I 100% agree and at the same time Jesus said he is the only way so this is simply a free will argument for me. Non christians your faith is your own because of free will. I believe Jesus so with that said it's a tough thing to be accurate with non believers without pushing them away.
@@BlackCupcake-s3c I know magic is real, I met a group I couldn't judge the fruit of. There were many many signs, wonders, & miracles. Was worried whether they were secret practitioners of the occult. Didn't find answers on here, but I ended up feeling bad for all of you folks l, decided to comment. I'm a sinner too, but God loves us so much that he provides a way for noone to be destroyed. You can have a short life with magic and cease to exist after, or an eternity with the very creator of both the natural and supernatural. Don't choose to be destoyed.
Wow. Thank you for this. I grew up christian in a very abusive household. I hated being a Christian. It's not the path for me. But paganism and witchcraft saved me. Made me love myself. Thank you
Most Christians are true Christians, most Christian’s are hipocrits and practice pagan traditions just like every Christian religion that celebrates Christmas and Easter and Halloween and have numerous sexual partners throughout life. The truth is what the world accepts as acceptable as a Christian is far from what god expects from his people and the people that will make it through judgement day, actually have to truly try their very best to live up to his expectations. Actually waiting until marriage to be intimate, if ur good looking and it will be difficult especially if u live in a rural area with a small population and meeting the person u want to be with for the rest of ur life is difficult, but u have to do a admirable effort, if ur Christian and u were raised in it and u banged like 5 people that’s not that great of a job, for what god offers eternal life in a paradise earth described as what the garden of Eden was like with ur body being blesssed and allowed to operate at its highest level, having probably two or three times as much energy as u had at 18, having ur brain releasing endorphins and dopamine at all time high at all times, just happy content, energetic, satisfied, not stressed, u built ur own house and have plenty of land and ur spouse is gorgeous and 100% loyal and selfless and easy to get along with having the loyalty of the best dog in the world and growing to have such a close connection u guys just exist in harmony at all times treating each other like u do to urself, all evil dishonest people destroyed and gone. Fruit and vegetables are 10 times more nutritious and tasty and the colors and lushness is like high definition, just beauty covering every inch of this earth to a level beyond the best instagram Photos of beautiful places. A lot of people are not that genuine, it’s hard to find people on a level that is similar to myself and it’s very disappointing and irritating, I don’t think narcissists will be around after judgment day even if their so called Christians. U can’t trust or rely on everyone no matter how Christian they pretend to be. And like she said I should be a good person because u want to be a good person and not because u want to be in gods kingdom. And by the way gods plan from the beginning was for righteous to inherit the earth and exist on it for eternity in perfect health and contentment. No pain no sickness no sadness no lying, no backstabbing no betrayal. That’s what god intention was for mankind and that has never changed after Adam n Eve sinned gods plan for mankind to live on this earth restored to a paradise like the beginning has never changed and it says in the Bible very clearly the meek will live in gods kingdom on earth. It doesn’t say everyone righteous goes to heaven, if heaven was so much greater the fallen angels wouldn’t have been so tempted to mess with women and intermingle with humans if there was so much better things to do in heaven. I would love to be close to god in heaven but what’s everyone gonna do up there especially if the earth is empty with no humans, the angels were tasked at watching over us on earth if everyone’s up there what’s everyone gonna do. No sunsets no oceans no waterfalls no marriage no partner no children no home and garden and lazy boy , no bbqs , no intimacy. Ya u would be one of the most powerful creations if god brought u to heaven and made u a angel, that would be intense, but that’s not what the Bible says, Christianity can be a let down and can have lots of fake people especially if what u were taught was not accurate or in depth and churches like that often have lots of fake people. But u se like a really genuine person what u said about u want to be good because that’s what u just want to do, it’s not for any other selfish reward or appearance sake. And u wouldn’t have said it like that if it wasn’t true
I was outcasted from Christian groups and always felt judged. I became agnostic and feel a sense of control now and less guilty of “hell” which I don’t believe it exists anymore. I don’t feel scared of dead or ghosts anymore. So freeing…
Interesting. I don't feel guilty of hell or are scared of any spirits etc the only fear I have is of God and it's a reverent fear as well. When you fear him that way and trust he knows what's best you fear nothing even death.
Be your own spiritual seeker find a quite space in nature and meditate your higher mind which is you in another dimension will talk to you giving you ideas words in your mind! That happened to me and I'm stronger minded now!
@@indigenascuscatlecos ignorance is spiritual leprosy. Seek acceptance from God more than people. His acceptance is the only thing that matters. God loves you and wants a relationship with you but he wants you to turn from your sin. Objective truth exists and it is true that anyone who has not trusted in the Son of God to save them is going to perish. God doesn’t want this for you but is being patient for your sake. Please read the Bible and seek to know who God is and how He wants you to live! Jesus came to Earth as God in the flesh and suffer the punishment WE ALL deserve which is death on the cross. Hundreds of witnesses saw Him alive after death and Gods spirit now resides in the hearts of those who love him and follow his commands! Please seek God with all that you have! He wants you to be saved from sin!
I am always amazed at a young person who discovers themselves at such an early age. I admire that greatly. My unfolding and rebuilding has come at a much later age but I am embracing it. I relate to a lot of what you shared. Thank you for speaking your truth. ❤
I had quite the laugh reading this comment section.. People have no idea about how many times the bible has been edited, look at how many books they removed from it and tell me it is 100 percent true.. smh..and there are over 1500 different beliefs in this world and the christian way is the ONLY way? I don't think so..
Love this! Incidentally I'm going to read the complete apocrypha to see what exactly most of us are missing from the bible. Funnily enough there are so many similarities in a lot of the world religions. There's so much to learn!
You should definitely read up on why the Bible is true. From the people who directly followed Jesus and their writings, to unexplained coincidences, etc.
Thanks for sharing your story. As a Christian I completely agree with you that it is strange how most Christians have never read the Bible. That may be why you did not get many answers to your theological questions. If no one around you really knew what the Bible contains how could they answer questions. The best of wishes to you❤️
I was raised Catholic. My neighbor was a practicing "spiritual" person. WINK WINK! The people in our neighborhood were not nice to her yet she still delivered delicious pies and cookies at the holidays and decorated her home with natural elements. She was about 10 years older than me and just the coolest, nicest, kindest person. When I was around 10, I remember having conversations with her about world views, over tea and while her candles burned. It was so calming and safe to me. I was like you, I asked respectful questions and was told to go pray and that I was just sinning for asking. I was held back in a lot of my life, living in such a conservative home and not being able to have any fun. When I turned 18, I left that life and have been doing my own thing since.
Oh my gosh haha!! I love that this neighbor had such a positive impact on you. She sounds lovely, and look- it all worked out!! Love this. Thank you for sharing.
your video is good. but no thanks. this is not for me. i left cathoholicsm a few years ago. And I became a pagan. Then i again started studying about cathoholiscm, i read the bible, which I haven't done before as a catholic. I was amazed to find many prophecies mentioned in the old testament and fullfilled by Jesus and the apostles. All these books of propehts were written hundreds of years ago before the birth of christ. Jesus's birth of virgin Mary was also prophecized by prophet Isaiyah long ago. Then the new testement gives men the idea of Jesus as the eternal king and lord of the lords. Every single word came out of his mouth has a deep meaning. Jesus preached about love, forgiveness and eternal life. Then I started reading about the lives of apostles, saints, mystics and martyrs. All these pointed me towards catholism. And I studied about our lady's apparitions in Fatima, Lourdes, Medjugorje, Guadalupe, Medjugorje, Las Lajas, Akita, Kibeho, Garabandal, Zeitoum, Siluva, la vang, La salette, Laus,etc. Then i studied about all the Eucharistic Miracles happned around the world. And the scientific investigations done on them, I also study about mystics and vissionaries in church history. St. Pedro Pio, St. Theresa of Avila, St. Catherine Labourie, St. Bridjet, St. Gertrude, etc,... Then I realized the truth lies there. In the catholic faith. And i was sad for leaving my catholic faith. the fault was not in catholiscm. it was in me. i didnt study it very well before. as soon as I realize this i left paganism and came back to catholiscm. This is the wrong with many catholics who leave their faith. They dont study the catholic faith well. They just listen to the bs the priest say. I think this is the same fault with you. You should go back and study the catholics faith and history well with all the apparitions and miracles. Then you will find the truth ......
@@finncollins5696 And this is exactly why people leave the typical "religion" because people want to tell them what to do. You don't live her life. Let her be.
@@txspacemom765 this is why people like you leave and HATE religion. Don't leave or accept religion because of the other people. But because of its content and meaning. As an ex pagan I asked her to re study cathoholism. I didn't ask her to come or leave any religion. Read my comment carefully. I gave her a suggestion. A choice. Whether to consider it or not is all upto you. It is crazy how you say"this is why ppl leave...typical religon". Then you leave religion because of what other ppl did? right? Don't do that.
@@finncollins5696 Just let her do her thing, she doesn't need your suggestions. Go find that "Turn the other cheek" thing y'all supposedly believe in and leave me alone. And yes, I left religion for a multitude of reasons, 1 being I was assaulted by several member of the Catholic Church, police reports and all brushed under the rugged and allowed and covered up by the Church and family members. I am 50 year old woman who has 1000000% made her own decisions, based on the what has happened to me in my life and what is best for me and consistently seeing Christians being some of the most hateful, mocking and judgmental hypocrites out there. Go find a Catholic channel then. Thanks!
Your story sounds very similiar to my own. I was raised in the Christian faith (Baptist) all my life. My family went to church three times a week and my dad was a deacon in my church. I wasn't even allowed to spend the night at my friends' house on Saturday nights because I had to be home to go to church on Sunday morning. I questioned everything every step of the way, but I do that with all things, so I didn't think much of it. Fast forward 30 years (cuz I'm old and I don't want to bore you with the details, lol) and I found myself to be at best, an agnostic and at worst, an atheist. Then I became curious about Wicca, paganism, mindfulness, tarot, why things always seem to happen for a reason in my life ,etc. Finding meaning in the things around me feels more right to me than believing in the possibility of a single god. I'm not just a baby wiccan, but more like a fetus wiccan, lol. So far, though, the journey has been rewarding. I've found some answers along the way, but more questions than anything and I LOVE to learn. I go back and forth on some things, but I'm comfortable with the aspects that I question rather than ashamed, like I was as a teenager.
I appreciate your journey and I'm also sad about the abuse and neglect from your family and the church. It kept you from really understanding what the gospel means for your life. Jesus loves you and wants the best for you. If you don't want him I understand, I just hate seeing Jesus being misrepresented and used as a tool of control and justification for abuse. God bless and don't cut Jesus off because of bad people. Do your own searching in the word and if you don't want go down that path that's your decision 100% I just can't stay silent when I see someone turn away because of people and not Jesus. Much love your way 😊
In terms of a single God, I am Pagan, but I am also a Pantheist, which means that God and the Universe are the same energy/being. Personally, it made a lot of sense for me, and I came to it naturally. I also found out that a lot of Pagans share the same belief. Maybe this will help you on your journey as a possible belief system as well. Cheers and blessings!
no wayyy we have the exact same story down to growing up baptist, deacon fathers and church 3 times a week omggg only difference is I’m in my twenties and discovered wicca and witchcraft sooner
@@faeofthevalley Wow! I’m happy for you that you’ve found a path that makes sense and is meaningful. I could say that I wish I had found it earlier in life too, but I believe that I found my path at the exact right time when I really needed spirituality in my life. Good luck to you!!! ❤️❤️❤️
I think its really all about how much you are willing to open your heart to spiritual teachings. I was raised catholic, converted to paganism and started reading the bible as an adult and found that really, according to jesus and his teachings, my pagan beliefs were not wrong but actually help me understand the bible in a much less diluted way. I am he and he is we. As a "pagan christian" I also find so much value in buddhist and hindu teachings and I believe that each religion is just about searching for divinity in whatever way makes the most sense to your soul.
Brother bear was eye opening to me too! I was raised up (baptist) Christian and I always felt that it didn’t make sense to me and I tried so hard to believe it. But when I watched brother bear for the first time it made more sense to me than anything the church had ever told me (no disrespect to the Christian faith. It was just my personal experience) it made me question things and see things differently. Now I’m an pagan witch as well. 👍🏻💕
I lived in a violent and dysfunctional home while supposedly meant to be Christian. What changed for me was when i was 15. During "kids time" a kid asked our paster "if god made us, who made god?". The room went silent and it was brushed off. After a long 15 years later, no "force" to my self, i slowly broke away from Christianity and without knowing it, started living the Irish Pagan practise. Now i am almost 31, 2 kiddos (8 & 10), one has found Christianity her belief and the other has found Wicca is for her. As you said in your video, we all worship a higher power and shows to us all differently. Thats what i teach my girls.
God exists though but not as a GOD is the first principle which divided into many through thought wave form and expansion he's the alpha and omega living through all the living organisms so nobody made God! God means divinity in Greek (Deus) divinity is the escence in life, plants animals rocks and aliens have divinity in them! But in religions and pop culture God or goddesses is view as this powerful being creator or as a powerful feminist! Or a witch goddess of nature!
I’m a natural witch AND I also honor master Jesus!! Love your vibe!! Btw I don’t accept the doctrine God is not a dysfunctional tyrant in the sky lol!! We are all one with each other and one with ‘God’ as well! Thanks for this video and thank you very much for sharing your wisdom & light✨
I'm glad you've realized. Atheists say people don't collectively agree on the same God, but the God you describe is the conclusion of God we all seem to come to when we dive into spirituality! God is love, we are all God, God is all, we're all connected. Peace be with you
You cannot honor or serve Jesus as a witch. Witchcraft involves idol worship of the self and nature. In the Old Testament, anyone practicing it was stoned to death. Please read your Bible. Do not be ignorant of the faith. You are sinning and in rebellion against the God of the Bible.
half way through the video and I am like : EXACTLY !!! I have never met somebody that had the same kind of thought process as me OMG! I am from a different background. My parents separated since I was a baby, so I stayed with my mom for my first 12 years. She's a christian and my dad is a muslim. Grew up going to church and everything. Then i went to my dad during high school and he was kind of forcing me to pray and be a muslim, so one of my aunty was in charge of teaching me, but we would already pray all together and all. and I remember one day asking her: if God/Allah created the whole world , and all these languages how come we are forced to pray in arabic? (mind you we are a french speaking country) She just felt attacked or idk and blew up and just told my dad that I said that I didn't want to be a muslim. Omg and my dad wouldn't believe me when I was trying to explain what happened. so I some point i just gave up both religions (for other reasons too). Now I am on a spiritual journey (they both don't know yet, and really i'M NOT ready to have that conversation cause they're good people but both so engrained in their religion ..). I am not sure where it is going to lead me yet but I already feel more like myself and FREE to think for myself. Anyway thank you for this video. so great to relate to somebody else !😃
I know right I remember as a kid my aunt told me if you don’t believe in Jesus you’ll burn in hell and I was crying it’s too much for a kid. And when I was 16 I really got into it and for a moment I thought I was happy till the madness creeped in my head and my mind was being ripped apart with horrible thoughts of hell. I completely lost the will to actually do anything especially school and friends, it wasn’t till about a year ago that I started to watch Vikings and yes it’s not historically accurate but it was amazing and the gods were awesome. Then I got a calling or an urge to make an offering to Odin the all father I made one offering and I felt more at peace then ever before, and now I’m a proud pagan with multiple gods ranging from Norse, Celtic and Egyptian I’m so proud of how far I’ve come and can’t wait to see what the gods have in-store
Same here, as an Indonesian, grewing up in a Pentecolists Family, they were very extreme towards religion. I always thought that this "divine" teachings, weren't so divine afterall, after I became hooked up, I later converted to Paganism, a Norse one to be specific and joined Asatru, now I have my own beliefs as well. But I stick around, and proud to be an Asatru. So having you here as to share the same experience as many others. I can tell I can feel your pain, skul too you brother!
@@jkillerfans2072😂😂😂😂 christianity is pagan tho you all still believing the same thing God almighty was a man so christianity is pagan as well idk why you saying (from christianity to paganism) 😂😂 its (paganism to paganism)
My path to Paganism was quite different. I’m from an interfaith household (dad’s Jewish and mom’s Christian, specifically Lutheran). My folks never forced any particular faith down mine and my brother’s throats and I was encouraged to read different mythologies. When my grandpa (paternal) died I was really sad because I was close to him and grandma. He was never big on religion and I felt neither Judaism nor Christianity really fit me. Then I found a small book on Wicca and I realized it was a great fit: an earth-focused belief system that preaches tolerance and openness. My parents were more than welcoming of me converting and are helping me look for a local coven so I can learn and expand my knowledge. Today I primarily worship the Celtic deities but I also pray to Freyja which reflects my heritage (Germanic and a bit of Celtic via Bavaria). I didn’t learn about the Slavic pantheon until a couple years ago which I should be worshiping according to certain people (technically my dad is part Polish but his family always identified as German) but I never felt any draw towards them.
literally so happy i found this video and your channel!! i was raised catholic and have struggled with the religion for as long as i can remember, then when i went to college the tiny catholic bubble i was in burst and i realized i don’t agree or resonate with any of it. i’ve been out of college for years now and am so drawn to paganism but also have so much catholic guilt leftover lol so it’s been difficult getting over that. thank you for telling your story, i hope to be where you’re at one day!
I was raised Anglican. I was questioning the concept of religion and God at a very young age. My family required us to go to church until we had a confirmation, then it was our choice. After that time, I went on holidays out of tradition. For many years I considered myself atheist. On a discovery of other religions and concepts now, including Buddhism, Paganism, Wiccan and other nature based traditions. Thank you for sharing this!
I can tell you God exists, but not the angry horrible God that most describe. The God of true love and patience, that we're all made of and apart of does exist. God is all, everything, the universe. If you don't choose to agree that's totally fine, I'm just telling you what I have found. 😊😊
Found your video late, I absolutely adored your story. I feel like a homeless pagan; I don't adhere to any particular practice but have quite a bit of overlap with various pagan faiths. I'm a right leaning anarchist politically and this decentralized, voluntary, self interest with elements of communal thinking brought me to where I am spiritually. I seek to know as much as I can about the earth, my relationship with it and how to further empower myself for others in my life. Pagan practices have healed me from religious and societal trauma. Excited to continue along this journey.
There is such a thing as being an "Eclectic Witch", where you learn from all practices and use the ones you enjoy. Just thought I'd throw that out there for ya. Never feel forced to follow just one method. They're all great!
It’s a journey! Keep exploring and see what works for you. 🤎 you’ll find what home is to you! Thank you for watching and sharing your story with me too.
What does that mean? I saw you are subscribed to LDS cult pages, Catholic pages, and gay pastors.. you seem confused. Please read the Bible. Christians do not follow those pages.
The only good page you are following is Vlad. Please don’t follow any of those other pages. They are leading you astray from the truth. Please read the Bible.
@PlagueDoctorOpal Not you proving that there's definitely substance behind the idea that christians can be incredibly judgmental and hateful. Thanks for the extra conformation bud. Jesus would be ashamed of this behavior, he hung with prostitutes and thieves, yet didn't act judgmental, why must you?
Me too! I did my DNA analysis and see that I mostly Slavic/ Northern European and IrishScottishWelsh with 1% Saudi Arabian DNA. I thought…”no wonder I don’t know what Religion to follow!”
@@heathercryer3238 , Be wise and choose to believe in The Only True God and Jesus Christ. Many people are lost and made the wrong choices in their lives but the worst is not to believe in The Lord Jesus Christ. This is your own choice and it's important because it's about your soul: life or death for eternity.
This cleared a lot of fear for me I spent so long caring about an afterlife and it made me sour. I'm currently an aspiring druid who had concerns about my practice but it doesn't matter anymore because an afterlife no longer matters I should go back to my trees so to speak. Blessed be
@simplywitched I appreciate that you took the time to share your testimony, it helped me understand a bit about what the pull and push factors are for conversion to Wicca similar religions. I come from a Christian background and am a Christian myself; I also currently attend a Christian College in Minnesota--but please don't let that stop you from hearing me out. You addressed at the start of your testimony by saying that your family forced you to adhere to their religious beliefs, but could not answer your questions and doubts. I've seen a few comments talking about the abusive Christian households that they grew up in, and the judgement they've received from many Christians. However, it is important to keep in mind that we are all imperfect; it is impossible to find anyone that practices what they preach (i.e. someone may speak for the love of all people, but how many times have they spoken words of hate on even their sibling?), and rare even to find someone that fully understands their beliefs in the first place. Zakir Naik says this: "The concept of God espoused by a religion cannot be judged by merely observing the practice of its followers." It seems to me that a large part of the reason for conversion to Wicca lies in traumas from the *followers* of religions, NOT from the religions themselves. Because we are all imperfect, it is to be expected that we will fail to represent our religion perfectly; that is why the beliefs are *written down* rather than passed on by oral tradition. As Naik says, it is impossible to judge a religion justly by the followers of said religion. On the idea that nature itself is God, the logic here is faulty, although I think I understand why you believe what you do. It is impossible for nature to create itself; nature is proven by science to have had a beginning. If nature had a beginning, then it has to have had a Creator. Whoever created nature, that is God. We know that the universe itself did not create nature; there must, therefore, be a higher power. I think I've spoken here enough; please reply to this message if you'd like some responses to those questions you had as a child though--I think you'd find comfort/better understanding in their answers.
this resonates so much with me. i was a very curious kid asking tons of questions and making up answers for myself. when i was 14 i went to church camp and prayed before that "God if you exist show yourself to me". I felt really close to the divine at church camp and converted to christianity. I was a camp counselor for years but i never really agreed with the vision of hell or heaven that was taught. i didn't like the guilt that was put on me and the rules that came with "following Jesus". in recent years the hate that christians spread and the hurt they caused to people through their bigotry made me reluctant to identify as one. i want to have a connection to the divine i just believe that the way it's sold in christianity is not the way for me. i'm still searching and trying to deconstruct my christianity i'm learning so much about other practices it's amazing.
Ancestors one of the fundamental concepts binding different pagan groups together. Like enlightenment in Buddhism, or salvation in Christianity. The Ancestors is one of our cornerstone theological principles.
I absolutely love hearing about other peoples journeys. Im one of the lucky few that grew up christian but doubted it since day one. I studied religion in middle school... well, as best as i could with what the school library gave me, and i enjoyed the Budhist (i probably butchered that) teachings. I followd it through middle school and my freshman year of highschool. I found out my ansestory is german, swedish and my english line tracked through to Danish. I began studying the Norse gods and it all clicked. At 18 i declared myself a full on Norse Pagan and at 25 im still learning more and more everyday.
I'm 44 a wife mother and raised Lutheran but sense moved into Pentecostle and person ministry. My husband and I left the mainstream church 8 years ago. We had it with religious dogma & narrow minds. After leaving the building we both were set free from much. As of late I am researching and have a lean to know my ancestoral faith. I am of Germanic/Norse heritage. I have always been drawn to the Nature and the Earth. I'm a farmer and have a deep connection and understanding of the energy/power that can heal us physically. All we need to thrive and be in good health come from Mother Earth. By no means am I on the road to witchcraft but I'm certainly gaining understanding into my ancestoral connection to the Natural world. Most Christians at this point would tell me on hell bound if I told them all this. That is the part of Christianity I won't nothing to do with. That know it all, one way or hell bound Pride. I believe the Creator or Universe if that what you call it has shown truth through many cultures and faiths and we can see it if we seek. Lol I was a camp counselor at 15 16....and yes amazing experience.
It's a big, if not the biggest problem in Christianity, that people have "blind" faith, believe and teach that critical thinking and questioning is bad, I think it's the biggest turn off for many that have left the faith. That's why I am happy that I was raised atheist, totally open minded and could do and believe whatever I want. I came to faith in Jesus all by myself, from many many years of studying and experimenting with 101 types of spirituality and religion. Christianity actually came last on my list haha! I still don't consider myself religious and think most Christian religions have very wrong, sometimes silly or even evil doctrines (like eternal hell) and yes like you say, a LOT of this confusion comes from terrible translations, it's a big culture and language shock between ancient Hebrew and Greek and us. Even after my baptism, I lost faith countless times and had sooooo many things I needed serious, solid answers on. I really cannot understand how people can "just believe" anything just because other people say so... My faith is build on a rock now so I am very comfortable and confident in it. I wish nothing but the best for everybody who reads this! I love you all and I hope all of you can and will discover the truth and love of our Creator. Peace and blessings!
@@gvis8217 Well depends what definition of religion you use. Let's change it to I am not part of any institutionalized religion, I am non denominational.
I had a very similar experience with a camp in my area! They're fantastic LGBT+ allies and even throughout my life as I've moved away from Christianity, it remains a strong spiritual place for me. That place formed the basis of my pantheistic understanding of God, and has only fostered my personal practice.
Nobody is born religious & it's regional. According to which country you are born into most will be indoctrinated into the religion of that country by their parents, who themselves were indoctrinated, it's a vicious circle that has frightened people so much especially the concept of 'hell' that most never dare to think for themselves. I agree that it is everybody's right to follow any religion they want, as long as it is not forced. I enjoyed your video, for such a young person you are right on track.
I'm learning to be a witch and I came out of the broom closet a month ago I was surprised that my mom accepted me. She still in a stage of denial and wants her "good little Catholic daughter" back. I think her acceptance was false and has tried countless times to reconvert me and undo all the learning I'm doing. I made my renunciation towards Catholicism loud and clear and there were so many rules in Christianity that never sat well with me and I always knew that I was different as a child and asked questions which the adults in the congregational community saw it as a threat and forced me through religious conformity. I got very bad beef towards the Catholic church and learned how unhappy and miserable I was in the church. As an ex Catholic, I'm still learning and figuring out what kind of a witch I can be and figuring out my pagan practice as a polytheistic pagan
Thank you for sharing. II'm sorry to hear you're in such a difficult point of deconstruction, but I promise that it gets easier!! Surround yourself with people that support you. ♥️
"judgment day" is a contradiction within itself because the Bible clearly states that there is nothing we can do to get to heaven but it is through God's mercy. That's y I agree with the people that say that some texts in the Bible were taken out or changed to benefit the elite
I grew up mormon. I always question my faith and Christianity all together. I was never truly happy in the faith and in retrosprect the faith never worked to build me up. But tear me down and limit me in what i could do/be. Then a few days before my 30th birthday i had a spiritual experiance involving witchcraft, for the 1st time in a looooooong time. I felt free. I saw the easy, the hard, the good, the bad sides of taking the pagan path. But i never ran faster down it. Since being pagan im finally growing into my full potential.
Well everyone knows that Mormonism is a cult. So basically what you are saying is that you were raised in darkness so it was easy for you to go into witchcraft (more darkness).
Thank you for your openness! I can relate to a lot of what you're talking about. I also pretended i was christian for a period of my life, so that i could go to a monastery i was fond of and really liked the sisters there. Plus i was making some money! Another thing i relate to is that i think paganism in general, fells so much more "real" just because of the connection to the earth alone. You really feel alive learning about it, and there are no taboos. Also, i noticed you said you have placements in the 8th house, would you be interested to make videos about astrology? That would be really cool. P.S. can't wait for the collab with Ella!
Thank you for watching! I'm so happy to hear you got something out of it. Seems like we have a similar story! I plan on making videos about astrology soon, keep an eye out!!
Wow…you summed up so many of my own feelings so succinctly. Listening to this I feel like, are you me? Lol. I guess that just goes to show how many people have been hurt by Christianity.
I have a similar story. I actually wanted to become a catholic nun and I tried, but they told me I was too young and had PTSD (I was 22, im 32 now). My big turn off was that I felt I wasn't accepted for many reasons, and I did my best to come to god, and I wanted to communicate with Jesus. I felt like I was abandoned and then like you say, that fear stepped in about going to hell and It turned me off. I felt restricted I became terrified of demons and possession, All of it was scaring the crap out of me, until I found out that there are other worlds and realms out there for an afterlife. Joy came back into my life when I started to connect with goddess Hecate. Divine Love came back, and my mind is so much clearer, my heart is open. I've had a lot of trauma in my life, and I wanted a spiritual practice to connect with a god/dess and be a part of something greater than myself, and I found that in paganism. Thank you for this video!
So sorry to read all those who are judging for how others should believe, despite your kind request for commenters to be supportive. Also, blessed be for the supportive comments. Thank you for sharing your path👍🏻it is a grace for me, will look into other videos on your channel here.
I am currently struggling a lot with my Catholic Faith. I was raised Catholic and I love my faith, not gonna lie. I actually once wanted to become a solitary witch, but went back to Catholicism, because it felt safe. But I have always been drawn to pagan and wiccan religions from an early age. And I have no one I can talk to about this topic with. Most of my tumblr mutuals are catholic (or christian). So openly talking about this on the internet is off the limits. At least on my main blog.
I'm sorry to hear you are struggling, but I know you'll get through this! It's a lifelong process. I have to remind myself that it is okay to not have all the answers. I recommend creating an anonymous account where you can explore your faith and connect to others :)
Idk if this helps you. But you can integrate your pagan practice with some of your catholic traditions. Idk how you could, but i know you can. Also in alot of ways religous traditions are very similar if not the same to pagan practices. Like when you light a candle to pray=candle magic, taking the communal wine and eating the wafers= ritual, baptism=cleansing rituals, burning incense, anointing with oils. Thats all very pagan.
your video is good. but no thanks. this is not for me. i left cathoholicsm a few years ago. And I became a pagan. Then i again started studying about cathoholiscm, i read the bible, which I haven't done before as a catholic. I was amazed to find many prophecies mentioned in the old testament and fullfilled by Jesus and the apostles. All these books of propehts were written hundreds of years ago before the birth of christ. Jesus's birth of virgin Mary was also prophecized by prophet Isaiyah long ago. Then the new testement gives men the idea of Jesus as the eternal king and lord of the lords. Every single word came out of his mouth has a deep meaning. Jesus preached about love, forgiveness and eternal life. Then I started reading about the lives of apostles, saints, mystics and martyrs. All these pointed me towards catholism. And I studied about our lady's apparitions in Fatima, Lourdes, Medjugorje, Guadalupe, Medjugorje, Las Lajas, Akita, Kibeho, Garabandal, Zeitoum, Siluva, la vang, La salette, Laus,etc. Then i studied about all the Eucharistic Miracles happned around the world. And the scientific investigations done on them, I also study about mystics and vissionaries in church history. St. Pedro Pio, St. Theresa of Avila, St. Catherine Labourie, St. Bridjet, St. Gertrude, etc,... Then I realized the truth lies there. In the catholic faith. And i was sad for leaving my catholic faith. the fault was not in catholiscm. it was in me. i didnt study it very well before. as soon as I realize this i left paganism and came back to catholiscm. This is the wrong with many catholics who leave their faith. They dont study the catholic faith well. They just listen to the bs the priest say. I think this is the same fault with you. You should go back and study the catholics faith and history well with all the apparitions and miracles. Then you will find the truth ......
@@finncollins5696 Good for you. But not everyone's journey is the same! Let people decide for themselves! And don't tell me why I left the faith is because I didn't study the faith well. This is the same bullshit argument everyone shouts at you, when go against Church. This is why so many people hate you guys. You believe that your faith alone is the answer to every problem that exist on earth!
@@salembookworm Hi friend, I’m a recent convert to Catholicism and I look at videos like this to hear peoples stories on why they left the faith. I know it’s hard for you to talk openly about it but just know you can always message me and I won’t judge u in a negative way. I believe God meets people where they are. It’s always interesting to hear people’s stories. Take great care!
i deconverted years ago. but, the more time passes the more i realize i must be vigilant when it comes to christians. there are many pagans that want to embrace christians. I try not to. i have my reasons.
Thanks for this... I came to this as I'm in the process of removing myself from the Christian church... I've been practicing as a pagan for a few years now (and held some beliefs prior to that) but have been actively involved in the ELCA Lutheran church for most of my life. I had viewed it as a social group whose ethics I agreed with (ELCA aligns fairly well with my worldview in terms of morality), but the theology is where I fell away. I can honestly say I never bought into the stories that we're told as anything more than an allegory or myth, and that paired with some goings on in my particular church as well as a desire to free my time up to explore what I actually believe has led me to make the decision that this Christmas Eve is my last day as a member of the Christian church. It's always reassuring and reaffirming to hear the stories of others who've made this conversion, as opposed to the more prominent stories of those who went to atheism (who I respect, but respectfully disagree with). May this season bring you new life and hope for the coming year. Blessed be!
Thank you very much for sharing your journey, I really appreciate listening to your experiences and of course I now can’t wait for watching your video with Ella
I just had to leave this comment. I feel like I can definitely relate to this. Because I grew up in a Christian house as well and honestly. I wasn't quite as devoted to it as you were. I must say. I didn't really find any peace in it. You know, even at that age I've just, I felt kind of more afraid of it than anything. That was just forced. Down my throat and I didn't have a choice. You know, I guess? I just really had my own opinions out of even at a young age. But I've also recently gotten in the wicca and witchcraft. And it's funny at the beginning of your video. You said something about the eighth. You must study vedic astrology I have a queue to conjunct my venus as well and they're in pisces as well as rahu conjunct moon.
Growing up, I was in sn organization called Camp Fire Girls. We went camping a lot, and it helped me to realise that Nature, for me, was my true spirituality. Thx for your video ❤
This is really interesting. I’m glad you found your path. I’m not currently struggling with my Christian faith as I don’t have any doubts about whether I believe in Jesus, the Bible, afterlife, the gospel etc. however, I am very drawn to witchcraft and paganism. I feel as you said that God is the earth because he created it. I feel conflicted in having a practice in witchcraft and maintaining my Christian faith. I feel it’s intertwined because witchcraft isn’t the evil thing we are taught it is. It’s loving the earth and using the tools that the divine (whatever that means to each individual, for me it’s the Christian God) created. I feel drawn to herbalism and green witchcraft. I don’t feel it’s wrong for me to practice those things because it’s using the things and energy’s that God created, yet I hide my interest and secret practice from everyone around me. I do feel somewhat lost I suppose because I don’t see how using the earth is bad.
I recommend learning about Christian witchcraft! Sounds like the path for you. I do not believe there’s anything wrong with practicing magic and following Christianity. Some will say there is but you get to decide that for you!!🩵 best of luck on your journey
I’m a Christian universalist and I left the church about 6 years ago for very similar reasons that you have. Im also reconnecting and reconciling my Norse pagan cultural heritage with my refined Christian beliefs that I never felt I was free to do with a Christian fundamentalist upbringing. Thanks for sharing ❤
Fabulous story, and very well-told. I deconstructed from Christianity about a year ago, I would say I’m closer to Buddhist now but very interested in paganism. Thank you for sharing!
I stopped being Christian but I continued believing in God, is so good to hear someone elses story. Also I began searching for my roots to create my own believe system as i have been learning from other deities from my culture.
Good that you mentioned it. Humans always try to look for sources and knowledge and when they couldn't get it they just cope themselves with lies. The argument that: "do we even need a god?" is real. The answer might be yes or no for many, but as of my perosnal understanding i suppose that most people look upto something, something divine. Which, godly dieties can provide. Also they can be described to tell stories and spread knowledge in form of arts and symbols. Also, it's not (and "ideally" should not be) hard core, so its flexible allowing others religions to come and exchange knowlege. That's one of the reason why i think many people transition from. "Religious" -> "Athiest" -> "Spiritual" -> "Pagan" although thats just my opinion and i could be wrong.
loved your very eloquent video and i too love brother bear! i ve been thru many religious changes in my life including wicca and santeria. at 70 i'm still going thru such changes. my latest iteration is kashmir shaivism (everything is God) which i find surprisingly satisfying thru the Shiva meditations. look forward to seeing your next videos! ciao!
OMG!!! I can't believe that I found this video! I love this and finally having found someone to explain how I have felt for years to my fiance. I have felt alone and lost for most of my life. Christianity left me traumatized by having no choice except to follow Christianity. Although my mother was able to help me in some ways to get away from the church. Each summer we would go to pow wows and almost immediately I felt like I was home. I can't wait until I watch more videos of yours.
Thank you for this video❤ I’m struggling so so badly with confusion concerning Christianity etc…I think it’s religious trauma. I noticed you recently posted a video on that😊 I’ll be checking that one out next. I struggle with all the “what if’s” what if I go to hell, what if Jesus was the savior etc. I can’t even sleep anymore. I feel so alone in this world right now. I have no one to talk too😢 I’m a 45 year old I’d love to e-mail with others that would like to dig through these things. Anyone want a friend?😊
Hold on to God and put your trust in Jesus. Join a small group at your local church in your area and they will give you support and encouragement. New Age often sounds good but it ends up being a worship self or false spirits.
I too grew up catholic and took a long time to break away but now I’m Norse pagan and my fiancé is a witch/ eclectic pagan herself. Congratulations 🎉🍾🎊 ✨
Watching this is fascinating. I was born into and raised catholic. I never attended any camps but I never felt a definitive connection to Catholicism. It felt strange that people weren’t questioning things or that everything talked about was believed as truth without explanation. Figuring out my place in witchcraft has been slightly confusing because I don’t really know how to do things without the presence of catholic practices involved. It’s been interesting so far.
Hi! I’m at the point where I’m questioning whether I am a Christian or someone who believes in something else. Christianity was something I was raised with, not forced into, but it brought me a sense of comfort and familiarity over the years. I had one of those Christian bibles for mom and me and after reading the entire thing with my mom and understanding the sacrifice, I accepted Yeshua as my savior at the age of four. But here’s the thing, as I grew up I developed a form of social anxiety that was strange. I grew anxious whenever I had to separate from my mother and go to the middle school Sunday class and congregation. We eventually stopped going to church as regularly due to family needs but when I wanted to go to church since we’ve moved, I was struck with this sense of fear and anxiety. Idk if this anxiety was sent to mess with me and ruin my relationship with God but I’ve since stopped feeling His presence when I think of Him unlike when I used to get goosebumps and a chill telling me He or at least something was there. I’m drawn to the witch aesthetic but also wanted to start practicing as I’ve always been drawn to different pantheons outside of Christianity since middle school. I wasn’t as sheltered as a lot of my Christian friends at church were as I was allowed to be well rounded. I don’t feel guilty per se about not believing wholeheartedly in Christianity but more of being scared of exploring outside of Christianity again since it gave me a sense of familiarity. Reading the Bible gives me more questions than answers. My mom taught me to accept everyone who has different beliefs (I love her for that) but we’re not allowed to practice religion outside of Christianity at home since my older brother was Wiccan and had a whole spiritual journey at 16 and practiced at home and brought stuff into our last house in our hometown using an oujia board. Before I even start practicing anything, I’m going to ensure I’m well versed in protection.
Jesus says that he is the way the truth and the life and that no one goes to the father except through him (John 14:6). We don’t HAVE to follow God; he let’s us choose our own ways because we have free will, however, our paths without God will lead to destruction later on.
Got to the part where youre talking about your questioning. As a sold out christian i would like to affirm you on all of this... as much as i do love my brothers and sisters the area of "apologetics" is truly undeveloped. There are answers to all of your questions, however anyone (not just Christians) only have so much free mental energy and space to give over to any goven topic. And then there are people with questionable moral indoctrinal characters. I do hope you find the Lord once more as i know He loves you so very deeply. Peace :).
That's not true in my opinion. Many people go to Christian schools and debates and at the end face the question, "Why dont you believe what you're told?" or "Its written in the book!". If there was any person who could have explained it in way that "everyone will understand it" and "no questions will be left" it would have been out by now. Even, people reading sacred text at the end had to shut up and just accept what's written.
@sushilkumarlohani6709 chur. well you know, if you actually want to look into the validity of the biblical texts you will find it. It is a big task, there's a lot of historical and cultural context and you will have to sift through the "just believe it cause". But there is overwhelming evidence. "The Case for Christ" is a great movie based on a book of one person doing just that. But it is well worth looking into and there will be two possible outcomes. You can say for a fact that you've actually genuinely looked into our case and then found it to be wrong (I don't believe I've ever personally met someone who has done this) and then can prove that undeniably to Christians or you find that our beliefs are valid and you have just met the Holy God of the Universe.
@sushilkumarlohani6709 also there hasn't been a moment I just say down shut up and listened to YHWH. He asks for faith sure, but the idea of blind faith is an entirely new idea. YHWH always reveals Himself and then asks you to have faith so that He will continue to show Himself. I met YHWH and then I sat down and read His book because I knew Him to be trustworthy and far greater in knowledge than I am.
@@HuiothesiaI agree with you, but I've also met people who are overly protective to their text and belief and don't prefer to jump into discussion and questions about them. many criticizes movies and shows about "intentional" wrong depiction of their beliefs, rather taking them as progressive step. But your point stand I get it.
@sushilkumarlohani6709 this is true. However I'm hesitant to label this as an issue with any one group. I've been an athiest, a spiritualist (also seeking many religions) and eventually a Christian. I found that close mindedness is an inherently human problem and pointing the finger at everyone else while refusing to look at ones self (and ones own group) was just as much the problem. Any good Christian realizes that he is a hypocrite and that the church is filled with them. It's a major point of the old and new Testament. But if those coming into the church are hypocrites, what did that make them before they entered?
Amazing explanation made a difference to me as I've just left the church and alot of our church friends who have now distanced themselves because of my change of belief, I can now share this as I relate to this so much.
I was raised christain in the 70s . I tried liveing a christain lifestyle . But i was trans . It coused lots of emotional pronlems , but I did not want to go to hell . I studied the bible . And went to church , but it did not settle with me . Preacher running down leaf lovers and people that put nature over the bible as witchcraft . That really confused me , becouse I loved being in nature , I was raised in the woods , and it bothered me that I was really considered a witch. Years later in Alaska I met a witch . And I was fascinated. So I studied wicca and witches. I really don't care in doing rituals or spells , I just revered nature . I finally broke from the hatefullness of christains. Going threw a devorace , that blew my whole faith in church , for the church turned on me . I then had a sexchange . I felt so free . But the attacks from the church , aaauuuggg. They have no clue .anyway I embraced my nature loveing leaf loveing life . Peace.n love .
I think that's the biggest issue that most people who are in this situation have: When parents are raising their children in ANY religion, to be honest, there is a strange disconnect between "Teaching the faith to someone" and "Teaching them what motions to move into." My issue as well is that growing up is that Christianity was "A thing I was supposed to do" but I was never taught "Faith". You put it very beautifully- "God is as real as much as the sky is blue" I think the question you said about "What about those who haven't heard the gosple, what about them" really set off a lot of people because it destroyes or assumes something about their faith they cannot handle. I think it was only an elder in my mom's church who offered something that I think is at least a 'satisfactory answer to anyone alive asking it- 'Well, I think if that's the case God will judge them on how well they lived according to what he wants: Loving each other and doing what's right not because we don't want to be punished but because our hearts tell us it's the right thing. remember Everyone was given the holy spirit when they're born, it is part of God's gift to humanity no matter who or what they are. So I think as long as they listen to that, they'll be fine." But if we don't teach our kids how to have faith, no matter what religion we are teaching them, we are setting them up for failure for not understanding who or what they are on such a deep spiritual level that it will destroy them.
I relate to the asking questions bit and the discovery on pantheism actually. Most of my family was Christian but my mother was an atheist Hindu, and Hinduism felt like something was clicking from a young age but I didn't understand why, because most people in my life thought it was polytheistic however my mom was an atheist who studied yoga (both the philosophy and practice). It didn't help that when I asked about religion most of the answers I got was Christian, because my family tried so hard for years to find the "right church" and go every Sunday. It was like religion was part of life but it was only talked about historically or when other people wanted to preach to the choir that I was shoved into without the staff notation, much less told how to read it. Then I found out about pantheism and how most schools of Hinduism considers all devas (gods) to be aspects of Brahman (God/Truth). And then I found out a lot of Pagan practices believe the same thing. That's part of the reason why I consider myself Pagan and Hindu now; actually primarily Pagan but I also honor and meditate on some devas the same way my mother did (especially Shiva, who I loved even as a child), so in many ways I am a Pagan because I accept Hindu teachings.
I, too, was raised Lutheran (LCMS). I left it behind when I joined the Marines in the early 1990s. I had a lot of buddies who were Wiccans and atheists. The clincher for me, however, was being stationed in Japan, an entire culture that was not only not Christian, but did not know nor care anything about it or any other Abrahamic faith. I thought, "If they can have a functional society without Christianity, anybody can!" I became an atheist for years, then agnostic, but have found my way to eclectic paganism (with a Hellenic emphasis). It's just right for me. One thing about Lutheranism, though - we got real wine for communion. As a kid, I thought that was pretty cool!
So thankful for this video i loved now over 35 years of pure poverty war sickness loss and im truly tired im very disappointed and christianity and God etc i will always respect the belief but im very disappointed in the journey. I hate to live in regret and wishing my life was happier😢
As a Christian I am happy to see she has a spark of joy, thats the Spirit of Love, of God. God causes paganism and also wicca to grow and yes, that is good, because christians can be so without love, Emotionally forceful, cold, ritualistic
Thanks for your story. I think in this postmodern era in which we are living, people are starting to ask why we believe/think/process the way we do. Is it just habit? It's comfortable? Perhaps, it is both, until it isn't. For some time now, I have thought we are facing, in the West anyway, a crisis of meaning and community. The old pat answers don't satisfy any longer and community remains allusive (FB/Social media doesn't count--it can reinforce, but it cannot replace). That is why people begin to look elsewhere. I do have a perspective and that is that the spark of life within all beings--but we are talking about the humans for now--seeks freedom, creativity and a best outcome. I realize there is a lot to unpack in that statement, but the "spark/divinity" doesn't really care much for exclusivist institutions. I see, at least on the horizon, increased efforts at bringing people together under spiritual practice. Some practices may lean contemplative, some more open such as unitive in nature, some even Eastern, and most likely and ultimately, blendings and cross-fertilizations of techniques and practices across traditions. It's hard to say how this will all pan out, but your journey is indicative of that movement. If Wicca works for you, or any variations, great! If you have a philosophical bent, you might read some of process philosophy/theology which shares some of your perspectives on the universe, but steps into the quantum world also. I think you will find it reinforces many of your current pantheistic views and takes it a step further. It's originator (Whitehead) was accused to drifting into Buddhism. So, in Zen fashion--hands clasped together.
I went to a Christian college and I asked A LOT of questions in theology class. The most interesting response I got was from another student who said "Why don't you just believe what you're told to believe?!" Also, what was interesting is that there were multiple times the professor didn't have an answer to my questions.
Everyone has a unique journey and unique background. Like me, many people raised in religion based on family may not have that same faith of their own, I also was turned off by religious hypocritical people and searched for other things in my life. It's very common for religious backgrounds especially Catholic, to turn to the pagan religion. With my experience at first it was enlightening and freeing, then slowly these good spirits turned dark and I was trapped and a slave to these experiences and evil entities that first came as light. I then slowly started reading the bible and asking people who were very loving christians, a lot of questions, their life and love was inspiring and they knew the bible. They accepted me right where I was at. Paganism has magic but the Holy spirit and Jesus was the only thing that took away my brokenness, my depression, my confusion, and ultimately I found he was most Powerful in my life and others around me. He renewed my heart and mind. I didn't just see Jesus as a prophet anymore, I believed what he spoke in the bible and it changed my entire life! I'm thankful for my journey through pagan experiences bc it led me to really see and experience the love, truth and power of Jesus and the Holy Spirit. And I can love others right where they are, not forcing anyone to change but just showing love and trusting God has a plan for them in their unique journey. Lots of love and prayers for your life as you seek truth. ❤🙏🏻
My story is slightly different, as I remain a Christian, but I am now a Pelagian Chridtian druid and have worked with beings that Pagans consider deities. I'm a British Christian, so Hell and original sin were not concepts we cared about. I found my vocation to druidry after a vision at West Kennet Long Barrow in 1998. I initiated in 1999.
thank you for sharing, i was born in a Catholic family and now i began to question my faith. with the internet i now have access to the knowledge other religions, faiths and philosophies. i tell you it was frightening at first because stepping into the unknown and questioning what you been thought all your life but as i continue on my journey of knowledge i begin to realize that if god want us to follow the scriptures blindly then why did god give us free will? would it be better if god created us as mindless automations or dolls blindly following god's orders mindlessly. am still on my journey of knowledge and self discovery and it led me to your video and the many knowledge, perspectives of philosophers, posters, priest, gurus and monks i absorb. it's liberating but at the same time its overwhelming. am still have so many questions about life, gods, the universe, death and the afterlife. i may never find all the answers to all of my questions and it may be an unending journey am walking but i will still walk it. thank you for sharing.
Just to say, i know this is an older video but being a pagan myself, it is ok to be totally eclectic with where you pull your practises from. I follow certain wiccan holidays, even though its super hard being in the southern hemisphere, but i dont follow everything becuase it is in fact a religion and its rules dont sit with me. I also follow celtic and norse practises and believe and follow in many gods and goddesses. Ultimately i believe that there is divine in every living thing. Also i grew up with Catholic teachings and the likes and it didnt take me long to figure out that it wasn't right for me, i was still quiet young. In saying that though my family has old Irish blood and i have ancestors that were gypsy and carnival folk so believing in certain things was accepted to a point. And it is in my immediate family, outside of that though, not so much. I'm sure i have many people in my life who accept my choices but also think im a little nuts! So stay true to you, dont feel like to have to be one particular kind of pagan because there are so many ways to be one, even as a collective.
I was raised Christian, and hell has been so deeply ingrained in my mind that it has been very difficult to accept the fact that I have been a closet witch my whole life, I just felt it from a very young age. I remember practicing my first spell without even realizing what I was doing, and my spell worked! I haven't told any of my family because I know how it would go if I did. I still haven't dared step out and full-on practice it. Christians reinforce my fears by telling me that it will let demons into my life and risk possession, or that I will be cut off from God permanently. If Christianity is real, then I'm doomed. I have read the Bible, not in full, but I know the gospels and know what the Old Testament God was like, and I didn't like it, and I just can't justify some of the things in the Bible. How can I preach the gospel and defend it when there are things in it that I can't by my own good conscious defend. If I were a defense lawyer, my defense wouldn't hold up in court.
I’ve felt a huge connection to the moon scence I was a kid, I’m still trying to figure out what is calling me, including witchcraft, I was raised in a non denomination and Pentecost house…were if you did witchcraft you would threaten to be beat or you here story’s or see videos on possession, when I was a kid I loved princess Luna from mlp….she was the reason I appreciated the moon to begin with, that’s how I saw the beauty…..of the moon and how Luna was wrongfully imprisoned and judged . Later on I relised something was up….there was something more to the moon than just a silly cartoon….I would sit and gaze at it…almost building my own belief on it combined with other cultures and religions, I started to question witchcraft….because I was told it was all evil…I did research…..later on it played more in my life…..connection to nature, and how connected I was through water, I personally believe that the moon created nature as well as control it, the sun brings it to life.
i'm a follower of Christ and I agree im scared of both Heaven and Hell because Hell is just terrible but Heaven means you wont be with some of your previous loved ones and being an immortal would be scary, but apparently in Heaven all of your fears will be washed away
In other words: "Magical Brain Surgery" so you don't care anymore and have all the time to praise a being who actually doesn't need it but want it anyway for some reason. I find the concept of Heaven utterly disgusting.
@@Myke_thehuman Rude? Why? How? If I think that concept X is very disgusting to me, saying so is being honest about it; the concept, not the person. Did I say/write that he/she's a bad person, or wrong, or stupid, or that I take joy from his worries and personal struggles about a "spiritual conflict" that he/she has etcetera? Nope. Also, if you are not "worried" anymore all of the sudden by thinking or not thinking about the agony of some loved ones that are not with you in Heaven because "all your fears will be washed away" that means that "someone or something" is messing with your thoughts and feelings and personality, so what I did is a description, wasn't it? Now to describe "reality" is rude? Ok...
@@Geralt_harvey3784 The question is, do even horrible people deserve a punishment that never ends? We are not talking about 80 years of torment, or 400 years, or a thousand years, or 10.000 years of torture, or 2.000 million years (I can't fully picture in my mind such enormous ammount of time)... we are talking Forever. And despite how much we can hate and condemn and despise their despicable actions, in my opinion we must think, is that Ok or is it not? What does that make of us if we allow or we are Ok with that? Because it's easy to say "Eternal Torture" when you don't have to witness it and go to your own bussiness... Honestly, I don't have a definitive answer, I'm divided about if is that too much or is it not. Also, we have diferent levels of "horrible", for example human justice punishes diferently a thief, a rapist and a murderer, but with this, all get the same punishment, one that never ends, is that ok or is it not?
My life started out the same way. But I was having so many weird spiritual experiences and visions that contradicted what I was taught. It went way beyond and outside it. Plus I was an alien abductee in the 80s as a teen. Throw some other pantheon dieties and spirits into all that and things dont match up. I had to keep all that to myself. I was really into the church camps as a kid too. I had some profound connections to the divine back then. There is a dark and a light. Recently its been more focused on the dark divine. Even "demons" are old gods and not the evil parasite and predatory spirits in the lower astral that actually attack and drain people. It took me till just recently to learn that.
My path towards becoming a witch started when I looked up the difference between the words theism and atheism. LOL as an adult I didn't know which was which. I looked up these words on RUclips and atheism brought me a post by Christopher Hitchens. One video by him and I was done done with Christianity and was on my way.
To help you madamé.. there is a different concept of hell in every religion. a different diety associated with it. and Lastly, it's just a way to create fear in people's mind. Why would the god who created the heavens where he lives, would invite a scumbag like you there.
“Your faith is your own”. Wish the people on this planet understood that simple concept.
With much respect and wishes for you to be well.
I agree! Thank you for watching, sending all my love back at ya!🤎
@@simplywitchedwas the end of the video a spell????
I 100% agree and at the same time Jesus said he is the only way so this is simply a free will argument for me. Non christians your faith is your own because of free will. I believe Jesus so with that said it's a tough thing to be accurate with non believers without pushing them away.
By the time you know it's 5 minutes to late😮
@@satori2890 it's never to late to love God, even when you pass away and in the Spiritual realm I visit! 🤗
First thing you notice from an ex-christian is that they have a spark of life and joy that they didn't have when they were christians.
Freedom, the spark is freedom🤎 at least for me!!
I agree at least I can say that I have noticed that about myself
It won't last. Yahshuah still loves ya.
@@mythacat1 why are you searching this up?
@@BlackCupcake-s3c I know magic is real, I met a group I couldn't judge the fruit of. There were many many signs, wonders, & miracles. Was worried whether they were secret practitioners of the occult. Didn't find answers on here, but I ended up feeling bad for all of you folks l, decided to comment. I'm a sinner too, but God loves us so much that he provides a way for noone to be destroyed. You can have a short life with magic and cease to exist after, or an eternity with the very creator of both the natural and supernatural. Don't choose to be destoyed.
Wow. Thank you for this. I grew up christian in a very abusive household. I hated being a Christian. It's not the path for me. But paganism and witchcraft saved me. Made me love myself. Thank you
Most Christians are true Christians, most Christian’s are hipocrits and practice pagan traditions just like every Christian religion that celebrates Christmas and Easter and Halloween and have numerous sexual partners throughout life.
The truth is what the world accepts as acceptable as a Christian is far from what god expects from his people and the people that will make it through judgement day, actually have to truly try their very best to live up to his expectations. Actually waiting until marriage to be intimate, if ur good looking and it will be difficult especially if u live in a rural area with a small population and meeting the person u want to be with for the rest of ur life is difficult, but u have to do a admirable effort, if ur Christian and u were raised in it and u banged like 5 people that’s not that great of a job, for what god offers eternal life in a paradise earth described as what the garden of Eden was like with ur body being blesssed and allowed to operate at its highest level, having probably two or three times as much energy as u had at 18, having ur brain releasing endorphins and dopamine at all time high at all times, just happy content, energetic, satisfied, not stressed, u built ur own house and have plenty of land and ur spouse is gorgeous and 100% loyal and selfless and easy to get along with having the loyalty of the best dog in the world and growing to have such a close connection u guys just exist in harmony at all times treating each other like u do to urself, all evil dishonest people destroyed and gone.
Fruit and vegetables are 10 times more nutritious and tasty and the colors and lushness is like high definition, just beauty covering every inch of this earth to a level beyond the best instagram
Photos of beautiful places.
A lot of people are not that genuine, it’s hard to find people on a level that is similar to myself and it’s very disappointing and irritating, I don’t think narcissists will be around after judgment day even if their so called Christians.
U can’t trust or rely on everyone no matter how Christian they pretend to be.
And like she said I should be a good person because u want to be a good person and not because u want to be in gods kingdom.
And by the way gods plan from the beginning was for righteous to inherit the earth and exist on it for eternity in perfect health and contentment. No pain no sickness no sadness no lying, no backstabbing no betrayal.
That’s what god intention was for mankind and that has never changed after Adam n Eve sinned gods plan for mankind to live on this earth restored to a paradise like the beginning has never changed and it says in the Bible very clearly the meek will live in gods kingdom on earth.
It doesn’t say everyone righteous goes to heaven, if heaven was so much greater the fallen angels wouldn’t have been so tempted to mess with women and intermingle with humans if there was so much better things to do in heaven. I would love to be close to god in heaven but what’s everyone gonna do up there especially if the earth is empty with no humans, the angels were tasked at watching over us on earth if everyone’s up there what’s everyone gonna do.
No sunsets no oceans no waterfalls no marriage no partner no children no home and garden and lazy boy , no bbqs , no intimacy.
Ya u would be one of the most powerful creations if god brought u to heaven and made u a angel, that would be intense, but that’s not what the Bible says, Christianity can be a let down and can have lots of fake people especially if what u were taught was not accurate or in depth and churches like that often have lots of fake people.
But u se like a really genuine person what u said about u want to be good because that’s what u just want to do, it’s not for any other selfish reward or appearance sake. And u wouldn’t have said it like that if it wasn’t true
Sounds like my life. What path have you found for witchcraft?
Abuse is not Christian. It’s just fake Christianity.
@@PlagueNurseOpalExactly
@@IrasayLilly Matthew 11:28-30
I was outcasted from Christian groups and always felt judged. I became agnostic and feel a sense of control now and less guilty of “hell” which I don’t believe it exists anymore. I don’t feel scared of dead or ghosts anymore. So freeing…
Interesting. I don't feel guilty of hell or are scared of any spirits etc the only fear I have is of God and it's a reverent fear as well. When you fear him that way and trust he knows what's best you fear nothing even death.
Be your own spiritual seeker find a quite space in nature and meditate your higher mind which is you in another dimension will talk to you giving you ideas words in your mind! That happened to me and I'm stronger minded now!
The fear and guilt you were feeling meant god hadn’t turned his face from u yet ur heart has hardened I hope and pray you seek him again
@@indigenascuscatlecos ignorance is spiritual leprosy. Seek acceptance from God more than people. His acceptance is the only thing that matters. God loves you and wants a relationship with you but he wants you to turn from your sin. Objective truth exists and it is true that anyone who has not trusted in the Son of God to save them is going to perish. God doesn’t want this for you but is being patient for your sake. Please read the Bible and seek to know who God is and how He wants you to live! Jesus came to Earth as God in the flesh and suffer the punishment WE ALL deserve which is death on the cross. Hundreds of witnesses saw Him alive after death and Gods spirit now resides in the hearts of those who love him and follow his commands! Please seek God with all that you have! He wants you to be saved from sin!
I am always amazed at a young person who discovers themselves at such an early age. I admire that greatly. My unfolding and rebuilding has come at a much later age but I am embracing it. I relate to a lot of what you shared. Thank you for speaking your truth. ❤
Thank you for watching. It’s never to late to step into you! Best of luck on your journey 🩵
I had quite the laugh reading this comment section.. People have no idea about how many times the bible has been edited, look at how many books they removed from it and tell me it is 100 percent true.. smh..and there are over 1500 different beliefs in this world and the christian way is the ONLY way? I don't think so..
Love this! Incidentally I'm going to read the complete apocrypha to see what exactly most of us are missing from the bible. Funnily enough there are so many similarities in a lot of the world religions. There's so much to learn!
You should definitely read up on why the Bible is true. From the people who directly followed Jesus and their writings, to unexplained coincidences, etc.
Thanks for sharing your story. As a Christian I completely agree with you that it is strange how most Christians have never read the Bible. That may be why you did not get many answers to your theological questions. If no one around you really knew what the Bible contains how could they answer questions. The best of wishes to you❤️
Thank you kindly 🤎
I was raised Catholic. My neighbor was a practicing "spiritual" person. WINK WINK! The people in our neighborhood were not nice to her yet she still delivered delicious pies and cookies at the holidays and decorated her home with natural elements. She was about 10 years older than me and just the coolest, nicest, kindest person. When I was around 10, I remember having conversations with her about world views, over tea and while her candles burned. It was so calming and safe to me. I was like you, I asked respectful questions and was told to go pray and that I was just sinning for asking. I was held back in a lot of my life, living in such a conservative home and not being able to have any fun. When I turned 18, I left that life and have been doing my own thing since.
Oh my gosh haha!! I love that this neighbor had such a positive impact on you. She sounds lovely, and look- it all worked out!! Love this. Thank you for sharing.
your video is good. but no thanks. this is not for me. i left cathoholicsm a few years ago. And I became a pagan. Then i again started studying about cathoholiscm, i read the bible, which I haven't done before as a catholic. I was amazed to find many prophecies mentioned in the old testament and fullfilled by Jesus and the apostles. All these books of propehts were written hundreds of years ago before the birth of christ. Jesus's birth of virgin Mary was also prophecized by prophet Isaiyah long ago. Then the new testement gives men the idea of Jesus as the eternal king and lord of the lords. Every single word came out of his mouth has a deep meaning. Jesus preached about love, forgiveness and eternal life. Then I started reading about the lives of apostles, saints, mystics and martyrs. All these pointed me towards catholism.
And I studied about our lady's apparitions in Fatima, Lourdes, Medjugorje, Guadalupe, Medjugorje, Las Lajas, Akita, Kibeho, Garabandal, Zeitoum, Siluva, la vang, La salette, Laus,etc.
Then i studied about all the Eucharistic Miracles happned around the world. And the scientific investigations done on them,
I also study about mystics and vissionaries in church history.
St. Pedro Pio, St. Theresa of Avila, St. Catherine Labourie, St. Bridjet, St. Gertrude, etc,...
Then I realized the truth lies there. In the catholic faith. And i was sad for leaving my catholic faith. the fault was not in catholiscm. it was in me. i didnt study it very well before. as soon as I realize this i left paganism and came back to catholiscm.
This is the wrong with many catholics who leave their faith. They dont study the catholic faith well. They just listen to the bs the priest say. I think this is the same fault with you. You should go back and study the catholics faith and history well with all the apparitions and miracles. Then you will find the truth ......
@@finncollins5696 And this is exactly why people leave the typical "religion" because people want to tell them what to do. You don't live her life. Let her be.
@@txspacemom765 this is why people like you leave and HATE religion. Don't leave or accept religion because of the other people. But because of its content and meaning. As an ex pagan I asked her to re study cathoholism. I didn't ask her to come or leave any religion. Read my comment carefully. I gave her a suggestion. A choice. Whether to consider it or not is all upto you.
It is crazy how you say"this is why ppl leave...typical religon". Then you leave religion because of what other ppl did? right? Don't do that.
@@finncollins5696 Just let her do her thing, she doesn't need your suggestions. Go find that "Turn the other cheek" thing y'all supposedly believe in and leave me alone. And yes, I left religion for a multitude of reasons, 1 being I was assaulted by several member of the Catholic Church, police reports and all brushed under the rugged and allowed and covered up by the Church and family members. I am 50 year old woman who has 1000000% made her own decisions, based on the what has happened to me in my life and what is best for me and consistently seeing Christians being some of the most hateful, mocking and judgmental hypocrites out there. Go find a Catholic channel then. Thanks!
Your story sounds very similiar to my own. I was raised in the Christian faith (Baptist) all my life. My family went to church three times a week and my dad was a deacon in my church. I wasn't even allowed to spend the night at my friends' house on Saturday nights because I had to be home to go to church on Sunday morning. I questioned everything every step of the way, but I do that with all things, so I didn't think much of it. Fast forward 30 years (cuz I'm old and I don't want to bore you with the details, lol) and I found myself to be at best, an agnostic and at worst, an atheist. Then I became curious about Wicca, paganism, mindfulness, tarot, why things always seem to happen for a reason in my life ,etc. Finding meaning in the things around me feels more right to me than believing in the possibility of a single god. I'm not just a baby wiccan, but more like a fetus wiccan, lol. So far, though, the journey has been rewarding. I've found some answers along the way, but more questions than anything and I LOVE to learn. I go back and forth on some things, but I'm comfortable with the aspects that I question rather than ashamed, like I was as a teenager.
I can relate to this a lot. Thank you for sharing! I’m so happy you’ve made it to a place where you allow yourself to explore. 🥰
I appreciate your journey and I'm also sad about the abuse and neglect from your family and the church. It kept you from really understanding what the gospel means for your life. Jesus loves you and wants the best for you. If you don't want him I understand, I just hate seeing Jesus being misrepresented and used as a tool of control and justification for abuse. God bless and don't cut Jesus off because of bad people. Do your own searching in the word and if you don't want go down that path that's your decision 100% I just can't stay silent when I see someone turn away because of people and not Jesus. Much love your way 😊
In terms of a single God, I am Pagan, but I am also a Pantheist, which means that God and the Universe are the same energy/being. Personally, it made a lot of sense for me, and I came to it naturally. I also found out that a lot of Pagans share the same belief. Maybe this will help you on your journey as a possible belief system as well. Cheers and blessings!
no wayyy we have the exact same story down to growing up baptist, deacon fathers and church 3 times a week omggg only difference is I’m in my twenties and discovered wicca and witchcraft sooner
@@faeofthevalley Wow! I’m happy for you that you’ve found a path that makes sense and is meaningful. I could say that I wish I had found it earlier in life too, but I believe that I found my path at the exact right time when I really needed spirituality in my life. Good luck to you!!! ❤️❤️❤️
I think its really all about how much you are willing to open your heart to spiritual teachings. I was raised catholic, converted to paganism and started reading the bible as an adult and found that really, according to jesus and his teachings, my pagan beliefs were not wrong but actually help me understand the bible in a much less diluted way. I am he and he is we. As a "pagan christian" I also find so much value in buddhist and hindu teachings and I believe that each religion is just about searching for divinity in whatever way makes the most sense to your soul.
Brother bear was eye opening to me too! I was raised up (baptist) Christian and I always felt that it didn’t make sense to me and I tried so hard to believe it. But when I watched brother bear for the first time it made more sense to me than anything the church had ever told me (no disrespect to the Christian faith. It was just my personal experience) it made me question things and see things differently. Now I’m an pagan witch as well. 👍🏻💕
This is what I needed to hear. I felt so alone in my questioning and this was validating. Thank you.
You are not alone🩵 sending you peace and love!! Thank you for watching 🥹
I lived in a violent and dysfunctional home while supposedly meant to be Christian. What changed for me was when i was 15. During "kids time" a kid asked our paster "if god made us, who made god?". The room went silent and it was brushed off. After a long 15 years later, no "force" to my self, i slowly broke away from Christianity and without knowing it, started living the Irish Pagan practise. Now i am almost 31, 2 kiddos (8 & 10), one has found Christianity her belief and the other has found Wicca is for her. As you said in your video, we all worship a higher power and shows to us all differently. Thats what i teach my girls.
God exists though but not as a GOD is the first principle which divided into many through thought wave form and expansion he's the alpha and omega living through all the living organisms so nobody made God! God means divinity in Greek (Deus) divinity is the escence in life, plants animals rocks and aliens have divinity in them! But in religions and pop culture God or goddesses is view as this powerful being creator or as a powerful feminist! Or a witch goddess of nature!
I’m a natural witch AND I also honor master Jesus!! Love your vibe!! Btw I don’t accept the doctrine God is not a dysfunctional tyrant in the sky lol!! We are all one with each other and one with ‘God’ as well! Thanks for this video and thank you very much for sharing your wisdom & light✨
I'm glad you've realized. Atheists say people don't collectively agree on the same God, but the God you describe is the conclusion of God we all seem to come to when we dive into spirituality! God is love, we are all God, God is all, we're all connected. Peace be with you
You cannot honor or serve Jesus as a witch. Witchcraft involves idol worship of the self and nature. In the Old Testament, anyone practicing it was stoned to death.
Please read your Bible. Do not be ignorant of the faith. You are sinning and in rebellion against the God of the Bible.
You cant serve 2 Gods
half way through the video and I am like : EXACTLY !!! I have never met somebody that had the same kind of thought process as me OMG!
I am from a different background. My parents separated since I was a baby, so I stayed with my mom for my first 12 years. She's a christian and my dad is a muslim. Grew up going to church and everything. Then i went to my dad during high school and he was kind of forcing me to pray and be a muslim, so one of my aunty was in charge of teaching me, but we would already pray all together and all. and I remember one day asking her: if God/Allah created the whole world , and all these languages how come we are forced to pray in arabic? (mind you we are a french speaking country) She just felt attacked or idk and blew up and just told my dad that I said that I didn't want to be a muslim. Omg and my dad wouldn't believe me when I was trying to explain what happened. so I some point i just gave up both religions (for other reasons too).
Now I am on a spiritual journey (they both don't know yet, and really i'M NOT ready to have that conversation cause they're good people but both so engrained in their religion ..). I am not sure where it is going to lead me yet but I already feel more like myself and FREE to think for myself.
Anyway thank you for this video. so great to relate to somebody else !😃
So glad you found peace in this video, thank you for watching and sharing your story 🤎
I know right I remember as a kid my aunt told me if you don’t believe in Jesus you’ll burn in hell and I was crying it’s too much for a kid. And when I was 16 I really got into it and for a moment I thought I was happy till the madness creeped in my head and my mind was being ripped apart with horrible thoughts of hell. I completely lost the will to actually do anything especially school and friends, it wasn’t till about a year ago that I started to watch Vikings and yes it’s not historically accurate but it was amazing and the gods were awesome. Then I got a calling or an urge to make an offering to Odin the all father I made one offering and I felt more at peace then ever before, and now I’m a proud pagan with multiple gods ranging from Norse, Celtic and Egyptian I’m so proud of how far I’ve come and can’t wait to see what the gods have in-store
Same here, as an Indonesian, grewing up in a Pentecolists Family, they were very extreme towards religion. I always thought that this "divine" teachings, weren't so divine afterall, after I became hooked up, I later converted to Paganism, a Norse one to be specific and joined Asatru, now I have my own beliefs as well. But I stick around, and proud to be an Asatru. So having you here as to share the same experience as many others. I can tell I can feel your pain, skul too you brother!
@@jkillerfans2072😂😂😂😂 christianity is pagan tho you all still believing the same thing God almighty was a man so christianity is pagan as well idk why you saying (from christianity to paganism) 😂😂 its (paganism to paganism)
My path to Paganism was quite different. I’m from an interfaith household (dad’s Jewish and mom’s Christian, specifically Lutheran). My folks never forced any particular faith down mine and my brother’s throats and I was encouraged to read different mythologies. When my grandpa (paternal) died I was really sad because I was close to him and grandma. He was never big on religion and I felt neither Judaism nor Christianity really fit me. Then I found a small book on Wicca and I realized it was a great fit: an earth-focused belief system that preaches tolerance and openness. My parents were more than welcoming of me converting and are helping me look for a local coven so I can learn and expand my knowledge. Today I primarily worship the Celtic deities but I also pray to Freyja which reflects my heritage (Germanic and a bit of Celtic via Bavaria). I didn’t learn about the Slavic pantheon until a couple years ago which I should be worshiping according to certain people (technically my dad is part Polish but his family always identified as German) but I never felt any draw towards them.
literally so happy i found this video and your channel!! i was raised catholic and have struggled with the religion for as long as i can remember, then when i went to college the tiny catholic bubble i was in burst and i realized i don’t agree or resonate with any of it. i’ve been out of college for years now and am so drawn to paganism but also have so much catholic guilt leftover lol so it’s been difficult getting over that. thank you for telling your story, i hope to be where you’re at one day!
I was raised Anglican. I was questioning the concept of religion and God at a very young age. My family required us to go to church until we had a confirmation, then it was our choice. After that time, I went on holidays out of tradition. For many years I considered myself atheist. On a discovery of other religions and concepts now, including Buddhism, Paganism, Wiccan and other nature based traditions. Thank you for sharing this!
Thank you for watching, and for sharing your story!♥️
I can tell you God exists, but not the angry horrible God that most describe. The God of true love and patience, that we're all made of and apart of does exist. God is all, everything, the universe. If you don't choose to agree that's totally fine, I'm just telling you what I have found. 😊😊
Found your video late, I absolutely adored your story.
I feel like a homeless pagan; I don't adhere to any particular practice but have quite a bit of overlap with various pagan faiths.
I'm a right leaning anarchist politically and this decentralized, voluntary, self interest with elements of communal thinking brought me to where I am spiritually. I seek to know as much as I can about the earth, my relationship with it and how to further empower myself for others in my life. Pagan practices have healed me from religious and societal trauma. Excited to continue along this journey.
There is such a thing as being an "Eclectic Witch", where you learn from all practices and use the ones you enjoy. Just thought I'd throw that out there for ya. Never feel forced to follow just one method. They're all great!
It’s a journey! Keep exploring and see what works for you. 🤎 you’ll find what home is to you! Thank you for watching and sharing your story with me too.
I was born to Muslim family. I became a Christian on July 2022 at age 17.
What does that mean? I saw you are subscribed to LDS cult pages, Catholic pages, and gay pastors.. you seem confused. Please read the Bible. Christians do not follow those pages.
The only good page you are following is Vlad. Please don’t follow any of those other pages. They are leading you astray from the truth. Please read the Bible.
@PlagueDoctorOpal Not you proving that there's definitely substance behind the idea that christians can be incredibly judgmental and hateful. Thanks for the extra conformation bud. Jesus would be ashamed of this behavior, he hung with prostitutes and thieves, yet didn't act judgmental, why must you?
Yes. I grew up the same way. Im a nurse. Ive worked in Geriatrics. Ive seen death. There are many religions. Not just Christianity.
I was raised Catholic. Im 61 and new to this path. I'm trying to explore
"My Irish Celtic heritage"!!!
Me too! I did my DNA analysis and see that I mostly Slavic/ Northern European and IrishScottishWelsh with 1% Saudi Arabian DNA. I thought…”no wonder I don’t know what Religion to follow!”
@@heathercryer3238 , Be wise and choose to believe in The Only True God and Jesus Christ. Many people are lost and made the wrong choices in their lives but the worst is not to believe in The Lord Jesus Christ. This is your own choice and it's important because it's about your soul: life or death for eternity.
This cleared a lot of fear for me I spent so long caring about an afterlife and it made me sour. I'm currently an aspiring druid who had concerns about my practice but it doesn't matter anymore because an afterlife no longer matters I should go back to my trees so to speak. Blessed be
@simplywitched
I appreciate that you took the time to share your testimony, it helped me understand a bit about what the pull and push factors are for conversion to Wicca similar religions. I come from a Christian background and am a Christian myself; I also currently attend a Christian College in Minnesota--but please don't let that stop you from hearing me out.
You addressed at the start of your testimony by saying that your family forced you to adhere to their religious beliefs, but could not answer your questions and doubts. I've seen a few comments talking about the abusive Christian households that they grew up in, and the judgement they've received from many Christians. However, it is important to keep in mind that we are all imperfect; it is impossible to find anyone that practices what they preach (i.e. someone may speak for the love of all people, but how many times have they spoken words of hate on even their sibling?), and rare even to find someone that fully understands their beliefs in the first place.
Zakir Naik says this: "The concept of God espoused by a religion cannot be judged by merely observing the practice of its followers." It seems to me that a large part of the reason for conversion to Wicca lies in traumas from the *followers* of religions, NOT from the religions themselves. Because we are all imperfect, it is to be expected that we will fail to represent our religion perfectly; that is why the beliefs are *written down* rather than passed on by oral tradition. As Naik says, it is impossible to judge a religion justly by the followers of said religion.
On the idea that nature itself is God, the logic here is faulty, although I think I understand why you believe what you do. It is impossible for nature to create itself; nature is proven by science to have had a beginning. If nature had a beginning, then it has to have had a Creator. Whoever created nature, that is God. We know that the universe itself did not create nature; there must, therefore, be a higher power.
I think I've spoken here enough; please reply to this message if you'd like some responses to those questions you had as a child though--I think you'd find comfort/better understanding in their answers.
this resonates so much with me. i was a very curious kid asking tons of questions and making up answers for myself. when i was 14 i went to church camp and prayed before that "God if you exist show yourself to me". I felt really close to the divine at church camp and converted to christianity. I was a camp counselor for years but i never really agreed with the vision of hell or heaven that was taught. i didn't like the guilt that was put on me and the rules that came with "following Jesus". in recent years the hate that christians spread and the hurt they caused to people through their bigotry made me reluctant to identify as one. i want to have a connection to the divine i just believe that the way it's sold in christianity is not the way for me. i'm still searching and trying to deconstruct my christianity i'm learning so much about other practices it's amazing.
Yess brother bear really changed my outlook on divinity + ancestors
Me too, it holds a very special place in my heart!!🥰
Totally! Balto 2 really did it for me
Ancestors one of the fundamental concepts binding different pagan groups together. Like enlightenment in Buddhism, or salvation in Christianity. The Ancestors is one of our cornerstone theological principles.
I absolutely love hearing about other peoples journeys. Im one of the lucky few that grew up christian but doubted it since day one. I studied religion in middle school... well, as best as i could with what the school library gave me, and i enjoyed the Budhist (i probably butchered that) teachings. I followd it through middle school and my freshman year of highschool. I found out my ansestory is german, swedish and my english line tracked through to Danish. I began studying the Norse gods and it all clicked. At 18 i declared myself a full on Norse Pagan and at 25 im still learning more and more everyday.
I'm 44 a wife mother and raised Lutheran but sense moved into Pentecostle and person ministry.
My husband and I left the mainstream church 8 years ago. We had it with religious dogma & narrow minds. After leaving the building we both were set free from much. As of late I am researching and have a lean to know my ancestoral faith. I am of Germanic/Norse heritage. I have always been drawn to the Nature and the Earth. I'm a farmer and have a deep connection and understanding of the energy/power that can heal us physically. All we need to thrive and be in good health come from Mother Earth.
By no means am I on the road to witchcraft but I'm certainly gaining understanding into my ancestoral connection to the Natural world. Most Christians at this point would tell me on hell bound if I told them all this. That is the part of Christianity I won't nothing to do with. That know it all, one way or hell bound Pride.
I believe the Creator or Universe if that what you call it has shown truth through many cultures and faiths and we can see it if we seek.
Lol I was a camp counselor at 15 16....and yes amazing experience.
I’m a Christian and I really respect her views and kinda made me think a little
Keep on thinking.
You hit the nail on the head. Thank you so much for sharing this. 🙂
It's a big, if not the biggest problem in Christianity, that people have "blind" faith, believe and teach that critical thinking and questioning is bad, I think it's the biggest turn off for many that have left the faith. That's why I am happy that I was raised atheist, totally open minded and could do and believe whatever I want. I came to faith in Jesus all by myself, from many many years of studying and experimenting with 101 types of spirituality and religion. Christianity actually came last on my list haha!
I still don't consider myself religious and think most Christian religions have very wrong, sometimes silly or even evil doctrines (like eternal hell) and yes like you say, a LOT of this confusion comes from terrible translations, it's a big culture and language shock between ancient Hebrew and Greek and us.
Even after my baptism, I lost faith countless times and had sooooo many things I needed serious, solid answers on. I really cannot understand how people can "just believe" anything just because other people say so...
My faith is build on a rock now so I am very comfortable and confident in it.
I wish nothing but the best for everybody who reads this! I love you all and I hope all of you can and will discover the truth and love of our Creator.
Peace and blessings!
you don't consider yourself religious but your faith is built on a rock ????
@@gvis8217 Well depends what definition of religion you use. Let's change it to I am not part of any institutionalized religion, I am non denominational.
I had a very similar experience with a camp in my area! They're fantastic LGBT+ allies and even throughout my life as I've moved away from Christianity, it remains a strong spiritual place for me. That place formed the basis of my pantheistic understanding of God, and has only fostered my personal practice.
awe i'm so happy to hear that!
This was such a good conversation! Thanks for sharing your experience 💞
Thank you summer, this is so sweet of you! I’m glad you enjoyed it. ♥️
“I’m sorry.. anddd surprise”😂🖤
😂♥️
Nobody is born religious & it's regional. According to which country you are born into most will be indoctrinated into the religion of that country by their parents, who themselves were indoctrinated, it's a vicious circle that has frightened people so much especially the concept of 'hell' that most never dare to think for themselves. I agree that it is everybody's right to follow any religion they want, as long as it is not forced. I enjoyed your video, for such a young person you are right on track.
I'm learning to be a witch and I came out of the broom closet a month ago I was surprised that my mom accepted me. She still in a stage of denial and wants her "good little Catholic daughter" back. I think her acceptance was false and has tried countless times to reconvert me and undo all the learning I'm doing. I made my renunciation towards Catholicism loud and clear and there were so many rules in Christianity that never sat well with me and I always knew that I was different as a child and asked questions which the adults in the congregational community saw it as a threat and forced me through religious conformity. I got very bad beef towards the Catholic church and learned how unhappy and miserable I was in the church. As an ex Catholic, I'm still learning and figuring out what kind of a witch I can be and figuring out my pagan practice as a polytheistic pagan
Thank you for sharing. II'm sorry to hear you're in such a difficult point of deconstruction, but I promise that it gets easier!! Surround yourself with people that support you. ♥️
"judgment day" is a contradiction within itself because the Bible clearly states that there is nothing we can do to get to heaven but it is through God's mercy. That's y I agree with the people that say that some texts in the Bible were taken out or changed to benefit the elite
I grew up mormon. I always question my faith and Christianity all together. I was never truly happy in the faith and in retrosprect the faith never worked to build me up. But tear me down and limit me in what i could do/be. Then a few days before my 30th birthday i had a spiritual experiance involving witchcraft, for the 1st time in a looooooong time. I felt free. I saw the easy, the hard, the good, the bad sides of taking the pagan path. But i never ran faster down it. Since being pagan im finally growing into my full potential.
Well everyone knows that Mormonism is a cult. So basically what you are saying is that you were raised in darkness so it was easy for you to go into witchcraft (more darkness).
Full potential...? 100% underway to meet your master lucifer for sure.
Thank you for your openness! I can relate to a lot of what you're talking about. I also pretended i was christian for a period of my life, so that i could go to a monastery i was fond of and really liked the sisters there. Plus i was making some money! Another thing i relate to is that i think paganism in general, fells so much more "real" just because of the connection to the earth alone. You really feel alive learning about it, and there are no taboos.
Also, i noticed you said you have placements in the 8th house, would you be interested to make videos about astrology? That would be really cool.
P.S. can't wait for the collab with Ella!
Thank you for watching! I'm so happy to hear you got something out of it. Seems like we have a similar story! I plan on making videos about astrology soon, keep an eye out!!
@@simplywitched 👏👏👏
Wow…you summed up so many of my own feelings so succinctly. Listening to this I feel like, are you me? Lol. I guess that just goes to show how many people have been hurt by Christianity.
I turned to wicca after being sexually abused by male guitar teacher wicca literally saved my life
I have a similar story. I actually wanted to become a catholic nun and I tried, but they told me I was too young and had PTSD (I was 22, im 32 now). My big turn off was that I felt I wasn't accepted for many reasons, and I did my best to come to god, and I wanted to communicate with Jesus. I felt like I was abandoned and then like you say, that fear stepped in about going to hell and It turned me off. I felt restricted I became terrified of demons and possession, All of it was scaring the crap out of me, until I found out that there are other worlds and realms out there for an afterlife. Joy came back into my life when I started to connect with goddess Hecate. Divine Love came back, and my mind is so much clearer, my heart is open. I've had a lot of trauma in my life, and I wanted a spiritual practice to connect with a god/dess and be a part of something greater than myself, and I found that in paganism. Thank you for this video!
So sorry to read all those who are judging for how others should believe, despite your kind request for commenters to be supportive. Also, blessed be for the supportive comments. Thank you for sharing your path👍🏻it is a grace for me, will look into other videos on your channel here.
I was raised Catholic, and a lot of this feels familiar. I can't wait for the colab video!
I loved this video. I’m planning to do my share on this as well. This was so well put. ❤
I am currently struggling a lot with my Catholic Faith. I was raised Catholic and I love my faith, not gonna lie. I actually once wanted to become a solitary witch, but went back to Catholicism, because it felt safe. But I have always been drawn to pagan and wiccan religions from an early age. And I have no one I can talk to about this topic with. Most of my tumblr mutuals are catholic (or christian). So openly talking about this on the internet is off the limits. At least on my main blog.
I'm sorry to hear you are struggling, but I know you'll get through this! It's a lifelong process. I have to remind myself that it is okay to not have all the answers. I recommend creating an anonymous account where you can explore your faith and connect to others :)
Idk if this helps you. But you can integrate your pagan practice with some of your catholic traditions. Idk how you could, but i know you can. Also in alot of ways religous traditions are very similar if not the same to pagan practices. Like when you light a candle to pray=candle magic, taking the communal wine and eating the wafers= ritual, baptism=cleansing rituals, burning incense, anointing with oils. Thats all very pagan.
your video is good. but no thanks. this is not for me. i left cathoholicsm a few years ago. And I became a pagan. Then i again started studying about cathoholiscm, i read the bible, which I haven't done before as a catholic. I was amazed to find many prophecies mentioned in the old testament and fullfilled by Jesus and the apostles. All these books of propehts were written hundreds of years ago before the birth of christ. Jesus's birth of virgin Mary was also prophecized by prophet Isaiyah long ago. Then the new testement gives men the idea of Jesus as the eternal king and lord of the lords. Every single word came out of his mouth has a deep meaning. Jesus preached about love, forgiveness and eternal life. Then I started reading about the lives of apostles, saints, mystics and martyrs. All these pointed me towards catholism.
And I studied about our lady's apparitions in Fatima, Lourdes, Medjugorje, Guadalupe, Medjugorje, Las Lajas, Akita, Kibeho, Garabandal, Zeitoum, Siluva, la vang, La salette, Laus,etc.
Then i studied about all the Eucharistic Miracles happned around the world. And the scientific investigations done on them,
I also study about mystics and vissionaries in church history.
St. Pedro Pio, St. Theresa of Avila, St. Catherine Labourie, St. Bridjet, St. Gertrude, etc,...
Then I realized the truth lies there. In the catholic faith. And i was sad for leaving my catholic faith. the fault was not in catholiscm. it was in me. i didnt study it very well before. as soon as I realize this i left paganism and came back to catholiscm.
This is the wrong with many catholics who leave their faith. They dont study the catholic faith well. They just listen to the bs the priest say. I think this is the same fault with you. You should go back and study the catholics faith and history well with all the apparitions and miracles. Then you will find the truth ......
@@finncollins5696 Good for you. But not everyone's journey is the same! Let people decide for themselves! And don't tell me why I left the faith is because I didn't study the faith well. This is the same bullshit argument everyone shouts at you, when go against Church. This is why so many people hate you guys. You believe that your faith alone is the answer to every problem that exist on earth!
@@salembookworm Hi friend, I’m a recent convert to Catholicism and I look at videos like this to hear peoples stories on why they left the faith. I know it’s hard for you to talk openly about it but just know you can always message me and I won’t judge u in a negative way. I believe God meets people where they are. It’s always interesting to hear people’s stories. Take great care!
i deconverted years ago. but, the more time passes the more i realize i must be vigilant when it comes to christians. there are many pagans that want to embrace christians. I try not to. i have my reasons.
Thanks for this... I came to this as I'm in the process of removing myself from the Christian church... I've been practicing as a pagan for a few years now (and held some beliefs prior to that) but have been actively involved in the ELCA Lutheran church for most of my life. I had viewed it as a social group whose ethics I agreed with (ELCA aligns fairly well with my worldview in terms of morality), but the theology is where I fell away. I can honestly say I never bought into the stories that we're told as anything more than an allegory or myth, and that paired with some goings on in my particular church as well as a desire to free my time up to explore what I actually believe has led me to make the decision that this Christmas Eve is my last day as a member of the Christian church. It's always reassuring and reaffirming to hear the stories of others who've made this conversion, as opposed to the more prominent stories of those who went to atheism (who I respect, but respectfully disagree with). May this season bring you new life and hope for the coming year. Blessed be!
Thank you very much for sharing your journey, I really appreciate listening to your experiences and of course I now can’t wait for watching your video with Ella
I just had to leave this comment. I feel like I can definitely relate to this. Because I grew up in a Christian house as well and honestly. I wasn't quite as devoted to it as you were. I must say. I didn't really find any peace in it. You know, even at that age I've just, I felt kind of more afraid of it than anything. That was just forced. Down my throat and I didn't have a choice. You know, I guess? I just really had my own opinions out of even at a young age. But I've also recently gotten in the wicca and witchcraft. And it's funny at the beginning of your video. You said something about the eighth. You must study vedic astrology I have a queue to conjunct my venus as well and they're in pisces as well as rahu conjunct moon.
You are a caring young lady! Best wishes on your journey!
Growing up, I was in sn organization called Camp Fire Girls. We went camping a lot, and it helped me to realise that Nature, for me, was my true spirituality. Thx for your video ❤
This is really interesting. I’m glad you found your path. I’m not currently struggling with my Christian faith as I don’t have any doubts about whether I believe in Jesus, the Bible, afterlife, the gospel etc. however, I am very drawn to witchcraft and paganism. I feel as you said that God is the earth because he created it. I feel conflicted in having a practice in witchcraft and maintaining my Christian faith. I feel it’s intertwined because witchcraft isn’t the evil thing we are taught it is. It’s loving the earth and using the tools that the divine (whatever that means to each individual, for me it’s the Christian God) created. I feel drawn to herbalism and green witchcraft. I don’t feel it’s wrong for me to practice those things because it’s using the things and energy’s that God created, yet I hide my interest and secret practice from everyone around me. I do feel somewhat lost I suppose because I don’t see how using the earth is bad.
I recommend learning about Christian witchcraft! Sounds like the path for you. I do not believe there’s anything wrong with practicing magic and following Christianity. Some will say there is but you get to decide that for you!!🩵 best of luck on your journey
I’m a Christian universalist and I left the church about 6 years ago for very similar reasons that you have. Im also reconnecting and reconciling my Norse pagan cultural heritage with my refined Christian beliefs that I never felt I was free to do with a Christian fundamentalist upbringing. Thanks for sharing ❤
Fabulous story, and very well-told. I deconstructed from Christianity about a year ago, I would say I’m closer to Buddhist now but very interested in paganism. Thank you for sharing!
I stopped being Christian but I continued believing in God, is so good to hear someone elses story. Also I began searching for my roots to create my own believe system as i have been learning from other deities from my culture.
Good that you mentioned it.
Humans always try to look for sources and knowledge and when they couldn't get it they just cope themselves with lies.
The argument that: "do we even need a god?" is real. The answer might be yes or no for many, but as of my perosnal understanding i suppose that most people look upto something, something divine. Which, godly dieties can provide. Also they can be described to tell stories and spread knowledge in form of arts and symbols.
Also, it's not (and "ideally" should not be) hard core, so its flexible allowing others religions to come and exchange knowlege.
That's one of the reason why i think many people transition from.
"Religious" -> "Athiest" -> "Spiritual" -> "Pagan"
although thats just my opinion and i could be wrong.
loved your very eloquent video and i too love brother bear! i ve been thru many religious changes in my life including wicca and santeria. at 70 i'm still going thru such changes. my latest iteration is kashmir shaivism (everything is God) which i find surprisingly satisfying thru the Shiva meditations. look forward to seeing your next videos! ciao!
OMG!!! I can't believe that I found this video! I love this and finally having found someone to explain how I have felt for years to my fiance. I have felt alone and lost for most of my life. Christianity left me traumatized by having no choice except to follow Christianity. Although my mother was able to help me in some ways to get away from the church. Each summer we would go to pow wows and almost immediately I felt like I was home. I can't wait until I watch more videos of yours.
Thank you for this video❤ I’m struggling so so badly with confusion concerning Christianity etc…I think it’s religious trauma. I noticed you recently posted a video on that😊 I’ll be checking that one out next. I struggle with all the “what if’s” what if I go to hell, what if Jesus was the savior etc. I can’t even sleep anymore. I feel so alone in this world right now. I have no one to talk too😢 I’m a 45 year old I’d love to e-mail with others that would like to dig through these things. Anyone want a friend?😊
Hold on to God and put your trust in Jesus. Join a small group at your local church in your area and they will give you support and encouragement.
New Age often sounds good but it ends up being a worship self or false spirits.
I too grew up catholic and took a long time to break away but now I’m Norse pagan and my fiancé is a witch/ eclectic pagan herself. Congratulations 🎉🍾🎊 ✨
Thank you for sharing this!! It is a relief to know that others are going through or have gone through this journey ❤️❤️❤️
Thank you for watching!! I agree, there’s so much strength in knowing you’re not alone. ♥️
Watching this is fascinating. I was born into and raised catholic. I never attended any camps but I never felt a definitive connection to Catholicism. It felt strange that people weren’t questioning things or that everything talked about was believed as truth without explanation.
Figuring out my place in witchcraft has been slightly confusing because I don’t really know how to do things without the presence of catholic practices involved. It’s been interesting so far.
Hi! I’m at the point where I’m questioning whether I am a Christian or someone who believes in something else. Christianity was something I was raised with, not forced into, but it brought me a sense of comfort and familiarity over the years. I had one of those Christian bibles for mom and me and after reading the entire thing with my mom and understanding the sacrifice, I accepted Yeshua as my savior at the age of four.
But here’s the thing, as I grew up I developed a form of social anxiety that was strange. I grew anxious whenever I had to separate from my mother and go to the middle school Sunday class and congregation. We eventually stopped going to church as regularly due to family needs but when I wanted to go to church since we’ve moved, I was struck with this sense of fear and anxiety. Idk if this anxiety was sent to mess with me and ruin my relationship with God but I’ve since stopped feeling His presence when I think of Him unlike when I used to get goosebumps and a chill telling me He or at least something was there. I’m drawn to the witch aesthetic but also wanted to start practicing as I’ve always been drawn to different pantheons outside of Christianity since middle school. I wasn’t as sheltered as a lot of my Christian friends at church were as I was allowed to be well rounded. I don’t feel guilty per se about not believing wholeheartedly in Christianity but more of being scared of exploring outside of Christianity again since it gave me a sense of familiarity. Reading the Bible gives me more questions than answers. My mom taught me to accept everyone who has different beliefs (I love her for that) but we’re not allowed to practice religion outside of Christianity at home since my older brother was Wiccan and had a whole spiritual journey at 16 and practiced at home and brought stuff into our last house in our hometown using an oujia board. Before I even start practicing anything, I’m going to ensure I’m well versed in protection.
If it's a choice to be a Christian, then why do people insist that choosing to not follow Jesus, isn't acceptable?
Jesus says that he is the way the truth and the life and that no one goes to the father except through him (John 14:6). We don’t HAVE to follow God; he let’s us choose our own ways because we have free will, however, our paths without God will lead to destruction later on.
not following does make a person a bad person or a sinner or immoral, it just make then see thats jeaus is not the only path...
Got to the part where youre talking about your questioning. As a sold out christian i would like to affirm you on all of this... as much as i do love my brothers and sisters the area of "apologetics" is truly undeveloped. There are answers to all of your questions, however anyone (not just Christians) only have so much free mental energy and space to give over to any goven topic. And then there are people with questionable moral indoctrinal characters.
I do hope you find the Lord once more as i know He loves you so very deeply.
Peace :).
That's not true in my opinion. Many people go to Christian schools and debates and at the end face the question, "Why dont you believe what you're told?" or "Its written in the book!". If there was any person who could have explained it in way that "everyone will understand it" and "no questions will be left" it would have been out by now. Even, people reading sacred text at the end had to shut up and just accept what's written.
@sushilkumarlohani6709 chur. well you know, if you actually want to look into the validity of the biblical texts you will find it. It is a big task, there's a lot of historical and cultural context and you will have to sift through the "just believe it cause". But there is overwhelming evidence. "The Case for Christ" is a great movie based on a book of one person doing just that.
But it is well worth looking into and there will be two possible outcomes. You can say for a fact that you've actually genuinely looked into our case and then found it to be wrong (I don't believe I've ever personally met someone who has done this) and then can prove that undeniably to Christians or you find that our beliefs are valid and you have just met the Holy God of the Universe.
@sushilkumarlohani6709 also there hasn't been a moment I just say down shut up and listened to YHWH. He asks for faith sure, but the idea of blind faith is an entirely new idea. YHWH always reveals Himself and then asks you to have faith so that He will continue to show Himself. I met YHWH and then I sat down and read His book because I knew Him to be trustworthy and far greater in knowledge than I am.
@@HuiothesiaI agree with you, but I've also met people who are overly protective to their text and belief and don't prefer to jump into discussion and questions about them. many criticizes movies and shows about "intentional" wrong depiction of their beliefs, rather taking them as progressive step. But your point stand I get it.
@sushilkumarlohani6709 this is true. However I'm hesitant to label this as an issue with any one group. I've been an athiest, a spiritualist (also seeking many religions) and eventually a Christian. I found that close mindedness is an inherently human problem and pointing the finger at everyone else while refusing to look at ones self (and ones own group) was just as much the problem. Any good Christian realizes that he is a hypocrite and that the church is filled with them. It's a major point of the old and new Testament. But if those coming into the church are hypocrites, what did that make them before they entered?
Amazing explanation made a difference to me as I've just left the church and alot of our church friends who have now distanced themselves because of my change of belief, I can now share this as I relate to this so much.
I’m so happy to hear you found solace in this video. I’m sorry you’re going through something similar, best of luck of your journey♥️
I was raised christain in the 70s .
I tried liveing a christain lifestyle .
But i was trans . It coused lots of emotional pronlems , but I did not want to go to hell . I studied the bible . And went to church , but it did not settle with me . Preacher running down leaf lovers and people that put nature over the bible as witchcraft .
That really confused me , becouse I loved being in nature , I was raised in the woods , and it bothered me that I was really considered a witch.
Years later in Alaska I met a witch .
And I was fascinated.
So I studied wicca and witches.
I really don't care in doing rituals or spells , I just revered nature .
I finally broke from the hatefullness of christains. Going threw a devorace , that blew my whole faith in church , for the church turned on me . I then had a sexchange .
I felt so free . But the attacks from the church , aaauuuggg. They have no clue .anyway I embraced my nature loveing leaf loveing life .
Peace.n love .
I’m so excited for the next video! Love Ella!
🥺♥️
Wow this is so powerful I have such a similar story...much love to you❤
My story is very opposite, I experience demonic stuff because I believe what you're advocating.
I'm praying for your conversion
I went from paganism to Gnostic Christianity and i still practice my craft
I think that's the biggest issue that most people who are in this situation have: When parents are raising their children in ANY religion, to be honest, there is a strange disconnect between "Teaching the faith to someone" and "Teaching them what motions to move into."
My issue as well is that growing up is that Christianity was "A thing I was supposed to do" but I was never taught "Faith". You put it very beautifully- "God is as real as much as the sky is blue"
I think the question you said about "What about those who haven't heard the gosple, what about them" really set off a lot of people because it destroyes or assumes something about their faith they cannot handle. I think it was only an elder in my mom's church who offered something that I think is at least a 'satisfactory answer to anyone alive asking it- 'Well, I think if that's the case God will judge them on how well they lived according to what he wants: Loving each other and doing what's right not because we don't want to be punished but because our hearts tell us it's the right thing. remember Everyone was given the holy spirit when they're born, it is part of God's gift to humanity no matter who or what they are. So I think as long as they listen to that, they'll be fine."
But if we don't teach our kids how to have faith, no matter what religion we are teaching them, we are setting them up for failure for not understanding who or what they are on such a deep spiritual level that it will destroy them.
I relate to the asking questions bit and the discovery on pantheism actually. Most of my family was Christian but my mother was an atheist Hindu, and Hinduism felt like something was clicking from a young age but I didn't understand why, because most people in my life thought it was polytheistic however my mom was an atheist who studied yoga (both the philosophy and practice). It didn't help that when I asked about religion most of the answers I got was Christian, because my family tried so hard for years to find the "right church" and go every Sunday. It was like religion was part of life but it was only talked about historically or when other people wanted to preach to the choir that I was shoved into without the staff notation, much less told how to read it. Then I found out about pantheism and how most schools of Hinduism considers all devas (gods) to be aspects of Brahman (God/Truth). And then I found out a lot of Pagan practices believe the same thing. That's part of the reason why I consider myself Pagan and Hindu now; actually primarily Pagan but I also honor and meditate on some devas the same way my mother did (especially Shiva, who I loved even as a child), so in many ways I am a Pagan because I accept Hindu teachings.
I, too, was raised Lutheran (LCMS). I left it behind when I joined the Marines in the early 1990s. I had a lot of buddies who were Wiccans and atheists. The clincher for me, however, was being stationed in Japan, an entire culture that was not only not Christian, but did not know nor care anything about it or any other Abrahamic faith. I thought, "If they can have a functional society without Christianity, anybody can!" I became an atheist for years, then agnostic, but have found my way to eclectic paganism (with a Hellenic emphasis). It's just right for me. One thing about Lutheranism, though - we got real wine for communion. As a kid, I thought that was pretty cool!
This is what i believe in exactly
So thankful for this video i loved now over 35 years of pure poverty war sickness loss and im truly tired im very disappointed and christianity and God etc i will always respect the belief but im very disappointed in the journey. I hate to live in regret and wishing my life was happier😢
WOW. THANK YOU SO MUCH.🎉❤
As a Christian I am happy to see she has a spark of joy, thats the Spirit of Love, of God. God causes paganism and also wicca to grow and yes, that is good, because christians can be so without love, Emotionally forceful, cold, ritualistic
I’m at the point in my journey where I think Christianity is a cult.
By definition. It is.
Thanks for your story. I think in this postmodern era in which we are living, people are starting to ask why we believe/think/process the way we do. Is it just habit? It's comfortable? Perhaps, it is both, until it isn't. For some time now, I have thought we are facing, in the West anyway, a crisis of meaning and community. The old pat answers don't satisfy any longer and community remains allusive (FB/Social media doesn't count--it can reinforce, but it cannot replace). That is why people begin to look elsewhere. I do have a perspective and that is that the spark of life within all beings--but we are talking about the humans for now--seeks freedom, creativity and a best outcome. I realize there is a lot to unpack in that statement, but the "spark/divinity" doesn't really care much for exclusivist institutions. I see, at least on the horizon, increased efforts at bringing people together under spiritual practice. Some practices may lean contemplative, some more open such as unitive in nature, some even Eastern, and most likely and ultimately, blendings and cross-fertilizations of techniques and practices across traditions. It's hard to say how this will all pan out, but your journey is indicative of that movement. If Wicca works for you, or any variations, great! If you have a philosophical bent, you might read some of process philosophy/theology which shares some of your perspectives on the universe, but steps into the quantum world also. I think you will find it reinforces many of your current pantheistic views and takes it a step further. It's originator (Whitehead) was accused to drifting into Buddhism. So, in Zen fashion--hands clasped together.
I went to a Christian college and I asked A LOT of questions in theology class. The most interesting response I got was from another student who said "Why don't you just believe what you're told to believe?!" Also, what was interesting is that there were multiple times the professor didn't have an answer to my questions.
Not trying to be racist, but faiths are just made to be more Political than religious.
Everyone has a unique journey and unique background. Like me, many people raised in religion based on family may not have that same faith of their own, I also was turned off by religious hypocritical people and searched for other things in my life. It's very common for religious backgrounds especially Catholic, to turn to the pagan religion. With my experience at first it was enlightening and freeing, then slowly these good spirits turned dark and I was trapped and a slave to these experiences and evil entities that first came as light. I then slowly started reading the bible and asking people who were very loving christians, a lot of questions, their life and love was inspiring and they knew the bible. They accepted me right where I was at.
Paganism has magic but the Holy spirit and Jesus was the only thing that took away my brokenness, my depression, my confusion, and ultimately I found he was most Powerful in my life and others around me. He renewed my heart and mind. I didn't just see Jesus as a prophet anymore, I believed what he spoke in the bible and it changed my entire life!
I'm thankful for my journey through pagan experiences bc it led me to really see and experience the love, truth and power of Jesus and the Holy Spirit.
And I can love others right where they are, not forcing anyone to change but just showing love and trusting God has a plan for them in their unique journey. Lots of love and prayers for your life as you seek truth. ❤🙏🏻
I am a Hmong American and looking to go back to my roots, my family are Christians
My story is slightly different, as I remain a Christian, but I am now a Pelagian Chridtian druid and have worked with beings that Pagans consider deities. I'm a British Christian, so Hell and original sin were not concepts we cared about. I found my vocation to druidry after a vision at West Kennet Long Barrow in 1998. I initiated in 1999.
Ooooh my goodness I loved this video!!!
Thank you!! I’m so happy to hear that. 🥰
thank you for sharing, i was born in a Catholic family and now i began to question my faith. with the internet i now have access to the knowledge other religions, faiths and philosophies. i tell you it was frightening at first because stepping into the unknown and questioning what you been thought all your life but as i continue on my journey of knowledge i begin to realize that if god want us to follow the scriptures blindly then why did god give us free will? would it be better if god created us as mindless automations or dolls blindly following god's orders mindlessly. am still on my journey of knowledge and self discovery and it led me to your video and the many knowledge, perspectives of philosophers, posters, priest, gurus and monks i absorb. it's liberating but at the same time its overwhelming. am still have so many questions about life, gods, the universe, death and the afterlife. i may never find all the answers to all of my questions and it may be an unending journey am walking but i will still walk it. thank you for sharing.
Just to say, i know this is an older video but being a pagan myself, it is ok to be totally eclectic with where you pull your practises from. I follow certain wiccan holidays, even though its super hard being in the southern hemisphere, but i dont follow everything becuase it is in fact a religion and its rules dont sit with me. I also follow celtic and norse practises and believe and follow in many gods and goddesses. Ultimately i believe that there is divine in every living thing.
Also i grew up with Catholic teachings and the likes and it didnt take me long to figure out that it wasn't right for me, i was still quiet young. In saying that though my family has old Irish blood and i have ancestors that were gypsy and carnival folk so believing in certain things was accepted to a point. And it is in my immediate family, outside of that though, not so much. I'm sure i have many people in my life who accept my choices but also think im a little nuts!
So stay true to you, dont feel like to have to be one particular kind of pagan because there are so many ways to be one, even as a collective.
I was raised Christian, and hell has been so deeply ingrained in my mind that it has been very difficult to accept the fact that I have been a closet witch my whole life, I just felt it from a very young age. I remember practicing my first spell without even realizing what I was doing, and my spell worked! I haven't told any of my family because I know how it would go if I did. I still haven't dared step out and full-on practice it. Christians reinforce my fears by telling me that it will let demons into my life and risk possession, or that I will be cut off from God permanently. If Christianity is real, then I'm doomed. I have read the Bible, not in full, but I know the gospels and know what the Old Testament God was like, and I didn't like it, and I just can't justify some of the things in the Bible. How can I preach the gospel and defend it when there are things in it that I can't by my own good conscious defend. If I were a defense lawyer, my defense wouldn't hold up in court.
Very well put and thank you for sharing. You are in very good company.
I appreciate that! ♥️
It is time to raise the pagans again...more than 1 billion pagan people are with you
I am sorry for my comment I also recently left Christianity
Now I understand
I’ve felt a huge connection to the moon scence I was a kid, I’m still trying to figure out what is calling me, including witchcraft, I was raised in a non denomination and Pentecost house…were if you did witchcraft you would threaten to be beat or you here story’s or see videos on possession, when I was a kid I loved princess Luna from mlp….she was the reason I appreciated the moon to begin with, that’s how I saw the beauty…..of the moon and how Luna was wrongfully imprisoned and judged . Later on I relised something was up….there was something more to the moon than just a silly cartoon….I would sit and gaze at it…almost building my own belief on it combined with other cultures and religions, I started to question witchcraft….because I was told it was all evil…I did research…..later on it played more in my life…..connection to nature, and how connected I was through water, I personally believe that the moon created nature as well as control it, the sun brings it to life.
i'm a follower of Christ and I agree im scared of both Heaven and Hell because Hell is just terrible but Heaven means you wont be with some of your previous loved ones and being an immortal would be scary, but apparently in Heaven all of your fears will be washed away
In other words: "Magical Brain Surgery" so you don't care anymore and have all the time to praise a being who actually doesn't need it but want it anyway for some reason. I find the concept of Heaven utterly disgusting.
@@DocStrange0123why would you be so rude to one of the few christians that are being nice to a witch?
@@Myke_thehuman Rude? Why? How? If I think that concept X is very disgusting to me, saying so is being honest about it; the concept, not the person. Did I say/write that he/she's a bad person, or wrong, or stupid, or that I take joy from his worries and personal struggles about a "spiritual conflict" that he/she has etcetera? Nope. Also, if you are not "worried" anymore all of the sudden by thinking or not thinking about the agony of some loved ones that are not with you in Heaven because "all your fears will be washed away" that means that "someone or something" is messing with your thoughts and feelings and personality, so what I did is a description, wasn't it? Now to describe "reality" is rude? Ok...
Simple, hell is only for horrible people, not those who Christians say will go there.
@@Geralt_harvey3784 The question is, do even horrible people deserve a punishment that never ends? We are not talking about 80 years of torment, or 400 years, or a thousand years, or 10.000 years of torture, or 2.000 million years (I can't fully picture in my mind such enormous ammount of time)... we are talking Forever. And despite how much we can hate and condemn and despise their despicable actions, in my opinion we must think, is that Ok or is it not? What does that make of us if we allow or we are Ok with that? Because it's easy to say "Eternal Torture" when you don't have to witness it and go to your own bussiness... Honestly, I don't have a definitive answer, I'm divided about if is that too much or is it not. Also, we have diferent levels of "horrible", for example human justice punishes diferently a thief, a rapist and a murderer, but with this, all get the same punishment, one that never ends, is that ok or is it not?
Extremely glad that found you :)
Extremely glad you did too. Welcome!🥰
My life started out the same way. But I was having so many weird spiritual experiences and visions that contradicted what I was taught. It went way beyond and outside it. Plus I was an alien abductee in the 80s as a teen. Throw some other pantheon dieties and spirits into all that and things dont match up. I had to keep all that to myself. I was really into the church camps as a kid too. I had some profound connections to the divine back then. There is a dark and a light. Recently its been more focused on the dark divine. Even "demons" are old gods and not the evil parasite and predatory spirits in the lower astral that actually attack and drain people. It took me till just recently to learn that.
My path towards becoming a witch started when I looked up the difference between the words theism and atheism. LOL as an adult I didn't know which was which. I looked up these words on RUclips and atheism brought me a post by Christopher Hitchens. One video by him and I was done done with Christianity and was on my way.
I'm so sorry that your focus is on what feels good vs what is good. My prayers are for you.
I have bounced back and forth from Catholicism to Paganism. I have found more peace as a pagan but I still fear hell. I hope that will go away one day
To help you madamé.. there is
a different concept of hell in every religion.
a different diety associated with it.
and Lastly, it's just a way to create fear in people's mind. Why would the god who created the heavens where he lives, would invite a scumbag like you there.
i love this!
Thank you!!♥️