Has anybody here left Paganism and gone back to Christianity? Can you offer any advice / share your exp. /etc?

Question

I have been involved with Paganism in some form or another on and off for the past 19 years +. I keep feeling drawn back to Christianity, but I've not been able to just turn my back on Paganism... any advice?

The first few answers here were nice, but not what I'm looking for.

Please, only answer if you are a Christian Ex-Pagan.

Thanks!

Answer 1

When I was in my teens, I was very active in my Catholic Church Community. I was even on a committee on how to get "inactive catholics' back into celebrating mass, etc. There are those who feel you can never leave Christianity. I have found myself called to celebrate with a very universal Earth based community now. Some might call me pagan, although I don't know that I consider myself a Pagan. I have not been an 'active catholic' for many years. Lately I have found myself feeling drawn down memory lane. I look fondly at the ritual, and the many aspects that were the most core and central to my Catholic faith and realize that those aspects have not really changed. Just last night I said hello again to Jesus. It was like calling up an old friend. THere was no judgement and total understanding. I really felt like I was just affirming that Jesus was one of my central (though not only) guide during that time, and that while 'he' is still availble to me, Others of my Guides have been more beneficial to me in my journey. Advice? Ask yourself what is drawing you back? A regular weekly celebration? A strong/large spiritual community of like minded people? Is it a feeling of a time of innocence, where you really believed and didn't have all the jaded /hurt about the humans who were part of that more organized religion? These are the things I noticed coming up in myself. I was lucky in that I was active in a very Charismatic Catholic Community. What do I mean by that? There was publicf channeling of the Holy Spirit, laying on of hands for healing, unconditional love and non-judgement from the clergy. Active lay people, a really celebration adn Presence by all those celebrating ritual and mass together. A joining of God in Nature (There is nothing like a baptism up in the mountains in a wildflower meadow on a good day to make everyone present feel reborn into loving community!)
Do you need to turn your back on Paganism? Maybe I don't know enough about "Paganism" to say yes. Look at the many christian pagan styles... oh the name escapes me espirantu or something like that... mixes Catholicism and really 'pagan stuff' The Catholics weren't the only blenders, it goes both ways. If you find a community that feels right to you, I hope that you don't feel like you have to turn your back on your spirituality to fit in, or be 'christian.'
I rewrote some of the group prayers to embrace my greater consciousness... such as genfer things, or "pray for us" in stead of pray for us sinners.

Hope that helps. It helped me to write about it.
ELiz

Answer 2

You could consider this: You left christianity for a reason, and Paganism is not working for you. That is a dualist way of seeing it. There are other options out there. No one can give you the answers, you ahve to come by them on your own. I would only say that you look at what these religions were not right for you then and now. Ask yourself why you want to revisit the christian faith. i would go as far to say that your "path" does not lay with either religion. You should follow your own heart and your own beliefs and morals. Do not let others tell you what to beleive. Just a point og view from a person that was a christian at one time and a pagan at one time.

Answer 3

I'm not a pagan, but my mom was in the hippie movement, and I went to school with some kids who were into it, so I know a little about earth religions...

What exactly about paganism don't you want to leave? If you know the answer to that, it may help you. Embracing Christianity does not mean totally being in Christian CULTURE, which has its ups and downs.

The one thing you would definitely have to leave behind, is any other gods. Worship of any other gods is very strongly forbidden by the Bible... it's similar to getting married. After you do it, no other guys!

But things like believing in healthy and natural food, the environment, and nature... all those things are actually encouraged by the Bible, but not always common in Christian culture.

Answer 4

It is possible to reconcile the two.
There are "Christian Wiccans": they believe that the admonishment to 'have no other gods before me' means that Jehovah should be revered foremost, and any other gods placed lower on the spiritual totem pole.

There are "Gnostic Christians": technically not true pagans, they do have some similar trappings & beliefs. They practice what may be considered a revival of Christianity during its introduction into pagan Europe.

There's "Eclectic Pagan": a vague term that essentially means you mix various belief systems into a new form, choosing what suits you while adhering to a moral code.

There's Unitarian Universalism, too; check the link below to get a better understanding of it than I can give.

I'm sure you can find something that fits your beliefs; when in doubt, look up World Religions and see if there's something in the list that seems to describe you. (Avoid usminc.com... it's mostly stereotypes and such.)

Answer 5

If I were in your position, I would first write a list of what draws you to christianity & what draws you to paganism. Then you may have a better understanding of your spiritual self & your spiritual needs. Also look into Gnostisim...I have found a lot of truth & acceptance there.
I have never been drawn back to christianity, it is not for me. However, I do study the teachings of Jesus...the lost words of Jesus is a wonderful book.
Your spiritual path is yours alone, let no one decide what you choose to believe or follow. Remember there is a big difference between religon & spirituality.
I hope this helps :)
Many Blessings,
~Sage

Answer 6

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Answer 7

Yes, from a pagan.. if that's the right path for you, then go for it.
I don't see how I could ever go back to believing in it, personally. Knowing that there is no historical evidence for the existence of Jesus; knowing the history of the church and its origins, etc.. I just couldn't do that. It'd be like going from college to 3rd grade again.

I'm not sure what branch of paganism you're in. You may want to look at Christian wicca. perhaps that will fill both needs for you: http://christianwicca.com

Answer 8

If you feel drawn then go there. You can re invent yourself every day of your life if you want. That's why we are here. It may be that at this point in your life you have a need that the Church can address. There is nothing to keep you anywhere. Just do what you need to do and if at some point in the future it doesn't feel right, then change your mind again. We all have to change and grow. Enjoy the journey. I wish you well.

Answer 9

Well, I'm a Pagan who doesn't intend to go back to Christianity, but I can tell you the door swings both ways and you are welcome to travel in and out. Hopefully you won't tell everyone who'll listen that we're a bunch of deluded hippies who don't know we're really worshipping demons, as some ex-Pagans have. Good luck!

Answer 10

Try going to a Unitarian Church. I really can't help you much more than that. You should go to whatever religion is drawing you, and if it's Chrisitianity, you might try Christo-Paganism.