What is the closest organised religion to paganism? And info on Quakerism :-)

[starrynight]

Hi all, I know this is a really wierd thing to ask but I did that fab quiz on beliefnet and it said I was a pagan - having looked into it and read up that is definately in tune with my personal beliefs.

However, there don't seem to be any organised community meetings which is something that is very important for me. I want to go with my family to a meeting regularly (weekly would be ideal) and become part of a community.

So...the big question is - are there any organised religions that are similar to paganism that I could attend as a compromise? I have briefly looked at the quakers who don't seem to mind if you don't believe in the whole 'Jesus' thing so any quakers on here who could tell me more would be appreciated too.

Tall order guys I know you can do it!

Ruty, why do you think I don't believe in god? I do but not in the same way that you do.

The only way I can put it is the way I did below: " 'God' is just another name for every one of us - I believe we are all part of a huge 'consciousness'"

I really believe that 'god' is just all of our souls, some more wise than others. I believe the wisest may not choose to be born into another life but could be 'angels' which I mean to be wise souls who can help the less-wise ones.

Hope I don't sound like i'm talking BS.

sorry starry night i wasn't having a go! Maybe our idea of God isn't that different - it is very hard to explain what God is seeing as our language is rather limited in explaining spiritual matters. that is why the bible talks in metaphor, and unfortunately some people take it all literally.

RE angels - i don't really know what they are, but i know people have strong personal experiences of them, so i have an open mind.

theres a thought starry night there wasnt a question about angels on that quiz

i love angels and totally believe in them

i came out as 100 % neo pagan
96% mahayana buddist
and 96 % new age
im just going to read about it now

saint george how do i learn more become involved with paganism im not 100% sure about being part of any 'religion' (as it were) im skeptical of any organised group(as i was brought up in the catholic one)
but i know i have had paganistic leanings for a long time and i also revere buddism thing the way of thinking is excellent

thing i would prefer to have my own religion a fusoin of all these ideas my own spirirual path the rules set out by me and i think that is the 'new age religion' as i see it- a personally chosen spiritual set of values/path

anyone agree ?

Hi starrynight,

reading through this your beliefs are very similar to mine

and also wanted to add that the discription of paganism was a 'cut and paste' from an information site, and is only a basic outline so is not set in stone

Witchypoo, are you a hedge or kitten? or something else?

and are you celebrating Lammas on tuesday?

happy hugs how did you become directly involved with paganism is it some thing youve have always been involved with or felt close affinity with ?

err close affinity to

comon dont let me kill this thread ffs

only joking just want to talk to someone and everyones gone away
do i smell ?

I think organised religion is kind of the polar opposite of paganism, tbh. Paganism is a 'do it yourself' religion with no heirarchy telling you what to do. Beyond the big rule which is 'an it harm none, do as thou wilt'. Which is just a basis for people to get on with each other, really.

Although human nature means there are branches of paganism where people go in for heirarchy...

Try the Pagan Federation for more info - they've got a sense of humour, they invited Terry Pratchett to speak at one of their annual gatherings.

pagans

papillion this is what the site says on new though did you read this ? (you probably did)

I want to become part of a community with similar beliefs that meet regularly - not really looking for a hiararchy to tell me what to do (get enough of that with my kids )

Happy huggy good to know its not just me - there are other people with similar beliefs (I have to wonder sometimes!)

thanks edam

Oh yes, the different paths of paganism are truly mind blowing - how do you find out which one best matches you? Is it just a matter of reading loads of books etc?

SP, human sacrifice is the very core belief of Christianity. Pagans used to sacrifice their kings, too.

Is it

er, Christ gave his life to show how much God loves us. No other human sacrifice in Christianity as far as I know!

what about other christian martyrs ruty ?

like anne of clitheroe ?
theres lots of people (in uk alone) who were killed because they wouldnt denounce their faith

yes martyrs i agree, but not human sacrifice per se.

why not they gave their lives the same thing imo

i suppose for me the difference is they were told change your beliefs or die - and they wouldn't change their beliefs so they took the consequences . human sacrifice i think involves giving a life to satisfy or worship a god.

I think edam was referring to Christ: 'Pagans used to sacrifice their kings too' ?

why is christ a human sacrifice then ? dont fully understand your thinking on this

it was planned, to give his life for us. Human sacrifice usually involves giving your life for the Gods, He gave his life for Humankind.