I've tried for years to believe since I was little. So don't bother calling me "ignorant" or not trying hard enough because believe me I tried. I feel a lot better worshipping the Gods that I do now that actually answer to me. Anyway I've only told one and she doesn't care. And the rest I have to pretend to be Christian one of my friends when I told them said "You need Jesus and your going to hell you wicked witch." And she kept doing it. Now okay THAT hurt. So I haven't told anyone else. I pretend to be Christian when they have religious conversations. Should I just suck it up and tell the rest and just keep the friends that still stick by me?
2007-10-10 12:55:38 · 36 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
What you do is obviously up to you however my opinion is that if they stop liking you because you are a Pagan then they aren't worth having as friends anyway.
2007-10-12 14:32:16 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
That so-called "friend" who told you that was never your friend in the first place, nor will any of the others if they turn their backs on you because you have different beliefs than they. You can choose to "suck it up" but it's going to get harder, and it's not a lot of fun having to pretend and live a lie. I would just come clean. The longer you go on with the deception the harder it will be for you and the more they'll get the impression that you're doing something bad. After all, if it were good, why keep it a secret? That's their mentality anyway.
Tell them. Your true friends will stick with you no matter what. It'll hurt, I won't lie, but at least you'll know who your real friends are.
2007-10-10 13:41:54 · answer #2 · answered by Abriel 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
This is something you must decide on your own. But I wouldn't call someone a friend who would treat me like that simply because I don't believe like they do. I can't say I've ever been in this situation with friends or family as I've always been raised to be straight-forward and not worry about what others think. I can imagine that it did hurt to be told that after thinking that person was your friend, I know it would hurt me if a close friend told me that.
Sorry I can't be of more help, but I don't feel I can tell you to just "suck it up" and tell others as your decision really would have no affect on me either way. But it does affect you... and I wouldn't want to lead you into a situation where you were hurt more. The only thing I can tell you is the weigh out the pro's and con's and make your decision based on that. =)
2007-10-10 13:28:28 · answer #3 · answered by River 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I'm guessing that you are probably still in High School. In my opinion, you don't need to tell your friends anything. Of course pretending to be Christian may be driving you nuts - simply don't do it anymore. If anyone questions your religion, tell them you don't want to have to argue about it, change the subject. When you're older, or when they're older, maybe you can bring it up. More than likely, you won't be around these people anyway. Even adults have a hard time being open-minded, these kids are obviously in the same boat.
Of course, if you really need to open up with these people (children), don't just come out and say, "well, I'm Wiccan" or whatever. That'll just lead to arguments - as you've seen. Maybe do lots of research about your chosen path. When something comes up about religion, instead of saying what you are, talk about what you believe. When someone says "Jesus died on the cross for our sins" respond with "I don't believe in original sin". More than likely, these kids won't have a clue what you're talking about. Many Christians may know the dogma, but not the stories that come with it.
Just remember, be who you are. Anyone that freaks out isn't your friend anyway, or doesn't even understand their own religion. Besides, what are the odds you'll be around these kids for the rest of your life anyway?
2007-10-11 11:02:29 · answer #4 · answered by Heathen Mage 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Ideally, it shouldn't matter. You have to decide if there's really a need to tell them. Your closest friends should, of course, accept you as you are without wanting to change you. If they try pushing their beliefs on you, then they're not your friends. Family is a little different. Some of your relatives may get it, and some won't. And keep in mind that telling a Christian mother that her child is no longer Christian is basically telling her that after she dies, she'll never see her kid again for the rest of Eternity. Some Christians believe this. In those situations, I see no real need to put your mother through that -- keep it to yourself, and spare her the anxiety. As far as coworkers and employers go, I see no real need at all to discuss religion at work. It's just not professional, no matter what religion you are. Now, I'm fairly open about it for the most part. I've been out of the broom closet for a long time. All my friends know, I think some of my family knows, and while I don't go out of my way to hide it from coworkers, and will answer honestly if asked, I really don't discuss it at work -- none of their business, really.
Hope that helps
2007-10-10 13:31:35 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
Whoever gave you that bunch of huie the two isn’t extremely a Christian or he/she doesn’t have any difficulty-loose experience. besides the actuality that the Olympics replaced right into a pagan pageant, the the familiar Olympic video games have not something to do with historic Greek faith. additionally, particularly some customs surrounding the two the Christian vacations of Christmas and Easter have pagan origins, too. There’s not a responsible Christian theologian who might ever say that gazing the Olympics is a sin because of the fact of its foundation 3,000 years in the past. It’s bunk.
2016-10-06 11:21:28 · answer #6 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Any friend that would not look past it and remain just the same friend they always were...is not a true friend.
Luckily for me, religion doesn't come up much in conversation, and when it does come up a little, I generally just listen to them talk and not say much about it myself. A friend I've had for 18 years only figured out last year (thanks to this site) that I'm an atheist. Mostly she just figured "well that's your prerogative" and left it at that. Nothing has changed in our friendship.
If some so-called friends suddenly can't still see you as the friend they have always known and act differently toward you, then you don't need them.
2007-10-10 13:06:31 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 9⤊ 0⤋
Honey if you feel like your "friends" (who by the way, aren't very properly christian if they'd judge you..not that many Christians ARE what their religion intended them to be anymore.) are going to insult/degrade/leave you for your religion and beliefs, then you don't need them in your life.
There's enough stress and worry without having to appeal to every single person who comes your way.
Your true friends will feel no different about you when you give them this information, except maybe closer to you b/c you felt comfortable enough to tell them.
Keep in mind too, any 'friend' who stays your friend but tries to convert you constantly is just as bad as one who left point blank.
Blessed be, && good luck on your journies!
2007-10-14 08:18:52 · answer #8 · answered by jess 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Do you really think that they are your friends if you can only keep them by lying about yourself? It's scary to be different from everyone else, to put yourself onto a limb for what you believe, and to risk not being accepted... but how much worse to live a life where you are made to feel ashamed of who you are and what you believe! There might be people who turn their backs on you, and that will hurt. Understand that this is THEIR problem, and not yours. You love them despite the fact that they believe differently than you; you deserve the same amount of love and respect.
It is better to have a few true friends than many false ones.
2007-10-10 13:02:11 · answer #9 · answered by N 6 · 8⤊ 1⤋
I'm sorry that these people feel that way. In truth, they really can't be your friends if they are acting like that.
You'll find many Christians with closed minds. You'll find many that simply can't or won't understand. That is how they have become programmed to believe. The sociological definition of a cult is a group of people who will try to change your beliefs and to separate you from supportive people, except for those who believe as they do. That sounds like your "friends".
There are many people in this world who are not as closed-minded and judgmental. Seek them out. They are jewels; pearls of great price.
2007-10-10 13:43:58 · answer #10 · answered by Deirdre H 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Prairie Crone has given you a LOT of good advice.
I will only add one thing and it's a quote from Shakephere "This above all: to thine own self be true And it must follow, as the night the day, Thou can not then be false to any man.”
If you are not true to yourself by being honest (unless that honesty would hurt another person), then you are failing yourself. And that would be a waste IMO......
There is a good essay that I have run across on the subject: http://www.drirene.com/thine_own.htm
2007-10-10 13:11:21 · answer #11 · answered by Anne Hatzakis 6 · 5⤊ 0⤋