I am so mad....

[WrathofCirce]

A few weeks ago, a guy answered a personal ad I had placed. After a few conversations he asked me about religion. It was an obvious problem that I was a Pagan. He stopped speaking to me mid conversation. Fine by me. I don't need anyone in my life who does not respect my path. I'm related to enough of those people without finding more to add to the mix. Well, it's been two weeks or so and today I get an email from him that says "Courage to change!!!" and it reads...
:rant:
It is one of the great dichotomies of the Gospel that real freedom begins with surrender, willingness to be led by the Holy Spirit. Unbelievers make the mistake of looking for freedom in unfettered living, but they are always disappointed because we are our own worst masters! But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law. The law convicts us of our sin, compels God’s judgment, leaves us cursed or doomed. Galatians 5:13 says we were called to be free in the life God ordains for us. We were created to be led the way a shepherd leads his sheep. The Lord is my Shepherd who provides rest in green pastures, refreshment by still waters, protection from death or danger, enrichment even in this uncertain world, enjoyment of His goodness and mercy forever. To be led by the Holy Spirit is to be free from fear, condemnation, self-service.

Otherwise we are sure to bring trouble on ourselves: sexual immorality, debauchery, idolatry, hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfishness, envy, drunkenness … life out of control. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the Kingdom of God. No change means no power of God in our lives – no victory, no peace, no freedom.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control – the difference He makes in our lives, the virtues He cultivates in every believer. Christianity is all about change, regeneration, new birth, sanctification in every aspect of our existence. He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake, in the way of holiness for His glory. Love, joy and peace are qualities of worship that please God. Patience, kindness and goodness are qualities of friendship toward others around us. Faithfulness, gentleness and self-control are qualities of inner strength that help us cope with change. Self-control is especially important when everything else seems out of control.



It is good to know that we are not helpless, that there are things we can change to help us cope with change. Henry Cloud and John Townsend (Boundaries) say we have the power to face the truth about our problems, confess our sins, admit our weakness; to ask God for help; to repent or turn from evil; to seek guidance and make amends when necessary. It is the power of the Holy Spirit at work in us. Paul calls it crucifying the old sinful nature, dying to the old life of bondage to sin and rising to new life in the Holy Spirit, freedom to excel for the glory of God.

Jesus Christ finished washing His disciples’ feet and telling them about His example of holy love. Then He said: “Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them” (John 13:17). You will be strengthened, fulfilled, equipped for an unshakeable life in the love of God. Hebrews 12:28 says we belong to a Kingdom that cannot be shaken. II Peter 1:10 says we will never fall if we practice faith, goodness, knowledge of God, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love. He who does these things will never be shaken (Psalm 15:5). You and I prepare for inevitable changes (sickness, old age, death), for serenity to accept the things we cannot change, by cultivating unshakeable lives filled with the fruit of the Spirit.

It is not enough just to be led by the Holy Spirit. Paul tells us to walk in the Holy Spirit also, to make progress in the way of holiness, to go His way, to do what He compels us to do. Christianity is active faith; it is all about progress, growth, maturity. We walk where the Holy Spirit leads us. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit … like soldiers marching to a magnificent cadence, maintaining a perfectly straight line, in splendid agreement with His irresistible rhythm.

[Radocs]

This sort of thing is what delete keys are for. :D

[Autumn]

Radocs said it best!!!

Sorry that happened to you!

[Faeawyn]

some people are ignorant and all you can do is chuckle :lol: Email him back some pagan stuff, or type up a funny little curse and email it to freak him out. Ok, ok...not a good idea, but funny :smoke: :hehehehe:

[DraconisArcanus]

All I could do to stop from spitting my drink all over the monitor. Christian tolerance rears it's ugly head again. Why is it that everyone who is Christian tries to "save us" from oursleves? I am reminded of the burning times, the persecution and genocide in the name of thier god. The scary thought is that this may not be that far away again. Our government seems to want to make Christianity the religion of choice in this country and I am truly scared. Scared that my right to choose my religion may be infringed upon.


We practice tolerance every day...I only wish they could do the same.

Peace!

[MerrisHawk]

Bye bye Bozo. I'd delete and never respond, maybe think about changing your personal ad too.

Other wise you could write back..."Courage is.......and start a debate/fight that may never end. He sounds very certain of his ability to quote scripture. :hehehehe:

[djmixon]

I apologize for the Christian population. . .or at least my corner of it. . .

Not all of us believe the way this guy does. . .

You are better off without him. . .set up an email rule to delete his stuff so you do not have to read it.

Take care,
Donna

[WrathofCirce]

Thing is.... I should be used to it by now. I live in Pat Robertson's back yard. Still, I get so freaking mad when someone tries to save my soul. I'm a big girl with a big brain. I can look after my own immortal soul. Thing is, that guy didn't even write that himself. He wasn't that articulate. Have I been a victim of evangilistic dating?

[AuroraSilvermist]

Not all Christians are intolerant jerks. I recently had a great conversation about religion with the guy who purchased my writing website, and he's very Christian, but he's also very open-minded.

I dunno, I think there's a danger in classifying all Christians as being just like the guy who used a pagan personal ad to try and bring WrathofCirce to Jesus. It's the same as them classifying all of us as evil Satanic weirdos who dance naked around bonfires (hey, SOME of us do! ;) ) and sacrifice live animals.

Anyhow, I think we just have to be careful that THEIR intolerance of us doesn't make us react with intolerance right back. I think it's up to the entire Pagan community to prove that we're above all that.

[WrathofCirce]

Bye bye Bozo. I'd delete and never respond, maybe think about changing your personal ad too.

Other wise you could write back..."Courage is.......and start a debate/fight that may never end. He sounds very certain of his ability to quote scripture. :hehehehe:

I reported it as spam
:colorful:

[Mithrea]

delete, report, and put on your block sender list. :)

[ambermystique]

If you ever run into this guy again, and he has the mind to try to "convert" you again, then just speak to him in terms he understands..."Judge not, lest ye be judged." I am bombarded with these silly notions from people (not just Christians remember!) all of the time. It's more a matter of being ignorant and putting on blinders to the diversity in the world. There has to be room for everyone, remind him. Also, I do always make it a point to inform these people that I do not even believe in Satan and my creed is to harm none. This way, they may have learned just a bit while I was telling them off without them even realizing it. :) Don't worry about it hun. We can't get our panties in a bunch every time this happens because it simply happens probably once every five seconds. The only thing we can resolve to do is teach to anyone who will listen, then and only then, maybe our paths won't be quite so discriminated against.
peace,
amber
(I'd just suggest to be a bit more picky about who you go out with from personal ads...get to know 'em a bit better on the phone or online before actually going out with him...)

[Antoninus]

When someone starts preaching at me I reply "Are you spritually perfect?" If they say no I reply "Then concentrate on yourself before concerning yourself with others". If they say yes, why that just makes it even MORE fun :D if they say yes, I reply "God is perfect, right?" They say yes and I reply "Oh, so your claiming to be God? Isnt that a sin? One for which you go to hell?" That shuts 'em up REEEEEAL fast.

Id lay it out in your profile. "I am Pagan, I am secure with my religion, do not try to convert/save/harass/tease/or otherwise mess with me about my religion"

[morrigen]

...this guy needs a girlfriend, badly....

luckily, it's not you...:lol:

[WrathofCirce]

...this guy needs a girlfriend, badly....

luckily, it's not you...:lol:
:lol: I should probably set him up with my coworker. She quotes scripture to me weekly, and says that she accepts my path, but makes little condescending remarks about it all of the time. I think they would be a dream couple. Too bad she is waiting for God to return her (ex)husband who left her two years ago for another woman, divorced her a few months ago and married the other woman.

[morrigen]

Oh dear...they sound perfect for each other :lol:

[Phoenix Blue]

All I could do to stop from spitting my drink all over the monitor. Christian tolerance rears it's ugly head again. Why is it that everyone who is Christian tries to "save us" from oursleves?
That's not really true. There are several Christians who are members of this community. Have any of them preached at you? :)

[DragonFriend]

Are you guys trying to kill me....."wipes lunch off of PC screen - AGAIN" - where does that guy get off????


I mean if I had a pound for every time one of the "Christian" religions has tried to convert me and hubby....well we wouldnt be millionaires but it would be a good night out........

Its like all this stuff about churches in the UK buying tickets for the "Passion" and handing them out for free with the idea it might convert people.

(....after all Im sure we all dashed out and bought a few hundred ticket for "Practical Magic" or "The Craft" and handed them out looking for a few converts........)

Is Christianity so hard up they have to pull this sort of thing (OK - not all before I get told off - I meant in general) Arent we allowed any religious freedom?? I once had a very good friend - Cindy, she was "converted" to the born again christian thing - from just being an "undecided" Now she wont even talk to me. She says its not that Im a bad person but apparently we dont get to heaven by good works alone......go figure the karma on that one...........

Good deeds and sticking up for whats right are what make us good people - showing we care for our friends,family, animal companions and environment are what matter and helping a stranger if we find ourselves in that situation

Thank the Goddess pagans arent evangelical (hot headed, enjoy a good rant - yep but not evangelical)

Im going to go finish my lunch reading my book for 5 minutes - so I dont choke again....!

[Kadynas]

Its like all this stuff about churches in the UK buying tickets for the "Passion" and handing them out for free with the idea it might convert people.

(....after all Im sure we all dashed out and bought a few hundred ticket for "Practical Magic" or "The Craft" and handed them out looking for a few converts........)

Is Christianity so hard up they have to pull this sort of thing (OK - not all before I get told off - I meant in general) Arent we allowed any religious freedom?? I once had a very good friend - Cindy, she was "converted" to the born again christian thing - from just being an "undecided" Now she wont even talk to me. She says its not that Im a bad person but apparently we dont get to heaven by good works alone......go figure the karma on that one...........

I did hear about that! (the Passion tickets thing!) :)

But as for your question: are they so "hard up" (does that mean the same thing over there as here? :lol: ) that they need to do this? In America, despite the large number of Christians, some particular sects are seeing a /large/ drop in membership, particularly the Catholics with all the scandals. Then you have the Easter/Christmas-only church-goers...

I've met some very fine Christians... but there are some zealots that won't take a hint. If you tell them you're not interested and they still won't leave you alone, it's harassment, pure and simple.

To WrathofCirce: reporting it as spam? Priceless! :lol:

[Eowyn]

some people are ignorant and all you can do is chuckle :lol: Email him back some pagan stuff, or type up a funny little curse and email it to freak him out. Ok, ok...not a good idea, but funny :smoke: :hehehehe:

*giggle* Good idea... But freak him out? :hehehehe: I would like go on a killer mission and take like a zillion facts on Paganism (including that Christianity comes from Paganism) and Wicca all that... :lol:

[WrathofCirce]

Is Christianity so hard up they have to pull this sort of thing (OK - not all before I get told off - I meant in general) Arent we allowed any religious freedom?? I once had a very good friend - Cindy, she was "converted" to the born again christian thing - from just being an "undecided" Now she wont even talk to me. She says its not that Im a bad person but apparently we dont get to heaven by good works alone......go figure the karma on that one...........



Seems to me that Jehovah is the Peter the Great or Napoleon of gods. He wasn't happy with just leading the Jews around the dessert, now he's working on building an Empire. Of course so is Allah. Waterlooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh, and I did reply afterall...this is what I said...
Freedom is believing that you, yourself, are responsible for your own actions - no Heaven for a reward and no Hell as punishment. Doing right for no other reason than that it is the right thing to do.

Think on this... everyone is a believer. You are a non believer to a Buddhist or a Hindu, or a Pagan. Everyone believes he is on the right path. I went to a Catholic High School. On a school retreat I asked the priest why he was sure that the Catholic faith was the "right" faith. After saying that it was because he believed, I asked
what made him different from the faithful Muslim or the devote Zen Buddhist.
"Because I know" he said.
What makes what he knows more real, more truthful, than what the Dahli Lhama knows? What makes what you know more real, more truthful than what I know? I can only say that my goddesses have been a very real and miraculous presence in my life. I know many people who follow many different pantheons, and all have a measure of devotion to their god/goddess. An atheist, to me, is very courageous. Atheists live life completely accountable for their own destiny. What if there is no black and white answer? What if everyone is right? I only know that what I believe is absolutely right for me. I don't need anyone praying for my heathen soul or that I will see the light. I feel great passion and joy in my Goddesses, and they are very real - archeological evidence of their existence predates any evidence of a Jehovah, Yahweh or Allah. Thousands like me gather and worship and feel great joy in our knowledge - without judging others. We believe just as passionately, with the same conviction. The only difference is that we do not have the hubris to believe that only we are on the right path.
The Bible is not the only holy text ever written. How can one quote it as authority when the person they are quoting it to follows a different path? No offense, but when someone quotes it to me, they might as well be quoting a Stephen King novel. To me, the Bible is little more than a collection of fictitious stories, fables, and politcal rants passed down by word of mouth for hundreds of years, while metomorphisizing each time it was told. To others, it is the absolute word of "God," and still to others it is a collection of stories not meant to be taken literally, but used to teach lessons. Who is right? Is the Qaballah wrong? Is the Koran wrong? Is ancient Sandscrit wrong? Is the Egyptian Book of the Dead wrong? Maybe it is all wrong. Maybe it is all right. What if Yahweh was just one of many gods? What if he isn't the be all and end all? In Genesis multiple deities are referred to. What if Yahweh was simply the God of the Jews? In my religion we refer to the Goddess as the Goddess with Ten Thousand names. Why? Because there are literally thousands of different goddesses worshipped all over the world. Gods too. What makes Jehovah any more real than Zeus, Osiris, Ra, Apollo, Ganesh, Shiva, etc? Is it the Bible? Everyone has a holy text. Everyone can quote a differnt authority.

True freedom is to have faith in your own beliefs without needing to convince others that your way is the right way. My soul is accounted for. Look after your own.

[Nighthawk]

Well, glad you got that sorted out... the nerve... "My way is better than your way" ... But the way..I love your avatar, Wrath...

[WrathofCirce]

But the way..I love your avatar, Wrath...

Thanks, it's an original watercolor by me

[Nighthawk]

Thanks, it's an original watercolor by me

That is WONDERFUL work... Reminds me a little of Whelan... Sorry if I am ignorant... I cannot remember the name of the god

[WrathofCirce]

It is the goddess Sekhmet or Sakhmet depending on the source.

[Nighthawk]

Thanks... I should have known, since I have Anubis

[DragonsChest]

All I could do to stop from spitting my drink all over the monitor. Christian tolerance rears it's ugly head again. Why is it that everyone who is Christian tries to "save us" from oursleves?

We Christians try to "save" everybody because generally that's what we are indoctrinated to do. But not all of us espouse that sentiment, and know that there is a great big world out there. I see no conflict in being a Christian and being part of this board, at the same time. In the end, we're all seekers.

[MzNeko]

True freedom is to have faith in your own beliefs without needing to convince others that your way is the right way. My soul is accounted for. Look after your own.
:fpraiseyo :clapping: :fpraiseyo

Seriously, that needs to be a sig. line, or a T-shirt

[djmixon]

I love your signature picture MzNeko!!!!! Absolutely right!!!!

[SilverMaiden]

:hehehehe: I agree the delete key is a very wonderful invention.

He certainly showed that he has very little respect for those not of his faith and that no one else can make good decisions if they don't agree with his.

I placed an ad once and stated out right that the person I'm looking for must like both cats and dogs because I was not going to give up my animals. One guy flamed me big time. I just laughed. Thankfully I wasn't looking for a cranky person to date. :lol:

[Lilith79]

That email just plain sux!http://www.stupid-boy.com/smilies/contrib/dday/vomit.gif
Glad you decided to kick him to the curb. :huddle:

[Black RiverWolf]

this guy sounds like the neibors that live across the street from me. she came at me and started praying that i would come back to the lord because my girlfriend and i had just bought the house. so being the little shite that i am, i wore a tank to show off all five of my tattoos including the big one on my back that is the same symbol from the Disturbed belive cd cover. two days later she put up a prayer in her front yard. this was over halloween so i went and bought big fake spiders and skeletons and i have yet to take them down. i think that it maks them squirm just enough to leave me alone.
:hailmol:

[WrathofCirce]

he's been emailing me his response all day and for everyone I delete another pops up. So, I did the deed, I opened it. here is what it said, and my reply, but I swear it is the last reply I will give...

a simple i do not w3ant your emails would have been fine,i believe you can have any faith you want,and i will not blast you for it and you do not blast me for it
Thanks
Jim

I was not blasting your faith, only your hubris in sending such obvious christian propaganda. My point, which you missed, was that your religion is right for you, but not neccessarily for others. As an adult, I would rather not be told on one hand that you respect my faith, but that yours is the right one and I should change. That in and of itself is a disrespect of my beliefs. Reread my email and you will see that I never put down your faith or told you you were wrong for believing what you do. My belief is that we are all on the right path.
Lisa

[Fairywolf]

Way to go! I think you handled it much better then I would have and I commend you for it!

[moonchild]

hey, i'm in the middle of something similar with a close friend of mine....

contemplating sending her your orginal long reply Wrath :) don't know what the response would be tho, a bit scared to know

Dove

[Equinox]

HI-

That’s too bad, but it is bound to happen now and then. If you like, you may want to send him some information about the logical or biblical problems described on these pages:

http://www-personal.engin.umich.edu/~leta/TREATISE/TJXSUM/tj4xlogical.htm
and http://www-personal.engin.umich.edu/~leta/TREATISE/TJXSUM/tj5xbbibprob.htm

Hey, and these pages may provide resources for others in similar situations. They seem to work sometimes to get people to back off if just telling them to bug off doesn't work.

I’m sure you’ll come across someone who is more respectful of your path. May you never thirst-

-Equinox

[Pesha]

he's been emailing me his response all day and for everyone I delete another pops up. So, I did the deed, I opened it. here is what it said, and my reply, but I swear it is the last reply I will give...

a simple i do not w3ant your emails would have been fine,i believe you can have any faith you want,and i will not blast you for it and you do not blast me for it
Thanks
Jim

I was not blasting your faith, only your hubris in sending such obvious christian propaganda. My point, which you missed, was that your religion is right for you, but not neccessarily for others. As an adult, I would rather not be told on one hand that you respect my faith, but that yours is the right one and I should change. That in and of itself is a disrespect of my beliefs. Reread my email and you will see that I never put down your faith or told you you were wrong for believing what you do. My belief is that we are all on the right path.
Lisa
Way to go sweety. And remember you have a block email on your server. Just block his addy and forget the guy. I hate it when people have to go and play the relgion card and try to "save" me from something I find beautiful and fulfilling. Tsk Tsk on him and good ridence!

BB
DS.

[WrathofCirce]

HI-

That’s too bad, but it is bound to happen now and then. If you like, you may want to send him some information about the logical or biblical problems described on these pages:

Hey, and these pages may provide resources for others in similar situations. They seem to work sometimes to get people to back off if just telling them to bug off doesn't work.


-Equinox
Thank you for the links Equinox, they were very informative and interesting.
You Rock! :colorful:

[WrathofCirce]

Way to go sweety. And remember you have a block email on your server. Just block his addy and forget the guy. I hate it when people have to go and play the relgion card and try to "save" me from something I find beautiful and fulfilling. Tsk Tsk on him and good ridence!

BB
DS.

I forgot I could do that, lol. Well, I just did, thanks :) :smoke:

[Equinox]

Thanks for the compliment!

Plus, I'd like to echo the poster who mentioned how cool the watercolor painting you did (your avatar) is! No, you rock! :colorful: