This is my problem with Most Christians

[Klaufi_Wodensson]

Something just occurred to me.

Saying this might get me into trouble with those Pagans who believe that there's some sort of real continuity with the ancient beliefs that their religions draw from, but IMO, when it comes to the modern incarnations of most Pagan religions as they're practiced in Europe and North America, they're mainly responses to Christianity. IOW, without Christianity, neo-Paganism wouldn't be doing as well as it is... if it would even exist at all.

While I will absolutely agree with you that there are many Neopagan religions that are reactions to Christianity, there are some that are not. Mine is more of a revival, we want to bring back what was lost. Now obviously, because Germanic religions have no dogma or any holy books, much of the religion was lost with history, and also due to the fact that every tribe's beliefs were slightly different, so of course there are some reconstruction elements.

Without Christianity, much of Europe would still be Pagan, IMO.

 

[9-10ths_Penguin]

While I will absolutely agree with you that there are many Neopagan religions that are reactions to Christianity, there are some that are not. Mine is more of a revival, we want to bring back what was lost.

But why was it revived? We're all products of the cultures we're immersed in. And like it or not, Europe is a collection of Christian cultures.

Now obviously, because Germanic religions have no dogma or any holy books, much of the religion was lost with history, and also due to the fact that every tribe's beliefs were slightly different, so of course there are some reconstruction elements.

Right... and by necessity, you need to fill in the gaps a bit when historical details are missing. It would be very unlikely that what you end up with is going to be exactly like the pre-Christian version.

Without Christianity, much of Europe would still be Pagan, IMO.

Now that I think about it, probably not. Without Christianity, you'd probably be praying to Mecca today. It was Christianity that stopped Islam from moving beyond Moorish Spain.

Actually, even the term "Pagan" is a product of a Christian worldview. IMO, if Christianity (or Islam) hadn't become the dominant religion, you wouldn't have had the fact that you're all not Christian as a uniting element between religions that are, in actuality, quite different from each other in many ways.

 

[MysticSang'ha]

Yeah you're right. Maybe it should read, "This is my problem with most Christians that I have met"

I understand. Most Christians around these parts think that Judeo-Christian theism is some sort of default belief. So when I answer their questions on what I believe, they tend to assume that I worship Buddha as some sort of "God."

Which I don't.

I gets tiring sometimes, but I don't try to let it get to me that much. I'd rather save my energy for throwing shoes at people for the more profound type of ignorance rather than trivial things like being mistaken about my beliefs and/or having a subliminal superiority complex.

 

[Revoltingest]

I gets tiring sometimes, but I don't try to let it get to me that much. I'd rather save my energy for throwing shoes at people for the more profound type of ignorance rather than trivial things like being mistaken about my beliefs and/or having a subliminal superiority complex.

Every ignorant oinker we run into presents an opportunity to improve their understanding of our strange ways.
Tis a gift to have them listen to our side of things metaphysical.....not that I'm on your side....I don't want to offend you.

 

[MysticSang'ha]

Every ignorant oinker we run into presents an opportunity to improve their understanding of our strange ways.
Tis a gift to have them listen to our side of things metaphysical.....not that I'm on your side....I don't want to offend you.

Oh, it would probably take too long to explain why I believe I alone should rule the world. I'd rather just take it by force when the opportunity presents itself than waste my oxygen on discussion.

 

[Revoltingest]

Oh, it would probably take too long to explain why I believe I alone should rule the world. I'd rather just take it by force when the opportunity presents itself than waste my oxygen on discussion.

You want to take it over too?
I've already appointed my cabinet members (including a couple lefties!).
I'm just waiting for the coup to install me in charge.
There could be a place for you if you're interested.

 

[MysticSang'ha]

You want to take it over too?
I've already appointed my cabinet members (including a couple lefties!).
I'm just waiting for the coup to install me in charge.
There could be a place for you if you're interested.

Ha! Just try, old man. I'm faster, more agile, ruthless, and I'm better looking.

I'll give you one chance to join my ranks after I defeat you and your cronies in battle. After that, refusals will mean your head is on a platter. :hug:

 

[Faithfreedom]

Almost no one knows about minority religions,

From your public profile and signature,i gather your religion has a lot to do with the Norse Gods and Vikings.

C'mon man, almost everyone has heard about them. Either from movies, reading or comics (i loved The Mighty Thor comics by Marvel Stan "The Man" Lee when i was growing up. - still do)

Almost everyone knows about the exploits of the Vikings. "The Norsemen" was one helluva movie!

 

[Revoltingest]

Ha! Just try, old man. I'm faster, more agile, ruthless, and I'm better looking.
I'll give you one chance to join my ranks after I defeat you and your cronies in battle. After that, refusals will mean your head is on a platter. :hug:

But I have effete snobs & pseudo-intellectuals on my side. Plus, old age & cunning beat youth & skill any time.
Your beauty is also your downfall - it threatens the lesser folk.
You stand no chance.

 

[MysticSang'ha]

But I have effete snobs & pseudo-intellectuals on my side. Plus, old age & cunning beat youth & skill any time.
Your beauty is also your downfall - it threatens the lesser folk.
You stand no chance.

I'll admit it'll be really difficult seeing you die by my sword. I was just beginning to like you, too. *sigh

 

[Revoltingest]

I'll admit it'll be really difficult seeing you die by my sword. I was just beginning to like you, too. *sigh

Tis a good day to die!

 

[9-10ths_Penguin]

I'll just let you two battle it out for the position of figurehead, content in the knowledge that regardless of who holds the office of king or queen, thanks to my secret underground army of henchmen that permeate every group and organization, I will still hold true power.

 

[Revoltingest]

I'll just let you two battle it out for the position of figurehead, content in the knowledge that regardless of who holds the office of king or queen, thanks to my secret underground army of henchmen that permeate every group and organization, I will still hold true power.

I'm glad someone is stepping up to provide the conspiracy.
It's a necessary element of government. Kudos!

 

[9-10ths_Penguin]

I'm glad someone is stepping up to provide the conspiracy.
It's a necessary element of government. Kudos!

What can I say? I do what I can.

 

[MysticSang'ha]

I'll just let you two battle it out for the position of figurehead, content in the knowledge that regardless of who holds the office of king or queen, thanks to my secret underground army of henchmen that permeate every group and organization, I will still hold true power.

If it makes you feel better, Jeff, go right ahead and keep thinking that.

Remember, ultimately who's got the goods...that's true power.

 

[9-10ths_Penguin]

If it makes you feel better, Jeff, go right ahead and keep thinking that.

Remember, ultimately who's got the goods...that's true power.

... and you do have the goods. Hmm. You make a compelling argument.


However, my wife's pretty smokin' - she definitely has the goods as well.

 

[MysticSang'ha]

... and you do have the goods. Hmm. You make a compelling argument.


However, my wife's pretty smokin' - she definitely has the goods as well.

She certainly is. I've seen your pics with her. :yes:

 

[uu_sage]

I feel your pain and I know what you're talking about. The fundies and evangelicals distort or misrepresent my liberal and Universalist interpretation of the faith. On behalf on all Christians, I apologize for those people who chose to be willfully ignorant or condemn those of other faith traditions or those who chose no faith.

When asked if I am a Christian, I proudly proclaim that I am not. No big deal. Here's my problem. Then, after my reply, the person automatically assumes that I am an atheist. When I say that I am not an atheist either, they start going through these religions: Islam? Judaism? Buddhism? Hinduism?

That really makes me angry. Almost no one knows about minority religions, and it is almost solely because of Christianization. It just really ****** me off that Christianity can almost wipe a religion off the face of the Earth, and then not even acknowledge its existence.

 

[Klaufi_Wodensson]

From your public profile and signature,i gather your religion has a lot to do with the Norse Gods and Vikings.

C'mon man, almost everyone has heard about them. Either from movies, reading or comics (i loved The Mighty Thor comics by Marvel Stan "The Man" Lee when i was growing up. - still do)

Almost everyone knows about the exploits of the Vikings. "The Norsemen" was one helluva movie!

Not necessarily the "Norse" Gods, but yes, people have heard of the Vikings. Although they do not acknowledge their religion as a "real" religion. And most of the modern interpretation of Vikings is that they were ruthless killers and raiders, and their favourite saying was "Let's go rape and pillage." While there were Vikings raids, the average Viking wasn't ruthless at all. Chances are he was a farmer. Berserkers, however, are a whole different thing

Anyway, my point is that people treat the Germanic religions as they treat Roman and Greek Paganism. A "mythology", a "fake" religion. What get's me is that they call it mythology while they don't call other religions mythology.

 

[Klaufi_Wodensson]

But why was it revived?

It was revived because certain people wanted to regain their ancient culture and restore the connection to their Pagan ancestors.