What's their problem?

[Emaleth]

MM all!

I was thinking why is the Christianity so opposed to Paganism. I know this question may sound funny or naive, but I've recently met with some not so nice remarks about Paganism.

A mont ago I went to my cousin's confirmation. It would have been a regular mass, only at the end of it the bishop warned the congregation against the threat of neo paganism. I don't quite understand the reason for so much fear and hatred. Why should Paganism be so dangerous, why not Buddhism or any other non- christian religion? Am I missing something out here? Could someone enlighten me on this matter?

Blessed Be

[Radocs]

The bishop could have had any number of reasons for his warning, be it his personal feelings, or otherwise...

[cherrywind]

Some (I don't want to say most because I haven't talked to most clergy) warn against it because they believe it is devil worship. Or, if they don't believe it is direct devil worship, they believe the devil is tricking people and leading people to worship him that way.

[Emaleth]

Originally posted by cherrywind
Some (I don't want to say most because I haven't talked to most clergy) warn against it because they believe it is devil worship. Or, if they don't believe it is direct devil worship, they believe the devil is tricking people and leading people to worship him that way.

Yes, this is a very old belief, as old as the crusades. It was invented in order for the church to have some explanation for their religious killings. And as far as I know that idea was connected with all non - christian religions, not only paganism. One would think that today the priests should know better than a thousand years ago, but religious intolerance is now as strong as then :(

Blessed Be

[UlricDagon]

What is the point really

Blessed Be.

[Theres]

Originally posted by Emaleth
-Could someone enlighten me on this matter?
Blessed Be

i think you understand the situation perfecly Emaleth. it is the Bishop who needs to be enlightened. but for that to happen, he must want to understand, and many centuries of ignorance have probably closed that door.
and that is really a shame.

[Emaleth]

Originally posted by UlricDagon
http://www.christianbbs.com/[/url]



I try to be nice and polite, but it's very hard to be nice to people who insult you and mock at your faith.

And there are plenty of people who consider every word a priest says as sacred. Most of them have no contact with pagans and how can they know we are not going to burn churches and kill their children? If they are told we are evil they will believe it. My point is that it is sad how a few people who have no idea what paganism is turn the society against pagans.

In my country the catholic church is very influential and pagans few, so it really matters what it is said about us, since the priests are in fact almost the only source of knowledge about paganism for most people.

Blessed Be

[UlricDagon]

With insulting statements below stating that I HARASS people is just to much for me to handle.

At least when I post on thier boards they dont generalize :)

Blessed be and talk to you all later!

[Myst]

Yes and then you can increase their hits, insult them and thus be no better then them, *and* encourage them to come here to retaliate.

Maybe the better idea would be to leave them alone and worry about your own self and your own happiness. None of them have come here to harass you so show some respect and not do the same back.

One thing I've learned in the past few days is life's too short and precious to spend time with that sort of thing.

[SpikesPet5150]

The major reason I don't care to fight with anyone else about my faith is because it is just that.. *MY* faith. I don't need to disprove their beliefs to validate mine. I think thats why alot of people argue their faith... is because they feel doubtful in theirs and feel the need to disprove yours. So do as UlricDragon says... respond to them kindly, with facts. Don't yell, don't hit, don't say mean things things, because that is just proving their point. I will admit, I've lost my temper a couple times with a few people, and I feel bad for doing so (even though the look on their faces was priceless.. "Don't you know it's not good to piss off a witch?") hehe

Anyways, I say, don't let them bother you. They have their beliefs, you have yours. Educate them as well as you can, but don't be surprised if they feel the need to educate you, as well. It's a 2 way street here, guys... if you think you should educate them on the good points of Paganism, expect education in the good points of Christianity.
~Bree

[Autumn]

Generally I agree with Myst. We are not going to change their minds, we are not obliged to spread our faith so I leave them be.