ok, why is this?

[AnonymousX]

alright, I regularly go to church, despite being a pagan because it is a tradition for me to go with my grandparents, I sing hymns, I rise and I sit, and listen intently to the sermon. I never make any trouble for anybody, even going out of the way to hide my small pentacle necklace beneath my suit. but this always happens...

^
me

they preach and preach to me alone, often times calling me into a back room, and I dare say even accosting me on my way out of the building, by physically grabbing my arm and reading passages from the Bible. I mean what in the name of Thanatos do they think they are doing?
​

 

[ABlessedAnomaly]

alright, I regularly go to church, despite being a pagan because it is a tradition for me to go with my grandparents, I sing hymns, I rise and I sit, and listen intently to the sermon. I never make any trouble for anybody, even going out of the way to hide my small pentacle necklace beneath my suit. but this always happens...

^
me​

they preach and preach to me alone, often times calling me into a back room, and I dare say even accosting me on my way out of the building, by physically grabbing my arm and reading passages from the Bible. I mean what in the name of Thanatos do they think they are doing?​

Well, your grandparents could have leaked information about you and now everyone wants you saved.

But then again, why is a pagan going to church? Traditions? I don't buy it. Why are you here on ChristianForums?? I think God is calling. Think about answering....

In His Love
Bob

 

[AnonymousX]

I tried calling God, he has caller ID and didn't pick up. I was raised Lutheran Christian, and went to church every Sunday (and Wednesday for Lent) up until a few years ago. now I go most Sundays just to keep them company, they are old and lonely you see. But yes, I would not doubt they glimpsed at my pentacle, or, someone told them. They are honestly driving me away from that Church, I told my Grandparents that I no longer wish to go because of this. And why am I here? for the lulz of course.

refer to Anonymous the group (encyclopediadramatica.com)

 

[Lukaris]

Since you say you peaceably conduct yourself, maybe you could tell them to pray for you and let the will of God be done. Of course we here will pray that you turn to Christ too but one should not be intimidated to do so nor judged since your testimony shows love towards family who are also witnessing to you.

 

[seashale76]

alright, I regularly go to church, despite being a pagan because it is a tradition for me to go with my grandparents, I sing hymns, I rise and I sit, and listen intently to the sermon. I never make any trouble for anybody, even going out of the way to hide my small pentacle necklace beneath my suit. but this always happens...

^
me

they preach and preach to me alone, often times calling me into a back room, and I dare say even accosting me on my way out of the building, by physically grabbing my arm and reading passages from the Bible. I mean what in the name of Thanatos do they think they are doing?
​

Have you tried being honest with them? Tell them how that makes you feel and that you would appreciate it if they laid off. Tell them it makes you even less receptive to what they're saying and that you are only going to church because you're trying to honor your grandparents by making sure they have a way to church. Not all people and churches are like this and you shouldn't have to be subjected to it. I think that just about every church has it's share of people who aren't Christian, but who still go with their families. At my parish we have a few folks who aren't believers yet still come with their spouses, and they aren't pressured to accept our faith and are treated the same as everyone else (they aren't allowed to partake of the sacraments, which would be odd for an atheist or other non-Christian to want to do anyway).

 

[tapero]

alright, I regularly go to church, despite being a pagan because it is a tradition for me to go with my grandparents, I sing hymns, I rise and I sit, and listen intently to the sermon. I never make any trouble for anybody, even going out of the way to hide my small pentacle necklace beneath my suit. but this always happens...

^
me​

they preach and preach to me alone, often times calling me into a back room, and I dare say even accosting me on my way out of the building, by physically grabbing my arm and reading passages from the Bible. I mean what in the name of Thanatos do they think they are doing?​

Hi, I've had same done to me when go to a new church. Even tho am a Christian, certain people in some churches will come after you like vultures as is how they are showed to do or think is the thing to do.

One was so bad while I just gave an intersection of where I lived, somehow they figured out from that exactly where I lived and were pounding on my door.

Fairly messed up stuff.

I had to get aggressive or assertive with them to cut it out. Of course I didn't go to their church after the one time, but took a bit to get this couple off me.

I think you got wise advice in the thread to tell em straight to cut it out.

Boundaries and don't let them cross it. Don't be afraid to speak up each and everytime until they stop. I know it's not easy, but if you're going to go there, you shouldn't be subjected to such.

take care,
tapero

 

[RevCowboy]

I tried calling God, he has caller ID and didn't pick up. I was raised Lutheran Christian, and went to church every Sunday (and Wednesday for Lent) up until a few years ago. now I go most Sundays just to keep them company, they are old and lonely you see. But yes, I would not doubt they glimpsed at my pentacle, or, someone told them. They are honestly driving me away from that Church, I told my Grandparents that I no longer wish to go because of this. And why am I here? for the lulz of course.

refer to Anonymous the group (encyclopediadramatica.com)

Lutheran eh? Really...so what branch of Lutheranism?

I sincerely doubt that hardly any Lutherans would preach to you in a back room because you are wearing a pentacle.

Are you asking a serious question or trolling?

 

[Zunalter]

Lutheran eh? Really...so what branch of Lutheranism?

I sincerely doubt that hardly any Lutherans would preach to you in a back room because you are wearing a pentacle.

Are you asking a serious question or trolling?

A little sensitive my Lutheran friend?

 

[Zunalter]

alright, I regularly go to church, despite being a pagan because it is a tradition for me to go with my grandparents, I sing hymns, I rise and I sit, and listen intently to the sermon. I never make any trouble for anybody, even going out of the way to hide my small pentacle necklace beneath my suit. but this always happens...

^
me

they preach and preach to me alone, often times calling me into a back room, and I dare say even accosting me on my way out of the building, by physically grabbing my arm and reading passages from the Bible. I mean what in the name of Thanatos do they think they are doing?
​

I am very sorry about your experience. I guess you get first hand look into what CS Lewis said:

"The greatest single cause of atheism (paganism in your case) in the world today is Christians, who acknowledge Jesus with their lips, and walk out the door, and deny him with their life style. That is what an unbelieving world simply finds unbelievable."

It isn't a direct correlation, but I am sure you can find the similarities. Now, you may be thinking "Wait, preaching and Bible verses are involved...aren't they doing EXACTLY what their lifestyle demands?" I would just encourage you to read in the Bible at the way people witnessed to non-believers to get a feel for how we are supposed to conduct ourselves. For your part, it looks like you went more than out of your way to keep the peace.

Though, and this is just nit-picky on my part, I would consider refraining from singing the hymns if you do not believe in the God they are referring to. At least if it wouldn't cause you more grief than you are already experiencing. Just my two-cents.

 

[AnonymousX]

Lutheran eh? Really...so what branch of Lutheranism?

I sincerely doubt that hardly any Lutherans would preach to you in a back room because you are wearing a pentacle.

Are you asking a serious question or trolling?

Missouri Synod. And if I was Trolling you would know it, I'm not exactly "Subtle"

 

[Sojourner1]

I think it shows good character on your part to go with your Grandparents as it shows that you care enough about them to put them ahead of your own desires. I think they are very concerned about you and your eternal soul. They have probably told others in the church that you need to be saved and they are only trying to be helpful. However, you really need to just be upfront with them and let them know that the pressure that is put on you and the confrontations with members of the church needs to stop. Tell them you want to keep going with them but they need to let you figure this out on your own and the tactics being used are only driving you away from Christianity rather than drawing you to Christianity.

 

[aiki]

alright, I regularly go to church, despite being a pagan because it is a tradition for me to go with my grandparents, I sing hymns, I rise and I sit, and listen intently to the sermon. I never make any trouble for anybody, even going out of the way to hide my small pentacle necklace beneath my suit. but this always happens...

^
me

they preach and preach to me alone, often times calling me into a back room, and I dare say even accosting me on my way out of the building, by physically grabbing my arm and reading passages from the Bible. I mean what in the name of Thanatos do they think they are doing?
​

Why don't you ask them? We can only guess as to what their motives may or may not be.

By the way, why does it bug you so much that they are doing the things you describe? No one forced you through the doors of their church, did they? If these people believe that, indeed, you are going to Hell as the Bible teaches, then I think their behaviour demonstrates a lot of concern for you. I wonder how you would've responded if they'd ignored you completely...

 

[salida]

God does hear your cry and He knows your needs. What are you asking Him? He answers prayers according to His will for your life. Your church shouldn't be force feeding you to get saved. No one was saved being "forced". Its the work of the Holy Spirit (God) - not my pure human pressures. Humans can't save anyone but God does. Your not sure God is there? Consider reading Evidence That Demands A Verdict by Josh McDowell (it would stand up in court concerning biblical evidence). And Examine the Evidence by Muncaster (a former athiest). Also, there is www.reasons.org - science and belief.

Biblical Evidence – This is a very small amount of information
out of large amounts of information out there.

Internal Evidences-Prophesies that are confirmed with Bible;

mentioning only a few – but there are hundreds.

Life of Christ
The Tribe of Judah, Gen. 49:10, Luke 3:23-28
(Genesis was written 4004 BC to 1689 BC)
(Luke’s time period is 60-70 AD)

Royal Line of David, Jer 23:5, Matt 1:1
(Jeremiah 760 to 698 BC)/(Matthew 60-70 AD)

Born of a Virgin, Isaiah 7:14/Matt 1:18-23
(Isaiah 760 to 698 BC)/(60-70 AD)

Rise of Empires
In the book of Daniel, Chapter 2 – four kingdoms are described in the interpretation
of the dream of Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon: Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greek – Daniel 8:21, 10:20/ and a fourth great kingdom to follow which was part iron and clay – which is the
Roman Empire – during this empire, Christ came and the church was established – Daniel 2:44.

Historical Accuracy

The Bible is loaded with historical statements concerning events of hundreds of years ago, yet
none of them has been proven to be incorrect.
(Bible compared to other ancient documents)
New Testament – starts at 25 years – between the original and surviving copies
Homer- starts at 500 years/Demosthenes – at 1400 years/Plato – at 1200 years/
Caesar – at 1000 years

Number of Manuscript Copies

New Testament – 5,686/Homer – 643/Demosthenes – 200/Plato – 7/Caesar – 10

Consistency – Written by 40 men over a period of time exceeding 1400 years, and has no
Internal inconsistencies.



Claim of Inspiration- It claims to be spoken by God, 2 Tim 3:16-17). No other religious book makes such claims.


External Evidences

(Prophesies Outside the Bible)
These cities were prophesied to be destroyed and never to be built again- and they haven’t.
Niveveh – Nahum 1:10, 3:7, 15, Zephaniah 2:13-14
Babylon – Isaiah 13:1-22
Tyre -Ezekiel 26:1-28

Bible before Science

He hangs the earth on nothing – Job 26:7
(Job was written at least 1000 years ago – some scholars think it could have been even 3000
years ago)
Note: Man only knew the above for 350 years.
Earth is a sphere – Isaiah 40:22/Air has weight – Job 28:25/
Gravity – Job 26:7, Job 38: 31-33/Winds blow in cyclones, Eccl 1:6

Documents that Prove Bible is True

Gilgamesh Epic, The Sumerian King List, Mari Tablets, Babylonian Chronicles

Archealogical Evidence (Still adding to this list today- it hasn’t stopped)
Excavations of Ur, Location of Zoar, Ziggurats and the foundation of Tower of Babel

 

[stumpjumper]

I guess they're just wondering why a self-labeled pagan regularly attends Church services and they probably feel that you come seeking answers.

 

[RevCowboy]

Missouri Synod. And if I was Trolling you would know it, I'm not exactly "Subtle"

I apologize for jumping to conclusions so quickly. The Missouri Synod can be sensitive about what kind of people attend their churches and I don't doubt your experience. In fact, I initially assumed you were trolling or actually attending a Missouri chruch.

Some may disagree but I think that Christ is working in you given that you attend, which is more than many "Christians" do. I think the church should go about their business as usual. If they believed that the Gospel had the power to reach you, they wouldn't need to preach any differently than when you were not there, because we are equally in need of the Gospel.

I applaud you continuing to go and caring for Grandparents. Christ is working through you whether your know or not.

 

[AnonymousX]

I apologize for jumping to conclusions so quickly. The Missouri Synod can be sensitive about what kind of people attend their churches and I don't doubt your experience. In fact, I initially assumed you were trolling or actually attending a Missouri chruch.

Some may disagree but I think that Christ is working in you given that you attend, which is more than many "Christians" do. I think the church should go about their business as usual. If they believed that the Gospel had the power to reach you, they wouldn't need to preach any differently than when you were not there, because we are equally in need of the Gospel.

I applaud you continuing to go and caring for Grandparents. Christ is working through you whether your know or not.

well, whatever happens happens eh? I'm content to let things be.

 

[DailyBlessings]

A little sensitive my Lutheran friend?

I think they have not quite so many problems with this sort of thing up there in Canada. After a few experiences with my Wisconsin Synod brothers even here on the liberal west coast, I wouldn't be surprised if they dragged out the ol' bell book and candle exorcism rite on this poor visitor!

AnonymousX, my advice is to just try and let it slide off your back however you can. Not very good evangelism on their part, but remember that you yourself are doing a very good thing by going at all. To care for one's parents and grandparents is a sacred duty and a more beautiful exposition of charity than accosting the friend of a member in a back room after church! Remain in love, peace be with you, and if you should ever feel the desire to explore Christianity, don't be dissuaded by the rather unfortunate vantage point of your grandparent's congregation!

 

[AnonymousX]

I think they have not quite so many problems with this sort of thing up there in Canada. After a few experiences with my Wisconsin Synod brothers even here on the liberal west coast, I wouldn't be surprised if they dragged out the ol' bell book and candle exorcism rite on this poor visitor!

AnonymousX, my advice is to just try and let it slide off your back however you can. Not very good evangelism on their part, but remember that you yourself are doing a very good thing by going at all. To care for one's parents and grandparents is a sacred duty and a more beautiful exposition of charity than accosting the friend of a member in a back room after church! Remain in love, peace be with you, and if you should ever feel the desire to explore Christianity, don't be dissuaded by the rather unfortunate vantage point of your grandparent's congregation!

of course, I started going again, I just block them out mentally now and they have actually started to calm down on the factor

 

[doughboy1234563]

Hey man, I just wanted to say that What your doing with your grandparents is very cool of you and that is is a good thing to do, but...

But even as a follower of Christ I know that being Good doesn't cut it. I would like to add you to my friends so that we could talk more, its also not about trying to become something that your are not, most people in church will not realize that it isn't about changing who you are to fit in. I see it this way, If you knock, God will open up the door. also only on average about 1/3 of the people who go to church or Claim to be christians are truely what they say they are

 

[xino]

^
me

​

LOL

i am also not a fan of singing during church.
I like listening to what the pastor says