answered by Maria Isabel 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it's just a matter of preference. you can be a Pagan and end up spending eternity in Elysian Fields or become a Christian and spend eternity in Christian heaven (with the likes of Jerry Falwell, Rush Limbaugh and Pat Robertson.)
i have no religion other than self honesty but i'd rather be going to Elysian Fields. Christian heaven sounds like a total drag.
2006-12-29 02:57:47 · answer #9 · answered by nebtet 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
You don't need to be either or, at least that is my opinion.
I follow my own path. I practice Voodoo/Hoodoo, but am technically a confirmed Catholic. I don't go to church or take communion anymore, as I don't agree with the politic and rules of the church. I pray at home, on my own terms, when I feel like it.
You can believe whatever suits you. Don't worry so much about labels. Research all religions, and do what feels right for you.
2006-12-29 02:57:32 · answer #10 · answered by nottashygirl 6 · 4⤊ 1⤋