Christians

[claymore]

Do Jewish people regard themselves as Christians?

[waterboatman]

So very true rowan. True Paganism is all about being at one with the world. Never mind the mumbo jumbo, that's just nonsense.

[rowanwitch]

Never been one for rituals but just live in the moment where I can, care for the bit of the environment I am responsible for...and the creatures that visit it and try to live without causing harm...as far as I can see its as good a way to live as any other, Had Redman been Pagan I'd love to have a formal handfasting though but will incorporate elements into a civil ceremony if I can sneak them past the registrar

[waterboatman]

Rowan. What you describe is what true Paganism is. Living and caring for your world. You don't need rituals and all the rest of the mumbo jumbo that is neo paganism.

[rowanwitch]

I have pretty much lived like this all my life...when I was younger I was more 'into' the magick/wiccan side but while I still use some ritualised behaviour to meditate and when trying to send positive energy where it seems to be needed I just think putting on fancy robes and dancing round in a circle looks pretty daft and has about the same effect on the world as having a laugh at a party doing the birdy song...its the joy and laughter that matter

[waterboatman]

Very true rowan. Being Irish I was brought up a Catholic, but from an early age I knew it was not for me. A nun told me I would burn in hell, I said she would be there before me and could keep me a cool spot. She didn't see the point.

[rowanwitch]

Brought up loosely C of E so religion was never a big deal in my immediate family.... my sister has started going to church though and believes in God...and many of my cousins have become Quakers...a group I do have some sympathy with as I feel they are closer in approach to the Pagan tradition...

[waterboatman]

About as close as Christianity can be rowan, but a bit over the top on the religious bit I think. But gentle mostly. Unlike the nuns at the school I walked out of, who were very quick with the cane, and didn't hold back with it either! I went home at playtime and told my mother that I was not going back there. My father was in the army but at that time was able to come home for lunch. Mum showed him my hands where the cane had been. he took me back to school and showed the mother superior the marks on my hands. She said I was an evil child and deserved it. He went ballistic! Left the old bag in tears. I never went back.

[rowanwitch]

Housemate tells similar tales of terrifying nuns....and creepy priests...I think I had the better deal...church for weddings ,funerals , and carol service...although I did go to sunday school...must have made a big impression the sunday school teacher still remembers me as a 'challenging' little girl

[waterboatman]

You are a kindred spirit rowan. You had a much better deal than I did. Lucky you ! :-)