Seven ways how NOT to relate to a pagan

[rudywoofs (Pam)]

Seven ways how NOT to relate to a pagan:

1. Always quote the Bible – even if it irrelevant to the conversation. Bible thumping is especially noteworthy.

2. Always keep your vocal cords active…it shows your knowledge of spiritual filibustering.

3. Be judgmental – scorn all forms of entertainment, music, dress, cosmetics, and jewelry. Being all-inclusive is very important.

4. Make promises, but if it’s not convenient, change your mind and say God told you not to follow through.

5. Get in the face of the pagan. Tell them they will face eternal damnation if they don’t heed your words.

6. Ignore culture. If they aren’t like you, then they obviously are stupid.

7. Don’t be a friend to pagan. Keep your distance. You never know how much of a bad influence they will have on you. Devil-inspired osmosis, you know.

(There's probably more - I just can't think of them atm.)

[Clio]

I have a friend who lives on Witch Way, has a bumper sticker that says "It's YOUR Hell, YOU burn in it" and now proudly wears a pin I gave her that says, "Born Again Heathen".

She tells all her pagan friends her Christian friend gave it to her... and watches their eyes pop. She gets soooo much fun out of it, and opens up lots of conversations on important topics. Hehehehe.... Our daughters have sleep overs, and Sunday, to give her a break, I left my 15 year old with her, and took her 5 year old with me....

We made cookies....

Take courage Pam. We're not all as so many have been towards you.

You are dearly loved.

[rudywoofs (Pam)]

I don't profess to still be a pagan. But having been one for a long time, I perhaps tend to see things through a diffent filter than many people. <img src="/adventist/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

Actually, I think most of the things in the list would be just as harmful to a new Christian. <img src="/adventist/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

[Clio]

<img src="/adventist/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> Ooops. I worded that poorly! <img src="/adventist/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

I know you are not a pagan, and I also know you are a new Christian. And I agree with everything you said in both posts.

My point, which I made poorly, is that not all who believe in Jesus filter everything through the blinders of churchianity.

What every person needs, whether struggling as a baby believer or totally outside the safety of a relationship with Jesus, is a friend.

Not a friend with ulterior motives to "save" them, or to dictate to them how to live their life now that they are "saved" but a friend who cares about them with the compassionate heart of True Jesus. Someone who cares about where they are on a day to day basis, who prays for them, whether they know it or not. Someone who shares fun times without condemning them, who takes the time to sit and have coffee or tea with them, who isn't so wrapped up in the "health message as the key to salvation" that they can't see the person for the soul.

We are not a single dimensional being. We are a four-fold being. Body, intellect, spirit, and emotions. All four need acceptance and friendship.

It would do us all well to remember that Jesus Himself said, "I came to save the world, not condemn it. In me there is no condemnation".

If our Creator and Saviour sets such an example, who are we to do otherwise?

[Bravus]

Great reminders, thanks Pam. A rough attempt at flicking them around into the reverse configuration:

1. Shuddup and listen... and try to understand.

2. Shuddup and listen... and try to understand.

3. Shuddup and listen... and try to understand.

4. Jesus said: "When you say 'yes', let it be 'yes', when you say 'no', let it be 'no' - anything else is from the devil". (Oops, contravened your tiem 1, but I'm talking to this group, not the pagans)

5. Shuddup and listen... and try to understand.

6. Shuddup and watch... and try to understand.

7. Jesus got a rep as a party animal based on the people he hung out with - don't be afraid to be with people.

[Clio]

*counts on fingers*

1. Uh-huh, yep. Agree totally.

2. Yep, yep.... Bravus got that one right too.

3. <img src="/adventist/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif" alt="" />

4. Yep... Yep... He sure did!

5. <img src="/adventist/images/graemlins/preach.gif" alt="" /> Heed that man Bravus! He got this one right too!

6. <img src="/adventist/images/graemlins/yeahthat.gif" alt="" />

7. <img src="/adventist/images/graemlins/peace.gif" alt="" /> Oh yeah... partyin' on with Jesus. I can DO that!

[there buster]

These are also seven ways to turn your children into pagans.

I've seen it happen too many times.

As the late Glenn Coon said, "People go and do the devil's work, and then write it down as a missionary visit.

[Stan]

Pam this is good!!!!

Thanks

Stan

[Stan]

Some info on being a pagan.

http://www.sullivan-county.com/nf0/nov_2000/pagan.htm

[rudywoofs (Pam)]

...probably better to ask a pagan or former pagan what they believe(d) and what it is/was like to be one. Sometimes just reading something that a non-pagan has put together from other sources may not give an accurate picture at all. <img src="/adventist/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> Warning, though...most pagans will not reveal everything inherent in what they believe or practice.