I was raised in a highly sheltered, fundamentalist Christian home. I was well loved, and consider my mother to have raised me well. She, and my step-father, both self-identify as Christian, and actually live it out in their daily lives. They are some of the best people that I know. That being said, I know that it will sound odd, especially considering what comes in the next paragraph.
I have come to the realization that despite my parents faith, I cannot self-identify as a Christian. Primarily, this is because since I have moved from my parent's home, I have become more and more horrified at the way so-called "Christians" act. I have also been astounded at the variety and diversity I have found in my non-Christian friends (I was always taught that non-Christians were pretty much a homogenous group of "devil worshipers").
As time goes on, I realize that I am less and less of a "Christian". While in some ways this is like a weight off my shoulders, in other ways I feel like I've been dropped into an ocean in a rowboat. I don't have the wide knowledge of other faiths to guide me through.
My heritage is Irish, though I haven't yet traced it all the way back to Ireland yet, because of family history issues. I am very interested in the Celtic Pagan tradition. I have bought a couple of books to read up on it. Those these gave me some information, I feel a little overwhelmed by the vastness of the culture and heritage. Somewhat, I suppose, like someone who came into the church later in life would feel like.
So, I'm not sure what I'm asking. Certainly I would love to have a conversation about Celtic Paganism. I would also love to talk to people who have been in my situation, mainly being raised as a Christian and deciding differently when they got older. Otherwise, if anyone else has anything to say, I'm happy to listen to advice, criticisms, whatever. Thank you very much.
EDIT: Sorry for the wall of text.
I have come to the realization that despite my parents faith, I cannot self-identify as a Christian. Primarily, this is because since I have moved from my parent's home, I have become more and more horrified at the way so-called "Christians" act. I have also been astounded at the variety and diversity I have found in my non-Christian friends (I was always taught that non-Christians were pretty much a homogenous group of "devil worshipers").
As time goes on, I realize that I am less and less of a "Christian". While in some ways this is like a weight off my shoulders, in other ways I feel like I've been dropped into an ocean in a rowboat. I don't have the wide knowledge of other faiths to guide me through.
My heritage is Irish, though I haven't yet traced it all the way back to Ireland yet, because of family history issues. I am very interested in the Celtic Pagan tradition. I have bought a couple of books to read up on it. Those these gave me some information, I feel a little overwhelmed by the vastness of the culture and heritage. Somewhat, I suppose, like someone who came into the church later in life would feel like.
So, I'm not sure what I'm asking. Certainly I would love to have a conversation about Celtic Paganism. I would also love to talk to people who have been in my situation, mainly being raised as a Christian and deciding differently when they got older. Otherwise, if anyone else has anything to say, I'm happy to listen to advice, criticisms, whatever. Thank you very much.
EDIT: Sorry for the wall of text.
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