I've come across many people in life who claim they don't believe Wicca is an actual religion. They state that I'm worshipping Satan and am going to go to Hell when I die. If I don't believe in Hell, how can I possibly go there, and if I don't believe in something, how can I be worshipping it?
My main question is, if I am not of a certain faith, why do people try to use those beliefs to convert me (or others)
2007-02-11 15:43:14 · 21 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I hear you. There will always be people in the world who will attempt to force thier beliefs on another. Keep in mind that people's religion serve important social and cultural functions, in addition to just their belief system. Because of this, I think that these people might be seeking reassurance that those around them share cultural similarity. Additionally, there are just ignorant people out there, these are the one's making the statements that you described above.
If you are dealing with someone who is persistent in wanting to discuss religion, say something like "I understand that you see your beliefs as the truth, but I feel the same way about mine." You could also end with statement such as "I am familiar with [your religion], but I have chosen not to follow it." to emphasize that your beliefs were your own choice.
Whatever you choose to believe in, be proud of your beliefs!
Take care.
2007-02-11 16:08:16 · answer #1 · answered by Mary R 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Just because you don't believe in something, it doesn't mean it doesn't exists. You just choose not to believe in it. If anyone is telling you you're going to hell, whatever religion they are isn't really working for them or they're not 100% into it themselves. No one knows if you're going to hell or if it's even real.
I don't know why some people try to convert you. I personally don't have this problem. My only guess is that they want you to think like them. Not cool and it rarely works. Just go on about your day and try not to concern yourself with it. If you found something that works for you, stick to it.
People probably say Wicca isn't a religion because they don't know about it. It's easier to dismiss what you fear instead of finding out what it's about. Again, just walk away and ignore the fools that try to bring you down or condemn you. No one can condemn you. They can say whatever they want, it doesn't make it true.
2007-02-11 15:50:05 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
For some religions it's in the "manual" to try and convert others.
If it's the Catholic Bible they are using there is one thing that may interest you (not sure if Old or New testament). It states that if you truly believe(don't forget , you can't fool your God, even if you are fooling yourself) truly believe that what you are doing is not a sin, then it is not a sin in the eyes of God.
Doesn't mean that people wont try to convince you otherwise, or that you are right in your convictions, but if you truly believe you are sinless you should be ok in the eyes of the Christian God. As long as they got the Bible right that is.
2007-02-11 15:54:00 · answer #3 · answered by =42 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Trying to use Christian doctrine to convert a non-Christian is kind of like trying to use a comic book to prove the existence of Batman, isn't it?
Let them believe what they want. As Wiccans, we know why we do what we do and where we stand. It can be annoying to be harassed, but in the end they have no power over us other than what we give them. And who knows? That conversation they start might actually lead to both parties learning something about the other.
2007-02-11 15:47:14 · answer #4 · answered by prairiecrow 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They try to discredit anyone who thinks differently to them, why? I don't know perhaps it's fear that they don't have the unshakeable faith they pretend to have.
To Christians, falsely aligning others who are different to them with Satan is the best way they can discredit them so that's why they do it even though Satan means nothing to people outside of Christianity.
Christ & Satan are a double act, you never get one without the other, Christianity is Satanic at least in that sense.
2007-02-11 15:54:48 · answer #5 · answered by CHEESUS GROYST 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Interesting question.
Because when you are talking to other people, they will always interpret things in their own standards. For example, when I speak with my cousin he will never acknowledge God and explain everything from a very basic point of view. If I speak with my sister, her interpretation will be completely different on the same subject.
More often than not, certain groups of religious folk will apply the 'if you're not with us, then you're against us' theology. In my opinion, that can be dangerous as the other party in the conversation is automatically excluded.
It's okay to believe in what is right, but not everyone is going to understand it.
2007-02-11 15:48:59 · answer #6 · answered by Molly 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The answer to the first question: they say that because that is a part of their religion. Every time they say that to me, I say, at least I won't be stuck in heaven with your butt! It annoys them to no end!
The answer to the second question: because they are often taught that their religion is the only "true way"! And because they have thing where everyone must be the same thing as them!
2007-02-12 06:49:50 · answer #7 · answered by Silver Wolf 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They do the same thing to me too. They just don't get it that threats of hell-fire and accusations of devil worship are futile with me because I don't believe in that BS. They cannot think outside of the box, they honestly seem to believe that everyone else thinks in their religious paradigm.
2007-02-11 15:47:06 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If I don't believe in Hell, how can I possibly go there
- One may not believe in jail, but commit a crime and prison he'll go!
Except... prison has evidence to prove its existence. Hell has none.
2007-02-11 15:47:39 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Being brainwashed, one can only repeat what they have been programmed to say. The idea of us thinking differently is totally foreign to them because they are not allowed to think for themselves!
Just smile and remind them that their hatred will manifest into cancer if their not careful! ; )
2007-02-11 15:59:42 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋