Christians: would you ever go to a Pagan festival?

Question

Why or why not?

My answer is yes. If we're both still around R&S next year I'm going to go to Wiccafest with Riegan. My reasons being not only do I think it would be fun, but I also think it would be interesting and very educational. I don't know any Pagans in real life.

Yeah yeah, I know Christians have adopted Pagan traditions. I mean a certain weekend where all sorts of Pagans get together to celebrate their beliefs and dance around the fire.

Answer 1

I'm Pagan and I hope that there are some open-minded Christians out there who would come to one of our gatherings. They would see that we are not satanists or baby sacrificers. I would love to see more Christians meeting us and learning what we believe rather than believing in lies and stereotypes that have nothing to do with who we are. As a Pagan I've been to many Christian churches, synagogues, etc. Why should those other religions not want to learn about us, too?

Answer 2

Fascinating to see how many of your answerers think it would be a "total waste of their time." $5 says those same people think that us Pagans should read the Bible and come to Church, so that we can "see the light." ::sighs::

If you get a chance, even if it's not big, it can be an interesting experience. Sorta like going to a wedding for a friend who has a different religion. On top of seeing something new, there's normally good eats. ;)

And, hey, some of the folks here might be surprised at what they saw - like the "shocking" fact that most Pagan ceremonies are about as mundane as your average Sunday services.

Answer 3

I love that you'd go to find out more about us.

In my experience (which I admit is limited) there are certainly some Christians who go to Pagan festivals (if they hear about them) to chastise, condemn, and try to disrupt...so it's lovely that you, and some others here, would want to attend with an open mind.

I have been to religious services (not just celebratory things like Bar/Bat Mitzvahs or weddings or christenings) in various religions:

Islam
Science of Mind
Methodist
Baptist
Hindu (I loved in particular the Kali puja I attended)
Unity
Unitarian Universalist
Reform Judaism
Roman Catholic
Greek Orthodox
Eastern Orthodox
Episcopalian
Holiness


and a number of other denominations of Christianity - too many to mention, actually.

It always amazes me that people are willing to just accept second- or third-hand what others say about any religious group, rather than finding out for themselves.

Answer 4

If someone invited me, I would certainly enjoy going. I do have a curiosity about other beliefs, and am secure enough in mine that I don't avoid association with others on that basis. On the same principle I would also, if invited (or allowed!), attend synagogue with a Jewish friend or prayers at mosque with a Muslimah friend.

I would hope that, in return, the same friends in addition to other Christians would consider attending Mass with me if they hadn't before.

None of this need be considered an attempt at conversion on either side, but merely an opportunity to gain insight and mutual respect -- not to mention dispel some of the more egregious misconceptions about each other. Knowledge dispels the irrational fear of ignorance.

[Edit] Besides, I'd love to meet Riegan.

Answer 5

You probably do know a few Pagans but most Pagans aren't evangelist or belong to a centralized organization so it difficult to pick them out of any crowd of ordinary people.

I wish more Christians would come to Pagan festivals. If they could leave their sense of judgment and righteousness at the door, they would see most Pagans are pretty nice bunch.

Answer 6

Why wouldn't you? I hate the term Pagan. It's like Muslims have labeled non Muslim communities Kaffirs...Christians have created this term Pagan for non-Christians. Why? If every one celebrates X-mas..even the non Christians, why can't you be happy and go mingle in with non Christians. Your religion won't change by doing that? It's like cast system. What is Pagan to you anyway? You are basically saying that you don't understand what others are saying? Have you ever tried to understand other religious communities? Or do you just listen to what your priests have to say about other religions and you get satisfied with those answers?

I bet you have never tried to learn about other cultures. Have you ever thought you might be so called Pagan to others. You with your beliefs in magical birth, angels, and hocus pocus stories....come on girlfriend...who is pagan here?

Answer 7

In a heartbeat! Of course I'm not one of those "true Christians" anyways but there is a lot I love about Pagan beliefs.

Answer 8

Yes & I have. I have so much respect and appreciation towards Pagan beliefs.


Edit: Soccer Girl, Why must you be so intolerant, would you not go to a party if it was for a Jewish Holiday or for a Muslim Holiday?

Answer 9

Most Christians already do, when they celebrate Christmas and Easter.

No need for the thumbs-down, I'm just being honest.

Meli - Actually many pagans do go to Christian churches and festivals. That is not heresy to the pagan beliefs.

Answer 10

Many do. Saturnalia is one festival they keep. Many also get up before sunrise near the spring equinox to await the rising of the Sun.