Once Christian and I'm falling back into Paganism once again...

[sincerebliss]

Okay, so I studied various Pagan practices on and off for three years. I was really dedicated to the Pagan faith. About three months to four months ago I started having really bad dreams and I felt like I was supposed to be Christian. (Now, keep in mind I hated everything about Christianity, really.) I was completely opposed to it. I had really frightening dreams where I was being possessed (by demons) and it started happening the first time I attended church on my own accord. I never really believed in demons, but when I was little I had a strange experience where my bed started shaking. That could have definitely been something demonic. I felt like some force didn't like me getting back into Christianity. I just called it Darkness. I have never had dreams where it felt like I was actually there. My dreams progressed for quite a while and were getting worse. I was seriously terrified.

So, I knew that going to church was the "right" thing for me to do. I felt it in my heart. I ended up going to a Pentecostal church for a while because I felt drawn to go there. The very first day I went I cried and I was baptized! ME, the most anti-christian person! I felt tingling all up and down my body and started speaking in tounges. I felt like a huge weight was lifted off of my shoulders. For once in my life, I felt completely free. I felt like I could fly. I have never felt such a beautiful thing in my life.

Now, why am I back here? I don't understand. I've experienced something so beautiful and peaceful and I'm here, thinking about Paganism again. I'm actually scared that if I go back to where I was, I'll experience the same thing over again. Any opinions would be great. Have any of you experienced anything of this nature?

Alicia

[Toby Stimpson]

Well, my best advice would be to look at Jesus Christ. He enacted a compassion for people that was contempory for the Buddha, or Krishna. When he loved...he loved...and he loved everyone. Christianity has been one of the worst things to happen to the words of the God of love, and in fact those ignorant men who followed him afterwards perverted his words. When one speaks of anti christian sentiments, they are not anti Jesus Christ...they are anti beurocracyt and hypocracy. If you love God, then you go for it...but one does not need a Church to feel that. Likewqise, if you love the Goddess, you dont need a coven...or a circle to do that, these things are simply there for people who need a community and also need to feel other peopel's love for God. A church, a Mosque, a Mandir, a Coven...they all have uses...they all have centers...but again they are not completly necessary. They also have a lot of drawbacks, such as the bigotry of others clouding the religious atmosphere and perverting the experiances and beliefs of some members.

You also talk about how demonic forces didn't want you to go back into Christianity...I can't speak to those...but what I can say is that this world is full of energies that are menacing...that are benevolent and malevolent...but I doubt they much care for our choices unless they manipulate us to their own ends...but they are usually selfish things. I can only suggest perhaps taking a day to yourself...bathing, and doing soemthing that is pleasing to you (gardening for example...) and just think, and then conclude. But think with an open mind...don't allow a word of a Pastor or a Pagan, or a certain book to cloud what comes to you...and if at that time you feel that peace, know that it comes from your God, and rethink...and evaluate. Always evaluate...and dont settle. Thats what i would do :).

Namaste, and God Bless :)

Tobias

[NightPoet00]

PMed ya!

[juliaki]

There's actually a lot of similarities between Pentacostal Christianity and group Pagan religions, since most take a more active role in mediating divine energy, raising power, and working with things beyond the self. It sounds like you tapped what you need for you through a Pentacostal church, and that's such a beautiful blessing for you. But just as anyone moving from one romantic relationship to another has to somehow make peace with their past so they can move on, you need to find a way to get that sense of closure before you'll feel comfortable embracing your new path as a Christian. My guess is that is why you are here.... to try and find whatever closure you need so that you can fully embrace your new path.

Although I obviously don't agree on a personal level with her beliefs, I think you might find it useful to meet up with Kathi and the other people over at the ExWitch forums. You can reach that web site at www.exwitch.org

[Jolantru]

I have been wanting to reply to this thread.

Alicia, your path is yours. Noone can tell you except yourself. It seems to me that Pentacostal Christianity brings you joy - how do you yourself feel about that? From your writing, you have found it an uplifting and soul-transforming experience - and that, to me, is a good thing.

As for the dreams and demons, are they simply your own internalized fears? Is it possible for you then to blend both Christianity and Paganism together? There are people who feel God and the Goddess - I am one of them. I started as a Methodist (in my teens) but I grew increasingly perturbed because I knew that there should be a female Presence. This feeling originated when I read Marion Zimmer Bradley's The Mists of Avalon and found out about the existence of the Goddess. So, for a while, I wrestled with my own inner conflicts. Is it possible to be Christian and Pagan? For me, after a few years where I realized that my path is my own and no other's, I accepted who I was/am. "Christo-Pagan" is a very clunky label for me but I use it as a generalized identifier. Simply put, I worship God and the Goddess embodied in Earth Mother. I also grew shamanic in outlook and for my journeying, I praise both Father Sky/Sun and Mother Earth.

Ultimately, as I have said, your path is yours. Good luck.

Cheers,
Jolantru

[Tulip Tree]

Hi Alicia! In a way you were possessed. Possessed by hatred for a very common religion. You needed to experience the positive, mystical aspects of Christianity to understand it better. If you choose it as your path that's fine, but it's impossible to throw away your prior knowledge and experience.

Like it or not, you're a well rounded person now who's experienced both sides of the fence. Enjoy the confusion like the rest of us. ;)

[Pol]

Okay, so I studied various Pagan practices on and off for three years. I was really dedicated to the Pagan faith. About three months to four months ago I started having really bad dreams and I felt like I was supposed to be Christian. (Now, keep in mind I hated everything about Christianity, really.) I was completely opposed to it. I had really frightening dreams where I was being possessed (by demons) and it started happening the first time I attended church on my own accord. I never really believed in demons, but when I was little I had a strange experience where my bed started shaking. That could have definitely been something demonic. I felt like some force didn't like me getting back into Christianity. I just called it Darkness. I have never had dreams where it felt like I was actually there. My dreams progressed for quite a while and were getting worse. I was seriously terrified.

So, I knew that going to church was the "right" thing for me to do. I felt it in my heart. I ended up going to a Pentecostal church for a while because I felt drawn to go there. The very first day I went I cried and I was baptized! ME, the most anti-christian person! I felt tingling all up and down my body and started speaking in tounges. I felt like a huge weight was lifted off of my shoulders. For once in my life, I felt completely free. I felt like I could fly. I have never felt such a beautiful thing in my life.

Now, why am I back here? I don't understand. I've experienced something so beautiful and peaceful and I'm here, thinking about Paganism again. I'm actually scared that if I go back to where I was, I'll experience the same thing over again. Any opinions would be great. Have any of you experienced anything of this nature?

Alicia

After becoming Pagan (from being a Christian for 18 years), I had a lot of on and off months where I felt pulled back to Christianity. It wasn't what I wanted, the lifestyle, the mythology, none of it really appeals to me. I don't mean in the sense that I want to go to orgies and kill people, it just doesn't appeal to me.

Perhaps you are somewhere in between. Perhaps you need to find a balance in your spirituality.

Personally, I finally broke all ties with Christianity in my heart just a few days ago because I couldn't handle the drive to go back to Christianity.

[sincerebliss]

Thank you everyone for all of your replies. It's appreciated. Juliaki, I was thinking very much along the lines of what you were talking about. The Pentecostal church I was in, I definitely felt some intense energy. It did remind me of Paganism a bit during the whole thing, raising energy. Maybe energy is, in a sense, God. I guess that's why I felt so comforted. I'm going to look into a few more things regarding faith and religion. It's like I'm never fully settled on one belief system and that bothers me. Perhaps I still have a lot to learn.

Thank you,
Alicia

[Pol]

Thank you everyone for all of your replies. It's appreciated. Juliaki, I was thinking very much along the lines of what you were talking about. The Pentecostal church I was in, I definitely felt some intense energy. It did remind me of Paganism a bit during the whole thing, raising energy. Maybe energy is, in a sense, God. I guess that's why I felt so comforted. I'm going to look into a few more things regarding faith and religion. It's like I'm never fully settled on one belief system and that bothers me. Perhaps I still have a lot to learn.

Thank you,
Alicia

I know I definitely felt very..fulfilled when I would go back to the Christian God. I think because it was with Him that I best knew how to relate, and going to church and such gave me a feeling of security inside. Sometimes it was like a child returning to his Father.

[Elderbush]

I think that many people, especially when young, "try out" a number of religions and religious ideas. There really is nothing wrong with that. Actually I think it is a wonderful thing to do in order to learn tolerance and understanding of those in different faiths and find your own path.

If you enjoy going to a Christian church, why shouldn't you go? It is, in my opinion, all about developing a relationship with the god(s). The one(s) that speaks to you is the one to follow.

I enjoy going with friends and family to their Christian churches occationally, not because the Christian god speaks to me, but because having grown up Christian, it reminds me of my childhood. It's familiar.

[equinox2]

sincerebliss wrote:
The very first day I went I cried and I was baptized! ME, the most anti-christian person! I felt tingling all up and down my body and started speaking in tounges.

Actually, that's very common. In general, excitement is very contagious, that's how we work as social animals. Being a group of people who are all apparently being moved is a mind- altering experience. I read an autobiograpical piece about a person who was a prominent Jew in Nazi germany. They would trot out a bunch of them in chains to forcibly attend the huge Nazi book-burning rallies. He hated Hitler and the Nazis, but he said it was very difficult to keep himself from raising his hand up and shouting sig heil!!!! in agreement with the crowd, just because an enthusiastic crowd is sooooo intoxicating.


In any Christian church, be aware of their stance on the Bible, and what the Bible actually says - you'll often need to talk with the pastor to get a straight answer on this, since many members will give different answers. Nearly all churches are clear in their agreement with the Bible that other religions are NOT acceptable, and that only Christians avoid hell. Decide if you want to be a part of whatever that church teaches.


Galadraal wrote:

Well, my best advice would be to look at Jesus Christ. He enacted a compassion for people

Yes, Jesus did say and do a lot of good things, from what we can tell. However, so many people want to candy-coat every single aspect of Jesus that he soon becomes a made-up ideal instead of a historical person. Jesus did urge people to be nice to people, but he also urged people to abandon their families for their religion. He called non-jews "dogs", and said that most people will go to hell. In fact, out of the whole bible, Jesus talks about hell more than anyone else. Jesus talks about hell more than Paul, more than James, more than Peter. If one believes in the Christian Trinity, (where Jesus is the one God, along with the father and the holy spirit), then Jesus made hell, and created most people specifically deciding before they are born that they will go to hell for eternal torture. So, some nice aspects and some that aren't so nice. You might be interested in comparing the many, many different pictures of Jesus from different points of view here:

http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/theories.html

From what I've found in years of study, the idea of Jesus as an apocalyptic prophet seems to be the best supported by the data. This has good points as well as bad, and makes someone like Gandhi a better person to strive to be like than Jesus. But don't take my word for it - learn some of the reasons, the actual evidence, that the people above use for their estimates of who Jesus was, and then decide for yourself, based not on what you'd wish were true, but rather on what is best supported by evidence.

Take care, and good luck wherever you go-

[sincerebliss]

Thank you for replying equinox2, I appreciate your words. I'm going to take a look at that link, too. It crossed my mind about spiritual energy and if I was just feeling energy rather than God (again, God may just be a form of energy), but what about tounges? What explains that? Is it just intense energy that enables that? Do you believe people are just making up nonsense words? I'd like to hear your ideas on that if you have any. I'm just curious.

So many questions, so little answers.

Edited to add:
My pastor told me a very true story about another pastor who brought approximately 5-8 people to life, just as jesus did by calling his name forth like Lazerous (sp?) in the bible. These people are still alive. How could that not be an act of Jesus?
Alicia

[Elderbush]

Not to rain on your parade but just because someone tells you something, doesn't make it true or the whole truth. (Think Santa Claus here.) If you develop some critical reading and listening skills, you will less likely be taken advantage of by the unscrupulous, not that I am suggesting this man is. Many people believe because of their own experiences rather than those reported by others.

[ShadowcatX]

Everything that happens to us, happens to us for a reason. Perhaps you needed to walk the Christian path for a while to help you understand it, and the people who walk it.

[yavanna]

My pastor told me a very true story about another pastor who brought approximately 5-8 people to life, just as jesus did by calling his name forth like Lazerous (sp?) in the bible. These people are still alive. How could that not be an act of Jesus?
Alicia

It could be an act of God. Who's to say the christian God isn't also an aspect of the Divine? Honestly I don't know.

I've been pagan for a long time and my mom is also a pagan of sorts too. But even so, I've still had dreams like I'm going to burn in hell or something to the effect, (allways after seeing some "Left Behind" hype). But I know the history of christianity and to me it doesn't resound with me. So how can you decide what's best for you? Don't listen to ANYONE but yourself. Don't listen to your pastor, don't listen to me or anyone else. Do what is right for you. You will never know if any religion is actually "true". The best you can do is find one that is true for you.

Christianity is not true for me, but it may be true for you. However, you may be turning to it because your afraid that if your wrong you'll burn in hell forever. If this is the case, do some research on the history of hell and Christianity and then decide.

Good luck on your journey!

[charmedkisses1]

If I wrote about my own personal experiences with "demons" I would get flayed from those who don't believe in them.... but I will say that yes, there are dark forces, and they usually hurt those who have enormous spiritual potential. I am THE critic of all things supernatural, but when I SAW what happened to my best friend after she became a Christian (the real kind, not the fake kind) whatever dark things (mental, spiritual, whatever) left her with a very violent, but permanent, goodbye.


I go to a non denominational youth group and meditate with Nature.

[kystrawberry]

I am an ex pastors wife from a Pentecostal Church. My son is now a pentecostal preacher. I have spoken in tongues and prophesied in the pentecostal church. The gift of knowing is one that I still have. Someone on this thread said that in the Pentecostal church it is raising power and they are correct. They pray down the holy spirit. The holy spirit then enters the body and the people then act in the spirit. Which seems similar to a ritual in witch craft of calling on spirits. I am new so I don't know a lot about pagan rituals and how they are performed. I was not happy in the pentecostal church because of restrictions placed on the members. I want to decide for myself what is right and wrong. I still believe in Jesus but I also believe in the Goddess. On my altar I have both. However when I pray I pray more to the Goddess. I celebrate pagan holidays and moon festivals and with this I have found peace. I have taken the best from Christian, (which was Jesus) and left off the rest . I say do what you need to find your peace find your way in life, if Christianity is your path then follow it, if a mix is your way then follow it. Do what feels right in your heart. And know that God is with you and will always love you and accepts us as we are. The Gods know we are still working to find our way.:fpeek:

[sincerebliss]

You guys are all giving good advice. CharmedKisses1, so you have a friend what experienced demonic things as she was becoming Christian, too? See, It all felt so real to me but sometimes I cannot help to think it was just an aspect of my imagination. (Then, when I find out my sister met this guy who said he saw demonic things, it made me second guess myself. Of course, this guy could be nuts because for some reason he thinks he is in Germany...?) Well, I just don't want to fall back into something "wrong." The bible says that we shouldn't mess with the dead and you know, it makes a lot of sense. When I was involved in Paganism, of course I used tarot cards and the like. I also meditated and balanced my chakras EVERY NIGHT for about a year. I think I was opening myself up to things I wasn't ready for. I started feeling and sensing things I never had before. I felt like I was in a haze.
I think I'm going to start exploring, but this time I'm going to approach things in a more cautious manner, I hope.
Alicia

[ShadowcatX]

If I wrote about my own personal experiences with "demons" I would get flayed from those who don't believe in them.... but I will say that yes, there are dark forces, and they usually hurt those who have enormous spiritual potential. I am THE critic of all things supernatural, but when I SAW what happened to my best friend after she became a Christian (the real kind, not the fake kind) whatever dark things (mental, spiritual, whatever) left her with a very violent, but permanent, goodbye.


I go to a non denominational youth group and meditate with Nature.

Why is it you assume people are going to "flay" you for saying that demons exist when in reality people would only have a problem with you for thinking that you (or your friend, or whoever) is better than everyone who hasn't had the same experiences you've had as is evidenced by your mention of "enormous spiritual potential" which served no purpose other than to try and make whomever look good?

[LadyCelt]

I went through bad stuff when I became Christian (but it may have been the medication that was horrible for me or doing the spell on medication, long story.) either way, I felt a dark and bad presence.


I don't know if tarot cards involve the dead, I really don't. I don't see chakras doing this. I see this as a form of yoga and meditation. I avoide ouija boards. I don't know if scrying deals with the dead either.


I am Christian, but am exploring paganism and wicca. I feel that the Lord is both male and female. The Lord and Lady (God and Goddess) are another way of the Lord for me. I also feel the Lord made all the gods and goddesses and the gods and goddesses who made them. I believe animals have souls too and I belive in animism in general.

I also feel less and less non Christians go to Hell.

I try to go to church once weekly (non denominational, but its protestant.) I have also gone to Catholic masses too. I've thought of going to mass once a month and the other the other 3 weeks. Lutherans have I think a mass, either way its pretty similar.

At least online, I find people on pagan and wiccan boards to be more kind and tolerant of differences in faiths.

I find nothing wrong to explore other faiths. I can see ShadowcatX's point about maybe you were supposed to explore this. Everything we go trhough helps build our path and spirituality and who we are. Maybe there are lessons about Jesus for you to learn and you will help others and the world through Jesus.

[Necrosapien]

Hun, I understand what you're going through. As some know I lost my faith at least six months ago. I was raised, baptised a non-denominational Christian. I know there is a Godde, a diety who loves me...I've had certain things happen that cannot convince me otherwise. By what name Godde is called, I'm not sure. My faith is very broad right now. I'm just flowing along and narrowing as I go. I have tried to learn as much about other religions, thoughts, and ideas as I can. I'm a freakin' sponge. I don't know how I feel about other religions...there are plenty of others besides Christianity that say that they're the only "way." What if they're right? At any rate, I am going through some of the same things. Christianity is very powerful to me...I've felt things when I was baptized, I've felt diety speaking to me, and through me. I've felt evil sprits and demons and I've cast them out in the name of Jesus. I've prophesied over others...not of my own abilities but of the Holy Spirit speaking through me. All I know is that there was something right about Christianity that was right. The good things are very good...for lack of a better word. It's just when we start putting faith in men that we've got problems. It's when we start taking a working document called the Bible (that was in the hands of extremely falliable men, might I remind you) as the ultimate truth...we're missing out on a lot. The other problem is that whenever you translate from one language to another, there is something lost. Over time, and whatnot, this must have happened. That and when people change things intentionally...grrr...that burns me (check out Psalm 46...count 46 words in (NKJV) and you'll see SHAKE...count 46 words up from the bottom *don't include Selah* and you'll see SPEAR...it's a tribute to Shakespear that they threw in there...) I miss the naivety I had then...but I hope that I can recover...and that I will have a new perspective on everything when this is all over. If you ever need anyone to bounce ideas or thoughts off, I'd like to help.

[equinox2]

Sincerebliss/Alicia wrote:
It crossed my mind about spiritual energy and if I was just feeling energy rather than God (again, God may just be a form of energy), but what about tounges? What explains that?

There certainly was "energy" there, whether just human excitement or something divine. Either way, it still doesn't explain exactly the origin of the energy.

Tongues, or "glossalia" is a common religious experience practiced for at least thousands of years. The ancient greek worshippers attributed it to apollo (and often worship of Apollo involved a lot of it), but it was done also from Zeus, Ares, Artemis, many others. It's also done in Hinduism, Islam, many native religions (both native african and native american) and other religions. I recommend doing some searches under "glossalia", and listening to many different points of view. One interesting point is that is often done involentarily by schizophrenics or as a result of certain medications, and when this occurs, people don't generally try to "interpret" it or see it as a gift.

I see two possible explainations for glossalia:

1. It is divinely inspired. If so, then the fact that it appears across religions says that Christianity is just plain wrong in claiming to be the only possible route to the divine. If divine, then it is an affirmation that all (or at least most) religions are "correct", and the source of the divine reaches through many paths.

2. It's just a brain state. This guess may be supported by the appearence of glossalia in schizophrenics or under medication. It would also explain why recordings of glossalia can't be objectively "translated" by anyone - not even people who natively speak other languages. Of course, one can always claim that it is divine, just that the other language is one that isn't spoken by anyone else on earth now.

Do you believe people are just making up nonsense words? I'd like to hear your ideas on that if you have any. I'm just curious.

My own estimate? I lean more towards #2, but I really don't know. I also have never done it, nor studied it too much, so I don't feel too strongly either way. However, even if it is nonsense, I don't think the people are making up nonsense, but rather that their brain is. In other words, I don't think it is voluntary or intentionally deceptive (at least not usually).



My pastor told me a very true story about another pastor who brought approximately 5-8 people to life, just as jesus did by calling his name forth like Lazerous (sp?) in the bible. These people are still alive. How could that not be an act of Jesus?

OK, I have to be pretty skeptical here. First, if it is "very true", then how come there is uncertainty about the number of people? We are hearing this at least 4th hand (another pastor, to the pastor, to you, to us). Besides, in today's modern world, this would be a huge thing. There are literally billions (with a B) of people who want desperately to hear of something like this - it would be all over the news. Based on that and other reasons, I really, really doubt it actually happened, and I'd be very careful in dealing with someone who would tell you something like that.

P.S. - be aware that the lazarus story itself (john chap 11) is very likely to be an ancient fabrication. It appears no where else in the Bible, and fits John's bias all too well. John works hard to show Jesus as a glorious miracle worker, and even states in 11:6 that Jesus didn't go to Lazarus right away specifically because Jesus wanted him to die so Jesus could raise him from the dead to show off. If the Lazarus thing really happened, then why would Peter, Paul, Matthew, Mark, Luke, etc - never have seen or heard of it?

May your mind soar like the eagle-

[aluokaloo]

Okay, so I studied various Pagan practices on and off for three years. I was really dedicated to the Pagan faith. About three months to four months ago I started having really bad dreams and I felt like I was supposed to be Christian. (Now, keep in mind I hated everything about Christianity, really.) I was completely opposed to it. I had really frightening dreams where I was being possessed (by demons) and it started happening the first time I attended church on my own accord. I never really believed in demons, but when I was little I had a strange experience where my bed started shaking. That could have definitely been something demonic. I felt like some force didn't like me getting back into Christianity. I just called it Darkness. I have never had dreams where it felt like I was actually there. My dreams progressed for quite a while and were getting worse. I was seriously terrified.

So, I knew that going to church was the "right" thing for me to do. I felt it in my heart. I ended up going to a Pentecostal church for a while because I felt drawn to go there. The very first day I went I cried and I was baptized! ME, the most anti-christian person! I felt tingling all up and down my body and started speaking in tounges. I felt like a huge weight was lifted off of my shoulders. For once in my life, I felt completely free. I felt like I could fly. I have never felt such a beautiful thing in my life.

Now, why am I back here? I don't understand. I've experienced something so beautiful and peaceful and I'm here, thinking about Paganism again. I'm actually scared that if I go back to where I was, I'll experience the same thing over again. Any opinions would be great. Have any of you experienced anything of this nature?

Alicia



No, but perhaps what you experienced was and yes this is a lousy play on words a rude awakening, that you needed to see things from another point of view, the universe has various ways of making you see what you refuse to, or making you realize what you need in your life. e.g. say a homophobe and a homosexual who were thrown into a life and death situation where they had to depend on each other, and the homophobe realized that the other was human and it was only hatred and fear that misunderstanding that kept that person from seeing that they were both for better or worse human and got over each this prejudice.

[charmedkisses1]

Why is it you assume people are going to "flay" you for saying that demons exist when in reality people would only have a problem with you for thinking that you (or your friend, or whoever) is better than everyone who hasn't had the same experiences you've had as is evidenced by your mention of "enormous spiritual potential" which served no purpose other than to try and make whomever look good?
Because alot of people have a problem with talking about demons, and I have been persecuted for believing in them. And some Christians are more spiritual than others, it doesn't make them any better or any worse, and I wonder why you would think that. The experience didn't make her look good, it made her look like a freak to people who don't believe in spirits.

[Oneira]

See, that's why I'm Pagan. I know that I'm always free to look around and explore, while still practicing what I do.

I know that when I first studied Wicca, I felt that it was expecting me to push all previous notions out of my head. I was raised Roman Catholic and still have bits of it embedded under my skin.

I will say that I mostly worship the Greek gods, but I also feel great, tremendous power when I see certain Hindu statues. I also have guides that have nothing to do with Greece, whatsoever. I also have two Native American spirits with me.

I think at this point, everything that is divine, is. And it's there for us to connect to, so that we may embrace the divine within and without.

There is a new statue of Jesus built in a neighborhood nearby. I saw it. It was a new design. The Jesus had nails in his hands and he held them out. It was built to give the impoverished and broken something to relate to. And behind that, I saw an image greater than that, which no one else saw.

Divine is. Love is.

[sincerebliss]

equinox2..
OK, I have to be pretty skeptical here. First, if it is "very true", then how come there is uncertainty about the number of people? We are hearing this at least 4th hand (another pastor, to the pastor, to you, to us). Besides, in today's modern world, this would be a huge thing. There are literally billions (with a B) of people who want desperately to hear of something like this - it would be all over the news. Based on that and other reasons, I really, really doubt it actually happened, and I'd be very careful in dealing with someone who would tell you something like that.

P.S. - be aware that the lazarus story itself (john chap 11) is very likely to be an ancient fabrication. It appears no where else in the Bible, and fits John's bias all too well. John works hard to show Jesus as a glorious miracle worker, and even states in 11:6 that Jesus didn't go to Lazarus right away specifically because Jesus wanted him to die so Jesus could raise him from the dead to show off. If the Lazarus thing really happened, then why would Peter, Paul, Matthew, Mark, Luke, etc - never have seen or heard of it?

May your mind soar like the eagle-
lol I said 5-8 because I cannot remember how many people the pastor had told me.

Very intriguing information you've wrote, though.

[Strawberry Bounce]

While on my path I have looked back & questioned if I am doing the right thing. I went back to church but I felt uncomfortable. I went back to the Bible but it dosn't speak to me. I still think about Jesus from time to time but I don't agree with Christianity. I think it's just really ingrained with me. I spent more time as Christian than as a pagan.