Why do we Pagans always get attacked from both sides?

I think more Christians than atheists have something to say about being Pagan. Some atheists don't care about religion as long as they're not a part of it. I haven't come across any atheists that have personally said anything to me about being Pagan. Christians on the other hand, I have. However, I think it's a bit extreme to claim that both sides and most people from both sides act that way.

you know i dont know why people are the way they are. i think it might have something to do with society. then again i could be wrong. but i believe in Christ and in God. I believe that we are all going to see him one day and be accounted for what we have done with our lives. I dont think it is nessisary right for someone to blast their beliefs on someone. the is not the christian way. we are mearly to teach to say to testify what christ has done for us and that is it. we are not to slam someone because they turn away or chose to believe something else. There were those in the time of Jesus who refused to listen even in the time of Moses. and i think that it is a Big thing to push beliefs on to someone. I do know this much - ever thought why Iran is such a threat? ever wonder why this centery alone has had more blood shed? it all adds up. people have been seperated through acts such as these and now people just dont care. they dont care if there is something greater out there and those people preserve their life and they try to make the most out of themselves and those people are usually very vile and spitful. - but that is only from what i have observed. - now as to your question you might as well just admit to the demands of people accusing you of worshiping idols and so forth because that is all they will ever see, and that is all they will ever think- kinda like people thinking the Mormons of having horns - people are going to believe what they want and no one not even the creator himself will get them to chose differently. personally i think that if people just live a quiet life and mind their own business then we wouldnt have the problems that we have now. it seems that every one wants to know how their neighbor is suceeding when they are not. it all revolves around jealousy. i would just ignore or lie to them and say something on the lines of "yeah so what, right now i'm in control and i'll make you pay" or something stupid to make them leave you alone.

I am sorry, I know this discussion was not directed at me, I am a Christian. I just wanted to let you know that there are some of us that actually believe that you are entitled to your belief. I will never attack you for your spiritual belief or lack there of. I would absolutely invite you to my church, but I don't go any further than that. We all have our own beliefs, ideals and spirituality. I respect this. Good luck to you and I am very sorry you get such a bad experience here regarding your beliefs.

I am not a Pagan, but it could be that we are confused by you. I am a Christian and I am used to thinking of pagans worshiping Jupiter, Zeus, Thor, or Woden and the new pagans are a bit confusing. We have no idea of the gods and goddesses you worship. All right our church put fliers in the mailbox at the two times a year that we do the major evangelism. I am not that good at speaking so I do not belong to the evangelism committee. But there are others who think that God needs assistance, so they practically get you in a corner and ask "Are you saved?" and try to drag you to church, not a good idea. I think there are the same with atheists -although I cannot understand who they worship except themselves. I guess they get in front of the mirror before they go to work --- Anyway if they are just talking among themselves about God -us Christians, and about how there is no God- the atheists, they should not bother you unless you ask something like "Where is the historical evidence that Jesus existed" or the other "How do you know that there are no gods?" If they suddenly grab on you, you could either walk away or say that you have your own religion. Most times they would think it is another denomination and will not bother you.

There are many here dealing with what you speak of...whether they be Pagan, atheist, or ChHristian....I think the problem is misinformation, fear, and faith. If that makes any sense? No matter what the system is, the person is taught one way and taught that that way is the right way. The person believes it and then goes on to "learn" from their teachers, mentors, and media all the *crap* about the other systems that their system wants them to hear. The come to hold their "truths" and just that, and all others as lies, deciet, or whatever. So they step out on faith and try to share their "good news" with everyone, thinking they are helping. It boils down to human nature. We want to share what we hold dear to us, because it feels good to us- we think it will to others as well. Thankfully, I can say I am not one to judge a person on their belief system. I have very wonderful friends from every corner. The ones I call my friends are the same way...they look pst the person's religion into the person themself. I hold what I know to be true very dear to me, and don't allow others to convince me otherwise. But I am a very open minded person and welcome anyone to challenge these beleifs. I'd rather stand corrected than live in lies. I have learned and grown ore in my faith as a "Christian" through discussions with my pagan/wiccan/heathen friends here on ther lot than through discussions with my fellow believers. Its sad I know, but it is what it is, and we just have to make the best of it. peace and blessings!

Hello victoriasparda, Firstly, welcome to Mylot, and secondly, hi my fellow pagan, yes I'm pagan too, I had a lot to deal with my family and friends who think I have turned evil and grown two horns and a tail, till I explained to them, it has taken me quite some time but now they have got used to it and have left me alone, but now and again they have a little dig about it. I do get Christains saying not a very nice things to me but I have learn to ignore it whereelsr it used to rilied me, so you are not alone here and any time you want to talk to me I'm here. Bright Blessings Tamara

I guess fear and a lack of understanding is the short simple answer. However, I also feel there is a great deal of insecurity from all those who follow the variety of religions of the book. Christians stole our festivals, thus commiting a mortal sin according to their book. Moslims want to kill us if we dont want to convert to islam. How insecure is that? Also, we follow a much older tradition than either islam or Christianity. Such a chronology makes the cults of the Jonny-come-lately feel incredibly insecure, we have the superior moral ground. In short we are condemned only by those who dont understand us, fear us or suspect we may be capable of removing the political power their followers enjoy blessed be

I don't let most of them get to me. I will defend my believes and the believes of other regardless of religion when someone start to spew ignorance but other than that I just let them have what they will. I have watched so many so called religious people explain themselves over and over again that it becomes a game. If they were right in what they are doing then there would be no need to explain themselves repeatedly, it completely makes me loose respect for them. Honestly how many ways can you justify getting in my face and disrespecting me? I know who I am, I'm comfortable with who I am and I don't need to force myself on anyone for any reason and I have never felt the need to be converted to someone elses religion (or lack of) to make myself feel complete. I just chalk these people up to people with low self-esteem issues.

Hi. I too am a pagan and have been for 41 years now. Wow that sounds like such a long time. I have heard every accusation, every excuse and every disrespectful comment known to man or woman. This is what I tell them, "I do believe in God, I do believe in the Lady, and I do believe in myself, and the world we live in. I do not believe in blood sacrifice, I do not eat babies, I do not believe in the devil, and I do not cast spells on unsuspecting strangers." Most times it shuts them up long enough for me to turn around and make a very dignified get away. I was raised a Christian for many years until one day I finally said no more. My mother went balistic. Things were never the same between us again. I do have a good grasp of the Bible and I can most times, use it against them if I absolutely have to. I too wear a pentacle and it's about half the size of a dime but you would think it was the size of my fist by some of the looks I get. I've even had people ask me if I know what it means so I've asked them to explain it to me. I love to hear their terminology. Then I tell them to have a good day and walk away with no explanations on my part. Now here's the good part, my husband is a Christian but we get along famously. We've been together and in love for many years so when he decided to become a Christian, it was never an issue with us. We respect each other's beliefs. His Christian friends do give him a hard time but he's a big boy with a mind of his own. So don't let it bother you, just go ahead and live your life as you see fit. Just be grateful we live in 2008 and not 1708.

People often fear what they don't understand. Personally I don't feel threatened by Pagans, I do believe religion in the wrong hands can cause a whole lot of trouble. No matter what the faith is. My religion teaches me to be tolerant of others and any faith practiced in a good way will lead to the right path. It is a shame that people are so judgemental at the moment. There is an abundance of intolerance in the world and it appears to be getting worse.

Well personally, I attack paganism because in 99.9% of cases, it's a comfortable lifestyle choice rather than anything resembling a religion. If you asked 100 pagans where they thought their beliefs stemmed from, and what forms of worship they practiced, you'd get 100 different answers, none of them vaguely resembling anything approaching what actual pagans did centuries ago. Instead, we get a comfy blend of healing crystals, tarot cards, vague allusions to the Gaia theory, and possibly some mumbo jumbo about menstrual cycles. And a disregard for uncomfortable aspects, like wicker men and blood sacrifice. I have no time for most religions anyhow, but at least the more conventional ones have some sort of system. Even the scientologists are ahead of pagans on this, and their beliefs are the cynical commercial outcome of a drunken bar bet.