Question for Pagan cysters

Lori hope 76 · 11-10-2004, 11:09 PM

Hi everyone. I noticed that there wasn't much going on over here so I Thought I would start a topic.

Question:I know we have all had problems with closed minded people questioning our beliefs and critisising us for our "non traditional beliefs" So how do you handle this situation?

I know I have had problems in the past when people ask me about my religous beliefs. It has gotten to the point were I don't even want to discuss it with people, because I just don't want to deal with the questions and rude comments.

MaggieM · 11-10-2004, 11:49 PM

I must start by saying I am not a pagan, however I have the same problem you do. I have my own "non traditional beliefs" and I am surrounded by serious God-followers. My DH has a VERY religious family. I however, am anything but. I have pieced together my own beliefs and I am fine with that. I know that when we do have kids that good ole religion topic is going to be a major problem. So, I am anxious to hear what the lovely pagan ladies have to say about your post as I will hopefully be able to utilize some of their insight.
Even though I am not a pagan, I must add that I think your beliefs are beautiful. Also, wasn't Paganism the first religion before the christian/catholic smear campaign???? Or have I read too much DaVinci Code?

Lori hope 76 · 11-11-2004, 12:41 AM

Welcome, I am also pretty new to the pagan cyster thread. I do find that it is a good place to express your "non-traditional" religous beliefs without being ridiculed. There seems to be many different kinds of Paganism in the Pagan cyster thread. I myself do not practice Wicca although, I also think it is a very beuitifull religion. I don't realy consider myself any particular religion. I guess if I had to give it a name I would call myself Agnostic.

disintegration · 11-11-2004, 01:20 AM

Fight, fight, fight for you rights. I always found if I am stand fast in what I believe in people sometimes understand after awhile. Usually, I don't tell anyone until they ask and they have a problem with it then thats their problem. I don't need to be saved or I don't need to be embarrassed about what I do. I hope that everyone here feels the same way....when you have that strength noone should bother you...

PhoenixRaven · 11-11-2004, 05:31 AM

Here Here!

I have been studying the Pagan paths for a long while now (coming on 10 years), but to actually put it into practice, with the Sabbats and Esbats, I really haven't done that yet. I am still looking for a good teacher. But I do pray and meditate often to the Lord and Lady.

I haven't really come across this problem in a major way yet ... I have religious diversity in my family, Lutherans, Jews, Catholics, Pentecostal, Born Again, so on and so forth ..

But I have never really come out of the "broom closet" yet, well except here I guess.

Good Luck.

Brightest Blessings!

~Corrie~

Lisa2008 · 11-16-2004, 02:46 AM

i dont parade around telling everyone what my religion is, cause frankly, i dont like it when others so it.

i am who i am, some people know me, others dont. if asked i will tell them. i am very happy with who i am. i have been very frustrated as of late with the lack of presence we have, and that some of us feel we have to hide away. i wish more people felt more free to express whomever they are.

LookingForHope16 · 12-17-2004, 05:48 PM

I agree with Tara!!

MyBagelhasBunions · 12-21-2004, 02:39 AM

How did I miss this thread?!

A few years ago, i wanted to take off some holidays according to my faith/religon and was told I "couldn't because that's not a real religon."

Imagine my outrage.

I have since stopped telling people what path I follow and simply say "I'm taking the day off for religous reasons and I don't wish to discuss it further."

I hate it when other people broadcast their faith about, so I don't do it.