Christians and Therianthropy

[Zelani]

I hope you dont mind my starting a thread on the paganism area, and I hope that you will come over and help me explain Theranthropy to the rest.

Painted Wolf, sure I'll try and help explain it, though I'm not the best one to do that. Aside from my experiences, I don't know what else to offer.

Hey, what does wa:-do mean?

[/quote]LMAO... I was just suggesting that you keep this conversation going and recieve Christian feedback here... and you bring it up in the Paganism forum so those of us who have no Christian feedback to give but still want to talk to you about the concept of an animal spirit can do so... Master Vigil summed up my feelings pretty accurately.

Runt, er, *sheepish look* I'm still learning this forum. At work, I can access the other posts, whereas at home, I can access this one. I know it's a mistake on my part, and that I'll figure it out, but, well, sorry. And I'm sorry for my defensiveness; that jumped out of me, and it shouldn't have happened. Forgive me.

By the way, never lose your animal side. It is what makes you special. But, whats more important is what you do with your animalities that really makes you special. I know from experience that alot of christians may believe you are evil or insane. But that is nonsense. Never feel the need to fit in, for no one really fits in anywhere. Your animal side will show you the way, if you are willing to let it. No frustration, just love.

Master Vigil, I so appreciate what you just said. I attend church *only* because I highly respect the open-mindedness, knowledge, and wisdom or our pastor, but I really am terrified of the consequences if/when my therian side is discovered. But your words are reassuring--my animal side will guide me, and I do see it as a gift from God. So thank you for your reassurance.

God wants to know you, Okay.

Don't let Therianthropy be a problem.

Stop thinking about it.

Just be honest.

If you want to accept God into you life then do it!

Dudley Thoth, I can't live without God--I should have clarified that to begin with. My belief and reliance on him is quite strong. What I'm trying to understand is how my therian side is so real, and yet the Bible accounts for no therians. That's all.

At this stage I dont think you'll get the answers your after.

Why?

A straight reading of it is this. Nebuchadnezzer was transformed into an animal (or became beast-like) because he failed to acknowledge God. Only when he recognized God did he become fully human again.

Yes, that's what I read as well. What do you think of this idea: God used various forms of "punishment" to teach, as is the case with King Neb. What about applying that to therianism today, only with a different perspective? He gave me my cougar side, and it's taught me much about leadership, cunningness, curbing my temper, and when to snarl. Instead of a negative (ie punishment), therians could be seen as just another way God teaches us about us and Him. Further, the reason therianism isn't condoned by general Christianity is that it's not in the Bible, and the Bible was written a very long time ago, under very different perspectives. So rather than a "bad" thing, therianism--including King Neb's experience--could be seen as a good thing.

This might seem an absurd example, but it's what comes to mind right now. Have you seen the movie, "Brother Bear"? A human kills a bear out of revenge, and is transformed into a bear as a result. While a bear, he takes care of a younger bear, who, in the end, turns out to be the cub of the bear he killed as a human. In the end, the human/bear chooses to remain a bear in order to take care of the baby bear. What started out as a punishment per se, turned into a blessing--as in the case of King Neb. (though my knowledge of him is limited, but didn't he continue to do naughty things his entire life?). Regardless, I think you see my point regarding the therian and the term "bad" applied to it.

So, let's hear your thoughts, and I'll try and figure out how I got here, and what I posted on another thread *blushes*. Thanks for the insights.

Zelani :mrgreen:

 

[Hirohito18200]

Here's some Christian imput for you, although im positive it's not what u wanted...

as a christian, when u meantioned Therianism, i went "What?" I consider myself a very open minded christian, so i'll be the last to condem you. Most christians probably dont even know what Therianism is, let alone have an opinion about it. However, I have some thoughts that many christians might have...

When you refer to your animal nature, instead of calling this "therianism", could this simply be equating animal qualities to yourself and attempting to grow with them, instead of being a whole soul-nature thing? Mabey just explaining therianism more throughly to us ignorants would be helpful. Many online resources I have found are quite muddled and confusing. Thx.

 

[painted wolf]

Zelani -
our experiences are all we have 8)
I'm certain the others would apreciate any insight into our little group... first hand experience is the best teacher and the best example.

Historically the christian church has seen us as 'possessed'... or later mentally ill... Lycanthropy is still used as a medical/psycological term.. wich is why it isn't used by the Terian community.. (and it focuses on us wolves)

wa:-do is cherokee for 'thank you'... I feel privilaged and honored to be able to share my ideas and feel its only right to thank everyone who bothers to read my posts... :goodjob:

so
wa:-do

 

[dudley thoth]

To Zelani

I'm sorry about the King Neb stuff. I didn't mean anything by it. It was the first thing that came to mind and so i posted it. Bit thoughtless really.

Have you ever asked God why (stupid question)? Any response?

Concerning the other stuff you've proposed, give me a little time to think and pray about it.

God bless 8)

 

[dudley thoth]

Dudley Thoth, I can't live without God--I should have clarified that to begin with. My belief and reliance on him is quite strong.

That's wonderful!

However, you need to be with people and christians you can trust. Hiding your animal side will cause you many problems. If you bottle it up you'll only feel alienated. Without trust there cannot be unity. If Christians condemn you they are not acting with a christian spirit. You need to be part of a church of openness. A place where people may not understand you but will love you regardless. No one can fully understand somebody else, so keep that in mind. Ask God to direct you. I'm mentioning you in my prayers.

the reason therianism isn't condoned by general Christianity is that it's not in the Bible...

I'm not sure about that. The Bible does not automatically condemn something because it is absent.

He gave me my cougar side, and it's taught me much about leadership, cunningness, curbing my temper, and when to snarl. Instead of a negative (ie punishment), therians could be seen as just another way God teaches us about us and Him.

Concerning your cougar side, It seems to me that you have two reference points. One is the Creature itself and its behaviour, while the other is the 'spirit within', which you identify with the cougar.

I'm not sure how relevent this question is, but would you recognise your cougar side if you had never seen a cougar?

Would God give you a cougar side to guide you?

All creatures are subject to the world. God wants us to overcome the world. Only Jesus was able to do this and he is our visible reference point pointing us towards God and how we are to behave. Our invisible reference point is the Spirit of God who lives within us.

Both of these reference points are perfect and complete and we really do not need anything else. So I say that your animal side is not for guidance. It is there for some other reason. Have you any other thoughts concerning what that reason might be?

God bless Zelani.

You, LORD, are all I have,
and you give me all I need;
my future is in your hands.
How wonderful are your gifts to me;
how good they are!

I praise the LORD, because he guides
me,
and in the night my conscience
warns me.
I am always aware of the LORD's
presence;
he is near, and nothing can shake me.

And so I am thankful and glad,
and I feel completely secure,
because you protect me from the
power of death.
I have served you faithfully,
and you will not abandon me to
the world of the dead.

You will show me the path that leads
to life;
your presence fills me with joy
and brings me pleasure for ever. Psalm 16:5-11 GNB

 

[Zelani]

How do you, as a Christian, view therians? Evil? Mind games? Reality? What? I'd like your opinions and thoughts; and I'll respectfully share mine as well.
Zelani

 

[true blood]

therianthropy? isn't that werewolves and vampires or some type of beastly/humans content?

 

[dudley thoth]

From a Christian perspective the idea that a human being can have an animal 'spirit/soul' is unlikely. Humans are believed to be created in the image of God, whereas animals are not. If an animal spirit did somehow become infused (?) with a human, it would not be natural. I doubt that such a thing would be possible. I don't really know much about therianthropy to be honest, so there's not much i can say. I've never met a therian. The animal thing aside, I'm sure the're just like everybody else.

God Bless.

 

[Zelani]

Well, er, I won't be the only therian around here for long...there's quite a huge lot of us. And it's difficult to tell you precisely what a therian is, other than what's been stated already: possessing both animal and human qualities in the soul. But, then again, I speak for myself and not the entire therian community.

What troubles me is that the therian community seems to have little awareness of any mention of weres in the Bible or biblical/religious history--as in real, documented information, and yet, we are here. No, no one can physically shift into an animal, but we (at least I) experience "mental" shifts where I feel very cougar-ish, and phantom shifts, where I do feel things like ears and a tail, etc. Others will certainly have other experiences and descriptions, so keep that in mind.

I'm just wondering where this therianism fits in the Christian scheme, as many therians claim to be Christian. I do not, mind you, though I believe heavily in God and his love for us.

So, any thoughts?

Zelani

 

[dudley thoth]

All I can say is that God does love you, regardless of whether or not a person has a 'animal connection' (excuse my bad terminology). I don't think there is anything relating to therians in the bible though.

 

[painted wolf]

Howls....

your not the only one around :goodjob:
not being christian myself, I cant answer your question but I figured I'd at least say hi... :hi:

wa:-do

 

[Master Vigil]

Ah yes, I am also of animal spirit as well. Welcome to the forum!!

 

[Zelani]

Well, nice to know there is a wide variety here. It's so easy to get caught up in one's own linear thinking that I had to span out just a tad. So, Master Vigil, what do you mean "of animal spirit"? What is the animal?

Painted Wolf, do you mind if I ask what your religion is?

Dudley Thoth *smiles* I know, and tenku.

Zelani :mrgreen:

 

[Master Vigil]

Well, my spirit is half wolf. This allows me to smell the spirit world and has allowed me to work with the spirits on a daily basis. I am not a typical were that you might find, I am more like a mystic who is enabled to be so by my animal spirit.

 

[dudley thoth]

GGGGRRrrrrthere's King Nebuchadnezzer (Daniel 4:32-33)
8)

 

[painted wolf]

Zelani-

I am native american in belief and heritage...

perhaps a fuller discussion of Theranthropy belongs on the Paganism or general areas of the site?

I would be most intrested in compairing notes 8)

wa:-do

 

[Runt]

perhaps a fuller discussion of Theranthropy belongs on the Paganism or general areas of the site?

I would be most intrested in compairing notes

Ditto

 

[Zelani]

Painted Wolf, in regards to your own beliefs, er, I guess moving to another area would be good...but why? I'm here to compare and learn about Christianity and their views of therianthropy. I was, afterall, a Christian since birth until I decided that I didn't want my beliefs poured down my throat. But I digress...I'm searching, questioning, etc., and I'd like to know other's thoughts. That's how I learn--and hopefully others, as well. So let's keep it here.

Further, my mentor, my kindred spirit, and my friend, was half Cherokee (your mention of Native American heritage makes me think of her). I cannot speak enough of her, but to tell you that she is the one person--next to my father--whom I have admired, respected, and strived to earn respect in return from. She was truly a wise person, full of knowledge and spirituality...she was my answer when I didn't know, and living without her has been so difficult, though *grin* she'd probably tell you that I'm doing just fine. She died a year ago. Now and then she sends me signs, usually birds, and she's called me to her in 2 dreams. She adhered to no one faith, but believed in a a universal and loving spirit that guided us through this life. She never pushed her beliefs on me or anyone; on the contrary, she pushed for all of her students to find their own paths--and she was my teacher, originally. Then we became friends. It's a long story. Regardless, I miss her...and feel weak that I want to talk with her for guidance when I know she's still with me.


Runt, you say, ditto, why?

King Neb...I'll look that up and get back to you *curses* I hate not being able to find what I need when I need it....*grrr*

Zelani

 

[Runt]

I say "ditto" because I too think that this would be a nice topic to have in the paganism forum, and would like to discuss this topic from a non-Christian perspective...

 

[Zelani]

Dudley Thoth, I've read Daniel 4:32-33, and aside from calling King Neb a beast and giving him animal qualities, I have yet to see why you bring this verse up. It's one thing to quote the Bible, and it's another thing to explain it from your position. Until you explain it, it's open to anyone's interpretation, and as far as I'm concerned, it means diddly squat to me. If you want to discuss/debate this, then make a point.

Runt, that makes no sense; the whole reason I brought this topic up was to receive Christian feedback. I am trying to learn. Why move this topic to the "hidden and unseen" areas?

Frustrated,
Zelani