Lessons From 2013: Christians Vs. "Xtians"
I've always had friends from many faiths. Many sects of Christianity, Buddhism (2 or 3 sects of that as well...), Judaism, Islam, many many Neopagans of all stripes, and plenty of Raving Rationalist Atheists (who are just as devoted to their faith that nothing exists beyond the material world we can measure and understand as any dogmatic religious fanatic.) I learned to be open, curious, and accepting of other people's beliefs very early on.
I wasn't raised in Christianity either, though I was surrounded by it to some extent of course in my society. I soon realized that too often the interactions betwixt myself and so-called Christians would be hostile-- and it was coming from their side entirely. They were very friendly if I seemed interested in learning about their beliefs (perhaps even enticing me to join them) but rarely did any show curiosity for anything beyond their little sphere, and in addition they were terrible with handling questions and concerns.
Later, when I officially became a Neopagan and witch, there was a whole new aspect of danger to not only be reviled, but persecuted and perhaps even assaulted in some locations were my true beliefs to become known. I deeply resented having to hide who I was while surrounded by people who not only proclaimed proudly, but also vehemently recruited for 'their side' and attacked anyone different-- even other Christians who weren't of their own particular sect!
Over the years, I came to resent "Xtians" as I called them. I still had friends of that stripe, but we never discussed religion or spirituality. We glossed over it, or I avoided certain hot topics all together. I started to take on a little prejudice of my own. Especially after living in rural Appalachian Ohio. Western Oregon is really, REALLY liberal and I didn't appreciate how mellow our Christians were until I lived in a much more conservative area of the country. I soon had relatives who lived in the deep south as well (Alabama mainly) and the culture shock was even stronger there.
Sadly, I started to develop an "us" against "them" type of mentality during my darker days. Living with Mona really brought that out in a way nothing else ever could. Oh, I saw it in myself and didn't like it-- I knew there were good people who practiced Christ's teachings sincerely somewhere-- but somehow I just had a hard time dealing with a certain kind of ugliness without responding with some at least private ugliness of my own.
But in the last couple of years (and 2013 specifically) I have been meeting more and more true Christians who are totally fine with me being pagan, and I've had some amazing, deep, sincere spiritual discussions with at least 9 of them here lately!! Former co-workers, new neighbors, and some blog fans in particular have helped to open me back up to a more worthwhile and accepting place again. Now I'm much more careful to specify, when I make fun of bad Xtians, to point out I'm not talking about the variety who actually do their best to follow Christ.
Does it mean there's ever a chance of my converting?!
GODS NO!!!
But its nice to get along with people and still be able to be yourself and have mutual respect as opposed to continuous hostile controversy for sure! I've always felt that what goes on between other people's ears is not for anyone else to judge.
I wasn't raised in Christianity either, though I was surrounded by it to some extent of course in my society. I soon realized that too often the interactions betwixt myself and so-called Christians would be hostile-- and it was coming from their side entirely. They were very friendly if I seemed interested in learning about their beliefs (perhaps even enticing me to join them) but rarely did any show curiosity for anything beyond their little sphere, and in addition they were terrible with handling questions and concerns.
Later, when I officially became a Neopagan and witch, there was a whole new aspect of danger to not only be reviled, but persecuted and perhaps even assaulted in some locations were my true beliefs to become known. I deeply resented having to hide who I was while surrounded by people who not only proclaimed proudly, but also vehemently recruited for 'their side' and attacked anyone different-- even other Christians who weren't of their own particular sect!
Over the years, I came to resent "Xtians" as I called them. I still had friends of that stripe, but we never discussed religion or spirituality. We glossed over it, or I avoided certain hot topics all together. I started to take on a little prejudice of my own. Especially after living in rural Appalachian Ohio. Western Oregon is really, REALLY liberal and I didn't appreciate how mellow our Christians were until I lived in a much more conservative area of the country. I soon had relatives who lived in the deep south as well (Alabama mainly) and the culture shock was even stronger there.
Sadly, I started to develop an "us" against "them" type of mentality during my darker days. Living with Mona really brought that out in a way nothing else ever could. Oh, I saw it in myself and didn't like it-- I knew there were good people who practiced Christ's teachings sincerely somewhere-- but somehow I just had a hard time dealing with a certain kind of ugliness without responding with some at least private ugliness of my own.
But in the last couple of years (and 2013 specifically) I have been meeting more and more true Christians who are totally fine with me being pagan, and I've had some amazing, deep, sincere spiritual discussions with at least 9 of them here lately!! Former co-workers, new neighbors, and some blog fans in particular have helped to open me back up to a more worthwhile and accepting place again. Now I'm much more careful to specify, when I make fun of bad Xtians, to point out I'm not talking about the variety who actually do their best to follow Christ.
Does it mean there's ever a chance of my converting?!
GODS NO!!!
But its nice to get along with people and still be able to be yourself and have mutual respect as opposed to continuous hostile controversy for sure! I've always felt that what goes on between other people's ears is not for anyone else to judge.