Torn Between Christianity and Paganism

[DonovanJoseph]

I’m not exactly sure how to start this or put it all in an order that might sound more...understanding? lol, but I hope you all get the just of it. :smile: I understand that it is normal to doubt your religion and question it sometimes, and in the beginning I was pretty sure that’s all this was, but after 3 years of it im positive its not. I also know that a lot of adults I’ve talked to, here and adults I now personally, think that religion shouldn't worry teens to much because we're maturing and going through a lot and blah blah blah, but to me, religion is the most important thing in my life, so please don't tell me to give it more time or set it aside. Now, about three years ago, when I was 13, I began to read up a little on the Pagan (Wiccan to be specific) path, and began to abhor my Christian raising. It passed about a year later, and I never really divulged myself into the Pagan path, however it’s always tugged at me, even since I’ve been a child. Right now im a pretty strong Christian with my relationship with God and praying, etc, but as much as I’ve tried to turn my back on the tugging, I’ve still failed. And maybe I’ve tried to turn my back on the Pagan path because I’ve been raised thinking that to get into Heaven I needed to be a Christian. But deep down, I want to believe that no matter how you worship God, he'll accept you into heaven, but my brain on the other hand is telling me differently. Anyway, im really sick of doubting my Christian faith, however I’ve failed to stop, I like being a Christian, but I can't deny the tug towards the Pagan path. There’s so much to tell and so little I can seem to get out. Its really frustrating and im scared to turn to the Church because I know exactly what they'll do, no matter how understanding or open minded they are they don’t want to loose a follower and they strongly believe that Christianity is the right way to be, and im not saying that its not its just, well I think you get it now. However, I know what a great group you all are and how open minded and caring you all can be so I decided to turn to my friends here at MW. I really hope you can help me, I’ve run out of options. Maybe some of you went through this, whether you are Christian or Pagan, and maybe some of your views on the path in comparison to the Church would be of help? I really have no idea but I hope you might. Thanks so much :smile:

-Dj

[Karma Chameleon]

I’m not exactly sure how to start this or put it all in an order that might sound more...understanding? lol, but I hope you all get the just of it. :smile: I understand that it is normal to doubt your religion and question it sometimes, and in the beginning I was pretty sure that’s all this was, but after 3 years of it im positive its not. I also know that a lot of adults I’ve talked to, here and adults I now personally, think that religion shouldn't worry teens to much because we're maturing and going through a lot and blah blah blah, but to me, religion is the most important thing in my life, so please don't tell me to give it more time or set it aside. Now, about three years ago, when I was 13, I began to read up a little on the Pagan (Wiccan to be specific) path, and began to abhor my Christian raising. It passed about a year later, and I never really divulged myself into the Pagan path, however it’s always tugged at me, even since I’ve been a child. Right now im a pretty strong Christian with my relationship with God and praying, etc, but as much as I’ve tried to turn my back on the tugging, I’ve still failed. And maybe I’ve tried to turn my back on the Pagan path because I’ve been raised thinking that to get into Heaven I needed to be a Christian. But deep down, I want to believe that no matter how you worship God, he'll accept you into heaven, but my brain on the other hand is telling me differently. Anyway, im really sick of doubting my Christian faith, however I’ve failed to stop, I like being a Christian, but I can't deny the tug towards the Pagan path. There’s so much to tell and so little I can seem to get out. Its really frustrating and im scared to turn to the Church because I know exactly what they'll do, no matter how understanding or open minded they are they don’t want to loose a follower and they strongly believe that Christianity is the right way to be, and im not saying that its not its just, well I think you get it now. However, I know what a great group you all are and how open minded and caring you all can be so I decided to turn to my friends here at MW. I really hope you can help me, I’ve run out of options. Maybe some of you went through this, whether you are Christian or Pagan, and maybe some of your views on the path in comparison to the Church would be of help? I really have no idea but I hope you might. Thanks so much :smile:

-Dj


Well you can still worship the Christian God and incorperate Paganism if you like. If you feel a strong conection to him that you shouldn't try nor force yourself to choose between the Paganism and Christianity. Just follow your heart. Honor your God as you think he would like, not how the churches preach.

[DonovanJoseph]

Well you can still worship the Christian God and incorperate Paganism if you like. If you feel a strong conection to him that you shouldn't try nor force yourself to choose between the Paganism and Christianity. Just follow your heart. Honor your God as you think he would like, not how the churches preach.

it's hard to deny the fact that Christ died for my sins, because than i'd have to believe in hell and the devil, which im having trouble NOT believing in, but if i did, that'd totally defeats the purpose of pursuing the Pagan path, whom none of the followers, or so i've been told, believe in satan or hell, right?

[ShamanFeather]

Paganism is more then whether you belive in heaven and hell. I believe in both, and I believe in Jesus Christ. I believe that all gods and goddesses are parts of on whole deity who is sexless. Other people may view it differently, this works for me. I go to a certain catholic church I know of and pray at the alter late at night when no one is there. I also do spells as needed, meditition, and generally just make my own path. Basically the label isn't as important as what you feel is right. If you belive in Jesus and he died for your sings, rock on. If you decide you don't, that is your choice in your path. Don't be afraid to beat your own path.

[DonovanJoseph]

Hell (if it even exists) will be stuffed with sinners (if they even exist) so you wouldn't lack for company if the Christian god (if he even exists) does decide you send you to join them.

The best part about being something other than a Christian/Muslim/Jew is that you can always repent on your deathbed.

yes you can repent, but God only forgives you if he knows your truly sincere about it. it's not meant to be an outlet for you to have a free for all life, than just say your sorry in the end so you can go to the "good place".

[DonovanJoseph]

Paganism is more then whether you belive in heaven and hell. I believe in both, and I believe in Jesus Christ. I believe that all gods and goddesses are parts of on whole deity who is sexless. Other people may view it differently, this works for me. I go to a certain catholic church I know of and pray at the alter late at night when no one is there. I also do spells as needed, meditition, and generally just make my own path. Basically the label isn't as important as what you feel is right. If you belive in Jesus and he died for your sings, rock on. If you decide you don't, that is your choice in your path. Don't be afraid to beat your own path.

maybe we could keep in touch or something because i'd love to talk to someone who has similar views like me, because, if you haven't noticed, its a very different and rare blend of beliefs :smile: thanks though

[Necrosapien]

I underwent the same type of thing you are going through. I had a strong pull towards paganism and witchcraft. I broke away from my Christian beliefs and thought about what I really wanted. I dabbled in rituals and other things that interested me. As time went by, I found out that I was looking for a different way to worship, not a different religion. I decided to press into God in the way that felt best, no just doing what other people say is the right way to do it. There is no right way to worship, only the way to worship properly. God asks us to worship in spirit and in truth. That means what makes you get close to God. I don't know if this is what you're looking for but turn it over in your head for a while and at least consider it. It just might line up with what you're feeling. Just put it on the back burner and let it simmer. :dinnertim

[Windigo]

There's lots of Christian Wiccans. One of the most sincere Christians I know worships God like a Wiccan.

It didn't make much sense to me at first, but after awhile, I think I get it. ;)

I'd tell you his username on here, but I can't remember it. Hopefully he'll turn up in this thread.

[DonovanJoseph]

I underwent the same type of thing you are going through. I had a strong pull towards paganism and witchcraft. I broke away from my Christian beliefs and thought about what I really wanted. I dabbled in rituals and other things that interested me. As time went by, I found out that I was looking for a different way to worship, not a different religion. I decided to press into God in the way that felt best, no just doing what other people say is the right way to do it. There is no right way to worship, only the way to worship properly. God asks us to worship in spirit and in truth. That means what makes you get close to God. I don't know if this is what you're looking for but turn it over in your head for a while and at least consider it. It just might line up with what you're feeling. Just put it on the back burner and let it simmer. :dinnertim

wow. great advice. thats actually what i've believed for quite some time now, and its nice to be re assured from someone else :)

[Valkie]

I'm a little confused... exactly what parts of Christianity do you have trouble accepting?

Paganism is fairly open (ie. lack of 'rules')... where does your guilt lie?

[DonovanJoseph]

There's lots of Christian Wiccans. One of the most sincere Christians I know worships God like a Wiccan.

It didn't make much sense to me at first, but after awhile, I think I get it. ;)

I'd tell you his username on here, but I can't remember it. Hopefully he'll turn up in this thread.

i would love to meet others that share the same beliefs as me. maybe they could help me with questions and it'd just be cool to be around people with the same beliefs. :weirdsmil

[DonovanJoseph]

I'm a little confused... exactly what parts of Christianity do you have trouble accepting?

Paganism is fairly open (ie. lack of 'rules')... where does your guilt lie?

i just thought that one of the basis of paganism, no matter what path, was a non belief in the devil or hell, but i've been educated otherwise which is very reassuring and nice to know so im not sure if thers anymore guilt, i guess i'll just have to dwell on it and only time will tell.

[Valkie]

i just thought that one of the basis of paganism, no matter what path, was a non belief in the devil or hell, but i've been educated otherwise which is very reassuring and nice to know so im not sure if thers anymore guilt, i guess i'll just have to dwell on it and only time will tell.

Alright, you've got me there. One the same note, one of the main beliefs of Christianity is that you do believe in the devil or hell.

Maybe you should check out the archives of the Christian Witchcraft CoT class. It may help to give you some insite that you won't find in the regular forums.

[DonovanJoseph]

Alright, you've got me there. One the same note, one of the main beliefs of Christianity is that you do believe in the devil or hell.

Maybe you should check out the archives of the Christian Witchcraft CoT class. It may help to give you some insite that you won't find in the regular forums.

yea im saying since i've been raised Christian im having trouble denying the fact that the devil or hell exists and i thought paganism was out of the question because they were fully against the belief in either. however, the great members of this forum have told me otherwise and now i know that pagans CAN in fact believe in the devil and hell and its ok.

everyone has helped so much with the PM's and posts! you have no idea and you've truly given me a whole nother insight and more options to work with and i appreciate it so much! :smile:

[WandererInGray]

*hugs* :) I don't really have any advice for you Hon, except to remember that you're young and you've got your whole life ahead of you. ;) Learning and growing and questioning are all good things. So don't stress out too much that you can't "make a decision" one way or the other.

Heck, I have trouble deciding what to wear some mornings. I'm sure God doesn't begrudge me being a little uncertain at times about something that might be a little more important.

[Xentor]

As far as I can tell, Paganism is not so much about denying religious dogma in other religions, but more about offering a different view.

Hell for instance, can mean being doomed to reincarnate to the end of times, never reaching a destiny, having to relive the same rotten life over and over again.

The devil could be all the darkness while God could be all the good. I doubt there is anything in paganism that will prevent one from explaining the devil as a representation of evil.

[Chesna]

I as well was raised Catholic. I was away from it for a long time. When I decided I needed spirituality in my life again I knew that I couldn't go to Catholicism again because it didn't feel right. But when I started down the Wiccan path, I had a hard time letting go of my Catholic beliefs. Your right, it's hard to go from one thing and then do a 180 turn and believe something different. But the best thing happened tome. I found a wonderful High Priest and Priestess and they asked me, what are your spiritual beliefs. To answer that I needed to be honest. So, I cleared my mind of everything Iwas taught and asked my self, what do I need in anything spiritual. I found out that although I didn't like the idea of a devil, I recognized that darkness exist. In everything, that those who lie, cheat, steal, kill ect are imbracing a darkness within themselves I choose not to. that doesn't mean that I don't embrace the darkness in me, but I feel I have a handle on it. catholic call it devil, I call it darkness. As for heaven, I wanted a place of lush green meadows and rivers of love and just a wonderful place to rest. Since I have always felt that we live more than one life, embracing reincarnation was not big leap. Heaven, Summerland, what ever, it's all the same. The hardest thing for me to reconsile was the belief in one God. But I read the Spiral Dance and I was soo moved by the chapter on the Goddess. I realized that God is just a name Christians give to him. But that doesn't mean he's a man or a woman. I began to think of God interms of a Divine presence. And that fit soo good.
So, as you see, it's all up to you. You can mix the two which I feel can be done, or you canstop and ask yourself,what is it that I need, want from my higher power.
I wish you all the best in your journey!!

Blessings

Chesna

[valkyriemoon]

yea im saying since i've been raised Christian im having trouble denying the fact that the devil or hell exists and i thought paganism was out of the question because they were fully against the belief in either. however, the great members of this forum have told me otherwise and now i know that pagans CAN in fact believe in the devil and hell and its ok.

everyone has helped so much with the PM's and posts! you have no idea and you've truly given me a whole nother insight and more options to work with and i appreciate it so much! :smile:

i too have issues with being a witch and a catholic... so i know what you are going through.... for me i do beleive in God, heaven and hell....but i also beleave(sp) in the Goddess as well.... so i practice both and mix and match.... it works the best for me!

[Necrosapien]

Hey, didn't keep up to date on this thread :( sorry.
I'm glad my advice helped you. It was just something I had experienced. It was important for me to realize that I didn't want to change religions but the way I practiced mine. I now like to consider myself a Christian Mystic. The focus of Christian mysticism isn't just on a book (the Bible) or the Church (whatever that may be for you) but the experience of God's presence and the truths that He reveals to us. It solidifies my faith because I know that what I practice is true because I FEEL it! That is so much better for me than just taking everything for face value, but healthily (is that even a freakin' word?) questioning it and being honest. Then I go to God with my questions and pray and meditate on those things. Most times I don't even get an answer right away. Once it took several weeks or more for it to make sense. Then it came as a flash of lightning; a divine revelation. It was astonishing and it made perfect sense both in my religious beliefs and "logic." It's amazing what happens when you're completely honest about what you believe. I admit that there's some things that I don't understand, but I know there's an explanation out there somewhere. I don't try to make something up, I just say, "I don't know." I feel better about what I believe and it's not anythying I feel like I have to prove to anyone else. I know it's true because I've experienced it.

I don't know what else to say, so I'll leave it at that. I pray that God guides you to where He needs you and wants you to go.

[Nighthawk]

Donovan, follow your heart. Those that love you now will still.

[Viseux]

And maybe I’ve tried to turn my back on the Pagan path because I’ve been raised thinking that to get into Heaven I needed to be a Christian. But deep down, I want to believe that no matter how you worship God, he'll accept you into heaven, but my brain on the other hand is telling me differently. -Dj

This is a copy of the thread I started back in Feburary. I hope it is of some help.

Why I Don't Fear the Christian's Hell

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My youngest son (20) is a practicing Christian. I make that distinction because my wife is a non-practicing Christian. Neither have any problems with my Spiritual path because both of them perceive me as being more spiritual than they are. However, because my son and I are very close we had a interesting discussion some time ago. Basically he ask me if I wasn't afraid of going to "Hell" when I died. He said he knew I was a good man but he was worried about me because I didn't accept Jesus as my savior and therefore according to "what he was told" I would go to Hell when I died even though I was a good man. He was sincere in his concern and not being judgmental. I believe he was looking for reassurance from me on why I wasn't concerned about my soul. I explained it to him in this way...
There are many religions as old or older than Christianity. Many are embedded deeply in specific cultures. The people who practice these religions believe them to be true just as strongly as Christians do. They have as much claim to truth as Christians do. They have as much faith that their religion is the truth as Christians do. Their religion is as old or older, in other words established, as Christianity. All these religions have many commonalties, many springing from the same basic myths. Most contend that their way is the only way, and they can't all be right. If the Christian view is completley correct then there is only one God. Anyone who accepts that Jesus is the one and only son of God and accepts him as their savior goes to heaven. All others go to Hell. A man could be a murdering raping, lying, cheating, nastiest SOB who ever walked the earth and on his death bead accept Jesus as his savior and go to heaven. A devout Jewish man could live his life doing only good to everyone he encountered, spreading love and laughter wherever he went. His religion is older than Christianity, his faith as real and pure and when he dies he is sent to Hell. As is the Muslim who lived a righteous life, As is the Buddhist, etc., etc. I then looked my son directly in the eyes and said "I refuse to worship a God who would act that way. A God who has less love and compassion in his soul than I do is not worthy to be praised and worshipped. However, if Christianity is the pure truth, then I know I will be much happier in Hell than I would be in Heaven. The company will be much better overall."
My answer satisfied my son. He continues to practice a liberal Christianity and that is fine with me.
We must all find and follow our own path.

Blessings,
Viseux

[DonovanJoseph]

wow. thats all i have to say. words cannot describe how much you all have helped me! i have a whole new perspective on this now and see it not as a problem so much as a great experience! i was hesitant to ask anyone about this because it seemed to me both paths were so different and conflicting in beliefs, however you all have reassured me to just follow what i believe, and you were all right. now that im begining to really figure out what i believe and how i'd like to worship God, it all seems right to me! so i'd just like to give a humongo thanks to all your encouraging and helpful words :smile:

also-->i've noticed that i guess im not the only one whose beliefs are somewhat of a Christo-Paganism view, and since it seems like this blend is quite a rare and unique combination, it'd be cool to keep in touch w/ eachother, maybe make a lil mini-forum or something? idk, but it'd just be really cool to talk to others who have similar beliefs since theres not really any books or printed material so it'd be cool to share and discuss.

anyway, just a BIG thank you to everyone! you all rock!

-Dj

[Kyan's Daddy]

I’m not exactly sure how to start this or put it all in an order that might sound more...understanding? lol, but I hope you all get the just of it. :smile: I understand that it is normal to doubt your religion and question it sometimes, and in the beginning I was pretty sure that’s all this was, but after 3 years of it im positive its not. I also know that a lot of adults I’ve talked to, here and adults I now personally, think that religion shouldn't worry teens to much because we're maturing and going through a lot and blah blah blah, but to me, religion is the most important thing in my life, so please don't tell me to give it more time or set it aside. Now, about three years ago, when I was 13, I began to read up a little on the Pagan (Wiccan to be specific) path, and began to abhor my Christian raising. It passed about a year later, and I never really divulged myself into the Pagan path, however it’s always tugged at me, even since I’ve been a child. Right now im a pretty strong Christian with my relationship with God and praying, etc, but as much as I’ve tried to turn my back on the tugging, I’ve still failed. And maybe I’ve tried to turn my back on the Pagan path because I’ve been raised thinking that to get into Heaven I needed to be a Christian. But deep down, I want to believe that no matter how you worship God, he'll accept you into heaven, but my brain on the other hand is telling me differently. Anyway, im really sick of doubting my Christian faith, however I’ve failed to stop, I like being a Christian, but I can't deny the tug towards the Pagan path. There’s so much to tell and so little I can seem to get out. Its really frustrating and im scared to turn to the Church because I know exactly what they'll do, no matter how understanding or open minded they are they don’t want to loose a follower and they strongly believe that Christianity is the right way to be, and im not saying that its not its just, well I think you get it now. However, I know what a great group you all are and how open minded and caring you all can be so I decided to turn to my friends here at MW. I really hope you can help me, I’ve run out of options. Maybe some of you went through this, whether you are Christian or Pagan, and maybe some of your views on the path in comparison to the Church would be of help? I really have no idea but I hope you might. Thanks so much :smile:

-Dj

Let me run a little theory by you that might help you out a bit, ok?

You live on an island in a small village. That small village has roughly 300 people. There is no electricity, running water, internet, no planes or ships go by... No contact with the "real world" at all. As far as you and your other villagers know, it's only the 300 of you.

You have no Bible, no Christianity, no Jesus. You have no Quran, no Allah, no Mohammed. You have no Torah, no God.

Now, what you do have is a system of beliefs that is inherent to your people. You pray to the "god" of asdafdasdf. You pray for a good harvest. You pray that when your loved ones die, they go off with him/her. You pray that when your children are born, they will be safe and protected. You tell stories of the god asdafdasdf. They teach morals, rules, values.

Follow me so far?

Now, as you have been taught in Christianity, "God" is all powerful, all knowing, and will bring forth Christians into heaven for eternity.

What about the people on the island? Are they doomed to hell because they are not in a position to know? Or, is this possible:

"God" is what you make of him. God is the God of the Bible... The Allah of the Quran... The God and Goddess of the pagans... If God is all powerful and all knowing, don't you think he/she/it is powerful enough to present himself in ways most appropriate to the people he/she/it wants to reach?

In trying to find God and develop your relationship with him, you are really trying to find yourself. God is in the Bible. Allah is in the Quran... But not obviously so. You see, both the Bible and the Quran, the Torah, anything and everything that claims to be your path to "God" is flawed. Why? It was written by man. I personally disagree with the Bible based on one major aspect: You can't be all loving, yet willing to doom your followers to eternal torment in hell. That is the fundamental contradiction I've found in my time in the church, and I believe the only reason that contradiction is there is because the authors of the Bible chose to give "God" human values such as love, envy, and anger.

Everyone has a relationship with what they term "God". For some, it is as a subject. "Follow these rules, or face eternal damnation!" For others, like myself, it is a partnership with the energy that flows through everyday things... For others, it is a complete rejection of any form or thought of "God", because they do not want to be reliant.

In the end, it comes down to this: The power you are looking to classify is everywhere. Rather than try to classify it, realize it is not there to be classified, but to be accepted or not accepted.

My theory stands as this: "God" is powerful enough to be all things to all people, and is in every person, every tree, every mountain, every ocean. Find the one that suits you best, and embrace it.

[Brighid's Seeker]

....if you don't know that means preacher's kid.

My daddy was a Baptist preacher. That was only ONE of the things he was. Mostly, he was just my daddy and a wise man.

When I was about seven the Sunday School teacher told us that unless you accept Jesus Christ as your personal savior, you are doomed to hell.

This bothered me. Alot. So, I cried all afternoon. My daddy took me in his arms and sat on the swing with me. It all came tumbling out.

"What about the people in the jungles? What about people that have been hurt by other people and don't believe anymore? What about kids whose parents don't take them to church? " I had about a million questions.

His response?

"Do you really think God is so small? He will make himself known to everyone in their time, in a way that they can understand. WE may not understand it, but they will. Jesus says our relationship with him must be personal. We are all different, therefore each relationship will be different. Don't you pay no nevermind to the name someone gives him. He answers to all of them."

My own personal beliefs are a strange mix of Christian and my own variety of pagan. Its hard to explain but I know what I believe. Like many here, I believe that there is a higher power. I believe that it has many names. I believe that this power manifests itself to you in a way that you can understand. I believe that it is inherently personal.

I often use Christian language to explain things, but I often infuse it with paganistic things. My children celebrate Chaunakah (spelling?), Christmas, and Yule.

My son is currently interested in Buddhism, so we are learning about it together.

I feel no guilt. I think I am closer to God than I ever was in that small church.

And...frankly, when the Christian community I grew up in turned its back on me for leaving my abuser...it was the Pagan community that helped me pick up the pieces.

[azzeenasman]

Well,My faith and beliefs have been chalenged here since Jan when I joined,I sorta like lighting candles when I pray,I dont know if that is witchcraft or not,but it makes me feel better.

My love for Christ always preserves my heart and calms my doupts,I always find myself back at his feet,he is my friend and I love him dearly.The bible says we see through a glass darkly,which means thinks arent always clear,but I walk by faith that the way I am going will be the way God leads me.

If I go astray,God is able to bring me back to himself,and maybe chasten me if need be,sometimes he does that to his children.Gods love for me(and you) is eternal and his faithfullness is forever,he will keep and preserve me and walk with me always,I belong to Christ.And he will do the same for you.

[RhiannynWildseed]

I actually found an interesting webpage that may help out here. It's written as a letter from "God" to the people of Earth. I found it very interesting reading.

A Letter From God (http://www.angelfire.com/stars3/ashtah/letter.html)

Maybe it will provide you with an interesting perspective.

[equinox2]

There are plenty of others wrestling with the same issues. Talk with them, share your experiences, and move forward as you like. You also may enjoy talking with people at UU churches, many of them have crafted their own spiritualities, sometimes around Jesus, sometimes not. Here are nearby congregations. http://www.uua.org/CONG/index.php My spiritual history may be interesting, but maybe not. It starts here:
http://www-personal.engin.umich.edu/~leta/TREATISE/tjchap1.htm .

The main problem you will have to deal with is the Bible. I’ve read it cover to cover, and it clearly states over and over that other religions are not acceptable. That’s practically the main point of both the old and new testaments. The Bible says that Hell is real, and that non-Christians go to Hell – regardless of whether or not they were good people. This is especially clear in the writings of Paul in the Bible.

It seems that you can either believe in eternal torture in Hell for all Pagans, or disregard parts of the Bible. If you disregard the Bible (or parts of it), then are you still Christian, or are you just hanging on to the name “Christian” because it’s popular in today’s world? That’s for you to decide.

People can combine and change any contradictory religions as they wish to craft a spirituality that fits them. I think Nighthawks wisdom is best:

Nighthawk wrote:

Donovan, follow your heart. Those that love you now will still.

Have a great day-

[Fluffmeister]

The early Christians - the ones who actually knew Jesus personally - followed a path that many might consider "pagan" today. It involved "listening to the heartbeat of God", and an understanding that God could be found in the earth, the forests, the ocean. That walking through a wood was a religious experience.

This particular outlook on Christianity was the major one practised in the British Isles for about 600 years, until they had a VOTE on it at the Synod of Whitby. The "Celtic" tradition had a view that God could be found everywhere, and was represented within nature. The "Roman" tradition held that you had to read the bible and obey the laws and could only communicate with God through priests.

This Celtic tradition, which has much in common with pagan traditions, is still alive and well in parts of the UK and Ireland; but has been pretty much stamped out everywhere else - and stamped out because of a vote (not unanimous) in a meeting of bishops 1,400 years ago.

Because I live in the UK, most Christians of my aquaintance don't have a problem with pagans - they see the same path in both traditions.