As I stated, I'm happily pagan following a nocturnal witchcraft path. I'm happy and content in my religion and find true joy in finally finding my beliefs. But in the small town I live in, I have encountered the good hearted masses that feel they need to invite me to church, to church social events, to sing in the choir and any other thinly veiled excuse just to get me to thier faith and convert me. I was raised Baptist so I know that they do this with the best heart and the best of intentions but rather than scorning my faith, why can't they celebrate it as I celebrate that they have found peace in thier faith?
I state this with the hope that Christians will see, and understand that Pagans will never try to convert you, never try to explain or force thier beliefs on you unless you ask about thier ways and only as long as you wish to listen. But we are pushed to find God...so why do we not get the same respect? A respectful answer for these good people please?
2007-12-21 19:40:00 · 22 answers · asked by shakespearestragedy 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
In Chicago, five point and six point stars are gang insignia. Maybe they are concerned for your safety.
2007-12-21 19:56:13 · answer #1 · answered by Chi Guy 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Because so many don't believe that there can be peace or true happiness in anything other than their own god. Many don't even take any action to inform themselves of what Paganism entails, and just go on the age-old and slanderous lies that have been generated over the years, which makes me even angrier that not only do they take a bold step to call my faith false, but they do so out of and with complete ignorance and disregard.
What you're doing now (declining these invites) is probably the most you can do while still being polite. Hopefully if it's a really small town, after a while people will get the idea and stop trying to convert you.
2007-12-22 03:48:47 · answer #2 · answered by ultraviolet1127 4 · 3⤊ 1⤋
There are a few reasons, closely related to each other. Firstly,Christians are commanded to go out and "make deciples." It is central to their religion to convert. Because of this, they see anyone who isn't Christian (and even those who are, but aren't the same denomination) as a "mission field" -- an oppurtunity to gain a convert. Also, they may target you because they misunderstand or fear your path, and honestly believe that they are saving you from something dangerous. You said that your path was Nocturnal Witchcraft, so are you also Goth? Nothing wrong with that, and I support your right to express yourself, but you make yourself a target for this kind of attention by standing out. It's good, though, that you understand that this meddling is out of love. Just respond politely that you have your own beliefs and that you're perfectly happy with them. And keep the dialog as civil as possible.
2007-12-25 12:21:34 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
because they are dumb.
They, like most people, do not know that paganism and Christianity are mixed together.
Ever wonder about Easter and the bunny and the egg??
Those are the pagan part of it.
I forget the name, but there was a king long long ago that wanted to unite his lands with 1 religion. So he mixed the two into something that a lot of people could agree on and it worked.
Only now days, people forgot or were never told.
It sucks, just deal with them or kill their cats with love and snacks.
2007-12-22 03:47:50 · answer #4 · answered by No_Yield 2 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Want to know the truth? People are dumb. Always will be, always have been.
I'm agnostic, though I personally feel that is not a religion at all, and I, too, find Christians trying to convert me. Most of my friends are Christians, too, and every time they talk about things related to religion I drop out of the conversation because I will get judged on my religion, or yet, my not having one. We should all just learn to get along. But then again, what is love without hate?
2007-12-22 03:46:20 · answer #5 · answered by Don't worry, Be happy. 3 · 4⤊ 1⤋
I think that we have to understand that they don't do it to annoy us. They truly believe that they are doing the right thing.
Being raised Baptist you obviously know how the religion works and I'll bet that for most of your life you have been told that it is the one true religion.
Pagans and wiccans (and some other religions e.g. Buddhism) are lucky enough to recognise that there isn't one true religion. Everyone should be allowed to have their own beliefs and not impose them on others.
The Christians are unable to understand how you can be truly happy without God in your life. Thank them for their concern, but don't allow yourself to be pushed into things that you really don't want to do.
Blessed be.
2007-12-22 03:49:31 · answer #6 · answered by hiddenstar 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Because they believe the pentacle represents the devil or satanism. They don't understand that witches and pagans don't believe in the devil,hell or heaven. They have no idea what the pentacle stands for. They are disrespectful to other religions. even though others are respectful of them.
2007-12-24 06:52:01 · answer #7 · answered by kymm r 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I hope you know that there are a great many Christians who have no desire to convert anyone, but it's the obnoxious ones that give the rest of us a bad rap.
Wear what you want and peace be with you.
2007-12-22 03:45:01 · answer #8 · answered by thezaylady 7 · 8⤊ 0⤋
Christianity doesn't teach about accepting differences.
They wanna convert you 'in good faith' because they are threatened by what they dont understand.
I'm sure none of them tried to understand your views on the subject. And if they do listen to what you have to say it is only to point out what is wrong by their standards.
2007-12-22 03:52:41 · answer #9 · answered by Superfly sister 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
As far as Christians are concerned, any relgion not explicitly Christian (their specific version) is EVIL. They are so small-minded that absolutely anything outside of their little box is frightening at best and downright "satanic" at worst. They seriously do not know how arrogant, condescending, or obnoxious they are when they try to replace your superstitions with theirs.
2007-12-22 03:53:39 · answer #10 · answered by Scott M 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
you know God never intended for any of us to force His word on anyone. He doesn't even want us to force you to repent. But He does want us to compell you to come to Him and trust Him and to let you know that He loves you always. Since you were raised Baptist, I do know you have heard about God and you know that His one and only Child died so that you can be able to chose to resist evil. Jesus died for your forgiveness. For your freedom. The only sad thing about it all is that you don't seem to care that God loves you soooo much He would set His mind on you daily. Every day you wake up is another day He is proving His love for you. Another day He wants to talk with you. To blow your mind with things you've never seen before: Like the early morning sunshine, the ability to move around and controll it. Being able to see. A lot of people have eyes but can't see. A lot of people are living but they don't know it. If you are aware of these things, then you have something to be greatful to God for.
2007-12-22 04:00:20 · answer #11 · answered by use 2 b lost 3 · 1⤊ 2⤋