Real Christian discussion

Differences between paganism and Christianity: How a Christian should handle pagan views

What is paganism?
Paganism was developed in England in the Middle Ages. If you're a pagan, this means that you're not a Christian, but you're not an atheist either. To put it simply, pagans are in the middle. Some pagans are also Wiccan, but there are many who mix paganism with other world religions or even no religion at all.
Many pagans believe in living for the earth and the physical, while Christians believe in living for God and the spiritual. Most Pagans, but not all, believe that the earth will last forever, Christians believe that we need to get ready for Salvation because this earth won't last forever.
While pagans do respect the Christian belief, they will often pick and choose parts they want to agree with or disagree with. Pagans, unlike Christians, do not read the Bible or attend church services. They do pray, but to many gods and goddesses outside of Jesus Christ. Some pagans will pray to the Christian God but they will mix it with praying to the goddess. Pagans also believe in the elements of the earth: earth, wind, fire, air, and water. Unlike atheists, pagans will not be aggressive or debatable with Christians, but it's important to note that pagans do not share a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Because they are easy going, pagans are easy to testify to. However, some pagans have been hurt by the church and are more hesitant to trust Christianity.

How to testify to a pagan friend:
If you have a friend who's pagan, take the opportunity to show them God's truth and God's love. Point out their sin if God leads you to it, but do so with grace and respect. Show them the hope that can only be found in Jesus Christ, and never stop praying for them. Be patient, honest, and kind to your pagan friend.

I'm pagan (probably). Almost every christian is pagan, that's the Bible's point of view. But I'm not a paganist (meaning wiccan or anything like that). It's just that non-jews ARE pagans.

Felicity wrote: "I'm pagan (probably). Almost every christian is pagan, that's the Bible's point of view. But I'm not a paganist (meaning wiccan or anything like that). It's just that non-jews ARE pagans."

Thanks for your answer Felcity. It's true that there are many similarities between the two faiths. Birthdays and popular holidays were brought in and influenced by paganism.

I don't believe that we should slap labels on any group of people. In God's eyes there is only two types of people. Both are sinners and both are completely ugly and revolting to him because of our sin.

The only thing that separates the two groups is the fact that the one group (followers of the Way) has accepted the sacrifice of Christ Christ as personal and for themselves. Believing that Christ was God and that he conquered the grave and sin itself by rising on the third day.

The other group is those without God. I do NOT believe that we should go around calling anyone whose not a Christian a pagan. You also can't make witnessing to unbelievers sound like a formula step by step process. We aren't any better than they are before God, all we have is our faith in Christ that even permits us going before God. No one is going be drawn to God when His people make them feel like they are test subjects.

Also, you can say that, yes, any non-Jew is a gentile. But that title really isn't necessary anymore. In Christ, any Jew or Gentile is equal before God. The book of Hebrews talks a lot about that.

Karis wrote: "I don't believe that we should slap labels on any group of people. In God's eyes there is only two types of people. Both are sinners and both are completely ugly and revolting to him because of our..."

Karis, I don't know why you're being like this, but I guess you are just having a bad day. That group of people who I'm talking about are in fact known as pagans (The Bible also calls them heathens). I did my research. I know what I'm talking about. And I'll say it again, it just means that they worship the earth and most (not all) will respect Christian beliefs and they don't believe in the existence of hell or satan. Before you jump to conclusions, please try to see my view. And I am not trying to make anyone feel like a test subject. I have two pagan friends who I enjoy spending time with. God bless-Rachel

You cannot classify everyone who isn't a Christian into one clump as a pagan. And say, a pagan is like this, or a pagan will think like this. Who are you to judge how a person will think or accept ideas about God?

We are to let our actions be a testimony to your un-saved friends. God will give us the words to share at the right time. We need to ready to do this. Remember 1 Peter 3:15

But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,

We should always handle pagan views by comparing them to the Bible.

Karis, I'm not referring to absolutely everyone who isn't a Christian in that manner, I simply chose paganism since I have two friends who are in the pagan path and I thought it would be an interesting comparison. There are lots of other religions out there too. I am NOT judging and I feel sorry for you that you're taking it that way.

Hold_My_Heart (Rachel) wrote: "Karis wrote: "I don't believe that we should slap labels on any group of people. In God's eyes there is only two types of people. Both are sinners and both are completely ugly and revolting to him ..."

I'm not sure then, who you mean by "Pagans"? Who are you talking about? When I use the word heathen, (as you said was the biblical word for pagan), I am think of a King James's version (which I have nothing against) way of saying, those who have rejected God or those that are outside of the fellowship of God.

I don't think that the Bible in any way used that word only to describe those that worship the earth. If so, than why would you say that Paganism was developed in England in the Middle Ages?

I believe that when you use the word pagan that you are referring to something else besides the biblical word, heathen. That's what's confusing me. I am in no way trying to push you down, or insult you.

According to Wikipedia, paganism is a religion (not pagans in the biblical view) like buddhism, judaism and christianity.

Thanks, Felicity, for checking that out. I was confused when Rachel said that the Bible when speaking about heathens was actually talking about Pagans. I didn't realize that some people consider Paganism a religion.

Karis wrote: "Thanks, Felicity, for checking that out. I was confused when Rachel said that the Bible when speaking about heathens was actually talking about Pagans. I didn't realize that some people consider Pa..."

No problem! ;-)
In the finnish Bible pagan and heathen and gentile are the same thing...

Yes, but the term "pagan" as Rachel was using it is different than what the Biblical use is.

Can a moderator please close this topic? It's not going in the direction I planned it to.

I'm sorry, Rachel, for any misunderstanding on this topic. I didn't understand the term "pagan" as you were using it.

Really I am sorry and didn't intend to start an argument over something that really isn't worth arguing over.

If you'd like me to delete this topic, I can go ahead and do so.