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  • Nolita
    Forum Member
    Forum Member
    • Apr 2010
    • 78

    #46
    Re: Ask about Paganism

    Quick random question....

    Ok, so I know there are different forms of Paganism, so you may not know the answer to it, but.... Hellenism. (I think that is what it is called). I know that those who follow it believe in the ancient Greek way, and follow the gods such Zeus, Athena, Artemis, etc. Etc

    But, what I'm wondering is how did this come about? I mean, after people were forced to believe in Christianity, these ancient beliefs were dismissed along with the old Norse gods and Roman gods, the Great Mother, Lord and Lady, and so forth. so how did this religion get brought back?

    Like, with Wicca and Druidism, I know those have ALWAYS been about. I myself was Wiccan for many many years. Easy, nice religion, but there was a way about it. To me Hellenism just seems like people are just worshiping the gods and goddesses and giving reasons to things again.... For no reason. (Wow that made me sound ignorant)

    So, how did it make a come back? And what exactly do the people who practice this do? Do they make personal temples for the gods, or...?

    Sorry if this makes no sense. It's 2am and I am not exactly coherent.
    1 Timothy 2:11-15
    Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. For Adam was first formed, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression. Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing.

    Comment

    • WinterFresh
      Confirmed Enemy of God
      • Jan 2010
      • 79

      #47
      Re: Ask about Paganism

      However the part about xtianity and judaism stealing ideas is actually true. Not so much for judaism as xtianity though. In fact a lot of xtianity is stolen from the jewish beliefs, who they claim are still wrong even though their savior was allegedly a jew. Go figure huh?
      Their stories have a lot in common, that's for sure. This is one of the things that made me wonder if Christianity was really the answer.

      You got it right the first time, Pagan is a very general term that describes several beliefsets. Odin and Thor are Norse Pagan deities. Zeus and Ares are Hellenic (ancient Greek) pagan gods. Etc etc. There are many different types of Paganism. In India, the main religion there (Hindu) is a type of paganism.
      Pagans do not believe in any part of the bible or the christian god or devil.
      Do the pagans have their own book that would act like a bible for them? Or is this information transmitted from parents to children?

      **Sorry, that was the wrong link before. Try this one.
      http://www.churchofsatan.com/home.html
      Apparently they aren't exactly atheists or they are more like semi-atheists...I think. They claim that they follow the church of Satan because it is humanly to live your life to your fullest and this is what satanism is all about. They also claim that they create their own gods in rituals (similar to summoning demons it seems) and that they are accepted in the American society.

      The story of the fall of Heaven or the casting out of heaven of Lucifer. Whatever you do, do not read the entire chapter of Isaiah 14. Simply look at these verses and do not actually read about how satan/lucifer/baal/ were cast out.

      Another bad idea would be to find out why the devil carries a trident and has horns and hooves when the scriptures don't support this.

      I know all True Christians will avoid wondering why the tree of the knowledge of good and evil's fruit is popularly represented as an apple. There are multiple blasphemous theories regarding this as well.
      Why do you act as if knowledge seeking is forbidden or perilous?

      Comment

      • Levi Jones
        Pastor of Hermeneutics and Apologetics
        Bathed in Christ's Precious Blood
        Apostle to the Cactuses, Tumbleweeds and Jackrabbits
         
        • Jul 2009
        • 13930

        #48
        Re: Ask about Paganism

        Originally posted by Nolita View Post
        Quick random question....

        So, how did it make a come back? And what exactly do the people who practice this do? Do they make personal temples for the gods, or...?

        Sorry if this makes no sense. It's 2am and I am not exactly coherent.
        Google Gerald Gardner. He found "magical books" that supposedly unlocked secrets from the ancient pagan religions.
        Christians are superior because we possess an understanding that unbelievers lack. It is through the Power of Jesus only the converted mind is able to understand what is going on in the world; what the Communists are really up to; what Satan's intentions are. Most unbelievers do not even believe in Satan and cannot understand his tactics.

        Comment

        • Levi Jones
          Pastor of Hermeneutics and Apologetics
          Bathed in Christ's Precious Blood
          Apostle to the Cactuses, Tumbleweeds and Jackrabbits
           
          • Jul 2009
          • 13930

          #49
          Re: Ask about Paganism

          Originally posted by WinterFresh View Post
          Their stories have a lot in common, that's for sure. This is one of the things that made me wonder if Christianity was really the answer.
          That would be because 75% of the Bible is the Old Testament.

          Originally posted by WinterFresh View Post
          Do the pagans have their own book that would act like a bible for them? Or is this information transmitted from parents to children?
          They have the writings of Gardner, Lavey, Crowley and etc.

          Originally posted by WinterFresh View Post
          Apparently they aren't exactly atheists or they are more like semi-atheists...I think. They claim that they follow the church of Satan because it is humanly to live your life to your fullest and this is what satanism is all about. They also claim that they create their own gods in rituals (similar to summoning demons it seems) and that they are accepted in the American society.
          Indeed, they are all the same thing with the demonic summoning.

          Originally posted by WinterFresh View Post
          Why do you act as if knowledge seeking is forbidden or perilous?
          That would be because this falls directly under the umbrella of 1 Corinthians 8: 1-2

          Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.
          And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.
          Christians are superior because we possess an understanding that unbelievers lack. It is through the Power of Jesus only the converted mind is able to understand what is going on in the world; what the Communists are really up to; what Satan's intentions are. Most unbelievers do not even believe in Satan and cannot understand his tactics.

          Comment

          • Nolita
            Forum Member
            Forum Member
            • Apr 2010
            • 78

            #50
            Re: Ask about Paganism

            Originally posted by Levi Jones View Post
            Google Gerald Gardner. He found "magical books" that supposedly unlocked secrets from the ancient pagan religions.
            I know all about Gerald Gardner, and he had nothing to do with my question.
            1 Timothy 2:11-15
            Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. For Adam was first formed, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression. Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing.

            Comment

            • Rachael Van Helsing
              HEATHEN — Suspected Witch
              • Sep 2006
              • 5131

              #51
              Re: Ask about Paganism

              Originally posted by Nolita View Post
              Quick random question....

              Ok, so I know there are different forms of Paganism, so you may not know the answer to it, but.... Hellenism. (I think that is what it is called). I know that those who follow it believe in the ancient Greek way, and follow the gods such Zeus, Athena, Artemis, etc. Etc

              But, what I'm wondering is how did this come about? I mean, after people were forced to believe in Christianity, these ancient beliefs were dismissed along with the old Norse gods and Roman gods, the Great Mother, Lord and Lady, and so forth. so how did this religion get brought back?
              The knowledge stayed alive, as well as those who practiced in secret and so who never completely let it die. Most Hellenists today call themselves 'modern reconstructionists' of the ancient religion as some parts are no longer applicable, such as the animal sacrifices.

              But to answer your question, people kept the knowledge alive, others never stopped adhering to the old ways and simply paid lip service to the new religion. Much like what happened in Rome.

              Like, with Wicca and Druidism, I know those have ALWAYS been about. I myself was Wiccan for many many years. Easy, nice religion, but there was a way about it. To me Hellenism just seems like people are just worshiping the gods and goddesses and giving reasons to things again.... For no reason. (Wow that made me sound ignorant)
              I do have to correct you there.
              Wicca itself has only been around since the 1950's. Gerald Gardner actually compiled the religion from a mix of older paganism, druidism and ceremonial magick from the types of people like Aleister Crowley.

              Many wiccans confuse the ancient ROOTS of wicca with the religion itself, it is a very common misconception. Paganism is ancient, wicca is not. Druidism is also ancient.

              But to say a religion is as old as its roots is like saying that we are as old as our great-grandparents, who are our roots (to quote a very smart lady ) . It doesn't work, does it?

              Just to clear that up.

              As to Hellenism being back...I'd wager it never really disappeared. And hey, as long as Hellenists aren't trying to sacrifice any virgins or goats, I don't see a problem. they're peaceful people.

              And you don't sound ignorant. There's no such thing as a stupid question, only stupid people.

              So, how did it make a come back? And what exactly do the people who practice this do? Do they make personal temples for the gods, or...?
              Google Hellenic reconstructionism or visit http://www.hellenismos.us (I think that's it). You'll find a lot of helpful answers and sites regarding modern-day Hellenism. Hope this helps.

              Sorry if this makes no sense. It's 2am and I am not exactly coherent.
              No problemos.
              sigpic
              Wake up and smell the 21st Century!!

              Comment

              • MsPhoenixFire
                Unsaved trash
                • Oct 2009
                • 31

                #52
                Re: Ask about Paganism

                Originally posted by qamarun View Post
                And one more thing. I believe that Satanists don't really mind the fact that they're going to Hell. I think that's the general idea, actually. But then again, as a Wiccan, I do not believe in the concept of Hell, so I wouldn't really know.

                As an exwiccan I can assure you that any smart is well aware of the concept of heaven and hell. They just believe hell will be empty as their Gods will protect them from the Amighty God. Wiccans also believe that even trees and other plants have souls.

                Comment

                • Rachael Van Helsing
                  HEATHEN — Suspected Witch
                  • Sep 2006
                  • 5131

                  #53
                  Re: Ask about Paganism


                  Ok, no wiccan I know believes in either the xtian god or in heaven and hell. They believe in something called the summerland. But they do not believe in the hell idea.

                  Nor are the xtian deities or doctrines part of the wiccan belief.
                  sigpic
                  Wake up and smell the 21st Century!!

                  Comment

                  • Seth Campbell
                    Outdoorsman, Hunter, Fisherman, Husband, True Christian™
                    True Christian™
                    • Apr 2010
                    • 1565

                    #54
                    Re: Ask about Paganism

                    Wicca itself has only been around since the 1950's. Gerald Gardner actually compiled the religion from a mix of older paganism, druidism and ceremonial magick from the types of people like Aleister Crowley.
                    So you follow someone who wanted to be the anti-Christ, was a drugged up wacko and hung out with people like R.L. Hubbard? Then you wonder why we don't take the "religion" seriously?
                    PROOF: Atheists are too stupid to understand the Bible!

                    Proverbs 13:24(KJV): "He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes."

                    Galatians 4:16 Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?

                    Comment

                    • handmaiden
                      Is a good, decent True Christian™ lady
                      True Christian™
                      • May 2010
                      • 11458

                      #55
                      Re: Ask about Paganism

                      According to Barbara Walker , a hellbound writer who specializes in feminist spirituality, the word Paganism comes from "Latin pagani [meaning] country-dwellers, the rural people whose religious conservatism caused them to cling to old gods and goddesses even when Christianity was well established in cities and among the aristocracy."

                      Walker is a great writer to avoid because she puts so much research into her false writings. Her exhaustively detailed The Woman's Encyclopedia of Myths and Secrets is particularly of value because it is heavy and can be used as a "softening agent" for beating stupid people over the head before segueing into the heavier and more effective KJV. There's something delicously ironic about bludgening non-believers with their own false books that I can't seem to resist, though.

                      Many of her shorter works make for excellent bird cage liners and kindling when burning bigger books that take some time to catch.

                      I can also recommend the works of Starhawk, a self-described bi-sexual, Jewish witch. Too bad she couldn't add albino to her resume to make her stand out from the mass of heathen babblers. She's clearly desperate to be seen as "unique". Her works are full of crazy ideas and burn very, very nicely, with a distinct aroma of brimstone.

                      Another book to burn for cozy winter comfort is Drawing Down the Moon. It has pictures of unattractive women who think that someone would actually want to look at them naked which they term is only natural when worshipping nature. They obviously overlook that God created nature AND clothes and directed us to worship neither.

                      Tskingly Yours,

                      Handmaiden
                      His left hand should be under my head, and his right hand should embrace me.

                      Guns For God and the Economy

                      Comment

                      • Rachael Van Helsing
                        HEATHEN — Suspected Witch
                        • Sep 2006
                        • 5131

                        #56
                        Re: Ask about Paganism

                        Originally posted by Seth Campbell View Post
                        So you follow someone who wanted to be the anti-Christ, was a drugged up wacko and hung out with people like R.L. Hubbard? Then you wonder why we don't take the "religion" seriously?
                        If you read any of my former posts you'll know I'm not wiccan. But just because I'm not wiccan does not mean I know nothing about wicca.
                        sigpic
                        Wake up and smell the 21st Century!!

                        Comment

                        • handmaiden
                          Is a good, decent True Christian™ lady
                          True Christian™
                          • May 2010
                          • 11458

                          #57
                          Re: Ask about Paganism

                          Previously, on "Ask about Paganism" . . .

                          I wrote to warn everyone about a wicked writer named Barbara Walker. Brethren. I cannot warn you off this woman enough!

                          In her encyclopedia of lies, she has pages and pages of untruths to share about Jesus. If you find this book anywhere, burn those pages first! If you find the book in a library and are worried about smoke detectors, tear these pages out and burn them at home.

                          One particularly heretical point that she shares, "Scholars' efforts to eliminate paganism from the Gospels in order to find a historical Jesus has proved as hopeless as searching for a core in an onion." Now what is that supposed to me?

                          I think that it is a veiled reference to that most evil of enterprises, the online , truth mocking, "newspaper", The Onion. That thing is stuffed so full of evil that it drips off the screen and poisons the fingers of those who look it up on the internet. It is not enough that they mock and lie. They lie because they think that it is somehow amusing. Now, I can see lying for personal gain and to avoid consequences for one's actions. I do not approve, but I can understand the motivation.

                          But why would someone lie for fun?! It is beyond me. Such inclinations have got to be some of the most sinful predilictions Satan can inspire. Why even most rapists attack women for hate! Many will admit during counseling, that it's not really good sex. The only really fun sin is self-abuse, which paganism encourages, but even that is not as evil as presenting cleverly cloaked mockery such for snickers.

                          Offendedly yours,

                          Handmaiden
                          His left hand should be under my head, and his right hand should embrace me.

                          Guns For God and the Economy

                          Comment

                          • Nolita
                            Forum Member
                            Forum Member
                            • Apr 2010
                            • 78

                            #58
                            Re: Ask about Paganism

                            Originally posted by Rachael Van Helsing View Post
                            The knowledge stayed alive, as well as those who practiced in secret and so who never completely let it die. Most Hellenists today call themselves 'modern reconstructionists' of the ancient religion as some parts are no longer applicable, such as the animal sacrifices.

                            But to answer your question, people kept the knowledge alive, others never stopped adhering to the old ways and simply paid lip service to the new religion. Much like what happened in Rome.

                            I do have to correct you there.
                            Wicca itself has only been around since the 1950's. Gerald Gardner actually compiled the religion from a mix of older paganism, druidism and ceremonial magick from the types of people like Aleister Crowley.

                            Many wiccans confuse the ancient ROOTS of wicca with the religion itself, it is a very common misconception. Paganism is ancient, wicca is not. Druidism is also ancient.

                            But to say a religion is as old as its roots is like saying that we are as old as our great-grandparents, who are our roots (to quote a very smart lady ) . It doesn't work, does it?

                            Just to clear that up.

                            As to Hellenism being back...I'd wager it never really disappeared. And hey, as long as Hellenists aren't trying to sacrifice any virgins or goats, I don't see a problem. they're peaceful people.

                            And you don't sound ignorant. There's no such thing as a stupid question, only stupid people.

                            Google Hellenic reconstructionism or visit http://www.hellenismos.us (I think that's it). You'll find a lot of helpful answers and sites regarding modern-day Hellenism. Hope this helps.

                            No problemos.
                            Thank you for the link and information! It really means a lot to me.
                            1 Timothy 2:11-15
                            Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. For Adam was first formed, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression. Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing.

                            Comment

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