Going too far?

[Melody]

I’m a new Christian and I’m still trying to work out what it is I believe, and how to practice my Christian faith. Because I come from a pagan background, I haven’t entirely given up my old practices; I’ve just Christianized them. I haven’t been convicted by the Holy Spirit for my practices, but I’m sure some Chrisitans would consider me a heretic and a pagan. I would like to hear your thoughts.

1. I converted my old altar into a Christian shrine. I pray at my shrine, light candles and incense, and meditate on God, the Word, the Holy Spirit, etc. Is that acceptable?
2. I converted my old Grimoire into a Christian journal. I write down prayers, poetry, rituals and inspirations, much like I did as a pagan. I always enjoyed keeping a spiritual journal as a pagan, and it’s one habit that is very difficult to break.
3. As I mentioned in #2, I still do rituals. I still cast a circle to make the space holy, I use a modified LBRP, use ritual prayers, etc all within a Christian context. I need a way to express my spirituality, and I’ve always done that through ritual.
4. And last but not least, I view the Holy Spirit as feminine. The Bible doesn’t state the gender of the HS, but I find that I connect to the Holy Spirit much easier if I view it as feminine. It really helps me to have a feminine divine to relate to, and I feel kind of lost without her. Plus, I truly believe that she was with me even during my pagan years, trying to guide me to Christianity and keep me on the straight and narrow. Is this too heretical?

 

[Tietjen]

Melody:

I’m a new Christian and I’m still trying to work out what it is I believe, and how to practice my Christian faith. Because I come from a pagan background, I haven’t entirely given up my old practices; I’ve just Christianized them. I haven’t been convicted by the Holy Spirit for my practices, but I’m sure some Chrisitans would consider me a heretic and a pagan. I would like to hear your thoughts.

First, welcome to the forum. I hope that you’ll find it informative and thought-provoking in your journey. As for the practices that you have carried over from your “pagan” background, I will leave that to others who have a better “way with words” than I do.

 

[MusicMan]

Welcome. I don’t have the answers to all of your questions, but I can address some of them. If I make some mistakes here, there will be other, wiser Catholics who will come and correct me.

Melody:

1. I converted my old altar into a Christian shrine. I pray at my shrine, light candles and incense, and meditate on God, the Word, the Holy Spirit, etc. Is that acceptable?

I don’t think there’s anything wrong with having a Christian shrine. Pagans would probably prefer that you have the altar deconsecrated of its Pagan blessing before you use it as a Christian shrine. You should then have your priest or deacon bless the Shrine.

2) I converted my old Grimoire into a Christian journal. I write down prayers, poetry, rituals and inspirations, much like I did as a pagan. I always enjoyed keeping a spiritual journal as a pagan, and it’s one habit that is very difficult to break.

There is probably nothing wrong with this, although the Church has specific rituals that can be conducted only by designated people. It wouldn’t really be right of you to be coming up with your own rituals and recording them in your journal. I would also be worried that your recordings of rituals in your journal may also be an attempt to perform them, which in the case of the Eucharistic Sacrifice, is an excommunicable offense when done by a non-priest.

3) As I mentioned in #2, I still do rituals. I still cast a circle to make the space holy, I use a modified LBRP, use ritual prayers, etc all within a Christian context. I need a way to express my spirituality, and I’ve always done that through ritual.

As I mentioned above, the Church has some very specific rituals. The Divine Office of the Church or Liturgy of the Hours is a ritual that you can pray/conduct on your own. The Rosary is another great ritual of the Church that you can pray on your own. You may also want to look at some of the Chaplets too. These are great rituals of the Church that will allow you to express spirituality.

There’s also nothing wrong with spontaneous, non-ritualized prayer either.

You don’t need to cast a circle to make your prayer space holy. This is not required of Christians for prayer. A priest or deacon can come to your residence and bless it, if you desire.

4) And last but not least, I view the Holy Spirit as feminine. The Bible doesn’t state the gender of the HS, but I find that I connect to the Holy Spirit much easier if I view it as feminine. It really helps me to have a feminine divine to relate to, and I feel kind of lost without her. Plus, I truly believe that she was with me even during my pagan years, trying to guide me to Christianity and keep me on the straight and narrow. Is this too heretical?

This is out of my area of expertise, but it sounds a bit like you’re superimposing the Goddess on the Holy Spirit.

 

[MonicaC]

Melody:

I’m a new Christian and I’m still trying to work out what it is I believe, and how to practice my Christian faith. Because I come from a pagan background, I haven’t entirely given up my old practices; I’ve just Christianized them. I haven’t been convicted by the Holy Spirit for my practices, but I’m sure some Chrisitans would consider me a heretic and a pagan. I would like to hear your thoughts.

Hello and welcome!

1. I converted my old altar into a Christian shrine. I pray at my shrine, light candles and incense, and meditate on God, the Word, the Holy Spirit, etc. Is that acceptable?

I personally love having my own Christian shrine (if you will) of my own. Mine consist of statues prayer books and rosaries, along with holy water and holy dirt. Along with some candles. I feel these help me remember what I am here for. To worship and adore my Dear Lord and Savior.

1. I converted my old Grimoire into a Christian journal. I write down prayers, poetry, rituals and inspirations, much like I did as a pagan. I always enjoyed keeping a spiritual journal as a pagan, and it’s one habit that is very difficult to break.

I personally do the the Divine Office daily which consist of schedule prayer throughout the day. When ever I come across something that I find may inspire me I will write it down. I am also a writer at heart and whenever I am inspired enough to write a poem for my Lord I will.

1. As I mentioned in #2, I still do rituals. I still cast a circle to make the space holy, I use a modified LBRP, use ritual prayers, etc all within a Christian context. I need a way to express my spirituality, and I’ve always done that through ritual.

There is nothing wrong with personally blessing your things along with everything in fact. But I do agree with previous poster do get your statues and other relics blessed by priest first.

1. And last but not least, I view the Holy Spirit as feminine. The Bible doesn’t state the gender of the HS, but I find that I connect to the Holy Spirit much easier if I view it as feminine. It really helps me to have a feminine divine to relate to, and I feel kind of lost without her. Plus, I truly believe that she was with me even during my pagan years, trying to guide me to Christianity and keep me on the straight and narrow. Is this too heretical?

I am not sure about viewing the Holy Spirit as a female. Mostly because the Holy Spirit is the spouse of our Lady. But from what you have said have you ever thought that maybe it is our Lady who has been leading you to her Son, Our Lord. I know that I feel really lost without her constant presence that has been with me my whole life.

Just a thought.

Well good luck and welcome Home!

Monica

 

[Alberich]

3) As I mentioned in #2, I still do rituals. I still cast a circle to make the space holy, I use a modified LBRP, use ritual prayers, etc all within a Christian context. I need a way to express my spirituality, and I’ve always done that through ritual.

Hi, Melody!

Have you considered simply blessing your new altar with Holy Water and/or Holy Salt?

Cheers!
Alberich

 

[BrianH]

From an Independent Christian, not tied to a denomination and worshipping out of house churches, I commend you for what you are doing. I understand that this question my be geared towards Catholics and perhaps you are inclined towards that area?? I dont know of course without more information. I would say that you have personalized your faith…which from my perspective is absolutely fabulous. Pray daily and read scripture as well.
A most uplifting post!
Come soon Lord Jesus!
BrianH

 

[VociMike]

Hi Melody,

Melody:

I’m a new Christian and I’m still trying to work out what it is I believe, and how to practice my Christian faith. Because I come from a pagan background, I haven’t entirely given up my old practices; I’ve just Christianized them. I haven’t been convicted by the Holy Spirit for my practices, but I’m sure some Chrisitans would consider me a heretic and a pagan. I would like to hear your thoughts.

1. I converted my old altar into a Christian shrine. I pray at my shrine, light candles and incense, and meditate on God, the Word, the Holy Spirit, etc. Is that acceptable?

I can’t see anything wrong with this.

1. I converted my old Grimoire into a Christian journal. I write down prayers, poetry, rituals and inspirations, much like I did as a pagan. I always enjoyed keeping a spiritual journal as a pagan, and it’s one habit that is very difficult to break.

Can’t see anything wrong with this either.

1. As I mentioned in #2, I still do rituals. I still cast a circle to make the space holy, I use a modified LBRP, use ritual prayers, etc all within a Christian context. I need a way to express my spirituality, and I’ve always done that through ritual.

I would be inclined to drop the circle-casting. God is holy, and God has proclaimed “You shall be holy; for I the LORD your God am holy.” Thus, I would say, you don’t need to try and “cast up” a holy space.

As others have said, you may find the ritual prayer of the Divine Office very much suited to your spritual needs. You can even chant it rather than speak it.

1. And last but not least, I view the Holy Spirit as feminine. The Bible doesn’t state the gender of the HS, but I find that I connect to the Holy Spirit much easier if I view it as feminine. It really helps me to have a feminine divine to relate to, and I feel kind of lost without her. Plus, I truly believe that she was with me even during my pagan years, trying to guide me to Christianity and keep me on the straight and narrow. Is this too heretical?

The bible actually does refer to the Holy Spirit as male.
“When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth; for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.
He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you.” John 16:13-14

But don’t despair! God has given us one perfect human, one human who never turned away from God, but who did His will perfectly, and thus played a critical part in the redemption of all humanity. It is of course Mary I speak of, the humble young girl who always said yes to God, and whom God has honored above all others. In this creature of God we see the perfection of all of God’s creation. Christ has given you His beloved and honored mother to be your own mother. Let her bring you ever closer to Him.

 

[Augustine]

Allow me to add my $0.02 to what others have already said…

1. I converted my old altar into a Christian shrine. I pray at my shrine, light candles and incense, and meditate on God, the Word, the Holy Spirit, etc. Is that acceptable?
   Of course it is, but you must have everything blessed by a priest or a deacon. Moreover, if a priest, in his pastoral faculty, he may advise about having the objects replaced. Not necessarily, but be prepared for it.
2. I converted my old Grimoire into a Christian journal. I write down prayers, poetry, rituals and inspirations, much like I did as a pagan. I always enjoyed keeping a spiritual journal as a pagan, and it’s one habit that is very difficult to break.
   Again, you should probably get rid of your collection of spells, if I understand “Grimoire” correctly. But you’re free to keep a journal of your spiritual life, much like St. Faustina’s.
3. As I mentioned in #2, I still do rituals. I still cast a circle to make the space holy, I use a modified LBRP, use ritual prayers, etc all within a Christian context. I need a way to express my spirituality, and I’ve always done that through ritual.
   There are proper Christian prayers to do that, tried and true by centuries. Anyone can do that using the proper form, particularly with holy water.
4. And last but not least, I view the Holy Spirit as feminine. The Bible doesn’t state the gender of the HS, but I find that I connect to the Holy Spirit much easier if I view it as feminine. It really helps me to have a feminine divine to relate to, and I feel kind of lost without her. Plus, I truly believe that she was with me even during my pagan years, trying to guide me to Christianity and keep me on the straight and narrow. Is this too heretical?
   Perhaps, as all persons of the Holy Trinity are male. If there’s a female figure in Christianity revered through the ages it is Our Lady Mary, Mother of God. Yet, like you and me, she’s just a creature, but no creature is higher than her.

Welcome home.