What would the benefits be if I gave up paganism to embrace Christianity? Any really good reasons to do so?

Question

This is an idea I've been thinking about for awhile now.

Deidre, Grim, Gypsy, Ape & Boar's, you make this a difficult choice. So as excellent as yours are, I'll have to go with the first most helpful answer I saw.

Answer 1

You wouldn't have to think for yourself anymore.

Answer 2

If you "converted" what would it mean to you? And would it be your choice or would you be doing it for someone else's sake? The only benefit I can think of (but it's a big one) is knowing you followed your heart and didn't let others decide for you.

If it feels like you want it in order to get some sort of approval or "you have to do it because of friends or family," it is probably not a good decision.

I really think this is an important question.

I would really, really recomend getting books on christianity as well as a copy of the bible. I would also recomend reading more about the meaning of paganism, not those "wicca101" books, but something like "An Enchanted Life" by Patricia Telesco. It explores way more than tools, herbs, and candle colors.

Christianity has more guidelines to work from. Some people find that restrictive, others find it strengthening. Jesus said, "if not by your own faith, then through mine." or something very very close to that (i wish i could find the passage right now). I believe he was like a buddha in that his spirit stuck around to help people who need guidance. That is a benefit, but you can get that from almost any religion.

I read the Bible as a Christian and converted to paganism soon afterwards... go figure.

Answer 3

Poor thing...

But in fairness to you, you have one of the most serious and sensible questions I have viewed on this page, summer_pinkness.

"Poor thing" because I guess you posted it on the wrong page! Chances here is - you create more questions to your question than getting sensible answer to your question. At the end of the day you read all the answers you get and still end up wondering "what benefit could you get in giving up paganism and embracing christianity"! You might be tempted to pick one as your “best” but then, you might want to think again if it has indeed given you the right choice?

I decided not to answer your main question, summer_pinkness. But I personally pick yours as the “Best Question” of the day. Here, I am giving you 100 points. And it is going to be a big pity if you can’t get the right answer from the rest of the guys. To think that - what you’re asking would mean SALVATION for yourself. I myself am tempted to give you my answer, but then no! My answer may even add-up to your confusion. Yours is not a matter of “two-paragraph” answer and “there! you’re saved”!??? Your question require a STUDY of the faith you want to embrace. That’s why I said – you posted it in the wrong page!

You know something? How I wish those people around me right now, would have the same question like yours! Then, maybe I will take a day’s off from work and sit down with them. That would be really great! No money involved!…no weekly rituals!…no heavy yoke!…worry-free!…but PURE Christianity!

Here’s my little prayer for you, summer_pinkness….
”May the God who authored life lead you to His Son that you will also be resurrected in the last day. And may the LIGHT of the gospel of SALVATION springs from your heart, that you may also see the glory of God.”

GOD BLESS…
GH

Answer 4

There are two kingdoms that we must choose from, the kingdom of the world or the kingdom of heaven. Paganism offers you all of the things of the world, Christianity offers you all of the things of heaven. Christ warned that we must choose to worship either God or Mammon; you can't worship both, although many of us (myself included) have tried. It just doesn't work. So if you are serious about giving up paganism you have to ask yourself, "Can I worship God alone above all the things that the world has to offer?". So this means refusing to worship sex, money, earthly power, food, and so on. And what are the benefits of the heavenly kingdom? Well first of all you receive eternal life with God. This is the main thing. You will also experience true peace, love, the glory of God, forgiveness and mercy. You are on the verge of a momentous step...I will pray a Hail Mary for you that your feet may be guided safely along His path.

Answer 5

The Christians' answers here all center around eternal life; and that certainly is a good answer. But they forget to mention the benefits in this life, which are many. How about the peace of knowing that you have finally found your place? How about the joy of knowing that you will be in the presence of God, who personifies love? How about having his presence with you, comforting you, as you go through difficult times in this world? So many more.

Answer 6

Well - for me the benefits are knowing that there is a loving caring lord beside me always - even in the darkest of times. You would be taught christian moral - which i believe are pretty good. You know - all the love thy neighbour stuff. And i believe that you would have a fuller life (well it did that with me).

Good luck ... and if you need help finding your way give me a buzz - lovelove_***@hotmail.com.

I dont check the address all that often but i will get back to you :-)

Answer 7

Do you know what Christianity is based on? I don't mean to talk down to you, but since I don't know the extent of the information you have, I just wanted to outline what becoming a follower of Christ entails. (1), you have to realize that you have sinned in your life, and that there is nothing you can do to rid yourself of sin. (2) that you believe Jesus is the son of God, who died on a cross specifically to pay for all the sins of the world. And, if you believe this, your sins will be washed away, forgiven. (3) this is only the beginning of the Christian walk. When we confess our sins and accept Jesus, we then desire to find out how God would have us live on this earth; that is what studying the bible is about. There is as much to give up as there is to gain, and you need to be clear about this. Jesus spoke of selflessness, humility, mercy, forgiveness, never returning evil for evil, all these things need to be character traits we desire for God to work in us.

Yes, you will be given eternal life with God. But being a Christian is much more; it entails being willing to let God change you into the person He would have you be. And it is for the rest of your life.

I pray to God that you think these things over, and that God guide you to the truth, the life and the way that is His son.

Answer 8

It's like the Matrix....you'll find out whats really going on in the world....your life will not get easier but more difficult....in the end you will be much better off in many ways.

Sides....the end is already written, according to the bible, nothing to interpret, its as plain as can be, God rids the world of sin and lets us enjoy life as it was meant to be.

Answer 9

Jesus is the only way of salvation because He is the only One who can pay our sin penalty (Romans 6:23). No other religion teaches the depth or seriousness of sin and its consequences. No other religion offers the infinite payment of sin that only Jesus Christ could provide. No other “religious founder” was God become man (John 1:1,14) – the only way an infinite debt could be paid. Jesus had to be God so that He could pay our debt. Jesus had to be man so He could die. Salvation is available only through faith in Jesus Christ! “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).

Answer 10

In christianity you would find purpose. The truth is, you are created in the image of God. You are much more than you are being told. Seek God with an honest and open heart. There is more there than you think.

Answer 11

I don't know you very well but I would have to say since I am a pagan there are no benefits. You would just be buying into one of the biggest hoaxes going. Don't do it. All that will happen is you'll lose some of your money every week.