Any Christo-Pagans?

[Elizabeth]

I could not think of a better term than Christo-Pagan, although I only worship Christ.

I struggled a lot with Christianity growing up, because of the way it was presented to me. I dabbled in Agnosticism here and there, but always believed in a Higher Power. I was drawn out of my Protestant upbringing to the Catholic Church. From there, I found the Eastern Orthodox Christian Church.

At that Church, I feel like I am home. I feel intense peace and belonging. Yet, I still believe that religious beliefs fall on a spectrum. I dabble in energy work and Tarot cards still, but not in anyway that runs contrary to Christianity. I use energy work and Tarot readings as my own inner insight.

Is anyone else like this? I still feel weird about it, because I know many Christians would reject me upon hearing this, but at the same time, they are my true feelings.

[Jack]

Is anyone else like this? I still feel weird about it, because I know many Christians would reject me upon hearing this, but at the same time, they are my true feelings.

 
I've heard of Christo-Pagans, and I've also heard of Christian Witches. I have also known plenty of people who simply call themselves Christian but do reiki or energywork, viewing it as a gift from God, or who use tarot cards or engage in spiritism and so on.

I had a Catholic Sorcery phase a few years ago, and I'm always happy to talk theology, but I'm probably not quite what you're looking for.

[Elizabeth]

I've heard of Christo-Pagans, and I've also heard of Christian Witches. I have also known plenty of people who simply call themselves Christian but do reiki or energywork, viewing it as a gift from God, or who use tarot cards or engage in spiritism and so on.

I had a Catholic Sorcery phase a few years ago, and I'm always happy to talk theology, but I'm probably not quite what you're looking for.

I am thinking Christo-Pagan is not exactly the best term for what I am, as I worship One God.

Orthodox Christian with Spiritual Leanings?

I would probably get more suited responses if I had an accurate term lol

[MadZealot]

Is anyone else like this? I still feel weird about it, because I know many Christians would reject me upon hearing this, but at the same time, they are my true feelings.

Hello!  You are part of a minority, to be sure, but that does not in any way make your feelings less legitimate.  There are definitely other Christo-pagans, Christian witches, etc., who definitely fall outside the religion's traditional camps.

May I suggest taking a look at Jesus Through Pagan Eyes: Bridging Neopagan Perspectives with a Progressive Vision of Christ by Rev Mark Townsend.  The first half contains the author's insights (he's former Church of England, currently a Druid) and the second half is short essays from various Big Name Pagans(tm).

[MadZealot]

I am thinking Christo-Pagan is not exactly the best term for what I am, as I worship One God.

Who says being 'pagan' means having to worship more than one?  
After all, if you're Trinitarian, it could be said you worship Three (who are One.)

[Elizabeth]

Hello!  You are part of a minority, to be sure, but that does not in any way make your feelings less legitimate.  There are definitely other Christo-pagans, Christian witches, etc., who definitely fall outside the religion's traditional camps.

May I suggest taking a look at Jesus Through Pagan Eyes: Bridging Neopagan Perspectives with a Progressive Vision of Christ by Rev Mark Townsend.  The first half contains the author's insights (he's former Church of England, currently a Druid) and the second half is short essays from various Big Name Pagans(tm).

 
Thank you for the book recommendation. Through inter-state loan, I was able to order it to be sent to my local library. Excited to get it!

[Elizabeth]

Who says being 'pagan' means having to worship more than one?  
After all, if you're Trinitarian, it could be said you worship Three (who are One.)

 
During the Divine Liturgy, when reference is made to the All Holy Trinity, I am quite often reminded of Brighid, because she is a "trinity" as well.

Of course, I would never mentioned this to anyone in Church, especially my Priest :whis:

[MadZealot]

Thank you for the book recommendation. Through inter-state loan, I was able to order it to be sent to my local library. Excited to get it!

You're welcome.  I think it'll help you explore the 'contradictions.'  Also, the way the author depicts Christ is very... real.  In a sense.

[MadZealot]

During the Divine Liturgy, when reference is made to the All Holy Trinity, I am quite often reminded of Brighid, because she is a "trinity" as well.

Don't know anything 'boout Brighid being triune, but you're probably better off not mentioning that sort of thing to the Priest.  

[Elizabeth]

Don't know anything 'boout Brighid being triune, but you're probably better off not mentioning that sort of thing to the Priest.  

 
By the way I see most people on here talk about Brighid, she is seen as One, though I have seen the occasional mention of her triune attributes.

[Jack]

I am thinking Christo-Pagan is not exactly the best term for what I am, as I worship One God.

Orthodox Christian with Spiritual Leanings?

I would probably get more suited responses if I had an accurate term lol

 
Here's some possibly useful links!

The Path of a Christian Witch
A Christian Witch?
Christian Witchcraft

The last one has a ton of other links as well.

The important thing is not what you call yourself, IMO, but what you believe and how comfortable you are with your practice.

[Elizabeth]

Here's some possibly useful links!

The Path of a Christian Witch
A Christian Witch?
Christian Witchcraft

The last one has a ton of other links as well.

The important thing is not what you call yourself, IMO, but what you believe and how comfortable you are with your practice.

 
In the last link, it seems that her articles are down, but the outside links work.

Thanks!

[Sophia C]

Is anyone else like this? I still feel weird about it, because I know many Christians would reject me upon hearing this, but at the same time, they are my true feelings.

I used to call myself Christo-Pagan. It's been a while, though - I eventually decided that my beliefs were so far from Christianity that the term didn't really fit. The funny thing is that almost nothing about my beliefs changed when I became a Pagan. I hadn't believed in the divinity of Christ or the trinity or substitutional atonement for years. I just became more acutely aware that I didn't hold beliefs that other Christians did, not least because I was adding beliefs (like honouring many gods) that I knew they'd have a problem with. It doesn't sound like you have that issue, which will help!

A whole lot of folk magic around the world takes place in Christian contexts. You might find it interesting to research hoodoo, or Catholic folk magic that works with saints. I continue to do saint-based magic (I have an altar to several saints) and to use hoodoo in a Christian framework (since that's how it's most widely practiced). I also continue to consider myself influenced by Gnosticism and Celtic Christianity. I didn't convert - I've just been on a long spiritual journey that reached a new turn in the road.

I hope you find peace with the differences in your beliefs. I know enough Christo-Pagans and Christian witches to know that it's possible.

[Nyktelios]

I use energy work and Tarot readings as my own inner insight.

 
I think those are more occult/New Age than "pagan".

[Sage]

I think those are more occult/New Age than "pagan".

 
The line gets blurry, especially since there's no standard definition of Pagan. Energy work and divination can be used across religious lines, after all.