Why Do Pagans Worship Deities? (beliefs, religions, divine, paganism) - Page 3

Sunstone · #21 07-31-2006, 12:31 PM

Shrimpy, would you offer an example of a lesson that a deity might have for you but which you can not find in nature? Just curious.

BTW, Welcome to the Forums!

Shrimpy · #22 07-31-2006, 05:36 PM

=) Thanks for the welcome.

Just one example off the top of my noggin.

Nature doesn't show the intricies of human societal living, dieties are often societal being they teach what to do when surrounded by others of the same species of you. They demonstrate the mysteries only known to humans, a fox doesn't know what it is to feel remorse for the rabbit it just killed or how to recompense the bunny's family. Death is impersonal in nature, it is not so in human society, we mourne loss and celebrate life,no other animal does that. I hope that example makes it clearer, if not I'll try and think of a better one. =)

Mike182 · #23 07-31-2006, 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shrimpy

Deities on the other hand are honoured and revered because they are part of my life, because I know them, because they are friends and family and because they have some important lessons for me, which I honestly don't think just watching and "worshipping" nature would teach me.

i am with Turk on this one, i see this as nature, nature to me is not just the wind and the trees, it's the life we lead and the things that make it meaningful.

so for me, the two are deeply connected, but i would never say you are wrong for having your view

Shrimpy · #24 07-31-2006, 06:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike182

{Nature} is the life we lead and the things that make it meaningful.

I think that deity and nature are separate and distinct, I believe that nature is our planet and the forces that shape our planet, but it is not our individual lives, my life is simply that, mine. Although I am connected in the web of life, and all my actions have ramifications I am not nature... nature is impersonal, the Gods on the other hand are not, they are like us and yet not like us... Nature is simply not like us.

The gods are like friends and family to me, nature cannot be like that for me. It is too impersonal, too "alien" to the human experience (well maybe alien is the wrong word, but you know what I mean).

Those are my views.. I think I'm explaining them properly.. =)

Thanks for not shooting me down.

Mike182 · #25 07-31-2006, 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shrimpy

I think that deity and nature are separate and distinct, I believe that nature is our planet and the forces that shape our planet, but it is not our individual lives, my life is simply that, mine. Although I am connected in the web of life, and all my actions have ramifications I am not nature... nature is impersonal, the Gods on the other hand are not, they are like us and yet not like us... Nature is simply not like us.

yet our interactions are natural to us, aspects of our behaviour are classified as natural, and bring us pleasure - eating and drinking, playing, learning - in my oppinion that makes life apart of nature.

Quote:

The gods are like friends and family to me, nature cannot be like that for me. It is too impersonal, too "alien" to the human experience (well maybe alien is the wrong word, but you know what I mean).

i actually find many aspects of nature to be very personal, the season changes, the crops that are sewn and reaped, just a cool strong wind touches my soul.... to me, the two are deeply connected, but i respect that you disagree, and i completely respect your oppinion

Quote:

Those are my views.. I think I'm explaining them properly.. =)

Thanks for not shooting me down.

Shrimpy · #26 07-31-2006, 06:40 PM

It's nice to have a discussion about differing POVs and not get shot down and attacked.

I think I like this place!

I think the difference is that I am not calling those things that I would deem "natural", nature. And that I see it as a completely impersonal force, although I can see where you are coming from, we'll have to respectfully disagree on this one. =)

Whee Hugs, one must always return hugs!!

Mike182 · #27 07-31-2006, 06:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shrimpy

It's nice to have a discussion about differing POVs and not get shot down and attacked.

I think I like this place!

I think the difference is that I am not calling those things that I would deem "natural", nature. And that I see it as a completely impersonal force, although I can see where you are coming from, we'll have to respectfully disagree on this one. =)

i have a lot or respectful disagreements, and RF is pretty much based around the idea of educating others about differen points of views, without those views being slated.... which is why i love this place to bits!

Quote:

Whee Hugs, one must always return hugs!!

Yay, another hug addict!

Sunstone · #28 07-31-2006, 07:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike182

i have a lot or respectful disagreements, and RF is pretty much based around the idea of educating others about differen points of views, without those views being slated.... which is why i love this place to bits!

I second Smokey! Eventhough tis well known in some quarters that the one and only true religion is Girls On Trampolines, not even the most fervent Trampolinist would assert that other people lack a right to their opinions. Above all, folks deserve respect even when tis clear to all they are so culturally deprived as to not be Trampolinists. It would be a Forum faux pas to assert otherwise.