Pagans: How do you deal with conversion attempts? (ritual, tradition)

[Jaymes]

For any of the pagans that inhabit the board.. how do you deal with it when people from other religions (not necessarily Christianity) attempt to convert you to their religion? What do you think the most appropriate response to conversion-attempts is?

Also, do you feel it's appropriate to attempt to convert others to paganism (well, whichever sect you fall under, since paganism isn't techinically a religion)? If not, why?

I haven't had to deal with any direct conversion attempts, though I have had pressure from friends and family to go back to Christianity. Nothing big, and it doesn't bother me too much, since I know they're genuinely concerned with me and not attempting to be a Bible-thumper. (On that note, how do you convince your friends and family you're not misguided or in trouble spiritually?)

I think possibly the worst thing to do is attempt to use whatever holy book they use as their guidelines to make them look like idiots. I've heard of some people BRAGGING about using the Bible/Koran/OT to make door-to-door (ack, I'm having a brain fart. What's the word for people who go door-to-door and ask if you're part of their religion?) look like idiots. That does nothing but breed strife, which is the last thing that needs to be done.

I don't feel conversion attempts are appropriate for pagans. I think we should live as an example, not just try to drag as many people to our side as possible. In my opinion, if the Lord and Lady call them, they'll come, and we don't need to worry about it.

Thoughts? Comments?

[Mephideus]

Ah, conversion...the assertive way to thicken one's flock...

You're dealing with people who are convinced that they not only know what they are talking about, but also that you don't. Direct confrontation is a bad approach, unless unavoidable, and it only ends in bitterness for all. The way I handle it is basically tell the missionary that I've gone down that road before and dont plan on a second trip. You can say no without causing a fight...most of the time...and be prepared to repeat it...

[dolly]

Originally Posted by Jensa

For any of the pagans that inhabit the board.. how do you deal with it when people from other religions (not necessarily Christianity) attempt to convert you to their religion? What do you think the most appropriate response to conversion-attempts is?

The appropriate response varies based on how the "converter" treats the "convertee."

Also, do you feel it's appropriate to attempt to convert others to paganism (well, whichever sect you fall under, since paganism isn't techinically a religion)? If not, why?

No. There is no logical reason to want to convert someone to Paganism. We aren't trying to save them from a hell. We aren't going to get bonus "save!" etc things added to our resume of sorts to help us get into heaven, etc. Besides, different religions are right for different people. Who am I to say which belief is best for another? Inform them, yes, but only if they ask.

And why do you feel that Paganism isn't a religion?

(On that note, how do you convince your friends and family you're not misguided or in trouble spiritually?)

Act maturely, stick with your beliefs, and/or sit down and discuss it with them. They might always disapprove; they might accept it in time. It's your life though. If they think you are misguided.. well, it's their opinion, nothing more.

[Feathers in Hair]

I've yet to deal with this one, really. I would hope to surround them with love and light in my mind, and tell them I appreciated that they were doing what they thought was right. I don't know if I'd tell them why a specific religion calls to me more than theirs (because, as others have stated, they could then try to use this to argue against you). I don't know if I'd try sharing what truths I've found through begining another spiritual path... Hmmm... It's an interesting question.

[Jaymes]

Good points, all of you.

And why do you feel that Paganism isn't a religion?

'Paganism' is just an umbrella term, in all the contexts I've seen it used. Kind of like 'polytheism.' That, and the people that fall under the paganism category have such wildly varied views that it wouldn't really be too fair to say they're all part of one religion. I've always looked at calling paganism a religion in the same light as calling monotheism a religion.

Also, on the conversion bit.. where does informing end and conversion attempts begin? Does trying to get someone to come along with you to a circle/ritual/whatever to see what it's like count as a conversion attempt?

[dolly]

Originally Posted by Jensa

'Paganism' is just an umbrella term, in all the contexts I've seen it used.

Paganism is like Christianity. Both can be used as umbrella terms, but for both one can be nondenominational. One's beliefs can have them fit under that umbrella, but not fit in a denomination. When in that context, it is a religion.

That, and the people that fall under the paganism category have such wildly varied views that it wouldn't really be too fair to say they're all part of one religion.

Yes. Paganism as a whole doesn't have many mandatory beliefs. They basically come down to two things. A very high level of respect, reverence, or some extremely dedicated spiritual connection to nature, a belief in tolerance for other religions (there not being one right one, etc), and some connection to aboriginal religions/beliefs/traditions.

Also, on the conversion bit.. where does informing end and conversion attempts begin?

One is actually acting as a potential converter no matter what one does. Living one's life in a remarkable way is sometimes the best way to convert others - through example. When discussing converting as an intentional confrontation of sorts, I would say that it comes when one wants the other to join the religion. This usually comes with overly enthusiastic giving of information, pushing the information, and "answering" questions that they didn't ask. Basically, if you answer their questions, respect how far they want to take the conversation, and are apatheistic about them becoming a Pagan - not caring either way as long as they are informed, etc, then I wouldn't consider it converting.

Does trying to get someone to come along with you to a circle/ritual/whatever to see what it's like count as a conversion attempt?[/quote]

[Isis-Astoroth]

I'm not a pagan in the sense most of you would recognise, but I do get many people attempting to convert me, mostly Christians. They use quotes from the bible in the belief that it will sway me, but words from a religious text whose authority I do not recognise does not work. I used to get very annoyed, and rant and rave at them, but now I let them say what they have to say, and then I move on. I feel no need to talk to people with the aim to converting them because I have always believed that the gods choose their followers; if somebody is going to follow my gods, then they'll find them on their own terms, instead of mine.

[goodjewishboy]

I'm definately not pagan, but I've had people try to convert me to Christianity on multiple occasions. The trouble with evangelical types is that they sincerely believe that if you do not believe in Christ than you are going to hell. There is no room in that mindset to even acknowledge the validity of other beliefs.

[Fluffy]

I just tell them that I'm very sorry but I believe that proselytising is morally wrong and explain why I think this if necessary. They never seem to have an answer to this one.

[painted wolf]

I try to take conversion attempts with a grain of salt and as much humor as I can muster. I just explain that my faith works for me. That and I wasn't a big fan of the book.

wa:do