I'm rather curious about this?

Question

As a Pagan, I am sometimes told by Atheists, "[Insert god here] does not exist."

For example, recently one just told me Pan does not exist.

Now, many Christians, and some Muslims would have taken offense to that [if it was their deity]. Why did I make a joke about it, and not worry about someone having a different view?

I beleive in my gods. I don't find them as crap.

Answer 1

Christian answer: "Because you know deep down that he's right and you're just rejecting Jesus/God!"

Real answer: "Because you are open minded enough to realize that it's differences of opinion that make life so great and wonderful. How boring life would be if we all believed the same!"

Answer 2

Because Paganism embraces differences. Paganism is about personal spirituality. Paganism supports science. Paganism in all it's many aspects is glorious. But maybe most importantly Paganism does not breed insecurity, hostility and arrogance into people.

I happen to be an atheistic pagan. I see the gods and goddesses as archetype/symbol only. I believe in the creative life force...not a sentient being in the otherworld. (some would call me a Taoist....but that's not quite right either...LOL) It matters not to me that others see it differently and I'm glad they have found their paths.

Answer 3

Pagans, in general, are open-minded, free-thinking & not bound by a massive amount of Dogma concerning taking their beliefs "lightly" at times. Pagan Deities are representatives of such wonderful things as: laughter, love, sex, humor, food, etc. etc I think it's easier to make light of one's own serious beliefs when you can think of your deity as a friend & companion, as opposed to a judge & jury. As a Pagan myself I was always taught to never judge another of a different belief structure, for "all Gods are one God" I think thats how most Pagans view things; too bad alot of the world sees things a bit differently. Make any sense? Hope so :D

Answer 4

Yes, I am the same way. I am not offended by Atheists claims that no gods exist, however I do get offended when Christians claim that their god exists and mine don't. I think it's because the Atheists are equal opportunity disbelievers whereas the fundies are hypocritical.

Answer 5

its similar with me.
i have to chuckle when someone says that the Creator of the universe, the Savior of my soul doesnt exist.

i dont join someones view by making a joke about the one i believe in.. but neither do i worry about someone having a different view.

there's times when i say nothing. or there's times when i put my foot in when the door is open.

Answer 6

because as Pagans , i believe that we have a greater sense of who we are and who our gods are. it does not matter to me if you do not believe in Cerunuuos. i believe in Cerunuuos
you can choose to believe or not to beliefe as much as you want to. it simply does not affect me and the gods that i worship.
Christians are hammered with the belief that they must actively rectuit new members and convert people and that if they are not doing this that they are living in defiance of their god. and that their god is the only god and that that is the end of the story. so to deny the existence of the christian god is to threaten their very way of life.

to deny the existence of a pagan god,,,well that is just your opinion and we in general do not care what you think or believe about our gods.

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oh yeah, and most of our gods will not send us to hell for making a joke at their expense.

Answer 7

Because although you believe in the Deity you believe in, you are open minded enough to realize that not everyone will believe what you do. You are strong enough in your beliefs to be able to make a joke of it. Kudos to you. We need more people like you around.

Answer 8

I don't know your history, but I'll make some assumptions. Feel free to correct me if I am wrong.

From the short time I've known you, I get the feeling you were not raised Pagan, and instead you chose your path yourself later on.

I think, if that's the case, this would make you more confident in your beliefs since they rely entirely on your conclusions and not the conclusions of others, such as parents, family, and friends.

And, those who are confident in their beliefs do not feel the need to amputate their sense of humor.

Answer 9

Maybe because you don't overreact when other people state their opinions. I'm sure there are Pagans out there that get testy about some things. I guess you aren't one of them. You just sound like a levelheaded person to me.

Answer 10

In religion, the others god is always mythology, but ones own mythology is absolute truth. At least the wise Atheists say they are all mythology without exception, and I think they’re very right.