Gonna start going to church. Maybe.

[Emerald Oak]

I went to my mom's church (I couldn't afford a mother's day gift, so I decided to just spend the day with her). Now, for those of you who don't know, I'm Wiccan. This didn't become general knowledge while I was at this church, obviously. That's suicide in this part of the country :shot:

On the way there, I noticed we passed by quite a few other churches, which told me my mom and step dad already had a good idea as to what kind of church they liked. Now, I expected the usual church crowd... Lots of hand shaking, great family atmosphere... And I got that, but so much more.

The preacher was fired up and had enough energy to power a V6 for a week. People were hugging each other in both greetings and farewells. But what struck me most was that the preacher didn't flat out tell his flock what to believe, like every other preacher I've ever witnessed has done. Instead, he read scriptures from the Bible and gave everyone a way of looking at it from a scholarly view. Poeple actually learned something that day (not to bash every other church in the country, just the ones I've been to :D)

It was mother's day, so we all feasted, and man, what a feast it was! Not only was the food good, but people were getting food for everyone else (my gramma in law actually served brownies to our entire table).

I had a blast, and feel like going back again. Problem is, like I said, I'm Wiccan. If I go back, I'd have to tell my step dad (my mom already knows). This is a guy who can't even handle the thought of homosexuality, which only tells me he could go off on me, or even disown me, if he found out I'm Wiccan. Knowing him, he'll think that Wicca is just another word for Satanism, and that could cause major problems.

I'm not asking whether or not he's a bad Christian... Believe me, I already have the answer to that one :hrmm: What I need to know is how to go about this without getting my limbs ripped off.

[Emerald Oak]

I spelled church wrong :lol:

[Nighthawk]

Why tell him?

[Caliburn]

I happen to have ha dmany great experience sin churches, the religious in general seem to be great people, a slong as they're not zealots. He's your step-dad? Can step-dads disown? Are you close to him, or will this not even be a loss at all. I suggest giving him literature, but then again, he might not even bother.

[MerrisHawk]

You are not required to 'confess' to being a Wiccan.

If you want to tell him your path is different you can start by saying that you loved the experience you had going to church and you'd like to go again. Say that your own beliefs are similar and you'd like to expand your knowledge and experience.
Let him ask questions if he's ready, don't push. It's really hard to sit back and let them come to you, I know, but if you immediately jump in and try to defend your path you sound like the child who's trying to cover up a broken vase.
He will have misconceptions and stereotypes, don't make him defensive by saying he's all wrong. Just calmly explain, this is how you think of it, this is what I really do.
You'll get to the 'I'm a Wiccan' part soon enough.

[charmedkisses1]

Sounds like my church! It's sad that there are so few of them left! You don't have to tell him you're Wiccan, I don't tell my parents I'm a Christian witch, and I'm much happier for it. :lol: If you go back there, make sure you have fun and don't worry about him (sounds like he's not worth it) :elf: Just conitnue learning for y our spiritual journey :huddle:

[Isil Darkmoon]

Why tell him you're wiccan just to go back there? I'm confused.

When I'm home I go to church to please my parents, who don't know... there's no reason in my mind one can't go to another religion's ceremonies while not being of that faith yourself, as long as you respect where you are and that it's not " your turf"?

[Old Witch]

I'm a bit confused........You don't have to be a Christian to go to church. If you enjoy the fellowship and are comfortable there, go, learn and enjoy.........Who knows, your path may be turning in a new direction...and that's not terrible either.......You don't need to confess anything to your stepdad..........See how things go after a few visits...and let us know....you know there's quite a few Christians on MW............

[Yvonne Belisle]

They are all correct. Another approach is to talk to the reverend and ask him how he feels about wicca. If he is open about it and does not degrade it you might want to tell him you are wiccan but feel that his church has a lot to teach and offer you and that you would like to continue to attend and learn. You can then ask him if he will help you talk to your stepfather about it. Of course that won't work if he is hostile to the idea of you being wiccan but you can send out feelers without telling him straight out. Personally I wouldn't say anything at this point just go learn and enjoy the company of such warm individuals.

[celticfire]

i would say...enjoy and learn. that is what spirituality of any kind is all about???? right?;) the church we've attended for several years is so wonderful and loving and i learn so much...its the first church i've been in ever which has portrayed God (let alone any God) as loving and supportive...not harping and damning you no matter what. now granted, i've never told anyone my 'many' beliefs at that church, but i don't feel i have too either.

they are accepting of me as i am...with no questions needing to be asked.

i just hate we've moved from there and now i don't have the same spiritual fellowship. my solitary-ness (LOL) more than makes up for it though.

[Gracecat]

What I need to know is how to go about this without getting my limbs ripped off.

Having spent most of my younger years in the Southern Baptist church, I can qoute with amazing accuracy.... "it is between you and God". And that's it. If *you* feel comfortable there, then by all means, go. Don't let being a wiccan stop you. And don't let the fear of others stop you. You're not obligated to confess, andy you're not obligated to instant salvation. If you're worried about what conversations you'll have with your step-father, keep the subject matter on exactly what the sermon was about, discuss what's inside the church and tactfully omit or avoid discussing personal pagan beliefs.

[Kaylara]

I spelled church wrong :lol:
I fixed it. :)

[KaimelarFeylove]

glad you had a good experience... i found out that the new preacher at my Gram's church (the one she used to drag me to every sunday) auctully came to my little sister's class and tlked to them about how people belive diffrent things and that... get ready... ok.

one more note, these people are Baptist....

He did say that as Baptists they were supossed to try and spead the word of god but i was quite impressed by what he said to my sister's class. but i'm not sure i'm willing to go back just to meet him.

[Equinox]

That’s great that you had a fun time and met nice people. There are nice people in all religions, and fun and fellowship are an important part of a full life.

Be aware, of course, that Baptist doctrine is clear that people who aren’t Christian go to Hell for eternal torment, no matter if they are good people or if they have done good deeds. You may have to continually hide your religion to be accepted there. Different denominations of Baptists often differ on specific details, but the eternity of Hell for all non-Christians is a doctrine affirmed by nearly all Christian churches. Here is one Baptist index of doctrine (others will vary a bit on some points).

http://www.baptistpillar.com/index.htm#Topical%20Index

The only churches that don’t claim that only Christians are saved from Hell are the UU church, and very liberal Christian churches like the United church of Christ or the Unity church.

If the hiding becomes too much, know that there are plenty of groups out there that still have plenty of fun and fellowship, and will accept the idea of Wicca being a valid spiritual path. Wherever you end up, I wish you the best- :colorful:

-Equinox

[Emerald Oak]

You guys have a point. I've always had a problem with hiding myself from others, but when you put it this way, it feels more like just "not saying."

Now I just gotta figure out what to do when someone asks me, flat out, if I'm Christian :bug:

Oh, and thanks, Kay :D You're totally groovy!

[Pesha]

Hmm, well just do not say anything. Go to be witrh your mum and let it go at that.

BB
DS.

[Pip_Sensei]

It's perfectly fine to go to church, I attend a Catholic church every saturday and have no problems at all. Besides I practice Medievil Occultism so there's that too.


he'll think that Wicca is just another word for Satanism,

My Gods that something that annoys me. Why do about 90% of Wiccans and Neo-Pagans think of Satanists as if they're monsters...

[wigginsmum]

Speaking as a Christian ex-witch, I would say get to know the people first before volunteering information, but if they ask you outright, be honest. The way they react will be a big indicator of how Christlike they really are; they won't agree with your beliefs but that's no reason not to treat you with respect and affection. Personally if you came to my church (happy-clappy Pentecostal-type), you'd be welcome. I took my Pagan husband (cerndeosil) and a couple of Pagan friends to a housewarming party to meet my church friends the other week, and everyone got on fine, with some serious debate happening in corners ;)

Jules

[Phoenix Blue]

My Gods that something that annoys me. Why do about 90% of Wiccans and Neo-Pagans think of Satanists as if they're monsters...
Emerald Oak was talking about that particular pastor's likely response in that situation, Pip. :) It had nothing to do with what Emerald may or may not think regarding Satanists.