Why do many Christians have qualms about Paganism?

[Pedro_1987]

Once you strip away all negative assumptions and associations, Paganism is nothing but another religion (or rather, a group of religions). They certainly have different morals and such, but still. They don’t do human sacrifices (at least not mainstream ones, not anymore), they’re not explicitly evil (any evil they have is simply lack of Jesus).

I mean, why do Christians make a big deal about Pagans and witchcraft, to the point of blaming Harry Potter (which is flat out stupid, but that’s another topic) but have no real say about Hinduism, Shintoism, Taoism or any other religion?

 

[ProdglArchitect]

Once you strip away all negative assumptions and associations, Paganism is nothing but another religion (or rather, a group of religions). They certainly have different morals and such, but still. They don’t do human sacrifices (at least not mainstream ones, not anymore), they’re not explicitly evil (any evil they have is simply lack of Jesus).

I mean, why do Christians make a big deal about Pagans and witchcraft, to the point of blaming Harry Potter (which is flat out stupid, but that’s another topic) but have no real say about Hinduism, Shintoism, Taoism or any other religion?

We do have stuff to say about those other religions; but that’s not the point here. Paganism, and witchcraft in particular, makes use of occult methods to gain power of the surroundings. This is opening the person up to all sort of trouble from demonic influences. That is the main reason we rail against it so much; there are plenty of ways people reject God, but not all of them actively seek out the assistance of demonic forces like witchcraft and neo-paganism.

Hinduism is a type of Pagan religion, so it falls under that same previous umbrella statement.

Shintoism is a religion focused on ancestor worship that also says that all things, living and non-living, have a rational soul. The primary problem with this (outside of its rejection of God) is that it places all things as equal. No one thing is any more important than any other; this is completely in contrast to Christianity.

Taoism is honestly closer to a philosophy than a religion in my book.

 

[Lost_Wanderer]

I mean, why do Christians make a big deal about Pagans and witchcraft, to the point of blaming Harry Potter (which is flat out stupid, but that’s another topic) but have no real say about Hinduism, Shintoism, Taoism or any other religion?

It’s the supernatural element. But for the most part, you are right. There is a double-standard. Folks, you know you shouldn’t buy the whole ‘because it’s occult’ party line? This self-proclaimed spiritual warfare camp rails on about ouija boards and tarot yet I have still to see the same reaction towards…

• Muslims bombing themselves for Allah.
• Atheists blasting us via the social media machine.
• Fundamentalists blatantly advocating sexism and violence against gays.

Please don’t tell me these are far less of a concern compared to so-called ‘exorcism’ documentaries that wouldn’t look out of place sitting next to that Ancient Aliens show.

Yeah sure, worry about those who ‘play with the demonic’ but I would appreciate if you’d have (at least) an equal amount of concern for the nutters like the Taliban and the Westboro Baptist Cult.

 

[Polycarp1]

Once you strip away all negative assumptions and associations, Paganism is nothing but another religion (or rather, a group of religions). They certainly have different morals and such, but still. They don’t do human sacrifices (at least not mainstream ones, not anymore), they’re not explicitly evil (any evil they have is simply lack of Jesus).

I mean, why do Christians make a big deal about Pagans and witchcraft, to the point of blaming Harry Potter (which is flat out stupid, but that’s another topic) but have no real say about Hinduism, Shintoism, Taoism or any other religion?

So one religion is like and as good as any other? I think the point is that some beliefs lead some people to heaven, others to hell. Simply lacking Jesus is simply lacking salvation and eternal life!

 

[Lost_Wanderer]

So one religion is like and as good as any other? I think the point is that some beliefs lead some people to heaven, others to hell. Simply lacking Jesus is simply lacking salvation and eternal life!

I believe the OP’s issue is that the supernatural element seems to give us Christians some excuse to have a double-standard bias against pagans.

And for the most part, my experience with that brand of Catholicism sadly proves it to be true.

 

[ProdglArchitect]

I believe the OP’s issue is that the supernatural element seems to give us Christians some excuse to have a double-standard bias against pagans.

And for the most part, my experience with that brand of Catholicism sadly proves it to be true.

What “brand” of Catholicism? And what double-standard? The religions listed are fundamentally different; as such some result in greater reproach than others. Paganism and Witchcraft seek to directly draw power from supernatural sources; neither Hinduism (to my knowledge) nor Shinto attempt this. I’m almost positive Taoism doesn’t either. This makes witchcraft / paganism far worse than the others because you are actively opening yourself up to the negative influence of demons.

Recognizing this in no way lessens our concerns or issues with the other groups / activities you’ve listed, not lessens our doubts about the religions the OP listed. I think you’re drawing conclusions that aren’t there to be drawn.

 

[Lost_Wanderer]

This makes witchcraft / paganism far worse than the others because you are actively opening yourself up to the negative influence of demons.

Recognizing this in no way lessens our concerns or issues with the other groups / activities you’ve listed, not lessens our doubts about the religions the OP listed. I think you’re drawing conclusions that aren’t there to be drawn.

This right here shows you not only have a double-standard, you are in bold-faced denial of it. Again, I am not buying the “cuz itz demonic” excuse. This just proves you guys would flip out a lot more wildly on seeing people shuffling Tarot cards compared to suicide bomb loons.

Sure, pagans actively openz themselves to demonic forcez.

Terrorists kill people. Real, innocent people.

Do not kid yourself into thinking the former is worse than the latter.

 

[SteveVH]

Other than following false gods, while rejecting the one, true God, and, as others have said, playing with the occult and opening themselves up to demonic influence, I think they’re just swell.

 

[AV1]

I might also add the most basic of reasons…self-defense. We generally regard those who openly attack on every front as a blatant enemy. The other religions you mentioned do not do this, and are more intellectually opposed to Christianity first, and spiritually second, at least from their own perspectives.

Paganism is diametrically opposed to Christianity, and in many cases vehemently so. They do not share the same disdain for other religions, like Hinduism, Shintoism, or Taoism…because they are not threatened by them or what they teach.

Not to be insulting, but Satan is a smart general. He will attack that which poses a threat to his agenda, and views the rest of the worlds religions as “useful idiots.”

 

[SteveVH]

I might also add the most basic of reasons…self-defense. We generally regard those who openly attack on every front as a blatant enemy. The other religions you mentioned do not do this, and are more intellectually opposed to Christianity first, and spiritually second, at least from their own perspectives.

Paganism is diametrically opposed to Christianity, and in many cases vehemently so. They do not share the same disdain for other religions, like Hinduism, Shintoism, or Taoism…because they are not threatened by them or what they teach.

Not to be insulting, but Satan is a smart general. He will attack that which poses a threat to his agenda, and views the rest of the worlds religions as “useful idiots.”

Well said.

 

[ProdglArchitect]

This right here shows you not only have a double-standard, you are in bold-faced denial of it. Again, I am not buying the “cuz itz demonic” excuse. This just proves you guys would flip out a lot more wildly on seeing people shuffling Tarot cards compared to suicide bomb loons.

I’m afraid you’ll have to define the double standard for me, because I’m not seeing it. I’m not saying it’s demonic, I’m saying that it opens you up to demonic influences, there is a distinct difference. Demonic means that it originate with demons. The occult originates with humans who, in seeking supernatural capacities (such as telling the future, as with your tarot card example), seek the aide of supernatural beings, i.e. demons.

As to suicide bomber, where the **** are you drawing the conclusion that I have any less of an issue with that than with engaging in the occult. I have never, at any point, said anything that would even remotely suggest that. My statement, which you took the trouble to bold, deals specifically with those religions the OP listed.

Islam, at the very least, purports to worship God, which is something none of those can claim; and while it is true that there are extremists that do evil things in the name of their beliefs, that is true of every religion, including Catholicism. Islam is certainly more… prolific in it’s production of extremists than those others though, I’ll agree there.

Sure, pagans actively openz themselves to demonic forcez.

Terrorists kill people. Real, innocent people.

Do not kid yourself into thinking the former is worse than the latter.

I never said anything of the sort. You are putting words in my mouth and I would thank you to stop and actually read what I wrote before jumping down my throat about some perceived falsehood on my part.

 

[AV1]

While were talking about threats to Christianity, and to address the Terrorist angle in comparison…I am of the opinion that there is no bigger threat to Christianity than Islam, not even Paganism.

 

[Lost_Wanderer]

The occult originates with humans who, in seeking supernatural capacities (such as telling the future, as with your tarot card example), seek the aide of supernatural beings, i.e. demons.

Sorry but this rhetoric has no relevant effect on me. My point is simpler. All this talk of pagans being the stuff of exorcist horror movie juju is what I mean by double standard. We choose to place great fear on the ‘occult activities’ of pagans and treat it as a reason to somehow dub it as the most critically repulsive sect on the planet.

As to suicide bomber, where the **** are you drawing the conclusion that I have any less of an issue with that than with engaging in the occult. I have never, at any point, said anything that would even remotely suggest that. My statement, which you took the trouble to bold, deals specifically with those religions the OP listed.

Because you said paganism was worse. Simple as that. If it’s not worse, then I can’t accuse you of making suicide Islamist bombings any less because your comparison would not have been one-sided.

But go ahead, keep insisting that pagans deserve the special treatment they get from the spiritual warfare camp. It just proves my point (and the OP’s).

Islam, at the very least, purports to worship God, which is something none of those can claim;

What good is that when you yourself admit:

and while it is true that there are extremists that do evil things in the name of their beliefs, that is true of every religion, including Catholicism. Islam is certainly more… prolific in it’s production of extremists than those others though, I’ll agree there.

I never said anything of the sort. You are putting words in my mouth and I would thank you to stop and actually read what I wrote before jumping down my throat about some perceived falsehood on my part.

You said it was worse than others. That red flag is big enough for me. Call it ‘perceived’ if you will but I’ll let the bold letters say what all is needed to be said.

 

[St_Francis]

I think part of the problem is that many of the posters here are in the US. In Europe and parts of Asia, I understand that there are militant Moslems and this poses a problem. Obviously we have had some troubles with militant Moslems, but in the end. Moslems are less than 1% of our population and generally centralized.

And every time someone in the US criticizes Moslems, they hear about how there is little difference and not all are terrorists, etc. Part of the problem with the US culture is the ever-strengthening wall between public life and religion.

And as to paganism and the other religions, I can go into any general bookstore and find a whole section on New Age, paganism, Wicca, etc. It is easy to find Ouiji boards in toy stores, altho one has to search a little harder for Tarot cards themselves.

So we rail against what we see as the more atttractive temptation. American teens and young adults are a thousand or a million times more likely to get involved in one of these New Age things than become a militant Moslem or convert to Bhuddism or Taoism.

It is not just the strength of the danger but the likelihood. That group of fundamentalist who protest homosexuality at the funerals of our fallen soldiers? Most belong to the same family and all consist of a very small group of people. It is not a trend sweeping across the nation attracting and ensnaring our children.

 

[ProdglArchitect]

Sorry but this rhetoric has no relevant effect on me. My point is simpler. All this talk of pagans being the stuff of exorcist horror movie juju is what I mean by double standard. We choose to place great fear on the ‘occult activities’ of pagans and treat it as a reason to somehow dub it as the most critically repulsive sect on the planet.

What rhetoric? I do not think that word means what you think it means. You don’t seem to understand that worry can exist in equal capacities across all things. If the topic were suicide bombers, I would be talking about suicide bombers; this topic, however, was dealing with paganism in comparison to eastern religions, and why greater emphasis is placed on one than the others.

I really wish you would cite some sorce for your feeling of contention here, then I could at least understand where you’er drawing these flawed perceptions from. We do not place “greater fear” on pagans than suicide bombers… I’ve never yet seen someone go “Oh ****, those suicide bombers are killing people, but it’s those pagans you have to look out for.” The are almost never brought up in tandem, and so you would rarely see a joint condemnation of them, so here it is:

Suicide bombers are worse than people practicing the occult because they take innocent live; but people practicing the occult are still apt to bring themselves and those around them into a state of sin and rejection of God, and are therefore also worthy of concern.

In reality, it could be argued that those practicing the occult are worse because they try to bring about the spiritual death of those around them, which is far worse than mere physical death. I’m not making that argument, just pointing it out; so please, for the love of all that is holy don’t start in on another tirade.

Both groups are worthy of condemnation; I don’t understand why you think that condemning one means we can’t condemn the other.

Also, what “horror movie juju”? You seem to be implicitly denying the corrupting influence of demons. You do realize that flies directly in the face of Catholic teaching, right?

Because you said paganism was worse. Simple as that. If it’s not worse, then I can’t accuse you of making suicide Islamist bombings any less because your comparison would not have been one-sided.

worse than ** the other religions he listed** THIS TOPIC HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH SUICIDE BOMBERS, or at least it didn’t until you felt it necessary to interject them into the discussion

But go ahead, keep insisting that pagans deserve the special treatment they get from the spiritual warfare camp. It just proves my point (and the OP’s).

Catholicism doesn’t have “Spiritual warfare camps” like the one’s you’re suggesting, and I’m insulted that you would count me liable for the misguided teachings of fundamentalists.

What good is that when you yourself admit:

You are judging an entire group of people by its worst citizens. That’s the same as saying that all black people are thugs, or all Mexicans all drug smugglers, or all Catholics are pedophiles. Most members of Islam live a devoted life seeking God; their methods may be flawed, but their hearts are in the right place. The people of those eastern religions, however, have rejected God, and do not seek him in any direct capacity; Islam hasn’t, which is all I was trying to say.

You said it was worse than others. That red flag is big enough for me. Call it ‘perceived’ if you will but I’ll let the bold letters say what all is needed to be said.

I’ll allow my bold words to say what needs to be said as well.

Ahem:

THAN THE RELIGIONS HE LISTED, FOR THE LAST ******* TIME, THAN THE RELIGIONS HE LISTED. Dear Lord, if you’re not going to actually read my posts I’m going to stop responding. This is the fourth time I have made this clarification.

I wrote that sentence in direct relation to Hinduism, Shinto and Taoism; as they compare to Paganism (assumed to be modern neo-paganism) and witchcraft. That is all. Islam, fundamentalism, Scientology, or any of the other misguided religions of the world were not included in my comparison; ONLY those five were in reference.

 

[Gaelic_Bard]

Other than following false gods, while rejecting the one, true God, and, as others have said, playing with the occult and opening themselves up to demonic influence, I think they’re just swell.

Sarcasm is a wonderful thing.

 

[Lost_Wanderer]

If the topic were suicide bombers, I would be talking about suicide bombers; this topic, however, was dealing with paganism in comparison to eastern religions, and why greater emphasis is placed on one than the others.

The OP was talking about pagan religions in general and yes, there’s a double standard. The distinctions in your explanation are nothing more than a red herring in light of the real problem.

I really wish you would cite some sorce for your feeling of contention here, then I could at least understand where you’er drawing these flawed perceptions from. We do not place “greater fear” on pagans than suicide bombers…

Read the OP again and you might have a clearer idea. You know well how much I’ve had to fend off the same, Potter-hating, exorcist-worshipping fanbase for years on this forum. That camp certainly does in fact go as far as to say “Fear not who kills the body but who kills the soul” to justify fear of the occult as if should be a greater fear than fear of murderers.

I’ve never yet seen someone go “Oh ****, those suicide bombers are killing people, but it’s those pagans you have to look out for.” The are almost never brought up in tandem, and so you would rarely see a joint condemnation of them, so here it is:

I have. YouTube as well.

In reality, it could be argued that those practicing the occult are worse because they try to bring about the spiritual death of those around them, which is far worse than mere physical death. I’m not making that argument, just pointing it out; so please, for the love of all that is holy don’t start in on another tirade.

Oh wait, so you do know about that argument. Good, that makes it easier for me to show you how theologically and morally unsound that is. I’m actually stealing from a movie here but suppose someone is about to kill you. He’s a theatrical-religious sort of psycho so he makes a show of it like this:

holds up gun “Damnation.”

holds another gun “Salvation.”

“Got one thing in common. Ya gotta die to find either one.” points them at you

No point worrying about a spiritual death when real death remains to be the only final ticket to either heaven or hell.

Both groups are worthy of condemnation; I don’t understand why you think that condemning one means we can’t condemn the other.

Okay, who’s distorting who now? I never said one was worse than the other either. Look at up my post. I barely mention the word. I’m just pointing out that the OP has quite the valid concern towards our treatment of pagans.

Also, what “horror movie juju”? You seem to be implicitly denying the corrupting influence of demons. You do realize that flies directly in the face of Catholic teaching, right?

Really? It flies in the face of Catholicism to show exorcism as just a frightened family making frequent visits to the priest? That’s what I call horror movie juju.

Frankly, you’d have more people scared if my building suddenly got taken over by Jemaah Islamiyah.

worse than ** the other religions he listed** THIS TOPIC HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH SUICIDE BOMBERS, or at least it didn’t until you felt it necessary to interject them into the discussion

The OP was comparing more than just or did you not read the last phrase? Seriously, take in the essence of what the OP is saying. Our treatment of pagans has been a clownish double-standard posing as spiritual warfare.

Catholicism doesn’t have “Spiritual warfare camps” like the one’s you’re suggesting, and I’m insulted that you would count me liable for the misguided teachings of fundamentalists.

I’m pretty sure the nefarious Potter debates on these boards will prove to you otherwise. C’mon, you know very well who the OP is talking about.

You are judging an entire group of people by its worst citizens. That’s the same as saying that all black people are thugs, or all Mexicans all drug smugglers, or all Catholics are pedophiles. Most members of Islam live a devoted life seeking God; their methods may be flawed, but their hearts are in the right place. The people of those eastern religions, however, have rejected God, and do not seek him in any direct capacity; Islam hasn’t, which is all I was trying to say.

And the spiritual warfare crowd doesn’t generalize like you just did right now? We both know Japan and India are countries highly populated by pagans. But look at them. Does that look like a society full of demonic possession? I don’t think so. Furthermore, the economic contrast between the two shows how even their own troubles aren’t directly linked to anything spiritual.

Now switch to the Middle East. America still has troops over there. Bombs are still blowing. There is turbulence as always. What does that tell you? Sure, you can say that pagan nations are still pagan. That doesn’t mean the Islamic or Christian ones are in any position to criticize.

I wrote that sentence in direct relation to Hinduism, Shinto and Taoism; as they compare to Paganism (assumed to be modern neo-paganism) and witchcraft. That is all. Islam, fundamentalism, Scientology, or any of the other misguided religions of the world were not included in my comparison; ONLY those five were in reference.

Read the OP again, please. You really think this limited to the one’s specifically mentioned. It is not and yes, there is a double standard.

 

[ProdglArchitect]

The OP was talking about pagan religions in general and yes, there’s a double standard. The distinctions in your explanation are nothing more than a red herring in light of the real problem.

Why is it a double standard when one presents a much graver threat? Seeking out supernatural capacities is far worse than simply not believing because it puts you directly in the path of corrupting influences. I’ll agree that Hinduism is probably on the same level as paganism and witchcraft, but neither Shinto or Taoism are. All of them are bad, yes, but some are worse than others. This is not a double standard, it is simply a result of the particular natures of the religions.

Read the OP again and you might have a clearer idea. You know well how much I’ve had to fend off the same, Potter-hating, exorcist-worshipping fanbase for years on this forum. That camp certainly does in fact go as far as to say “Fear not who kills the body but who kills the soul” to justify fear of the occult as if should be a greater fear than fear of murderers.

In Catholic theology, that which kills the soul is far, far worse than that which kills the body. If the body dies with a living soul (one open to God and the Truth) then that individual has the capacity to enter into Heaven. If the soul dies, however, that person cannot enter into Heaven; so of course spiritual death is significantly worse than physical death. I don’t see how you can call yourself Catholic and think otherwise.

Also, while there are some people who do not think Harry Potter is a positive influence, that is their personal opinion, and I don’t believe it is the predominant opinion on these forums. Whenever I’ve seen the topic come up on the forums, there are a few dissenters, who list their (usually) well-intentioned reasons for disliking the series. The majority of posters though generally go along the lines of “it’s harmless fiction.” And why do you keep bringing up The Exorcist? I don’t think anyone here worships the exorcist, or regards it as much more than a movie. A very good movie, but a movie. Are you deriding people for believing that we are at war with Satan? If so, I seriously suggest you reconsider that position, since the Church has explicitly stated that we are at war with Him on numerous cases, especially recently in light of the sudden prevalence of the homosexual movement; and attempts to attack the Church through the HHS mandate… I sincerely hope that’s not what you mean by that.

I have. YouTube as well.

What does youtube have to do with anything? Or are you saying that because people say it on youtube, it’s a real issue? If so, I think you need to step away form the internet for a while. There are all kinds of people on youtube, and you can find videos confirming and denying everything in existence. I wouldn’t take it as a serious portrayal of the beliefs of Catholic laypeople.

Oh wait, so you do know about that argument. Good, that makes it easier for me to show you how theologically and morally unsound that is. I’m actually stealing from a movie here but suppose someone is about to kill you. He’s a theatrical-religious sort of psycho so he makes a show of it like this:

I asked, rather politely, for you not to enter into an additional tirade on this one, but whatever.

No point worrying about a spiritual death when real death remains to be the only final ticket to either heaven or hell.

That is ABSOLUTE nonsense, and completely in opposition to what the Church has taught since it’s creation. If this were what the church taught, there would be zero martyrs because they’d all be more concerned with their maintaining their psychical lives than their spiritual lives. Catholics have always been willing to die rather than reject the Truth (which is the ultimate cause of spiritual death), starting with Christ himself, (He didn’t deny who he was), and continued in grand tradition through all but one of the Apostles, and countless other Martyrs of the Church. Each and every one of them chose to suffer physical death rather than risk spiritual death. I don’t know where you developed this misconception, but I can assure you that it is 100% unsound theologically.

Physical death determines the point in time that we are judged. But how alive we are spiritually determines that judgment. I could commit a mortal sin in order to live for five hundred more years; but at the end of those years, when I do at last suffer physical death, and am judged, that spiritual death will still send me away from God; which is the only true death.

 

[ProdglArchitect]

Okay, who’s distorting who now? I never said one was worse than the other either. Look at up my post. I barely mention the word. I’m just pointing out that the OP has quite the valid concern towards our treatment of pagans.

All of your posts have seemed to indicate what I wrote, but I’ll take you at your word that it was not your meaning. My contention is that the OP is not entirely correct. The concerns we voice are heavily influenced by the culture in which we live (as other posters have pointed out) In the US, which is where I’m assuming the OP is from, neo-paganism and witchcraft are a far more prevalent problem than Hinduism, Shinto or Taoism; as such they garner much more attention that the others. If we lived in an eastern region, I’d imagine you would see far more warnings about the other religions.

There is also, still, the nature of the religions to consider. I listed these distinctions in my first post, and do not feel the need to reiterate them here. The fact of the matter is that, while all three of them are definitively bad, and in opposition to Christianity, Paganism and witchcraft both employ methods of worship / practice which seek to put the practitioner into contact with supernatural forced outside of God. Call it whatever you want, but seeking help from supernatural forces that aren’t God puts you in harms way. Even the Church says so when it warns us against seeking help from psychics, palm readers, tarot card, oujia (sp?) boards, etc. I don’t know why you’re being so derogatory towards people who take these warnings seriously.

Really? It flies in the face of Catholicism to show exorcism as just a frightened family making frequent visits to the priest? That’s what I call horror movie juju.

No, I was stating that your dismissal of demonic influences flies against Catholic Theology; and it does.

The OP was comparing more than just or did you not read the last phrase? Seriously, take in the essence of what the OP is saying. Our treatment of pagans has been a clownish double-standard posing as spiritual warfare.

I did read the last sentence, as follows:

I mean, why do Christians make a big deal about Pagans and witchcraft, to the point of blaming Harry Potter (which is flat out stupid, but that’s another topic) but have no real say about Hinduism, Shintoism, Taoism or any other religion?

It’s where I drew the religions I used in my comparison. The OP made no reference to Islam, Wesboro Baptist or suicide bombers, you added all those. I was sticking to the examples he gave.

I’m pretty sure the nefarious Potter debates on these boards will prove to you otherwise. C’mon, you know very well who the OP is talking about.

I know that there are some people who bash it. I know that they are fundamentalist, Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran, Islamic, Jewish, etc. I also know that they do not speak for everyone, and I am pretty sure they are also not the majority opinion; they are simply the loudest; kind of like the gay supporters.

And the spiritual warfare crowd doesn’t generalize like you just did right now? We both know Japan and India are countries highly populated by pagans. But look at them. Does that look like a society full of demonic possession? I don’t think so. Furthermore, the economic contrast between the two shows how even their own troubles aren’t directly linked to anything spiritual.

No, they DO do that, which is what I was saying was a bad thing. And why do you keep bringing up demonic possession. Opening yourself to the influence of demons does not automatically mean you’re possessed; that’s not what demonic influence is. Engaging in occult practices, and opening yourself up to demonic influences means that you have opened your mind and your heart to forces that are apart from God. Being apart from God, they will do everything they can to pull you away from God as well; this is the danger in engaging in the occult.

Someone being without God doesn’t automatically make them a barbarian; just as someone knowing of God doesn’t automatically make them good. Some of the kindest people I know don’t believe in God, and some of the biggest ***holes do; it’s not an automatic indicator of ones capacity for goodness. I’d argue that nothing int his paragraph is relevant to the discussion at hand.

Economics has absolutely nothing to do with religious belief, I don’t know what that point has to do with anything. I would like to point out, however, that the “Pagan nations” you listed have some of the highest suicide rates in the world…

Now switch to the Middle East. America still has troops over there. Bombs are still blowing. There is turbulence as always. What does that tell you? Sure, you can say that pagan nations are still pagan. That doesn’t mean the Islamic or Christian ones are in any position to criticize.

Never said they were… But again, this has absolutely nothing to do with the topic at hand.

Read the OP again, please. You really think this limited to the one’s specifically mentioned. It is not and yes, there is a double standard.

I answered within the confines of the OP’s post and, as I am not psychic, I have not way of discerning which other religions he was refercing with certanty. The op listed a few example religions. I referenced each of them and made a blanket statement covering them, and only them. You cannot expect me to make reference to every possible religion because there are hundreds of thousands of them.

 

[IgnatianPhilo]

In paganism we must distinguish between different pagan religions. In terms of the greek and roman mythologies, Christians look at the dark dreary world of Homer and the gods, where their random urges and natures are the kings of all existence and we are at their mercy. This is a world where death rules and we have no hope after death, it is a literal existence in a dark world where we are grim and forever in torment, regaurdless of being good or evil, our deeds don’t matter, our faith doesn’t matter, all our existence is solely for hte pleasure of the gods.

Compare that to Christianity, God creates us out of his good pleasure, but are we just instruments for him to play with, or are we his children? Is this a God who acts on impulse and cares little for our plights? Or is this a God willing to take on a nature which is by definition beneath him and suffer all inequity for our sakes? This is why Christians have a problem with paganism.