Any other Christians out there who recognize paganism as a valid religious path?

Question

As far as I'm concerned, the strength and appeal of Christ's ministry was/is the message of tolerance and compassion. Whether one acts from a place of genuine compassion based on a pagan, Buddhist, or secular humanist outlook is inconsequential, by my understanding of Christ's teachings. Obviously, by Biblical Literalist standards I am hellbound, but I find that that perspective is so often counter to what I understand about Christian agape. Any Christians out there who shares this perspective?

agreed . my apologies for any tone of condescension, that was really not my intent. I have always said myself that I cannot commit to a God who would condemn Gandhi or Anne Frank to Hell simply for not claiming Christ as a personal savior.

Answer 1

I'm with you. I, too, believe that Christ's message was tolerance and compassion. I would add acceptance and love. I believe all religions have a spark of the Divine in them - they just clothe it differently. There is something we can learn from all.

When it comes down to it, God created us all as individuals. As such, won't each of our relationships with him (which is the basis of religion) be individual as well?

Answer 2

"No, no goddess,no living earth, no mother earth,no tons of gods,no magic,no tree hugging.It is a abomination to love the earth more than God !!!!!!!!!!"


So wait let me get this straight. You shouldn't love the earth which was created by God? So you hate the earth which (I'm sure you would say) your God created? Would that not be the abomination? Would that then not be loving your God?
Get a grip. Someone has brainwashed you good. I understand standing strong for your beliefs but this statement is rediculous and just plain pathetic. You will never get your point across spouting mess like this.

Answer 3

Orthodoxy and credalism are used to emphasize differences and exclude outsiders. The deeper thinkers can recognize apostates and infidels who live just and moral lives without benefit of the faith. The problem is that this recognition tends to confuse the zealous and those who like their faith simple and straightforward. So while collaboration and friendship may occur across credal lines, official recognition is unlikely, outside of a very vague acknowledgement of existence and lack of hostility.

In the Catholic Good Friday liturgy, there is a series of prayers for the pope, the Church, baptismal candidates, other Christians, the Jews and other monotheists. There is also a prayer for non-theists:

"For those who do not believe in God, that they may find him
by sincerely following all that is right. Almighty and eternal God, you created mankind so that all might long to find you and have peace when you are found. Grant that, in spite of the hurtful things that stand in their way, they may all recognize in the lives of Christians the tokens of your love and mercy, and gladly acknowledge you..."

It's not a ringing endorsement, but it does acknowledge that atheists can tell right from wrong and doesn't condemn them. But that's the "official" posture. Privately, many Christian theologians are on very good terms with Buddhists and humanists. Neo-paganism may be looked on as a nostalgic affectation by some, but many elements of the spirituality are quite recognizable to Christian theologians. At the very least, they recognize that evangelization requires dialog and dialog requires respect. Beginning with the assumption that you are talking with someone who is inherently crazy or evil doesn't promise much enlightenment. Those who can listen as well as speak often learn unexpected things about their own faith.

Answer 4

Christ said that he that has son has life.He who has not the Son has not life and that the road to hell is broad and well traveled.

Tolerance does not mean that your path is accepted or seen as legit.Rather that you are allowed to walk it without threat of violence or personal attack.Are you hellbound.That is between you and God.I do not believe paganism is legit,or Islam,Hiduism..etc,but that is unimportant.What is VERY important is the fact that I am required by my faith(not religion which is of man)to show you love and tolerance up to denying my faith to placate those of other faiths.

Answer 5

Nothing nicer than to see a Christian who understands their own religion; kudos to you. Tolerence for everyone (as long as they're not hurting anybody, of course) is a really great thing to have, and every religion would be better off if they followed it.

I'm not Christian; I'm Agnostic, but being Agnostic I accept all religions. it's someone personal choice to have a religion, no matter what it is, and I'm not going to judge them for it.

Answer 6

"No, no goddess,no living earth, no mother earth,no tons of gods,no magic,no tree hugging.It is a abomination to love the earth more than God !!!!!!!!!!"

It is an abomination to be as ignorant as you are.

I also read your profile.....wow, just........wow. o_O


EDIT:Whats with all the obvious kristjan "thumbs down" on anything that contradicts or questions their precious beliefs?? Are you all that paranoid or scared that you need to mass tumbs down answers you do not agree with? jesus h tap dancing christ get over yourselves al-friggin-ready. i have seen well thought out constructive answers "thumbs down' and it is becoming a joke, lighten the f*ck up already and take the blinders off.............

Answer 7

Very dangerous perspective, because Jesus the Christ is the only way to life eternal with God. The other alternative is life eternal in hell with Satan. Rejecting Christ makes one hellbound.

Answer 8

LOL.... honey, Pagans don't need your approval. Thanks, anyway.

As for the rest of it, I wouldn't want to believe in a God who would send Ghandi or Buddha to hell just because they didn't kiss Jesus' ***.

Answer 9

it's ironic that many christians are so against paganism when most of their belief structure is based on it - the myths and legends, the holidays, symbols, you name it, it's roots are pagan. yes, that includes the story of jesus

Answer 10

No, no goddess,no living earth, no mother earth,no tons of gods,no magic,no tree hugging.It is a abomination to love the earth more than God !!!!!!!!!!