Heathens, Pagans, Wiccans: Which is worse?

Question

1. People who tell you your deities are demons and Satanic illusions and that you'll burn forever in another religion's hell for your beliefs, or . . .

2. People who tell you your deities are superstitious fairy tales, psychotic delusions, and "the way primitive people explained natural phenomena they were too stupid to understand?"

Yes, it's the ol' "who's worse from an 'Old Ways' perspective, Buybull thumpers or Buybull burners?" question! Fire away!

Answer 1

I'd like to add another option:
3. People who tell me that my deities are just aspects of a male or female deity, I just don't realize it.

I'm a polytheist and this really irks me. They can be quite patronizing about it. I understand that others don't necessarily see deities as separate individuals but it grates my nerves when they act superior by saying that I just don't understand how things "really are". Is that any different from saying that I worship the devil--I just don't realize it or know how things "really are"?

Answer 2

Those who claim to be a High Priest/Priestess yet sets out to take advantage of others. The authors that don't do ANY kind of research, just writes about how horrible everyone else is and then makes up crap and calls it "authoritative". Fluffy Bunnies annoy me, but not nearly as much as the Wiccans who claim no one can be a "witch" unless they go thru a certain trad (tradition for those who don't know) and be formally taught by them. Witches weren't "taught formally" in ancient times... they learned what was appropriate for them and handed it down thru family/friends/etc... there weren't any underground "witch schools" back then, so this idea is absolutely ridiculous to me. Then there's the Racist groups within my own religion... these people burn me up. They use our religious symbols and bits and pieces of lore they learned from ww2 and the nazi regime (which was totally messed up to begin with) and then try to claim they are doing what our gods want *Sigh* I'm not sure about any single group that has helped ALL of us the most, but some have done a lot to bring Paganism in general to light. Covenant of the Goddess, Circle Sanctuary, The Troth, Asatru Folk Assembly, The Pagan Federation (UK), Avalon Isle Foundation, Earth Religions Legal Assistance Network... There are many groups that have helped us get out into the public, but with all of the old propaganda that has been lingering throughout these ages, I feel it's going to take even more of us to get out there. But we do have to deal with the assholes in our groups. Unlike other religions who, when they have someone giving them a bad name, they simply pull the "they're not a TRUE....." When we find people who are giving us a bad name, we need to cut them off... publicly. Just saying "He's not true to our religion." doesn't do a thing about how the public in general views us. They will remember the bad guys quicker than the good ones.

Answer 3

You can choose to ignore both groups if you want I suppose. But it is not that easy always. You can ask a question on a mystical subject and you get the religious condemning you to eternal torment and the pseudo-sceptics simply telling you that it is complete nonsense. Both views are actually founded on ignorance and not really knowing their subject matter.

I really dislike it when someone tells me something is bs. and than they tell me they have never studied the subject in depth. Pseudo-sceptics simply thinks something is nonsense because they read about it on some sceptical website or saw a program about the topic. Then they claim to be all rational and scientific. Both groups are bad and I suppose it is no use bothering about them. I will rather take the path of ridicule any day than falling into the clutches of a religious nut though.

Answer 4

I have personally become almost utterly insensitive to ignorance & remarks by anyone who would call my belief (as a Polytheist) wrong/ sinful/ work of the Satan, etc.
As well as to those who like to call it 'fiction'. At least the 2nd Group doesen't seem to wish you to burn in Christian hell for eternity.

When will Christians understand that Heathens/ Pagans/ Earth Based Religions don't give a rats a** for whatever cr*p they try to impose?

Must say it used to bother me to answer for 100 times that a Heathen and Pagan is not Christian and does not therefore believe in Christ, Bible or Satan.

My family is predominantly Christian, but have never been of the 'fundie' sort. This is why I at least try to be openminded to some of Christians who don't try online conversions & hell threats.

My hubby is Catholic, I respect his Way, he respects mine and we get along well.

If you get tired of reading the cr*p posted with 'going to Satan' from morons on this message board, maybe just go & do something else. Works for me.

If one is so ignorant, foolish and moronic to keep thinking the way they think as far as 'not a Christian is bound to Hell' why even bother and let them influence you in any way?


P.S. What if Pagans started telling Christians and Muslims about all the discrepancies found within their holly books and asking them to actually live what their preach? And not just preach and act in any way to choose in 'real' life - this is only for those of hypocrite Christians, I believe there are many who do not fall under this cathegory.

In conclusion - just ignore whatever they say. And, don't give them 'power' over your life in any way. I'm pretty sure you know what I mean by this.

Regards.

Answer 5

Buybull thumpers! ; )

I have found in this cyber religious world that they have a harder time accepting us. The Buybull burners don't have as big of a problem with us because we don't threaten their beliefs or try to restrict their personal freedoms.
Actually, I have been told by a few Atheists that IF there was such thing as a "God" it is far more likely that it would exist in all of nature.
Pantheist...We are all connected.

Answer 6

IMO, I'd rather deal with the second. Most of the folks who think I'm delusional because I'm Pagan don't make a big fuss about it - they'll tell me, then move on. A lot of the folks in the first group continue to repeat their message in hopes that it will "save me" to hear it repeatedly - after a while, it gets a little tiring.

Answer 7

Lol what a choice!

Erm probably number 1 though as atheists just tend to say your a moron for having a religion and then leave it.Fundies on the other hand go on for ages in the hope of 'saving you' by converting you to their faith.

Answer 8

The first one.

Atheists are not so bad. They just simply can't understand why someone believes in something with faith alone. But it seems the fundies actually WANT to see people go to Hell (not Hel), because it somehow "proves" they were right, and thus, holier than thou.

Answer 9

I don't mind Atheists. They tell you what they think but are usually not offensive. The others are harder to understand but they don't bother me much these days. I finally got used to being described as ignorant or a daughter of satan LOL!

Answer 10

The whole "burning in another religions hell" thing irks me to no end. Although both reactions are usually so stupifyingly ignorant that I just ignore them :)