Advice for Christians on How to Talk to a Neo-Pagan

[icymist]

Okay, many people out there approach Neo-pagans in very much the wrong way. Spouting bible verses, telling us we are going to hell, saying how you found Jesus and how we can too, are all things which will likely push our brains into fight mode. It is not that we have a problem with any religion, but we do not follow the religion, and for the most part any Neo-pagan you meet is likely a former Christian. There are reasons why we left the religion, and some of us feel particularly hostile to those trying to force us back into it through threats, coercion, and preaching in general.
Therefore, the first piece of advice is to not quote from the bible, especially if that is all you are doing. Bible quotes tend to give us those mischievous grins everyone dislikes, many of us know the bible as well as or better than most Christians do themselves. For every verse you can quote, we will probably have several that will completely throw that argument right out the window. In addition, if someone does not think something is the absolute truth, it is useless to use that as proof that the person should do something. Most pagans do not believe in the bible as absolute truth, thus, using that book as proof that we should bow down and worship your deity makes absolutely no sense.

The second thing it is not wise to do is to tell a Neo-pagan that they are going to hell. Most of us do not believe that there is a hell or anything like it. And well, you can't go somewhere if it does not exist, right? I mean, there is no such place as Middle Earth, thus none of us can visit it. Okay, so there is a Hell. It is in Michigan. I can probably get you the directions, if you would like. That is what you are likely to hear, or (even more likely) something along the lines of seeing you there. There are many different ways of responding to that particular line of reasoning, and few of them are very nice.

<snip>

Basically, the advice is to be aware that you are talking to people, who have their own opinions. People just like you, who may feel insulted by your lack of consideration. Many of us do understand that your religion asks, even requires, that you spread the word to others. The way in which you do so, however, can possibly close minds to you, and thus, to your religion. Try visiting pagan forums or chatrooms. Sit back and listen to what is said, and speak to them as you would your friends. Eventually, you may find that you have made friends, in an unlikely place. It may also help you help others find the path that is right for them.

Read the whole article