Has anyone ever been pulled towards paganism and back to God and Jesus? What's your experiences? I can't be the only one
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Has anyone ever been pulled towards paganism and back to God and Jesus? What's your experiences? I can't be the only one
- Thread starter JesusIsMySaviourALways
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- Aug 17, 2020
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It’s the flesh of you that wants paganism like an addiction. The Spirit draws toward Jesus.
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I wasn't asking what caused it I was asking if anyone experienced this thankyou for your response though
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PloverWing
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I'll start with the disclaimer that I have never been a practitioner of Wicca or one of the other neo-pagan religions. But I have felt the draw of paganism, and it's actually one of the things that keeps me from atheism.
In my early twenties, I was wrestling with the faith I'd been taught in childhood. Some of what I'd been taught was clearly, demonstrably false. So, what about the rest of it? Is any of it true? Does God even exist?
As I teetered thus on the brink of atheism, G. K. Chesterton (of all people!) called my attention to the pagans -- not the 20th century ones, but the ancient and medieval ones. Many, many people throughout the centuries have looked at the trees and the rivers and the sky and have seen a sacred Something there. I think that's worth paying attention to. As people later try to describe their experiences of the sacred, the words may be mistaken. I don't think trees are gods in themselves, so the theology is something that needs to be worked out. But are the pagans right, that there's a sacred Something there? I think so, or at least I hope so, and pursuing that Something has been a great part of my life's journey in the decades since.
I found my path in a version of Christianity that values and embodies the Sacred, and that doesn't require me to affirm things that are demonstrably false. I am Christian, and my present church is a good, nurturing home for me. But I will always think of pagans as my friendly cousins who stood between me and atheism, and who helped keep me from losing my way entirely.
In my early twenties, I was wrestling with the faith I'd been taught in childhood. Some of what I'd been taught was clearly, demonstrably false. So, what about the rest of it? Is any of it true? Does God even exist?
As I teetered thus on the brink of atheism, G. K. Chesterton (of all people!) called my attention to the pagans -- not the 20th century ones, but the ancient and medieval ones. Many, many people throughout the centuries have looked at the trees and the rivers and the sky and have seen a sacred Something there. I think that's worth paying attention to. As people later try to describe their experiences of the sacred, the words may be mistaken. I don't think trees are gods in themselves, so the theology is something that needs to be worked out. But are the pagans right, that there's a sacred Something there? I think so, or at least I hope so, and pursuing that Something has been a great part of my life's journey in the decades since.
I found my path in a version of Christianity that values and embodies the Sacred, and that doesn't require me to affirm things that are demonstrably false. I am Christian, and my present church is a good, nurturing home for me. But I will always think of pagans as my friendly cousins who stood between me and atheism, and who helped keep me from losing my way entirely.
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- Jan 16, 2019
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You're expected to ask questions and challenge ideas in paganism. If something doesn't make sense or resonate it isn't the end of the world. There's not a lot of group think. People share their experiences openly and resources too. And it's more inclusive.
There's less focus on problems and struggles. Especially the former. That's handled privately. People share their story but it doesn't feel like a therapy session. Nor are struggles a big focus. You're expected to do your part and ask for input, take action, etc.
It's fairly appealing for independent thinkers who are self-directed. Group involvement is optional but not mandatory. If you're strong and determined you'll find yourself in good company. It isn't a path for slackers or those who require hand holding. There's a lot of autonomy and personal accountability. Especially if you veer towards ceremonial practices and orders.
You'll encounter very learned people with a lot of curiosity. They're delving into obscure languages, practices and texts and you'll learn a lot. That's mentally engaging if it's your cup of tea. There's so much to unpack you'll never get bored. That was part of the draw.
The people I interacted with were very adept. They were hungry and serious about their practice which made a difference. When they debated you'd have a bibliography to explore and that was exciting. My search for the truth led to judaism and that wasn't odd. I had some familiarity with their teachings and their approach to faith mirrored some of the things I saw elsewhere.
In many respects I've come full circle. I believe in God and accepted Christ as my Savior. But I'm not in the mainstream and find myself moving further afield with others who have a similar foundation and broach our beliefs with greater intensity and commitment. I don't spend time wondering why the church doesn't do this or that. I found my people and got on with it.
~bella
There's less focus on problems and struggles. Especially the former. That's handled privately. People share their story but it doesn't feel like a therapy session. Nor are struggles a big focus. You're expected to do your part and ask for input, take action, etc.
It's fairly appealing for independent thinkers who are self-directed. Group involvement is optional but not mandatory. If you're strong and determined you'll find yourself in good company. It isn't a path for slackers or those who require hand holding. There's a lot of autonomy and personal accountability. Especially if you veer towards ceremonial practices and orders.
You'll encounter very learned people with a lot of curiosity. They're delving into obscure languages, practices and texts and you'll learn a lot. That's mentally engaging if it's your cup of tea. There's so much to unpack you'll never get bored. That was part of the draw.
The people I interacted with were very adept. They were hungry and serious about their practice which made a difference. When they debated you'd have a bibliography to explore and that was exciting. My search for the truth led to judaism and that wasn't odd. I had some familiarity with their teachings and their approach to faith mirrored some of the things I saw elsewhere.
In many respects I've come full circle. I believe in God and accepted Christ as my Savior. But I'm not in the mainstream and find myself moving further afield with others who have a similar foundation and broach our beliefs with greater intensity and commitment. I don't spend time wondering why the church doesn't do this or that. I found my people and got on with it.
~bella
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- Oct 7, 2018
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Adding to my last comment....though I did get involved in TM, I still loved Jesus Christ of Nazareth however, one can not serve two masters so I abandoned the practice and gave all to Him.
Be blessed.
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