How do I explain to someone that HIM is not satanic??
475527
I thought HIM was a christian band. Maybe not, I don't know. Besides, vampires aren't necessarily satanic. The vampire lore comes from many different countries, christian or not, and does not really have any specific origins in christian folklore. In fact the vampire myths are so ancient that they surpass christianity in age. So you can tell him that. \nBut I don't think you're going to persuade your friend. No offense but he sounds a bit um...closeminded. And if a band sings about a vampire, that doesn't mean they like vampires either.\nBy the way, I just looked at their website and the symol is very very similar to the satanic symbol, which was stolen from witchcraft by the way. Satanists are so unorginal.\nBut no, the symbol isn't exactly the same, because the top parts don't end in points like they should.\n\nThis is the satanic symbol as it should appear.\nhttp://www.religion-spirituality.org/images/satanismsymbol.gif\n\nSo you see, they are similar, but the one for HIM isn't close enough (for me at least) to consider them satanic.\n\nMy mistake. The orignal one I had a link to was freemason.Oopsy.
958789
Don't. Just be yourself. Explain if he brings it up. We are all the center of our own universes, but he'd be pretty un-observant if he doesn't notice the way you are with your friends.
1032325
You will want to tell this person that you have cherished the experiences you've had with this person, but that you do not wish to be friends with this person.  Don't empahsize "don't like them".  Tell this person that you have growth underway and that you have other things you would like to work on.  Mention that this friendship might interefere with your goals.  Mention that its nothing personal, and that there isn't anything wrong with the other person, but that you encourage that this person seek their own experiences as you are doing the same.\n\nI always recommend to seek guidance in prayer about situations that are sticky, and if you go to someone that knows the bible in and out, you will be sure to receive similiar stories or predicaments.\n\nBlessings,\nCheryl
228738
First of all, it's nice to hear from Christians that you should respect another's faith.  Secondly, to hear from some of you that your way was is the TRUTH, is nothing new to me.  I understand it is how your faith operates.  Also, I just wanted to point out being brainwashed must involve a collective group of people who believe exactly the same thing.  This is not what you will find in the Wiccan faith.  As 100 Wiccans who or what is "GOD" and you will get 100 different answers.\n\nNow for the real question at hand.  I am distressed to hear that one from our faith of respect and tolerance is trying to "convert" you.  Obviously this person has not done much reading on the actual basic principals of Wicca.  One of these being that we do not convert, we only educate when asked.  This faith is one, which should be sought out and found.  To offer it up freely would be an insult to those who really wish to spend time deciding for themselves where their spiritual path takes them.\n\nAs for how to deal with this, I feel you should be blunt.  Tell her that you are not interested in participating in any rituals with her.  If this is all she has to offer in your time together then apparently you two don't have much in common.  You don't have to be rude, but don't beat around the bush either.  Make it clear what your intentions are as friends.  If one day you decide to walk in this path then you already have a point of contact.\n\nI would like to also say, that I am sorry some of the people who have posted answer have not been very supportive.  No matter what you decide to believe, always know that not one person has the right to make or persuade you to believe otherwise.
310829
It's mainly because Satanists really don't care much about converting.  LaVey never said to actively convert others.  I've had many conversations with Satanists and none of them have ever included the word "convert."  \n\nI wouldn't try, it's simply not worth the hastle.  If it's right for you, it's right for you.  That's pretty much what Satanism is all about to begin with.\n\nOh, and aren't you happy we have such loving, wonderful people here who call us stupid on a continual basis?  There's love and acceptance for you.
376493
it is you should buy the satanic bible. i just got it and it has opened me up to so much more you don't have to believe in every thing that is in it you can kinda just mix and much your own religion.\ngood luck
905560
Stay away all those that will tell her to stop looking at Satan and look to God. She is not asking that!\n\nwww.witchvox.com is good
360166
I have a neighbor that is totally against everything I believe spiritually.  We vote for the opposite people, he is for abortion, I'm against it, he thinks conservative Christians are wrong with their moral stance (I'm conservative)... I could go on about the differences.\n\nAfter a few heated conversations about our differences, we have learned that we both are strong headded and stubborn.  He isn't going to change my opinion and I'm not going to change his.\n\nWe also realized...we aren't moving.  So we could either fight or we could learn to get along.\n\nSo, we have learned not to talk about the "Hot topics" that will get us red-faced.  We have learned that we can be very different and be good friends.  There isn't anything he wouldn't do to help me out...and I would do the same for him.\n\nIt's really pretty funny...I enjoy talking with him.  We just have learned what we can and can't talk about.  Sometimes when the conversation starts to get around to our differences I'll say, "You know I don't agree with that viewpoint."..and He'll say, "Oh, yeah."...and then we will talk about something else.
149378
I would openly talk to him and point out that you do not appreciate his attention when you two are surrounded by fellow church members.\n\nBy letting him know (in the presence of others) that you do NOT want him to continue what he's doing, you will later have other people to back you up that you DID tell him to bug off.\n\nAnother thing you could do (before telling him in front of that group of people) is to tell some of the church members what he's been doing and that you feel very, very uncomfortable about his actions.  .....I would also ask that they talk to him if possible.\n\nBest of everything!
677210
i have no idea what is considered a sin or not a sin\nbut in my opinion, if you believe in God, go ahead!\nyou dont have to worry about those mean looks\nyou're there to pray and worship\nthey have no right to judge you by your looks\nit's a matter of preference\ni dont think people who dress conservatively are all good!\nthey may have some bad vibes behind those clothes\ni mean it's just clothing for God sake\n\nps: i know it's annoying to have people staring at you, maybe you can make friends with them, let them know the "real nice" you behind your goth look =)\ngood luck\nand i accidentally deleted your message on 360, can you me another one? thx
1096593
Sheesh.\n\nOk, lets remember something.  No matter what you call yourself , you are you.  In other words, you are a human being.\n\nExample, I call myself a fish.   I take no preparations to get a snorkel, scuba gear, Marine Boy's aqua gum, nada.  I just dive in , swim as deep down into the water as I can go and then begin to gasp for air.   \n\nAt that point I may head to the surface and somehow get to the surface and get air into my lungs, survive and maybe just get a really bad case of "the bends" and live, or die from that.\n\nOr I might be so deep down and so believe I'm a fish that I simply die, because I'm actually just a human.\n\nSo, the real question here isn't what you call yourself, it's what you are.  Surprisingly it doesn't even matter if you call yourself a Christian and not go to heaven, not like heaven, or not have faith.\n\nThe Bible has a passage that goes something like :\n\n"Many will cry "Abba" ("Father") and not be heard."  This is because he will not recognize you as his children, because that person simply mouths the words.\n\nBut the difference between claiming to be a Christian and a Satanist is the potential for benefit.  This is because being a Christian answers to the needs and reality of being human, mortal, sentient.  Satanism does not.\n\nEven on a more mercenary plane, no one would bank on Satan over the actual creator.  Disgruntled help have a terrible track record as long term rules, non-creators a poor understanding of the creation in question, and jealous rivals to the humans are not exactly the first choice to salute and follow like blind sheep.\n\nYou have to ask yourself if there is a creator and if so what would a creator be like?  Because otherwise something that claims to be "God" can't promise you eternal life or omniscience, only a creator can do that, only a first cause can.  You then can also ask what is the motivation of a creator to see your chances of getting any "r-e-s-p-e-c-t" or "lovin'" or whatever other cool but foolish lingo you need to phrase it .\n\nFinally, in the end, Satanism or Christianity are a way of life, if you can't be consistent with your own humanity, you'll never make it to either promised land or result.   If you must deny the true self to get there, you'll never achieve what you hope.\n\nUnfortunately, I think many would-be satanists kid themselves into thinking that they are fully self-aware of the human condition and their own particular case.   They do deny their humanity and what is of God they thirst for.  If they do that, they can believe anything.\n\nBut they'll still be gasping for air at the bottom of the dive.
536733
Just tell them that you know they do not necessarily support what you believe, but you are very happy about what you have been called to do, then tell them what it is you have been called to do, and tell them, I know you may not agree with it, but I would really like your support, your love, or your encouragement. My dad is a non-believer, and I told him this when I told him about a certain decision and he handled it very well and told me that even though he doesn't agree with what I believe, he will support me and love me.
1110198
There are other ways of telling him you're not a teenage girl.  Try this rather novel approach.  \n\n"Oh by the way, I'm not a teenage girl."
1047220
my homie, Satan! he my runnin dog.  what you want with him?  he is kinda bad with the whole legal, politics gig...but he can take their souls if you want.  just give me they names, and ill just jet on over to my homies crib, and let him know.  see if hes got time.  he real good at soul stealing.  \n\njust playin.  sorry dude, but Satan ain't real.  trying to call him would be like writing a letter to Santa or praying to god.  you might as well talk to a brick.
639599
Let me take a moment to go on record as saying that the majority of the responses above more than adequately show the lack of respect and hypocracy that is rampant in the Christian community (see the "Why do Christian's Bash Everyone?" question, where everyone says "we don't bash - other's bash *us*!" mmhmm.)\n\nAnyways, Just to let you know I've seen a steady Satanist community over on beliefnet.  While I may not practice your beliefs (or the Christian's beliefs either) I do respect your right as an individual to believe and practice as you will, to whatever brings joy to your life.\n\nIf everyone could bring an ounce of compassion to thier lives, and perhaps act like civilized human beings (and not a torch wielding mob) the world would be a much safer and happier place.\n\nGood luck in your search :)
14434
Your lifestyle may not be acceptable in his generation. Goth isn't a kind of person, it's an identity tool, and we need them (especially in our teen years) to help us seperate ourselves from our parents. I wouldn't bother trying to make him understand anything. He'll either get it or he won't. Fighting him on it will probably make things worse for you. Just act naturally, like yourself, and if you continue to be a good person and look however you want to look, he'll wise up and treat you like a person again.
184410
First of all, never tell someone what "they believe."  Just because the Quran teaches something doesn't mean that your friend believes it.\n\nSecond, ask him to teach you more about Islam while you teach him more about Christianity.  Don't "debate" him, but have an honest, sincere conversation.\n\nThird, and most importantly, love him.  Let him know you care.