I'm a Hellenic and Kemetic Wiccan. I was raised Christian (Lutheran) and practiced it solely until I was 16, then I became (at least partially) Pagan. When I was 22 I began to re-look all of my beliefs, including my Christianity. I couldn't just choose one religion at that time so I viewed myself as a Christo-Pagan.

Recently I have made efforts spiritually and mentally to break away from Christianity and become ONLY Pagan. This has been difficult, and to quote the Godfather "Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in" meaning every time I think I've broken away, I feel something calling me back.

This past Sunday was no different. After about two months of not going to church, I felt something pulling me in that direction so I decided to go. The entire service revolved around the Parable about the lost sheep. I could definitely relate to that.

Has any fellow Wiccans/Pagans had this experience breaking away from other religions? Why do you feel like it is this way?

Do you feel that my calling to Christianity is legit? Should I follow this 'calling'? I personally don't feel I can be a true Christian while being Pagan, or a true Pagan while being christian. It works both ways. I feel it's an either/or situation.
BTW I'm 23 now...

Dear Outlaw393,
I can relate to your confusion, even though I am not Wiccan nor Christian. The only advise I can give you is to follow your heart and don't feel pushed into making a decision. I am sure that once you let go of the need to decide, it will be revealed to you through divine guidance "where you belong" : )

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May your awareness be perfection

Hi Outlaw - I ditto Vivamis' post. I know it's hard to be in limbo. I spent much of my 20's in that state. I couldn't believe in alot of the church's teachings (a God of judgement, for example), and my attempt to adopt Christianity whole-heartedly ended up being a futile one. I started reading things that interested me (spiritual stuff) and told God He would have to show me what He wanted me to know, since I obviously wasn't "getting it." Ironically, my path took me back to the words of Jesus (only it was through ACIM) and now I feel I discern alot more of what is true/not true, in the Bible and in my own heart. So I'd say Viv knows what she's talking about: follow your bliss.

I have a feeling that it is a common thing to feel like you are not sure where you belong in your 20s. I felt that way also. I am...I still don't know what I am. I have a mix of Pagan, Christian, Muslim, Taoist, and others still beliefs. I don't know that it is necessary to break away from anything. I think that you are drawn to the church and its teachings for a reason. Whatever that reason is, the church is filling a need for you and you for it. As you age and mature some more, you'll find that you will become more comfortable with who you are and what you believe. It always takes time.

keep your heart open, and the answers that are right for you will come


(the key words there are 'heart' and 'you'!)

One thing that helps is to look for the similarities between Wiccan, Paganism, and Christianity. There are probably a lot more similarities than you think.

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InterfaithForums.com-Where your ideas and beliefs count.

How can I let go of the need to decide, especially when I think that is so important? Pagan or Christian, Christian or Pagan. That's the eternal burning question.

Christians tell me that I should accept Christ as my savior and become 100% Christian. Pagans tell me to let go of Christianity and become totally Pagan.

A disagrees with B and sees it as sinful.
B doesn't like A because it's oppressed it for so long.

I am still studying other religions. My latest one is Judaism. Very interesting.

Dear Outaw 393,
I think you are on the right path. If you don't feel 100% sure where you belong it is very wise to keep looking. Be open minded and not surprised if you return to the belief system you originally started out with.

The first (and only) belief system I was introduced to was cathlic. I turned away from the Cathlic church when they no longer reflected my beliefs, or my beliefs no longer reflected theirs : ) But over the years I have learned to value the Cathlic belief and see that it was for me the beginning of my spiritual journey.

What I meant with letting go of the need to decide is to do what you are doing. If you feel insecure about where you belong, keep looking, not to find something else, but rather to encounter what you are, even through becoming aware of what you are not.

I don't think we have to decide on anything; I think the dice are already rolled, we just need to read them.

__________________
May your awareness be perfection

cool! we'll take ya!!!

Lol, you will?!

Finally found the laws of Kosher the other day. I practice about 90% of this already, due to me being very fussy. Pork is the biggest one that I have an issue with. I've always enjoyed pork.

soooooooooooooooooo