I ask because you do not get Buddhists or Pagans proselytising, and they respect other peoples' right to chose their own relgious/spiritual beliefs. \n\nI am, not saying that all Christians do this, but when they do start preaching it does make me cringe!\n\nI am a Pagan [Wiccan] and was asked on several occasions by Christians if I worshipped Satan which I found to be an uneducated and intolerant statement.
204613
They all have a superiority complex and need to feel they're "saving" everyone who believes differently.  I was stationed in Turkey for a year and they have a law that makes it illegal to try to convert anyone's religion.  I wish we had that here in the states.
35571
The biggest difficulty and challenge that I have had has come not from within, but from the outside world.  I believe that we should all respect one another's beliefs and that our journey with God is a personal one, so naturally, I am continually disappointed with the attitudes and behaviors that I see displayed in the name of God every day.  I am also constantly barraged with, "Christians do this and Christians do that and WHY, WHY, WHY?!" and I don't have an answer except to say that they are not true Christians as Christ intended.  \n\nBut, I'm tired of standing up for why I believe what I believe when it's no one's business but mine and God's.  People think it's wrong to stereotype a person by race or nationality, but perfectly okay to do so by spiritual beliefs and I think that should come to a stop.
160792
And they say pagans and witches have allot of hocus pocus in their religions lol\n\nSeriously though, I was in a roman chatholic church once, and this happened. But, nothing was realy made of it. It was more of an accident caused by a confused individual who didn't understand the religous right.\n\nSee, the preist, even though the host is supposed to be the body of christ, knows that it's just a symbole. And that god, truly loves all no matter who they are or what they belive. Why would they reject one child of christ over another when both where equaly welcomed to join the family.\n\nIn spite of the tradition, it happened. And I belive the left over portion is simply given back to the preist. Just as if it's dropped on the floor. Wich has happed many times in this particular church that I went to, due to young ones and clumbsyness. \n\nYou can't exspect perfection when you demand forgivness.
399722
I think your questions are valid. Unfortunately, christians don't like questioning their religion so your questions will be deleted again because they're afraid.\n\nBeing non-christian (I grew up catholic), I have to answer both those questions with "No".\n\nBut chances are that the christians here will find fault in those questions and report you.\n\nSad, isn't it? That they should have so little confidence in their own religion that they report someone that's asking valid questions.
49700
I am a very spiritual person.  I do not follow an organized religion because I don't think that a preacher or a priest or rabbi or somesuch, has a right to tell me that I'm going to burn in hell, because of something I choose to do in my life.  I'm the one that has to own up to it, not them.
22466
Well, as with almost all things religious, there's a secular answer and a sacred one too.  The secular answer is manyfold.  I have a friend who is very very very bigoted towards Christianity, but doesn't seem to have a problem with any other type of faith (Judaism, ancient egyptian mythology, norse mythology, etc).  It could be that those who oppose Christianity are frusterated by how much sense it makes (which is admittadly a VERY egocentric argument).  It could also be that since Christians dominate world politics and generally have the most sway in everything, which breeds jealousy from those of other faiths.  It could also be that those who are pegging Christians as scared, desperate, simple, and judgemental are reffering to certain groups of Christians who are, and then overgeneralizing to encompass all of Christianity.\nThe sacred answer:  Satan breeds jealousy in the hearts of mankind.  The father of lies does what he can to slander the truth and breed opposition to it, because he does not want God's children to succeed.  That is, in my mind, one of the the most important aspects to understand when trying to discover why Christianity is so despised by some.
324213
I am not a Christian but I consciously try not to belittle any religion.  My husband is a Christian as is most of my family.  I believe that each religion is valid to the worshiper and even if it is not yours it should still be given respect.
74255
I think it's a matter of choice.  We Christians choose to turn any question and give an answer that will somehow reflect our belief in Christ.  Your choice is to read the answers and decide whether or not you like the answer.  What you choose will not offend us; but we believe that every action that every single person in this world makes, is written in a big book in Heaven.  And we want to make every opportunity count by telling people about God in one way/shape/form or another.  If you want to be preached at, go to church.  We are simply giving our God and Bible based opinions.
70232
I am very interested in Wicca but the reason there are so many Christian questions on here is because there are so many Christians that have strong beliefs and convictions that they will get on here and state them.  If more believers in Wicca were to post their opinions and beliefs on here, and offered up more information, people would have a chance to understand and talk.  You started out great with your question, but then you too ended it with a nasty comment.  My advice (which you can take or leave) if you want people to be more open to your beliefs, trying being more open to theirs.  You don't have to embrace beliefs, but be open to listening and accepting that is what they feel and believe.  If all religions did that, maybe there wouldn't be so many wars over religious beliefs!
443228
well, I am a Christian.  I know some Christians do put down other religions, and it is definitely not right.  But many Christians are simply trying to expose people to their religion.  These type of people have only the best of intentions, and they understand you are allowed to say no.  The only reason they try to expose it to people is because they believe in their hearts that it will make a difference in someone's life.\n\nEvery religion assumes their religion is correct. This is called faith.  Some Christians don't understand the right way to expose others to their religion, but I would argue that the majority of Christians do not shove their beliefs down people's throats.  Many churches teach ways of doing missionary work that doesn't even initially involve sharing your beliefs.  Such as random acts of kindness.  Just buying someone a cup of coffee or helping someone cross the street.  Just ways of showing people that they are loved and cared for by someone.\n\nAnd I am not offended at all, but I have to ask, why did you single out Christianty? Because its a large group?  Maybe this is why it seems like Christians are pushy to you; simply because there are so many of them.  But Christians are not the only ones guilty of pushing their views, and actually compared to other groups the are quite reserved.  The Islamo-Fascism movement wishes to rid the world of the Jews and Christians and convert everyone to their religion, and they do it with violence.  I am not talking about Islam in general, just that one extreme sect.  How many sane-minded Christians have suicide bombed restaurants?\n\nOverall my point is: yes, some Christians push their beliefs too hard, but the ones who don't are misrepresented by them.  But the ones who do it are not doing it because they want to piss you off or condemn you to hell, they just do not know how to communicate the love of their religion. hope that helped!
389689
They know Christmas is pagan but just do not care. They do not realize what a slap in the face to God and Jesus these celebrations are. They are mixing true worship with pagan worship.\n\nDo you think that Jesus Christ would consider it an honor to have his name attached to a “pagan holiday, partly Christianized”? How could this be so when his faithful disciples recognized that there should be no mixing of the darkness of paganism with the light of Christianity? The apostle Paul, for example, reminded fellow Christians at Corinth: “What sharing does light have with darkness? Further, what harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what portion does a faithful person have with an unbeliever? And what agreement does God’s temple have with idols? . . . ‘Therefore get out from among them, and separate yourselves,’ says Jehovah, ‘and quit touching the unclean thing.’”—2 Cor. 6:14-17. \n\nWhen Moses came down from the mountain and found the people worshipping the golden calf, they told him it represented God.  They were celebrating to this statue.\nDid Moses say "good idea, lets party". No! but God destroyed over 2,000 people that day for daring to celebrate to an idol.  Just like people do today. Since these holidays are so insulting to God, you can bet Satan has a hand in it.  He will make sure that people keep celebrating these holidays.
292082
Because many of my fellow christians forgot that one of the fine gifts that god gave us was free will. Some people feel the need to control the actions of others to reinforce, measure or justify their spiritual relationships.  Being a "good christian" does not mean making people feel badly or like they are a lesser being. \n\nThey dont realize that people will come to love and worship god on their own accord, making them feel guilty or condesend to them will only push them further away. Besides, astrology was around long before Christianity became an organized religion.\n\nI agree that if someone wanted a Christian sermon, they would have asked for a Christian outlook.
35853
I feel like someone has to represent a pagan/neo-pagan/wiccan voice, since we're so left out of the ususal discourse.  There are a lot of weird myths about witchcraft on yahoo answers that I try to answer, I like to think I'm educating people about something they may know nothing about.  Some people are looking for a path, and I would like them to know that Neo-paganism is real and open to them, even if they don't choose it.\n\nAlso, I feel really good about where I am spiritually, so I like to take advantage of that and pass a little on to others.  \n\nI also, on occasion, like to play poke the fundie.  I know it's kinda rude, but damn, there are some crazy people here, and sometimes it is fun to antagonize them and sit back and laugh.
514937
Ignorance of what it is.  They hear "magic" and assume that must mean we're summoning demons to do our bidding.  So they attack the image they have of it.\n\nTrue, they use the word Pagan to mean something insulting.  Personally, I don't allow other people to define that word for me.  That would be like me trying to define Christian and saying ALL Christians fit that description that I made up.  So, what they call me and what they mean by it doesn't bother me.  It's when they make up stories or spread false information and claim to be a truthful person, THAT annoys me.  The group as a whole can't claim to be persecuted when they continue to do such things based in ignorance and hatred.
674225
I disagree with djx_master.  We don't worship ourselves.  His answer is a classic one of closed mindedness.  Christians are taught to believe in one way & one way only.  I grew up Roman Catholic & know that all too well.  I also knew that Catholocism wasn't for me.  I had questions that no priest or other clergy member could answer.  So, I struck out on my own, spending time with Baptists & non-denominational Christians.  As for my Christian friends, I found some helpful information on the source below.  Witchvox has a lot of information on Wicca, Pagans, Shamans, etc.  What I did for awhile was put together a little leaflet that had information about Wicca & other Earth based religions to hand out.  I don't have the leaflet anymore due to a now gone virus.  I'd be happy to help you put one together if you'd like.  \n\n\nAlso, I'd like to add that Wiccans DO believe in an afterlife.  It's called Summerland.  It's similar to the Heaven that other religions teach about.  We believe in re-incarnation, rebirth & all that.  We don't believe in Satan or the Devil.  The pentacle represents Spirit, Earth, Air, Fire, Water.  When it has a circle around it, it's called a pentagram, which symbolizes that the elements are never ending.  We believe in a Goddess AND a God.  Our holidays are similar to Christian ones.  Ostara is like Easter, complete with eggs, bunnies, lambs, chicks, candy, etc.  Yule is Christmas.  We give presents, decorate a Yule tree & sing songs.  Our new year is Halloween, October 31st.  Some Wiccans celebrate both mundane & Wiccan/Pagan holidays.  I do.  I will for the rest of my life.
238813
If I am not mistaken, I don't think this was a generalization made that all non-beilievers are mean spirited and cruel.  (At least I hope not)  I think that each religion gets misunderstood at one time by those not of that religion, and some people just don't know how to address what they don't understand. There are those that do.  They respect the fact that everyone is entitled to their own beliefs.  I am a Christian, I believe, but i do not force my beliefs on anyone. i may share something about God, but I cannot judge anyone if they do not believe--and I don't think we should judge and ridicule each other.
8323
Your question (part of it anyway) is pretty much your answer. "...as projected by the church" says it all.\n\nThe earlier response that Raymond M posted clearly shows Christianity's intolerance of Wicca based on lack of familiarity of any opposing viewpoint, as well as an unwillingness to listen. People like Raymond really scare me. Not because of his faith, but rather his comdemnation of other faiths and the people that follow them. Honestly, have you ever heard of anyone being killed by a fallen angel? \n\nHmmm...maybe if the angel actually landed on you at the end of his fall...but I digress.\n\nIn order for a new religion to gain a majority following (Christianity was new at the time, remember?), it usually has to discredit the existing religions, to make people feel like they're doing the right thing by converting. The easiest example is how Christianity, or at least some denominations of Christianity, demonizes Earth-based religions (Wicca included) by saying it is the work of the devil. There really is no evidence to support either side, other than each religion's own sacred texts, which of course will always support their respective religions. It's not limited to just Christianity vs. Wicca. Many religions are not very tolerant of each other. In fact, it's difficult (but not impossible) to find a religion that is totally tolerant of other religions.\n\nThink of it like a presidential election. The candidates usually try to point out each others' flaws in order to gain votes for themselves. Rarely do they try to get elected based on their own merit. \n\nI don't think there is one answer that will fit everyone for this question. Probably the best thing to do is to study a religion, either by research on the internet, or by attending a service or two, or by talking to people who follow that religion. Better yet, do all of those. Then make a choice on your own as to whether a religion is "good" or "bad" for you. A great place to start is: http://www.religioustolerance.org\n\nMy advice is to follow whatever religion(s) provide you with personal and spritual enrichment. Follow more than one if it fulfills you. Just make sure that your choice is YOURS. \n\nIt's one thing for someone to say why a religion is wrong for themselves; quite another for them to say why a religion is wrong for everyone else. \n\nGood luck to you...