Paganism?

[renayiiq]

Hey you guys! I've got to do a paper on culture. Well, the only thing that I've had enough experiences with is being Pagan. Specifically, Wiccan.
I'd like to hear some opinions (even if you're bashing me for not believing in a book), so I can have just a bit more insight about what people think about it.
Am I going to "hell?"
Do I just worship "satan" in disguise?
Am I "evil?"
Do you think that I should convert and believe in what you believe in?
Etc.

Those are things that I've had to deal with, so those are the main questions for all of the Christians out there, because Christians are the only ones who have ever told me that my religion is wrong. If you're not a Christian, I still expect you to answer. You guys can give some opinions on other topics to do with this. I need some stuff for this paper. It's due tomorrow, after lunch.

Thanks!

[Annie]

[size=1]Well, I'll answer and explain to the best of my abilities.

[quote]Am I going to "hell?"[/quote]

That all depends on your religion's stand point on what "hell" is, and what you do in your life that would brand you to go to hell. For Christians, we all know what they have to do to get the one-way ticket. But, I've never looked into the Pagan religion, so I'm not sure how strict and forbidding they are. I'm sure you're not going to go to hell just on the whim of being Wiccan. So the Christans will curse you, and tell you that you are going to hell; just remember, that's in their eyes.

Your religion is different.

[quote]Do I just worship "satan" in disguise?[/quote]

No, you don't. From my understanding of Wiccans, you guys are naturalists--for the most part. Spiritual, is probably a better word. I had a friend who is Wiccan, and she believed in the spirit of "good" and "evil". To her, there was no embodiment "God/Jesus" or "Lucifer/Satan"; there is no embodiment.

Wiccans are seen as being "white witches"; meaning, they are the friendlier and harbor their powers for doing good.

[quote]Am I "evil?"[/quote]

No. Evil is sacrificing in the name of Lucifer, sacrificing the innocent for his wrong-doing. So, unless you practice sacrificial ceremonies in the name of Satan, I don't think you're "evil".

[quote]Do you think that I should convert and believe in what you believe in?[/quote]

Absolutely not. You are given the right to choose how you profess your faith. If you believe in Wicca, if it gives you comfort, safety, security, hope, and strength, then by all means, practice and stay strong. Just because someone of a different religion doesn't believe what you do, doesn't mean you need to conform/convert to their beliefs. If you doubt your religion, then perhaps you need to question it and figure out what is troubling you. But still, don't convert where you feel most at home to something you really don't agree on/know if you agree with.

Your beliefs are what you have, and no one should be able to take them away from you unless you let them.[/size]

[Raine14]

I totally agree with Goddess because I am Wiccan myself. I believe there is a good and evil but no we aren't evil. Its just something Christians have made up to make us look bad. Well if you have any more questions feel free to ask me and PM me

[Drix D'Zanth]

Listen, as a Christian let me tell you something that I hope you really open your mind to for a moment. I also hope that fellow Christians listen up.

"Am I going to hell?"
This is the answer I give anyone who asks me, my being a follower of Jesus- a man who's life was about [i]forgivness and grace[/i], whether you consider him God or not.
[b]No one can tell you if you are going to hell![/b]
I can't. I don't know your heart. I don't know your faith. I believe that is between you and God. I am not God, and I cannot hold your soul to any judgement. No Christian can. So don't take that kind of crap from anybody, okay? :)

"Do I just worship "satan" in disguise?"
Well, do you worship satan? I didn't think Wiccans believed in him? We both know you aren't worshipping the same thing I am. So, since you are asking Christians, I'll tell you that I believe that any action of worship that is not to my God is considered sinful.

[i]Guess what?[/i] I'm just as sinful as you are. Every Christian is. "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone" right?

'Am I "evil?"'
No. Christians believe that every human is created "good" because God cannot create something that is "evil". Whether you are "evil" or not is really up to you. Even if you consider yourself "evil", it really doesn't matter how bad you get. My faith claims that you are always capable of being forgiven for anything. Redemption is always possible.

"Do you think that I should convert and believe in what you believe in?"

Sure. Why would I ever want to deny anybody that possibility? It's as if we all live in a desert, perpetually thirsty, and I find an oasis- I would want to tell everybody and bring everyone to it! Listen, I wouldn't want anybody to become a Christian because they feel backed into a corner, against their will, or to get a 'get out of hell free ticket'. I would want someone to become a Christian because I believe we were all put on this earth for a purpose, and part of that is to have a lasting loving relationship with our creator. If you have that desire, then any Christian would be more than willing to help you recieve Christ.

[Manic Webb]

[QUOTE=renayiiq]Hey you guys! I've got to do a paper on culture. Well, the only thing that I've had enough experiences with is being Pagan. Specifically, Wiccan.
I'd like to hear some opinions (even if you're bashing me for not believing in a book), so I can have just a bit more insight about what people think about it.
Am I going to "hell?"
Do I just worship "satan" in disguise?
Am I "evil?"
Do you think that I should convert and believe in what you believe in?
Etc.

Those are things that I've had to deal with, so those are the main questions for all of the Christians out there, because Christians are the only ones who have ever told me that my religion is wrong. If you're not a Christian, I still expect you to answer. You guys can give some opinions on other topics to do with this. I need some stuff for this paper. It's due tomorrow, after lunch.

Thanks![/QUOTE]
I don't think you're going to hell, but I believe there's a slight chance you'll have to repeat one of your classes this summer.

Here's a tip: Try not to wait until the last minute before writing a paper that requires you to make a poll of public opinion.

As a Christian with somewhat Universalist values, I think God doesn't really care which religion you follow-- as long as you're a good person. I believe all religions are skewed interpretations of God trying to send the same message, and that we've all pretty much got enough right to know not to run around killing and stealing from each other. So are you going to hell? Hell if I know. I doubt it, though.

[Random]

[QUOTE=Drix D'Zanth]Listen, as a Christian let me tell you something that I hope you really open your mind to for a moment. I also hope that fellow Christians listen up.

"Am I going to hell?"
This is the answer I give anyone who asks me, my being a follower of Jesus- a man who's life was about [i]forgivness and grace[/i], whether you consider him God or not.
[b]No one can tell you if you are going to hell![/b]
I can't. I don't know your heart. I don't know your faith. I believe that is between you and God. I am not God, and I cannot hold your soul to any judgement. No Christian can. So don't take that kind of crap from anybody, okay? :)

"Do I just worship "satan" in disguise?"
Well, do you worship satan? I didn't think Wiccans believed in him? We both know you aren't worshipping the same thing I am. So, since you are asking Christians, I'll tell you that I believe that any action of worship that is not to my God is considered sinful.

[i]Guess what?[/i] I'm just as sinful as you are. Every Christian is. "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone" right?

'Am I "evil?"'
No. Christians believe that every human is created "good" because God cannot create something that is "evil". Whether you are "evil" or not is really up to you. Even if you consider yourself "evil", it really doesn't matter how bad you get. My faith claims that you are always capable of being forgiven for anything. Redemption is always possible.

"Do you think that I should convert and believe in what you believe in?"

Sure. Why would I ever want to deny anybody that possibility? It's as if we all live in a desert, perpetually thirsty, and I find an oasis- I would want to tell everybody and bring everyone to it! Listen, I wouldn't want anybody to become a Christian because they feel backed into a corner, against their will, or to get a 'get out of hell free ticket'. I would want someone to become a Christian because I believe we were all put on this earth for a purpose, and part of that is to have a lasting loving relationship with our creator. If you have that desire, then any Christian would be more than willing to help you recieve Christ.[/QUOTE]

Amen, brother. I agree with everything you said...and you took the words right out of my mouth.

As a Christian, I don't necessarily "believe" in Peganism, obviously. But, then again, there are some parts of Christianity that I don't necessarily agree with. Like Drix D'Zanth said, everyone has their own choice about, well, everything. In this case, it's religion. It's up to you, and I, for one, won't judge you baised on your decisions. I won't necessarily become your bestist-best friend in the whole, entire world, but I won't judge you or lable you as "evil" or whatever. And, again as Drix D'Zanth said, don't let Christians, or anyone with a different religion as you, pressure you into believing that what you're doing is wrong, or evil, because it's your decision, and as far as they know, they might be wrong, and you right...who knows, except God (in my belief). Anyways, hope that answered your question...although Drix D'Zanth answered before me...lol...thanx Drix D'Zanth, saved me from typing! Ciao!

-Random

[WindFox17]

I used to be a pagen I won't lie about that. But to answer the question that you have, "There is no black or white just gray" That is the basic rule of magik (and yes that is the proper way of spelling it) and whatever you do to someone will come back to you 3fold. So there are good ones and bad ones.

[ShatteredPelvis]

[QUOTE]Am I going to "hell?"
Do I just worship "satan" in disguise?
Am I "evil?"
Do you think that I should convert and believe in what you believe in?[/QUOTE]

As a non-Christian who has investigated a number of religions, I don't think you're going to hell, are evil, or even worship Satan.

I think a lot of Wiccanism is total garbage, though. Its theology is weak, there are no central tenets other than "Do as ye will, that ye harm no one." (ie, just don't hurt anyone,kk?) and doesn't take a lot of discipline to stick with it. The Christian tenet of "Do unto others as you have have them do unto you." is a lot more positive. It doesn't say "Don't hurt other people." it says "Do GOOD to other people."

God knows the various Christian churches aren't perfect, but in my town alone there are five soup kitchens. The Sikhs also feed the less fortunate, and the Baha'is clean up the roads and plant gardens for the city's beautification free of charge. How many Wiccan-run charities or soup kitchens or homeless shelters are there in your town?

Basically, my main beef with Wiccanism is that it tries to please everyone and so has become an all-accepting slop that doesn't say anything at all. Believe in one god, two gods, no gods or a million gods--it's all ok! Karma, no karma, reincarnation, no reincarnation--whatever! Take gods from other cultures pantheons without understanding or respecting the historical traditions that go along with it! Treat Vishnu and Amaratsu like Barbie dolls for you to collect and keep in your personal shrine!

This isn't a diss against paganism. I have a great deal of respect for Hermeticism and the Rosucrutians, not to mention the Shintoists who do a lot of good and, of course, the Native American spiritualisties who also run charities and help the less fortunate. These are ancient traditions that have rock-solid theology that isn't built on "Do whatever you want. Just try not to hurt other people."

Wiccanism is a 50 year old religion that tries its hardest to appear old and really has no idea what it's doing.

[haru sakurai]

i don't know that it matters so much what you believe as what you do. of couse what you believe effects what you do, so in that way it does matter, but i'm not about to say one way is right and another way is wrong, as long as what you do is good. of course then we can get into a debate of what 'good' is, but though there are many points people contend on, there are still points that most people can agree on, like the Golden Rule.

as far as neo-Paganism goes... my aunt's Pagan and i've done some celebrations. she really believes and it makes her happy, and if it's what fulfills her spiritually then i can't see what's wrong with it. it didn't do anything for me... except that Pagans have much better shindigs that Christians, with way better music and food. XD

[The Newfie]

[COLOR=SeaGreen]It's always seemed to me that paganism/Wicca/etc is not a real... religion. It seems more to me like an excuse for some people to rebel againts society and be different... that people don't truely believe in it. But, heh, maybe you're different - but as far as I know, most people just do it so they can say 'Yea, I'm Wiccan' so they can get those 'wth?' looks from people and than have an excuse to talk to them (explaining what Wicca is, and than being insulted when they call it hilarious).

As has been mentioned, Wicca is a fairly weak belief in general - but hey, do whatever you want. If you do not believe in hell than you shouldn't be worried about going there, and if you don't believe in Satan than you shouldn't be worried about worshiping him in cognito... it really is a nonissue.

'Da Newf

Oowatanite[/COLOR]

[renayiiq]

[QUOTE=Manic Webb]I don't think you're going to hell, but I believe there's a slight chance you'll have to repeat one of your classes this summer.

Here's a tip: Try not to wait until the last minute before writing a paper that requires you to make a poll of public opinion.

As a Christian with somewhat Universalist values, I think God doesn't really care which religion you follow-- as long as you're a good person. I believe all religions are skewed interpretations of God trying to send the same message, and that we've all pretty much got enough right to know not to run around killing and stealing from each other. So are you going to hell? Hell if I know. I doubt it, though.[/QUOTE]

Well, I found out, only the "target" paper was due. It was basically just the idea of what you're doing with the topic. I had my idea on it, so I got a 100 on it. My rough draft is due on Wednesday.

[QUOTE=The Newfie][COLOR=SeaGreen]It's always seemed to me that paganism/Wicca/etc is not a real... religion. It seems more to me like an excuse for some people to rebel againts society and be different... that people don't truely believe in it. But, heh, maybe you're different - but as far as I know, most people just do it so they can say 'Yea, I'm Wiccan' so they can get those 'wth?' looks from people and than have an excuse to talk to them (explaining what Wicca is, and than being insulted when they call it hilarious).

As has been mentioned, Wicca is a fairly weak belief in general - but hey, do whatever you want. If you do not believe in hell than you shouldn't be worried about going there, and if you don't believe in Satan than you shouldn't be worried about worshiping him in cognito... it really is a nonissue.

'Da Newf

Oowatanite[/COLOR][/QUOTE]

I like it because of the lack of restrictions. I can't stand following a gazillion rules, and the few guidelines/rules that Wicca does have...I actually believe in those. I don't care when people say it's stupid or hilarious. It gets me a bit peeved when people try to convert me at all costs (even the cost of our friendship), but yeah.

I'm just trying to get some opinions to get some ideas about what I need to put in my essay. I don't feel like I need to even be doing this essay, because I got a commended score on the state test for the English/Language Arts portion last year, and the exit level test is only a bit harder in the editing portion of ELA.

[Panache]

[QUOTE]Am i going to hell?[/QUOTE] Not if you change your ways and follow christianity. But all christians say that dont we I guess thats why it is so difficult to convert people. Also I dont think wiccan is pagan. I've studied another religion that was started around the time that hinduism was called animism and wiccan is basically a sub religion of that or so ive heard. Paganism is something more on the lines of making up a god then worshiping it. Also even though in the end all other beliefs besides christianity will send you too hell I think americas new worship of money sickens me the most.

[Box Hoy]

I'm an avid wicca. I've gotta say that as long as you live your life to fufillment and do good and not evil than you're not going to hell. Alot of bands like Slipknot will obscure our lines and make people think that paganism is satanism because they use our symbols and make it seem like it's some sort of satanic symbol.

As for satan, I would say that being a pagan means that satan doesn't exist at all right? It's like an entirely different view than christianity so how would satan infiltrate the lines of our religion?

Again, just live life to the fullest and do good.

[childofthemorgu]

The thing is people who claim to be Pagan and Wiccan that bothers me. They don't understand it as well as they think. It is such a modern belief system based on older beliefs system that are still not understood today. Personally I did take interest but the lack of knowledge in many of the books and even the lack of understanding amoungst followers turned me away.

As someone who believes much into varies religions expecially middle eastern cultures I most admitt that many so called Christian Zeolots can be cruel at heart and take their religion in places I doubt even God would like. Just ignore them because they really are taking the place of God by judging you. They should not even be judging you to begin with whether or not the bible claims that worshiping other gods before him is a sin and part of the ten commandments. True Christians would respect you for being you and hope to gain respect back. If you ever have problems just ignore them and walk away. They are only taken the place of God by judging you.

I personally don't think you will go to hell. That is my personall belief. I feel if you are good hearted person and you help others as well as yourself you will probably most likely not even go to hell. To me the concept of hell is to scare people and I don't even believe in hell. Yes some religions do believe in a hell like place were your sould goes if you don't follow a perticular religion correctly or follow that religion but I don't really agree with that what so ever. I find that to be hard to believe that one religion is true out of thousands of religions out there. I feel there is truly more then one religion as being true.

Anyway I hope you do well and please don't go around claiming Wicca as an old religion (for it isn't). Thanks.

[Panache]

Was that an attack on me? I was not judging her I was just sharing my oppinion just as she was sharing hers. Sure I try to convert my friends but only beacause I love them.

[childofthemorgu]

[quote name='Avenged666fold']Was that an attack on me? I was not judging her I was just sharing my oppinion just as she was sharing hers. Sure I try to convert my friends but only beacause I love them.[/quote]

Actually I didn't even read your post lol... It is something I alway stand firmly when it comes to Christianity. I found it hard to believe that any Christian can say someone is going to hell and start judging based on that. Most of the Christians I know will either never bring up the subject or when the subject is brought up on religion of other people they find it more interesting and want to learn more. For it does say in the bible to be knowledgable about everything. :catgirl:

If you believe that converting people is right then that is on you but I do not.

[renayiiq]

[quote name='childofthemorgu']Anyway I hope you do well and please don't go around claiming Wicca as an old religion (for it isn't). Thanks.[/quote]

Trust me, I know it started only around 50 years ago or so with Gardner (I think that's his name...correct me if I'm wrong). I know some of the root beliefs are adopted from older paganistic views, but I don't claim for it to be an old religion. I'll admit, it's a pretty damn new religion. I don't go completely "by the book," exactly a carbon copy of the mold of what a Wiccan is exactly supposed to be, I believe in alot of my own personal things that I've always believed in...

Honestly, I do believe in a sort of heaven/hell situation. I believe that souls reincarnate, but they've got to go someplace to do it. I think that the general good people, and even the not so good, but not so bad people, go to wherever they find most desirable, be it the big blue sky (that's where I want to be!) or Summerland or even a dream world. On the other hand, I think that really bad people, like murderers (who do it for pleasure or who had absolutely no right, i.e war or self-defense, defense of fam./friends, etc.), rapists, etc., go to a place of eternal darkness. You can't see anything but pure pitch blackness...You only have your worst and most painful memories shrouding you, and you only feel pain and hopelessness....you can't even really think. Your soul just simply exists. The main reason I believe this is because it's what I've always feared happening to me, and I've thought of it as the worst possible punishment (for me, at least). That's just my own belief, because of a fear that I've had ever since I can remember.

[childofthemorgu]

[QUOTE=renayiiq]Trust me, I know it started only around 50 years ago or so with Gardner (I think that's his name...correct me if I'm wrong). I know some of the root beliefs are adopted from older paganistic views, but I don't claim for it to be an old religion. I'll admit, it's a pretty damn new religion. I don't go completely "by the book," exactly a carbon copy of the mold of what a Wiccan is exactly supposed to be, I believe in alot of my own personal things that I've always believed in...

Honestly, I do believe in a sort of heaven/hell situation. I believe that souls reincarnate, but they've got to go someplace to do it. I think that the general good people, and even the not so good, but not so bad people, go to wherever they find most desirable, be it the big blue sky (that's where I want to be!) or Summerland or even a dream world. On the other hand, I think that really bad people, like murderers (who do it for pleasure or who had absolutely no right, i.e war or self-defense, defense of fam./friends, etc.), rapists, etc., go to a place of eternal darkness. You can't see anything but pure pitch blackness...You only have your worst and most painful memories shrouding you, and you only feel pain and hopelessness....you can't even really think. Your soul just simply exists. The main reason I believe this is because it's what I've always feared happening to me, and I've thought of it as the worst possible punishment (for me, at least). That's just my own belief, because of a fear that I've had ever since I can remember.[/QUOTE]

Hmmm your knowledge is way lacking. If you have to guess that it is Gardner then you truly are lost. Luckly you are right. To be called a Wiccan or even Pagan you have to have some knowledge even if you disagree with it. If you are taking beliefs from every section of religion then don't call yourself a Wiccan or Pagan. That just confusses the matter.

Personally I don't think anyone goes to a hell. I think humans are a new race in this galaxy and beyond. I think the violent part of are society is do to confussion and misunderstanding of the psychological impact of a human being. We as humans are weak and don't understand a lot of things. When we do we end up fixing the problem. Most seriel killers and rapist have a mental problem half the time they can't controll or they believe in something taboo and diffrent. I think once we die we do learn new things or maybe everything. I think we better ourselves when we die and get a second chance.

[cancer]

Alright, I believe that you should live your life to the fullest and be good, not evil. I am a Christian, but I do not follow the Evangelical view that you must accept Christ to avoid Hell. I believe that if you do accept Christ then you go to Heaven. From my viewpoint, you will not go to Heaven; that is the standard belief of the Christian. I am friends with a few Pagans though and am interested in Paganism myself, just as Michelangelo was. I believe that the most important rule you should follow is to do good deeds, which is a rule pertaining to almost every religion. It is to my understanding that Pagans do believe in one God-head, but believe in a male and female god making it up, correct? I don't think God would cast you to Hell if you lived a good life and believed in him, but of course religion isn't a very solid thing no matter what anyone says. It is all about believing, so good luck with your belief. ^__^