Continuing the religious debate from over in IOD....

[Shattered Soul]

quote:Originally posted by mrnoodle
But do pagans ask for the intervention of their deities in their daily lives, or do they just pay ritual homage to them? That would affect the relationship a great deal. You don't have to fear something that lacks the power to influence you in any meaningful way.

On the other hand, a god with real power would be worthy of fear and unquestioning obedience, particularly if that god had specifically requested it from his creation. BTW, the 'fear' I'm referring to is more akin to a deep sense of awe than to 'omg please don't kill me i don't wanna die' fear.

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Ok, lessee....maybe I can clear some of the belief stuff up, at least as far as my pagan beliefs go.

Our Deity is more of a Mother/Father figure. They'll help if you really need it, but for the most part, they let you go your way and experience life. I've asked God/dess for help, and I've gotten it, but only when the need was great. Otherwise, it was, "Do it yourself, kiddo."

God/dess does influence me in a meaningful way. I find it much easier to relate to a Deity who doesn't have jealousy issues and homicidal tendencies.

And as before, paganism almost demands that you question. God/dess gave us brains for a reason, and that was so we would be able to reason things out. You'll never catch a pagan sending their paycheck to some shyster who claims God/dess is gonna take him if he doesn't get a million dollars. A pagan would wave and say, "Have fun in the Summerland! See you next time around!"

God/dess doesn't TELL us what to do. God/dess has put forth one rule, and either you follow it or you don't. S/He expects you to take responsibility for yourself and act right without threats. If you don't, it'll bite you in the ass, eventually. No threats of hell. You'll get flicked in the head (figuratively speaking) in this life for not playing nice. It's kind of like, "If you do THIS, this will happen." No discussion. But it's a relatively immediete reward or punishment, in the here and now, not after you die.

At least that's what I believe. Others may have variations on this, or believe completely differently.