when do you tell someone that you are of a different faith than they are, especially if they think you have?

Question

the same beliefs as them?

I have met many christians who assume i'm christian because of my morals and values, the way i raise my children, participate in the community etc.

i'm pagan and private about my religion, because i think religion is a private, personal thing. the problem is, i feel guilty about just letting people believe i am something that i'm not, but on the other hand, it's not really their business.

so, when should you tell someone about your religious beliefs when they differ from theirs?

and let's face it, many many people DO care if you aren't the same religion as them. (i'm not one of them, but being pagan, i am often discriminated against)

Answer 1

Its none of their business. Don't tell them anything. Religion is personal and thats something that THEY should learn. You've already learned it.

Answer 2

I am similar to yourself in many ways. I only bring it up if I foresee that it will become an issue. Usually I conduct myself in such a way that it does not become an issue (Wiccans value harmony, after all). The most important thing that I do is to remember our commonalities, and to behave in a loving, non-oppositional manner. When and if I feel I need to bring it up, it is usually accompanied by an apologetic step back from the relationship. I'm a lot better at managing this now than I was 10 years ago, so I think it's something that practice helps.

It also helps that although I do not identify myself as Christian, per se, I do have a strong personal relationship with Jesus, and respect the core beliefs of Christianity. The only thing that Christians can (and do, when they get the chance) fault me for is choosing to keep the practice of my faith solitary. This gives me maximum ability to live according to my conscience, and helps my life to remain harmonious. But if someone speaks of loving Jesus, I can honestly state that I love Jesus too (what I don't state is that love of Jesus is only one aspect of my spiritual practice) and have at times called on Him in my hour of need. This reality can create a loving bond between us for that time, that I don't feel is compromised simply because I haven't told the other party about other aspects of my belief. I don't think I would have this kind of luck living among folks who practiced a religion whose basic tenets I could not respect.

Answer 3

I live in the middle of the Bible belt and all my neighbors think I am Jewish even though I am Pagan. It is a sad statement to make that I can't enjoy my religion openly, but the Christian teaching of hatred for Witches would probably result in me getting burned out. My neighbors are wonderful and they think I am equally nice, so it is easier to not tell them the truth. Like I say, sad!

Discrimination and hatred should not be taught in a religion, and people should be allowed to judge for themselves about whether a person is a good person or not.

Answer 4

In some situations, it just doesn't matter what the other person thinks. If you think the bake sale or neighborhood block party will just be miserable if you tell, if you think it will hurt more than help, you're probably right.

You'd probably be better off telling if it would have more of a directly helpful effect--say, they're concerned because someone they love has discovered Wicca, or they keep trying to get your kids to their church.

I tell all the time and I wear a pentacle, but I don't have children to think about. That changes things, as you well know. Plus, I'm in a very supportive, multi-faith atmosphere. You can be anything in NYC as long as you aren't overty "fanatical" over it.

Answer 5

You are right a lot of people do care and it's not right that you are discriminated against. But it's important that you be open with them up front. When the subj. of religion comes up that is the appropriate time to let them know. If they are true Christians they will still be your friend after you tell them!

Answer 6

I get the same thing and I do fit the title Christan but I am not Protestant and do not believe in the Trinity and there have been times when I have made this known (in a friendly manner, and not even trying to witness just wanting them to know I was not either protestant of Trinidadian) I was yelled at and called all manner of unchristian names. so it ac be hard to make differences known, but I do not want to be lumped in with the masses.
In the end I have decided to live life, but if asked be honest, and if i get persecution, so be it
the funny thing is the people I have that are not in and othere church of any kind, don't want to argue the points with me they except it and believe me and we can still be civil, and even friends

Answer 7

My question is are you waiting to persist with what the Quran says approximately association with you Christians and Jews? Are you waiting to supply up your loved ones for the religion? The Quran states, in financial ruin 5: Verse fifty one-O you who've believed, do no longer take the Jews and the Christians as allies. they're [if truth be told] allies of another. And whoever is an best chum to them between you – then certainly, he's [one] of them. certainly, Allah guides no longer the wrongdoing human beings. Will you have the skill to flow alongside with your loved ones besides? If no longer, then do no longer worry approximately it and tell them. while you're honestly and Muslim now you will persist with the Quran to diminish your self off. Allah and Muhammed demands it. i do no longer think of Jesus ever taught that. He taught tolerance and love. i do no longer see that during the Quran. have you ever study it truly? you're making a existence changing decision. 5 :fifty seven O you who've believed, take no longer people who've taken your faith in ridicule and entertainment between people who have been given the Scripture formerly you nor the disbelievers as allies. And worry Allah, in case you should [rather] be believers. 5:seventy two they have rather disbelieved who say, "Allah is the Messiah, the son of Mary" mutually as the Messiah has suggested, "O babies of Israel, worship Allah, my Lord and your Lord." certainly, he who friends others with Allah – Allah has forbidden him Paradise, and his secure haven is the fireplace. And there are actually not for the wrongdoers any helpers. this is your answer. advantages to your particular chum too.

Answer 8

I would say either at the first discussion of anything spiritual, or as soon as you become aware that they think you and they share the same beleifs.

Answer 9

I am very proud of being Christian and let people know. You should let them know who you are.

Answer 10

(((((RIEGAN)))))WELCOME HOME!!!!

i say tell them whenever you want to or when the subject comes up, and if they are your true friend, they will accept you for who you are...they may not agree with your beliefs, but a real friend will still love you.