Two Questions about Christian behaviour and idol-worship?

Question

Something happened to me about a week ago. I was at the grocery store, and as many faithfuls do, I was wearing a symbol of faith. It looks a bit like this charm here: http://tinyurl.com/28dyze

While in the check-out line, this woman ahead of me turned to me and said "Interesting charm. Is it a representation of you and your baby?" Right now, I'm in my second trimester, so I'm showing. Flattered, I smiled and replied "No, not exactly. See, I'm Pagan and this is a representation of the Mother Goddess. Her belly is big like this to show her abundance of nature - to put it simply."

Her looked changed completely. She scored at me and said "No it's not! You're wearing an idol!" Which I thought was funny since she was wearing a crucifix. I tried to explain to her that I don't worship anything physical (especially the charm), that it was simply a symbol of my faith. I was about to mention the representation of her Deity on a cross, but I thought better of myself.

However, my explanation was in vein as she kept going "Yeah, I know what Pagans are like. You're idolaters, Satan-worshipers, and just plain evil. And that charm proves how deep you're into this stuff! I hope your baby doesn't come out with horns on it's head." Now, I'm used to this attitude to varying degrees, but to bring into the conversation my un-born child ... I was at a loss for words. The woman walked away as tears started to well in my eyes.

The girl at the register scored at the woman and kindly asked if I was okay. She and I had a bit of a conversation since I was the last in line. I found out that she was an Atheist but thought it was pretty cool that I'm Pagan and not afraid to show it. After the girl soothed my nerves, I went home.

My first question is, why would a follower of Christ act like this - especially to insult my baby? And secondly, why is my representation of faith considered idolatress, but her crucifix is acceptable?

Answer 1

I'm a Christian, and that woman was waaaaay out of line. She had no right to call you any of those things, much less bring your child into the discussion. That was anything BUT Christ-like, and I'm sorry that you got the brunt of her ignorance and superstition.

And there are those who think that anything but their own narrow little views are evil. If it's some consolation to you, I wear a Celtic cross, and I've been told that it's pagan and demonic. Some people have ignorance they haven't even used yet.

Answer 2

Ok, I'm an Athiest who used to be pagan. I've gone through this crap before. What you experienced is just as I have experienced all throughout my life. No one understands, and they all have to be right. Although I can't say that anyone has had the audacity to be quite so rude in an obvious way. I do have a tattoo of a pentagram which I am proud of, and I do have a goddess pendant such as you are describing. Now that I'm pregnant I think I might wear it too. I'm so glad you gave me that idea.

Anyway, just tell these people that it is devil worship and if they have any kind of sense they will leave you alone or you'll cast demons upon them.

I love it when church groups come to my door so I can tell them I'm either Pagan or Athiest. It's just priceless the look on their face. But I'm just a little bit more rebellious about these things. But you have to learn to take a little more humor in it. Don't take it to heart, everyone else just wants to be right like I said before. Leave me an email on my blog. Below.

Answer 3

I apologize for this person's behavior.

For many people a crucifix is a form of an idol but it gets a pass because it's well, a crucifix. Some people in my church pitched a fit recently because our cross was taken down for cleaning. A serious, world-class fit. Apparently we can't be a proper church with God's blessing if we don't have the cross up. If that's not idolatry I don't know what is. Frightening how it creeps up on us without realizing it. Our pastor had some sharp words for this crowd fortunately.

Probably just as well you didn't mention her crucifix. It only would have exacerbated things. She had no call to yell at you like that or to bring your baby into it. Just because you disagree with someone's worldview it is no excuse to devolve into such . . . . playground behavior. Christians should not behave like that.

Answer 4

I am so sorry that you were treated so badly by someone claiming to be a Christian. The cross symbol she was wearing would be the same as your earth mother symbol. In some christian circles, jewelry of the cross is not used for the same reasons you claim. (idolatry) You may notice some crosses are empty and some have Jesus still on it. even those are debated as right or wrong. It is a matter of what you were taught. She was out of line and not represntative of all Christians.

Answer 5

No, no.... I am.. or at least I was raised as a Christian. Now I am sort of what you can non denominational meaning I don't put a title on it. Regardless, I do, with every bit of me, believe in God and Jesus... so therefore I could easily call myself Christian (or Christ Warrior as it means).

I would never behave that way. What that woman is (and I know you don't really want a lesson on my religion but I feel the need to thoroughly explain myself) is called a sign of the times. In the bible, there are a series of events and type of people that are going to warn of the coming about of the end of the world. The time when those signs show is now, we are living in what is called the end of days. One of the signs of the times is those who claim Godly devotion, but prove false to its power. This woman wore a cross, clearly displaying her religion, but a true worshipper of Christ should NEVER treat another human being this way. We are all brothers/sisters in Christ and should treat eachother with love. God is a God of love and if she were Christian she would know that and follow it every second.

On behalf of all Christians, I apologize for that behavior. It was unneccessary, and very un-Christian-like.

Answer 6

Right away, can I say that this woman was not acting in a Christian way and she ought to be ashamed of herself. Secondly, can I say that not all Christians wear crosses. In fact, a lot of Christians consider it wrong to venerate an instrument of torture. Baptist churches do not have any symbols of the cross. Thirdly, can I offer you my sincere and hearfelt apology that someone claiming to be a Christian insulted, offended and ridiculed you for your beliefs.

Finally, may I wish you and your unborn baby all that is good and may you have a trouble-free pregnancy and birth. I hope you won't be insulted if I ask (my) God to bless you?

Answer 7

Christians are notorious for pointing fingers and condemning others. Look at the crusades and the lion pits that Christians threw non Christians into. I am sorry she upset you, but she is not worth your tears. You have your beliefs and she has hers. Too bad she chose to be ignorant and hurt you. I do not believe in god myself, but in nature and dreams and assorted other things. I do not consider myself a pagan as that gives me a label and I don't need that to be who I am.
You are the better person for not giving her the what for, I would have. Congrats on your baby and relax. Blessed be.

Answer 8

It's a double standard. Most christians see other things but a cross as evil. They don't think that their cross is a symbol of their faith, it's just something to show they believe in Christ, and anyone that isn't a believe, is wrong. I think this is wrong. I'm christian, but I think that we all need to tolerant of others beliefs. I don't think you are evil or wrong for your faith. If it wasn't for other faiths, we wouldn't learn that much of others.

I don't wear a cross. I don't think a cross is a good symbol to wear. It isn't Christs death that we should be focused on, and to me, wearing a cross is the same as dwelling on Christs death and not his life.

I do wear a ring with the symbol CTR on it. It means "choose the right". It reminds me to always think of Christ, and to do what he would do. It isn't a symbol of my faith, just a reminder.

I wouldn't worry about what others think. It's hard to not, but they aren't who is going to judge you, and they certainly won't be the one you have to answer to. Just keep doing what you think is right and leave everyone else to think what they want. Oh.. by the way.. I get the "I'm evil and going to hell" speech all the time for my religion too, so it isn't just yours. ;) Good luck to you and I hope all goes well for you in having that baby!!!!!!

Answer 9

It was very wrong and not as Christ would do. I apologize for this lady who is a misrepresentation, as so many, who proclaim to be christians. We are not to belittle others, as we are sinners in our own right. We are no better than you or anyone else. We are different in our believes and our hope. Again, this lady was acting very wrong and I hope she will realize that and repent.

Answer 10

The woman you talked to was very closed minded. Unfortunately, she was also a catholic (only Catholics wear a crucifix).

The charm that you were wearing is a sign of your faith just as her crucifix was a sign of hers.

On behalf of all catholics, I ask for your forgiveness for the rudeness of this woman. Please forgive her.