Should I make a serious attempt to convert atheists to paganism?

Question

After all, they don't seem to get much fun out of life, except for thinking up witty put-downs for religions. Perhaps I should invite them out to a moon dance at the summer solstice, introduce them to some priestesses of Venus, that sort of thing.

Wow! What reactions! Read them all a couple of times and see whether I haven't made my point after all.

Answer 1

NO, I am not saying don't inform people about your religion but the Goddess usually is the one who moves somebody to look into becoming pagan. Usually a friend will say "I'm Pagan" and if somebody asks about the religion then you tell them. If they are further interested they seek out information themselves. The Goddess knows what she is doing and she knows when the time is right. You just have to trust that there is a bigger picture that you cannot see. Plus people were given freedoms by the Gods to make their own choices and we are taught to appreciate and respect those choices.

Answer 2

This is such a misguided question, I don't even know where to begin.

First, I understand that you are well meaning, and you believe that you are "helping" people by converting them. You are, however, misguided.

As I understand it, Pagans generally speaking do not seek to "convert" anyone and basically believe in religious tolerance for all. That should include tolerance for people with "no belief."

Secondly, atheists are among the most well adjusted people around. We have lower divorce rates, receive a higher level of education, and are smallest percapita "religious" group in Americas prisons.

In addition, conversion implies a change from one belief to another. Since atheists do not have a belief in a higher power, conversion is not possible. Further, most atheist would want *proof* of a supernatural being before any possible *conversion* can occur. We choose not to "believe." We want to "know." In other words, an atheist doesn't have blind faith in anything, we know what we know.

I am sure, as a Pagan, you have experienced many intolerant conversion attempts from well meaning Christians. Why then would you want to do that to someone else?

Answer 3

LOL! That's great! I have often thought of making it a point to invite them to our Catholic churches beer tent as well.... The atheists just seem so angry at something (any organized religion) they supposedly don't believe in. I think they could use a trip to the beer tent and then go dance it up pagan style with some priestesses. It would make for a fun night. Might take the edge off.

Answer 4

No Pagan should try to make an effort to convert anyone. That kind of behavior is better left to the Christians who have pestered people for centuries with their doorhangers and rhetoric. You should however feel free to extend an invitation to whomever you feel is open to joining or seems to be of an open mind enough to at least appreciate your beliefs. I like the fact that we allow others to seek us out because they want to and that no one is forced into becoming Pagan. You wouldn't appreciate someone trying to convert you to something you disagreed with would you?

Answer 5

I'm a wiccan, and I get plenty of fun out of life. And it's been my experience that the witty put-downs go both ways. And I've never been harassed and acosted by a pagan in a store. But the Christian fanatics (not all Christians, just fanatics) seem to be eager and willing to yell hateful things at me in public. Is that the fun in life for them?

Answer 6

Neo-Pagans and Wiccans don't have or need to try to convert anyone to anything; it's tacky and insulting when xtians do it, so Neo-Pagans don't proselytize. Neo-Paganism is not based on belief or faith, blind or otherwise, for actions and deeds are more important. So, if you don't want to believe in the God/dess and you still want to be Wiccan, or 'spiritual', then 'come on down!' - 'If you don't like it, then you can't have any!' Just don't let your karma run over my dogma! :-Þ

Answer 7

Convert? No. That would be rude.
Invite an atheist to a pagan party? Sure!

Answer 8

So long as you don't try to shove ideas down their throats the way some other people tend to do, I see nothing wrong with inviting them to join you just to maybe learn about your ways and have some fun doing so. It might just loosen them up a little. :-) Each to his or her own way, of course, but learning about others can be of help to learn about yourself. Comparing and contrasting is a great way to learn.

Answer 9

Umm, no. Just because I'd put more weight in Paganism than xianity, doesn't mean I'd see myself being indoctrinated into the belief nor would I want to be.

Answer 10

Atheists seem to be pretty uptight to me. I just got 50 answers to my questions about Atheists being a cult, so try Paganism and see what kind of a response you get.