Question for Christo-Pagans

[CosmicWhispers]

Questions for Christo-Pagans, Non-Literalists, Liberal Christians, or your preferred title:

I'm curious to know if you attend regular "mainstream" chruch services, or are there
other denominations better suited for your views. I don't mean that in a derogatory
way. I have a sincere reason for asking. I feel like I might be coming to a point
in my journey of coming full circle and returning to Christianity. I definitely would
lean in the Gnostic/Pagan/Non-Literalist viewpoint. I thought about returning to
church with my family. But I'm concerned of potential conflicts. Concerned that I
would be miserable there. So, I am curious to what churches you attend.
If you go to a literalist type church; do you get along there? Are you happy there?

Disclaimer ;) :fpoke:
Believe me, I'm not trying to start a doctrinal debate on who's views are right or
wrong.

[MorningDove030202]

Just a guess... a UU church?

Dove

[Ninjakitten]

I'm thinking of going to a UU church myself, or checking out a Unity Chruch of Christ fellowship. They both are USUALLY pretty open to "religious mutts" from what I've heard. I'm a member of an Evangelical Free church but I don't live near it right now, and I've grown more liberal in my Christianity myself (I dub myself a Christian witch or an Eclectic Christian). I used to attend an Assemblies of God church, but I don't (and never have) like their idea of adding on more rules onto people than what even Paul talks about in the Bible as being good, and as it is I don't have so much respect for all of Paul's writings as truly Spirit inspired anymore.

I've become pretty solitary since becoming a witch and I'm technically about in the same boat as you on this one (well, coming from the Christian side rather than the Pagan side, but still coming to the same point).

[BeachWitch]

No I do not attend regular service. Everytime I think I find a place that might be worth my time and attention, they break out something like Leviticus or 2 Timothy, just to make sure I am reminded that I am a woman and I have no right to leadership or opinion on spirituality.

It never fails.

I tried the UU, but there was something a miss, and to this day I can't put my finger on it. Maybe it was the absence of the Named God, ie Christ, YVHV, or any Goddess worship, just this large entity of divinity.

So I am gathering the religious minded Pagans, Wiccans, lapsed Catholics and broad minded Christians I know and forming a circle of fellowship. It seems to be the only answer for a Christo Pagan these days.

[azzeenasman]

Im a christian,and I dont go to church,I know I should,but I hate going alone,and I dont have every sunday off.And I have a hard time connecting with others sometimes,I dont know why.

But God has been faithful to walk with me anyway,and forgive my shortcomings.Its realy nice to have Christ in my heart,sometimes he is the only friend I have,except for some here.

And I wouldnt trade my walk with God for anything in the world.When I die,im going to heaven,and will be there forever.

[LacyRoze]

My husband and I have started attending the small local Baptist church here. My 15yr old son has been attending for quite sometime and after my girls attended their vacation bible school, they enjoyed it so much and were so excited about going to church so we made the decision to go. I was pleasantly surprised to learn the pastor is our age and is more liberal than I thought he would be. He informed me this past Sunday that he enjoys hearing my thoughts and interpretation of lessons and sermons. Now I'm not sure this will become our "church home" or anything, right now we're really going for our children but I'm open to the possibility. Some in the church know I have a little different take on things but so far I have been welcomed with open arms and no one has criticized my views. I guess time will tell if this is the place for me...

[PoisonIvy]

I haven't attended church in a while cause I work 3rd shift and it's hard for me to get to sleep on Sundays anyway.
When I do get to go I attend a First Southern Baptist Church,or Methodist Church depending on if I'm here or on vacation,neither one is a "whoopin' hoolerin' church either.
All I know is that I believe in God and the Craft,the Bible and my BOS.
That might not make much sense to anyone else but it does to me. God gives me my abilities and I use them! :broomride

[equinox2]

You could go to many different denominations, as long as you hide your beliefs and never be open about who you are. Some there might accept you, but being open won’t work long term in most churches. If you bring kids, be sure to teach them to be ashamed of their parents and ashamed of how they are being raised ahead of time, since that’ll happen anyway.

If you have some self esteem, however, and would like to be accepted, then your choices narrow significantly. You are welcome at a UU church, as others have mentioned. You also probably would be ok in most United church of Christ (UCC) churches and at Unity churches. Depending on the congregation you go to, some Episcopal churches might work, especially for a little while. Other than that, there is always a slim chance you’ll happen upon an accepting church, but it’s much more likely that they’ll act accepting at first, all the while wondering what to do and simultaneously teaching your kids the “correct” path.

I don’t intend any of that to be mean, just honest, from someone with some grey hairs, who has been around a bit.

Good luck-

[LacyRoze]

You could go to many different denominations, as long as you hide your beliefs and never be open about who you are. Some there might accept you, but being open won’t work long term in most churches. If you bring kids, be sure to teach them to be ashamed of their parents and ashamed of how they are being raised ahead of time, since that’ll happen anyway.

If you have some self esteem, however, and would like to be accepted, then your choices narrow significantly. You are welcome at a UU church, as others have mentioned. You also probably would be ok in most United church of Christ (UCC) churches and at Unity churches. Depending on the congregation you go to, some Episcopal churches might work, especially for a little while. Other than that, there is always a slim chance you’ll happen upon an accepting church, but it’s much more likely that they’ll act accepting at first, all the while wondering what to do and simultaneously teaching your kids the “correct” path.

I don’t intend any of that to be mean, just honest, from someone with some grey hairs, who has been around a bit.

Good luck-

While the above may have been your experience, it doesn't mean it will be everyone's. In the year my son has attended church never has he been taught to be ashamed of his parents and if he is, well, we'll cross that bridge when we get there.

As far as self-esteem goes, are you trying to say that anyone who goes to a traditional church has none? Sorry, have plenty and no one will take that away from me.

I've raised my kids to be tolerant and open-minded to all. Sure, there's the possibility the church will try to change that and if they do try, then they're not the church for us. I'm personally willing to give it a go before shutting the door on finding those who will accept that I look differently at things.

I have plenty of grey hairs myself and have been around the block a few times. Maybe my church will accept my beliefs, maybe they won't, but I'll never know unless I try...

[equinox2]

LacyRose wrote:

While the above may have been your experience, it doesn't mean it will be everyone's.

Quite right. I'm just offering information that may be useful for the many Christo-Pagans we have here.

In the year my son has attended church never has he been taught to be ashamed of his parents

As far as you know. He’s probably attended things where you weren’t there, but your guess is better than mine.

As far as self-esteem goes, are you trying to say that anyone who goes to a traditional church has none? Sorry, have plenty and no one will take that away from me.

No, I'm not saying that. There are literally millions of Christians who attend and have self-esteem, and even some Christo-Pagans who do and have self-esteem.

What I’m saying is that hiding your religion destroys you self esteem, and it is unlikely that an openly Christo-Pagan person will be accepted in a traditional Christian church. Often a Christo-Pagan attending a traditional Christian church has to hide their religion. They often are in denial about this, saying that their church accepts them, but that they “keep their religion to themselves” because they are “modest” or some such, when in reality they are hiding it because they know they won’t be accepted. If you aren’t like that, and most of your friends at the church DO know you are Christo-pagan, then none of that applies to you. It of course isn’t always the case, just very common.

I've raised my kids to be tolerant and open-minded to all. Sure, there's the possibility the church will try to change that and if they do try, then they're not the church for us.

((hugs to you)) Cool. Be aware though, that if the church is teaching them something else you probably won’t know unless you are in their classes. You may only find out years later, after your kids have moved away and grown up to be different from what you wanted to raise them as. I’ve seen this happen with relatives and friends. It’s sad.

Maybe my church will accept my beliefs, maybe they won't, but I'll never know unless I try...

I completely agree. You go girl!! :thumbsup:

[BeachWitch]

While the above may have been your experience, it doesn't mean it will be everyone's. In the year my son has attended church never has he been taught to be ashamed of his parents and if he is, well, we'll cross that bridge when we get there.
Raises hand......
Been there done that, so Equinox is not alone and it is not a single experience.
I appreciate that you are trying to play the "stereotypes dehumanize" card, but let's face it, this is not a "your" experience kind of thing. It happens to more people than most christians want to believe.

As far as self-esteem goes, are you trying to say that anyone who goes to a traditional church has none? Sorry, have plenty and no one will take that away from me.
I was told by my Pastor friend that his church was filled with and led by strong self reliant women. I got there and found none. In fact most either didn't show up that day (uh-huh) or ran away and hid with all the children to avoid the congregation.
At the same time I was called aggressive, assertive, strong willed and opinionated by this same congregation. Apparently when you are of the Christian faith it's called Self Esteem, when you are Pagan it's called Aggressive.

[CosmicWhispers]

What I’m saying is that hiding your religion destroys you self esteem, and it is unlikely that an openly Christo-Pagan person will be accepted in a traditional Christian church. Often a Christo-Pagan attending a traditional Christian church has to hide their religion. They often are in denial about this, saying that their church accepts them, but that they “keep their religion to themselves” because they are “modest” or some such, when in reality they are hiding it because they know they won’t be accepted. If you aren’t like that, and most of your friends at the church DO know you are Christo-pagan, then none of that applies to you. It of course isn’t always the case, just very common.
I think this was my main concern. In a traditional church, I would have to hide my
beliefs. Which would be miserable. When I left Church of Christ years ago it had
gotten to the point where I would squirm in the pew listening to the sermon because
I completely disagreed with the "message" the pastor was trying to voice using
"supporting" scriptures for his view point. Recently I've gained a better knowledge
of Gnostic/Pagan view and I think it has opened christianity back up for me with
a whole new perspective. My family still attends the Church of Christ. My children
are in VBS this week, which is what really got me contemplating a return.
I guess there are really only two choices for someone with my...uh...temperament. :D
Try out the UU or stay solitaire and do my best to teach my children my viewpoint.

[equinox2]

CW wrote:
… and do my best to teach my children my viewpoint.

Yep – I wish you the best either way. BTW, you can look up the UU church near you at this site: http://www.uua.org/CONG/index.php (http://www.uua.org/CONG/index.php)

You mentioned, I think, THE big task for our generation. We need to build a culture of life, a full human culture with the stories, effort and love needed to raise open-minded, pluralistic, healthy kids. That means youth groups, preschools, spiritual fulfillment for adults, and everything.

The spiritual side can be lacking in the strictly secular schools, which should be secular so as to accommodate everyone, yet at the same time, at home and in our churches, we need to fill in the spiritual with whole life, inclusive, hell-free, non-homophobic ways that most Christian churches lack.

UU churches are starting to do this, and do a good job of it. At the same time, pagan churches hopefully will start to spring up that can provide more of it. Raising the next generation well won’t just happen, it is up to us to do it well, and with love for everyone.
Blessed be-

[Ninjakitten]

CW wrote:


Yep – I wish you the best either way. BTW, you can look up the UU church near you at this site: http://www.uua.org/CONG/index.php (http://www.uua.org/CONG/index.php)

You mentioned, I think, THE big task for our generation. We need to build a culture of life, a full human culture with the stories, effort and love needed to raise open-minded, pluralistic, healthy kids. That means youth groups, preschools, spiritual fulfillment for adults, and everything.

The spiritual side can be lacking in the strictly secular schools, which should be secular so as to accommodate everyone, yet at the same time, at home and in our churches, we need to fill in the spiritual with whole life, inclusive, hell-free, non-homophobic ways that most Christian churches lack.

UU churches are starting to do this, and do a good job of it. At the same time, pagan churches hopefully will start to spring up that can provide more of it. Raising the next generation well won’t just happen, it is up to us to do it well, and with love for everyone.
Blessed be-


Equinox2 for President! Whose with me! :yourock:

[CosmicWhispers]

Equinox2 for President! Whose with me! :yourock:
I'm in. :thumbsup:

[equinox2]

CW wrote:
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ninjakitten
Equinox2 for President! Whose with me!


I'm in.


Wow, thanks! I don't know what to say! :bigredblu :lookwhats

[MoonLyte]

I don't attend church..there is nothing near me that would accept both my beliefs.

[DragonsChest]

I don't attend church, but I don't feel the need to. I have my church in my heart, in my soul. I don't have to go to any flavor of acceptable religion, be it Methodist, UU, or Hoogly Boogly, to know that what I feel inside, the Powers That Be, are there and working through me.

Best of luck!!!

[Ninjakitten]

I don't attend church, but I don't feel the need to. I have my church in my heart, in my soul. I don't have to go to any flavor of acceptable religion, be it Methodist, UU, or Hoogly Boogly, to know that what I feel inside, the Powers That Be, are there and working through me.

Best of luck!!!


Great! Now I want to start up the Church of Hoogly Boogly Christian Mutts :halohead:

[CleftOfLight]

well if the U.U. or the U.C.C.doesnt work,try the Roman Catholic Church,because they dont get all up in your business.

[LadyCelt]

does a uu church mean unitarian?

And, what exactly is unitarian? Agnostic/atheist and other beliefs come together?

[equinox2]

What is UU?

UU is “Unitarian Universalist”.

Their history:

For centuries they were two separate Christian denominations. The Unitarians, believed in 1 God (no trinity), and that Jesus was God’s son who saved us (Jesus was not God himself). The Universalists believed that God was too good to send anyone permanently to Hell (thus, they believed in universal salvation). Many famous people were Unitarian, such as many of the US founding fathers (Jefferson, Adams, etc.) Both groups were relatively liberal, and by 1900 had opened up to include humanists, non-Christians, etc.

In 1961 they merged, adopting the name Unitarian Universalists or UUs. They rejected the idea that everyone had to accept a church’s dogma, instead believing that everyone has inherent worth and dignity, and that we each can choose our own path spiritually. Nationally, UUs are now about half agnostics, with the other half made up of Pagans, Christians, Buddhists, etc.

UUs love talking – that’s one of our main things – discussion of different spiritual views. Our main point religiously is that we respect all people, and that this respect is more important than doctrinal differences. This is a fundamentally different approach to religion – that personal freedom comes first, and so doctrinal conformity can’t logically be forced on everyone.

Interestingly, UUs buck the trend among churches when it comes to growth. In the US, the more fundamentalist a church is, the faster it is growing, while the more accepting a church is, the faster it is shrinking. This holds true regardless of which part of the US you talk about, and this has been going on (liberal Christianity withering) for over 50 years. UUs on the other hand, aren’t exclusively Christian – they include Christians, but also others like Buddhists and Pagans. UU has not been shrinking, even though it is very open. In fact UU has been slowly growing.

There are a lot of UUs on this board, such as me. If you want to find more, just start a thread asking who is UU, and you’ll get responses.

You can find a UU congregation near you at this link.

http://www.uua.org/CONG/results.php?s_method=zip&zip=22150&radius=25&submit=GO%21 (http://www.uua.org/CONG/results.php?s_method=zip&zip=22150&radius=25&submit=GO%21)



Earthy wrote:

I don't attend church..there is nothing near me that would accept both my beliefs.

If there is a UU church nearby, they will. If not, do you know about the church of the larger fellowship? It is a correspondence UU church, with members all over the world. They are here: http://www.uua.org/clf/ (http://www.uua.org/clf/)

Dragon’s Chest wrote:

I don't attend church, but I don't feel the need to. I have my church in my heart, in my soul. I don't have to go to any flavor of acceptable religion, be it Methodist, UU, or Hoogly Boogly, to know that what I feel inside, the Powers That Be, are there and working through me.

It’s good to have the assurance inside of your own spirituality. However, that’s not all that a church is. It is also a way to help influence the world for our children and our children’s children. If it is a fundamentalist church, it is helping make a fundamentalist world (and we have seen in the last two elections that the millions of fundamentalist Americans are certainly pushing us that way). If it is a UU church, it is helping to make a world were our children are encouraged to learn about all faiths, and accept everyone, hetero or homosexual, etc. Being active in our world is part of being human, I think, and so simply having your own spirituality without helping others can, in the extreme, be selfish. Bad things can happen when the good people decide to do nothing in our world.

Cleft wrote:

well if the U.U. or the U.C.C.doesnt work,try the Roman Catholic Church,because they dont get all up in your business.

That’s changing a bit now that the RCC has a fundamentalist Pope. More importantly, being in the Catholic church means that you can rest assured that your support is going toward Catholic causes, such as condemning pagans, preventing condom use in AIDS stricken Africa, fighting to outlaw abortion, and keeping gay marriage illegal. I know many people who love all the hymns and such, and support the church their whole lives, even though they are against all the things the Catholic church is working for. They pay their dues, and gripe to themselves about the causes above. Which has real influence? Not the griping. If you want that, then maybe it is a good path for you, but not for me.


Blessings-

[Jolixte]

I just joined (or will do when my certificate of baptism arrives) a very traditional Episcopalian Church, and I plan on attending regularly. I'm interested to see if it will work out for me.

[CosmicWhispers]

Thanks to all who replied to this thread. I have decided that I cannot return to
christianity. Eventhough I have learned a new respect for it, my heart tells me "no".
I haven't made my mind up about the UU thing yet.