Christianity vs Paganism (Jesus, Earth, salvation, tradition, beliefs)

[Gentoo]

Originally Posted by Mestemia

Agreed.
However, in the minds of many who do this, they deem it is necessary for their salvation.
Add to this that many denominations have gone out of their way to make hell the scariest place ever to be...

Then they have to realize that not everyone is going to be as nice as I am when threatened with hellfire. Call it an occupational hazard but when approached with nails one can only expect nails in return, so to speak.

[BFD_Zayl]

Originally Posted by Mestemia

Agreed.
However, in the minds of many who do this, they deem it is necessary for their salvation.
Add to this that many denominations have gone out of their way to make hell the scariest place ever to be...

If they thin hell is scary, then they have not seen me being harassed constantly.

[Mestemia]

Originally Posted by Gentoo

Then they have to realize that not everyone is going to be as nice as I am when threatened with hellfire. Call it an occupational hazard but when approached with nails one can only expect nails in return, so to speak.

LOL
My father used to say something similar:

If you attack me with a knife, am I not allowed to defend myself with a knife?

[Mike182]

i have no problem with Christians spreading their good news, i have no problem with Christians educating people about their beliefs, about what it means for them personally to have a relationship with their Deity and all of that.

what i have a problem with is when the educating turns from "our religions is good because of this" to "that religions is bad because of this". i have no problems with Christians promoting their own religion by telling of it's good things, but when they start promoting their religion via the negative of other religions then they are disrespectful, not only of the other religions but also of the people who adhere to them.

Edit: i mean, surely you can evangelise by talking of the positives of your own religion, without even referencing other religions. for instance, a Christian evangelist on the streets could go along the lines of "excuse me, can i share with you some good news? i have a faith in *insert bleiefs here* and it has changed my life for the better"

leave it at that, you have planted the seeds of your faith, and that person can either go "thanks, i'll keep it in mind" or "thanks, but no thanks, i'm reaping the benefits of this other religious path"

the whole go out and spread the word thing is being fulfilled in this, so why press and force the issue after this? i just don't see the justification for putting a downer on other beliefs to big your own up.

[Reverend Rick]

Originally Posted by Mike182

if i had to summerise one thing that i think causes friction between Christianity and Paganism (and other religions), then i would say evangelism.

I am in total agreement.

Anyone who tries to minimalise my prior involvement (not you mike), in the Pagan movement would be sadly mistaken. I know it upsets you all to be proselytized and it is against the forum rules. I was very careful not to step over that line.

Being a moderator of a Pagan chat room for over 5 years, I used to have to zap Christians who would appear to do just that.

I think what enrages many of you that I am a traitor to the Pagan faith. Being an evangelist does not help either.

I agreed to the rules, and I have not preached to any of you.

As far as threats are concerned, I dealt with "my magick is stronger than your magick" bull crap for way to long to ever feel threatened. I still feel energy and have the ability to protect myself. Protection is Pagan 101. I can bounce back energy and give it a turbo boost, so if anyone is so inclined, bring it on!

I cannot count the talsmans and crystals that have stored energy in them that I still have. I could easily back slide and turn around and be forgiven if the need ever arose.

I used to practice outside the circle and conjure goetic spirits. I know the difference between invoking and evoking. I have seen things that make hell look like a vacation.

But I digress, I won't preach to any of you, and if you have an attitude about me being a traitor, tough!

If it offends you all that I search out Pagans on their death bed and save them, what I do outside this forum is beyond your control, and should be tolerated just like what ever anyone else chooses to do.

Lets all play nice and get along, and like someone said, agree to disagree.

[Mike182]

i don't doubt your active involvement in you time as a Pagan, and i certainly don't consider you a traitor as your path is your personal choice and naught to do with me.

i don't think anyone was threatening you, via the mundane or the magical, but if you have or do receive any sort of harassment in this sense i do hope you will let myself or another member of staff know.

[Reverend Rick]

Mike, If you would like, I can refrain from certain topics if I am going to upset folks. I don't have to be so forthcoming with controversial issues.

I have certainly received more respect than I have earned from you. Any requests would be honored sir.

[Mike182]

hehe, i must confess a liking for controversy, and so long as you aren't breaking the rules i ain't gonna moderate you (either in an official capacity or an unofficial one)

but i do think that Pagans are naturally going to read insult in attempts at proselytizing, it's unavoidable, and so our two religions are destined to roar and thunder at each other. i just hope that individuals can overcome such things, i know i'm not the perfect example but i like to think i'm in the right direction

[Reverend Rick]

Mike, you are doing a fine job as Super Mod. You also do a great job of separating yourself in a debate. That is a fine line very few could walk.

Not many can walk the walk AND talk the talk. You do both exceptionally well!

[Quoth The Raven]

Originally Posted by Mestemia

Add to this that many denominations have gone out of their way to make hell the scariest place ever to be...

When really all it is, is a place you go to hang out with some weird looking Norse chick and a bunch of dead people.