Hundreds of years ago, people burnt 'witches' to the stake and used black people as slaves because they said thats what god wants them to do. Now days, thats a sin. So who makes up the rules? I think people use the bible as an excuse for their actions.
135936
Burning witches to death is definiately sinful, always was.  This was done as an extremist act, not the written word of the Bible.  Slavery is not forbidden in the Bible, however, maltreatment of slaves was condemned in the Bible.  But, Slavery is a social issue, not a spiritual issue, so the decision is up to the government.
576766
The Bible is true and anyone who says it's fiction needs to shut up. And slavery sucks black people have been slaves since 1600 and still we are not treated like fair. Some white people treat us blacks great but most are racists, rednecks, or hillbilles. Now slavery isn't great at all. When blacks were slaves the white people depended on them because they did all the work well they did everything. Now why don't people get a maid or a waiter they aren't slaves and they can quit at anytime.
540302
It's more poetic junk in the Bible that you can really interpret to whatever you want it to be.  This bit seems to be more threats of hellfire for those outside the group.  Religion likes to use the carrot and stick approach to gaining and keeping converts.  This is one example of a stick.  On the carrot side of it, they'll talk about "God's love" and such (ignoring, of course, such contradictions as this).
453461
Of course, the bible itselfs states that a Christian shall not suffer a witch to live.  This was used as the justification for many witch burnings by Christians.
475495
It is not the words, or their source, that matter but their understanding by the person using them.  Today you have people quoting words of peace and brotherly love while inciting the followers to a "holy" war, for example. The books of the Bible suppose to teach us the golden rule--love your neighbour like yourself--but some people react to the Bible's words as if they were drinking whiskey--they get violent and abusive.
661144
God is everywhere and knows everything, so we don't have the power to "throw Him away".   I believe not enough people read God's Word to do their own research and are falling for the humanistic way of looking at things.  It has been a long, long time since I heard a preacher even preach about Heaven and Hell and the choices we make.  A lot of our churches are so politically correct, no real meat is taught to people who come hungry to hear God's Word.  If the Truth is taught, some people get offended but we will be held accountable for what is taught in our churches.
565375
OK. You say you're a pagan and a witch. I'm not sure if by witch you mean Wiccan, some make a point of it being two different thing while others don't. Anyway, I think I know where you're coming from. I'm Native American, and walk Red Road. I think that qualifies me as pagan. Shamans, or medicine men/women conjure, cast "spells", work with herbs to heal, etc. & etc. From just that short description I think you'll see we have things in common. MY experience with the same question you ask ... Christian belief is based on ancient texts that have been mistranslated and so changed over the hundreds of years they've existed as to, in all probability, have very little resembelance to any original documents. That, plus the fact that these are read within cultural contexts altogether foriegn to those of the original authors coupled with dire ignorance of the culture & etc. OF the authors makes for a totally misunderstood, and perhaps totally "misunderstandable", book. But its all they know. They never really study other faiths. And when they do they almost never go to the source, but rather read books by Christians ABOUT other faiths. Which thing is biased, because nearly all of those books seek out whats WRONG with the other faith, from a "Christian" perspective, rather than highlighting whats good or pointing out any common ground. The result of all this? Ignorance. Both of their own faith, and the faiths of others. Now, add this ... Scriptural quotes such as ... "Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live." And add to THAT sort of thing an over powering desire to see the other poor devil (pun intended) saved from eternal hell fire! The result of all THIS? Everything from witch burning to strong arm evangelization. I know its un-cool. But ... It just is what it is. The current version of Christianism simply fosters the sort of thing your question describes. Happily not all segments of "Churchanity" fall into this trap, and neither do all Christians. But enough of them do that, well, I know exactly how you feel. Its ignorance and bigotry, I sincerely believe, based primarily on the above. A simple come back might be, if you're in a situation where you feel safe in doing this, to reply to such hatred with ... "I'll pray to the Goddess that your soul be saved from hateful depravity." Smile, and walk away ... Real fast. ;-) ~ Peace & Blessings ~
242849
There is nothing wrong with Drum circles. It very in lightening. No there are no sacrifices! Where do people come up with such things. And to the person who said witches state they do not believe in the devil, that is totally true, being a witch for over 30+ years. The bible is no more than a book.
169909
All sins are the same in gods book....although i think some are greater than others..like killing, adultery, etc. I would say casue someone to hate because it is like an epidemic...take the KKK for instance...they are so blind they just take what the Clan leader tells em....the rivalry between them and otehr races is so old they have just believed the sterotype, puzzled together reasons that they think supports the sterotype and i think they dont even know the roots of there hattride lol.
543867
God would never command such a sinful act that pleases you so selfishly from His people.\n\nPeace.
594106
Look at God....\nin acts people sold their house and gave most of the money to fund the christians, but saved a little out to survive on. when questioned about it they lied and were instantly struck dead.\nGod took a mans supernatural strength away because he CUT HIS HAIR.\nHe made the israelites wander around in the desert for fourty years because some small thing moses did p***ed him off.\nHe allowed his own son to be tortured and killed because it was his will.\nHe allowed moses to Slaughter countless men, women and children because they freaking made a calf and said the calf led them out of slavery...\nhe allowed Job to be tortured just to 'prove a point'\nso if we were created in Gods imagine, well, its no wonder why we're this way.
122032
yes I do. I think alot of people beat people over the head with the bible. I do not think thats what God intended the bible for that use. He gave us free will for a reason.
373111
This is very true. The problem is people using religion to justify their actions. It is very easy to say that I did what I did because God wanted that way; include a few bible verses that are compatible with your actions, and you are good to go. How can anybody that believes in God try to argue?\n\nBy the way, you see this all over the bible. God said attack and kill all. God said keep the virgins. God said to kill a bunch of kids. Some of the most terrible things in history were based on religious grounds. \n\nWe do not want to go back to those days, because then everyone will have a reason to go against everyone.
240165
Yes there are people doing black magic to harm other people, not quite sure about witches though.
108162
Well we can't make people worship who or what they want. If a person chooses to worship witch craft cause the people act like barney then more power to em. \nThe actions of people should not alter a persons beilefs. if it does then either the persons faith was weak or they put to much into the wordly instaed of the spiritual!\nit has been my policy that if they wanna leave they will leave. God will handle em if they fall!
413633
no, you are absolutely right!  unfortunately, there are those who like to "use" the Bible (out of context, and re-translated to suit their agenda) to justify their hatred.  \nI was always taught that God created and loves us all, and that He makes no mistakes.  and Christianity is about love and acceptance.
467737
The Bible was not given to us as a basis of government.  We are supposed to apply it to our personal lives.  If more people applied the Bible to themselves (don't steal, lie, commit murder, commit adultery, etc.), the country would be better off because of fewer broken lives and fewer people in prisons.  That is how the Bible should play a bigger part in society.  I think that too many Christians get caught up in trying to turn the Bible into law rather than convincing other individuals to use the Bible's guidance.