Pagan forums?

[LiberatedChick]

Hello folks
I've got a little question regarding pagan forums and I need some advice as I'm not sure what to do. Firstly, let me explain the background to the situation...I was Christian and then drifted away during my teens and have recently come back to Christianity. During my teens I became interested in paganism and in my late teens I considered myself pagan and joined some pagan forums. I've left most of the forums that I joined but there is two that I've been with a long time now and one of them is more like a community than a forum. It's not just pagan talk either...like CF there's sections for chit-chat and games and journals etc...so I can just stay away from the pagan chat and talk with the people. I really like the place and the people however, I've been feeling in my gut a strong sense that I should leave the forum. Part of me doesn't want to because they're nice folks and I think that being there would strengthen my faith rather than destroy it. Yet part of me is unable to ignore this feeling that I really should leave. I've been really getting into my bible study lately and bits about the type of people you should associate yourself with keep jumping out at me. So I'm wondering if God is trying to tell me that I should leave the forum.

What do you guys think? Is the Lord trying to tell me something? Is being a member of a pagan forum ok?

 

[fishstix]

It could be that what you are feeling is conviction from the Holy Spirit. Chances are that a pagan forum is not going to strengthen your Christian faith. It just isn't logical. Sure you may have some good discussions that cause you to think about things and sort out what you believe. But overall, the points that most people will bring up there will not be from a Christian perspective and thus will not tend to build a Christian faith. It is possible that you might be able to witness to some of the members there. However it is also possible that the members, although nice people, could pull you back towards the pagan beliefs rather than you pulling them towards the Christian ones. I would suggest that you pray about the situation and don't ignore the feelings you have been having that you should leave. It could indeed be God's still small voice.

On another note, I've found that sometimes it is beneficial for me to take a break from certain forums - including Christian ones such as this. It helps me to refocus on other things including my relationship with Jesus. Sometimes those breaks turn into completely leaving a given forum and other times I go back after a few days/weeks/months. So don't be afraid to leave a forum if you feel the Holy Spirit is leading you to. You might find it to be a very refreshing experience.

 

[LiberatedChick]

It could be that what you are feeling is conviction from the Holy Spirit. Chances are that a pagan forum is not going to strengthen your Christian faith. It just isn't logical. Sure you may have some good discussions that cause you to think about things and sort out what you believe. But overall, the points that most people will bring up there will not be from a Christian perspective and thus will not tend to build a Christian faith.

I didn't mean it would build on my faith but would keep reminding me why I chose Christianity over paganism.

It is possible that you might be able to witness to some of the members there. However it is also possible that the members, although nice people, could pull you back towards the pagan beliefs rather than you pulling them towards the Christian ones.

I don't think it'd be possible for me to witness to anyone there but you're right, there is the possibility that I could get pulled back.

On another note, I've found that sometimes it is beneficial for me to take a break from certain forums - including Christian ones such as this. It helps me to refocus on other things including my relationship with Jesus. Sometimes those breaks turn into completely leaving a given forum and other times I go back after a few days/weeks/months. So don't be afraid to leave a forum if you feel the Holy Spirit is leading you to. You might find it to be a very refreshing experience.

I think the idea of taking a break sounds good. I think I may take a break and see what happens.

Thanks for your help.

 

[newlite]

i left a forum for a game i use to play. there was to much swearing and fights and stuff on it. i felt like being torn in two. i knew i had to leave in. it was makeing me crazy. i didnt though cuz any friend i had was on it and by leaving it i would be all alone...

i finally quit going there. a couple days later i was searching for something and came across this forum. switching forums is the best thing ive done...

 

[KleinerApfel]

I really like the place and the people however, I've been feeling in my gut a strong sense that I should leave the forum. Part of me doesn't want to because they're nice folks and I think that being there would strengthen my faith rather than destroy it. Yet part of me is unable to ignore this feeling that I really should leave. I've been really getting into my bible study lately and bits about the type of people you should associate yourself with keep jumping out at me. So I'm wondering if God is trying to tell me that I should leave the forum.

It sounds to me very much like God is speaking to you, both through your study of His word and through your conscience.

It's sad to say goodbye to people sometimes, but life moves on, and you've found a better way. God will bring new things and new people into your life when you listen to His leading and trust Him.

God bless, Susana

 

[~Mrs. A2J~]

It sounds to me like the Lord is telling you what you should do. Sometimes we have to give up things in order to keep our walk with the Lord on the right path which can include giving up friends and family. It's hard to do but it's better in the long run.

Sarah

 

[TheMainException]

I think that it is okay to belong to that forum...be a witness sister!

 

[silentpoet]

I do not know the answers for sure. What I do know is Jesus came and he ate with tax collectors, harlots, and other sinners. He spent his time with the lost sheep. This is one thing to consider. I have left friends behind myself. And in some cases it is certainly better for my salvation and faith that I remain apart from them. I am strong willed, but I know certain people can have an influence that is not God directed. I am better now that I do not spend time with them. That is another to consider.
One thing that I feel truly shows God's glory and wisdom is how atheists were used by God in the shaping of CS Lewis's faith and intellect. Their influence made him one of the most effective Christian thinkers and writers. This is beautiful and a thing to consider also.

My advice would be to leave. Do not go off in a huff, or leave no message. I would state the reasons you are leaving and wish them well. That is my two cents or so.

 

[LiberatedChick]

Well I could not have left without a message as I am a mod there too and suddenly disappearing would have left me feeling worse. Anyway, I posted a message saying that I was thinking about saying goodbye but didn't really want to leave completely so I was going to take a break instead. I also explained how my beliefs have changed. I felt much better after that and no longer felt like I needed to leave but I stayed away for a couple of days anyway so that I could have a think about things. I've gone back to the forum now and I no longer feel the feeling that I should leave anymore. I think the feeling was because I felt dishonest...I hadn't told anyone there about my change in beliefs, just hinted about it in my journal so the majority would have thought I was still pagan. I also think it may be a good thing that I'm there as I've always had an interest in learning about other peoples beliefs and if they wish to learn more or need anything explaining then I can do so. So I shall be staying with that forum and this forum and no longer participating in other pagan forums I have joined in the past.

 

[Rafael]

I think that leaving would be a bit cold. Paul says that we don't have to leave people behind. As LAwise suggested, you may be able to be a witness at a later date if you are patient and wait upon the Lord. However, He may be calling you to a time of solitude with Him, where He could intensify your growth so that you could be more effective in your witness. Perhaps not leaving, but giving up your moderator position. It really is a matter for you to ask God about. It sounds encouraging that you are so sensitive to His leading.
God bless you in your endeavors....

1Co 9:22 When I am with those who are oppressed, I share their oppression so that I might bring them to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone so that I might bring them to Christ.

1Co 10:23 You say, "I am allowed to do anything"—but not everything is helpful. You say, "I am allowed to do anything"—but not everything is beneficial.
33 That is the plan I follow, too. I try to please everyone in everything I do. I don’t just do what I like or what is best for me, but what is best for them so they may be saved.