why can't I live my life as a non-Christian not worrying about someone trying to "SAVE" me?

Question

Christians wear crosses and other things that declares who they are. But if I put on my Pentacle, I am told that I will go to a hell that I don't even believe in. Why can't you allow people to be who they are without trying to force them into your mold of what you think they should be? Look at what was done to the American Indians and the African people. their cultures don't even exist anymore except in a diluted form that "good Christian people" have allowed them to have. and Gods Forbid that anyone of an eclectic or Wiccan belief be open about their beliefs. I am me. I can be no other. Will you Christians accept that as I accept you for you?

Answer 1

~~~ seawolfs,,,,, Most Respectfully, it is only YOU who Permit sanctimonious christians to CAUSE you to "worry". The question you should ask is of yourself,,,"Why do I ALLOW them to affect me in a Negative Way? " This is known as Surrendering Your Power. ~~~~ ,,, and 2cents more of wisdom,,,"The best way to avenge yourself is to not become like the Wrongdoer."

Answer 2

In all honesty no one would know what religion I was because I don't go around with it sewn on my sleeve. Don't post a paragraph making generalizations and posting negative information and then say that you accept others(hypocrisy is bad in all religions). If you don't want to be noticed then put the Pentacle in your pocket! It's like a tattoo of your name. If you know what your name is then why do you need to display it on your body. I'm not one to ignore the pink elephant in the studio apartment. If it is right there in my face, then I am going to ask about it. I never attack without having been attacked. And that my friend, was an attack on Christianity.

"Look at what was done to the American Indians and the African people. their cultures don't even exist anymore except in a diluted form that "good Christian people" have allowed them to have."

Honestly is that very accepting? No, it isn't. If you can't take a hit, then don't be the first to swing!

Answer 3

You know, I really hate to use this expression, but...life just isn't fair sometimes. Some things are generally accepted in society and some are not. If you choose one that is not, its really not up to me to fix the problem for you.

However, I have been told in certain places I cannot wear a cross or any religious symbol.

Really though, I could go out to Walmart in the middle of the country in conservative ridden Kansas and find 25 people within 10 minutes with some kind of figure representing wiccan, satan or other so-called unaccepted beliefs...many permanently tattooed on their bodies. At the local high school it would take even less time.

The Skeptical Christian
Grace and Peace
Peg

Answer 4

I can't speak as a Christian but I will say that in the Christian Church it is taught to proselytize. Which means to reach out and try to convert others. Some churches more than others, obviously (Mormons, Jehovah Witness are good examples). I personally believe that by what you say in your question you have taken an approach that has given Christians more power than you realize. Example: So what if you wear a Pentacle? If you want to, do it! It doesn't matter what others think. Be open to who you are. Be proud of it. I have studied eastern religions. I wear an OM symbol. Some people ask, I have no consternation about telling them.

Answer 5

It sounds like you have two issues. The first is that you face persecution for your faith from some Christians. Unfortunately religious persecution has been around as long as religion and I doubt we'll see an end of it soon. My main word of advice here is to not judge all Christians by the actions of a few.

Second, understand that those who persecute you often do so out of fear...but not of you personally. Those individuals truly believe that your very presence has the potential to damn their eternal souls to hell. That's a simplification, but in the end that is what it comes down to. Don't blame the person. It's likely that they are good people but they have been filled with such fear that they see many things in our world, especially pagan religions, as a mortal threat.

Finally, regarding people trying to "Save" you, this is typically a trait of evangelicals rather than Christiantiy as a whole. The fear here is that if they fail to show you the way to the lord, your damnation lies on their shoulders due to their inability to convince you or their inaction if they don't try. Again, fear is a powerful motivator.

So while I don't suggest you pity those who try to save you or persecute you, I hope that by understanding their motivations you will see that what they truly fear is their own damnation rather than anything about you personally.

Blessed be!

Answer 6

Boy. That's just a bit of the pot calling the kettle black.

Why do you lump us all together?

We are not all like that.

FYI darling. American Indian cultures and African cultures do still exist.

I have many pagan and wiccan friends. I adore them. Just as they are. I love when they ask me questions about my faith. Especially when they ask one that stumps be. I love to research!

That pentacle you wear was originally a Christian symbol. The Germans (deutch - not dutch) who came here often hung them in windows as sources of God's grace and protection. You can still find them in windows of "Dutch" Pennsylvania.

The 5 pointed star symbolized the 5 wounds of Jesus. Crowning with Thorns, Scourging, Nails through the Hands, Nails through the Feet and Lance.

You see, the early Christians were still Jewish. The Hebrew people had the Star of David. 6 points. Christians needed a star as well. Albeit different...

Answer 7

No one should try to force anyone to believe anything. That is a grave human error. God does not force us - so we definitely don't have the right. Also, there is ever an imbalance concerning heaven and hell. Many people go to one of two extremes: Either everyone is going to heaven, because God is so loving and loose and doesn't care what you do in this life - or fire and brimstone is preached, attempting to scare everyone into getting their life right, and threatening them with hell. Both are wrong.

God is a God of both justice and mercy, which have kissed each other, the Bible says. Love and discipline, mercy and justice - go hand in hand. God sets before us the blessing and the curse. He lets us know, we may do as we choose, but both have their consequences - and we must decide which we are willing to take.

The reason why Christians don't "leave you alone", is because they know the dangers of walking astray, and are desperate to save you. That's all fine, but they need to go about it in a different way. It can be difficult for some to maintain a peaceful calm. Its kindof like watching someone cross the street, and seeing a semi-truck coming right at them - but they don't see it. You try to tell them, but they are ignoring you or don't believe you. Do you keep trying to reason with them, or do you run and throw yourself into them, to save their life? It may be difficult at times, but we all must learn to treat each other with patience and love. All one can do is present the truth as you know it - with love. Persuade and answer questions. But never let it turn into an argument or an unkind thing. Pray for them, and continue to show Christ to them, in love. Changing the heart, is the Holy Spirit's job - not ours.

So I am sorry that you have had such negative experiences. You are worth no less than a Christian. Also, they need to understand - and you need to understand - that it is the Truth which is superior, not the people following/carrying it. And while I realize that you believe differently - who knows what may come your way, in the future. You will learn new things.

Many are willing to try all kinds of things, to see if they are true - but scoff and shutdown when it comes to Christianity. I know why. Because of the poor representations of Christ, which many show. Their hypocrisy and un-Christlike ways disenchant many. But we cannot look to people. Do you turn away from witchcraft, because you run across "bad" witches? No, I'm sure you don't. And so we must let Christ teach us who He REALLY is, and what true Christianity REALLY means, by studying His Word. Christians aren't doing it right? So then show them how its done. Let no man hinder your salvation. Bless you, child - and may you find truth, as you seek it.

Answer 8

First of all, I have never been stopped on the street and bothered by strangers trying to convert me to their religion. I have had exactly two visits to my front door by Jehovah's Witnesses. And I occasionally hear the rantings of the likes of Jerry Falwell on TV. That's the sum of the religious proselytizing in my life.

Secondly, if you wear a pentacle, you are inviting discussion with others, the same way you would be if you were wearing a crucifix, a star of David, or any other symbol. That shouldn't surprise or upset you. Are these people who proselytize to you harming you in some way? If not, I don't think you have any justification to complain.

Thirdly, you single out the forced Christian conversion of various indigenous peoples, thereby blurring all Christian missionary activity and seeing it as collectively evil. What of the good, truly Christian missionaries who go to impoverished places, set up hospitals, distribute food, help AIDS patients, and preach their beliefs to those who will hear? And what of the brutal persections of Christians themselves by pagans in the early years of Christianity? How easily you forget all these things when giving us your complaints.

A free society requires each of us to make some concessions to others. The moment we start forcing people into silence, we have defeated our own civil values.

Answer 9

Personally, I don't care what you believe in and what you do as long as you are leaving me alone :)

Some people think that it’s their responsibility to make every one believe and forgets that they are followers of a faith not leaders.

I don't see Christ doing the same thing in the history.... now he may have sent his message to spread the word of God but that was his job that was his duty hence a messenger of God and a Prophet.

I don't think people today are Christ/Prophets/Messenger of God nor they have the right to force their believes onto someone else.

Every once in a while if I get an invitation from another school of thought to come and join their meetings I would have no problem with that but I would be honored :)

Answer 10

The military destroyed the Indians

Slavery was a "profitable business" both for the Africans who sold the people to the Americans that were buying them.

Greed was the main cause of each of these tragedies.

Will you say the same to those who do not believe and come to this site to insult Christians?

Answer 11

Yes, I know that if someone is not receptive to the Bible or to witnessing, I'm only doing more harm if I push it. As a Christian, I know that God does not force anyone to accept Christianity. It has to be out of a person's choice.