Christian Discussion Thread XI: Anicetus’ Revenge

[Tarsonis]

Nah, that was "Deus Vult".

So... Deus Vult, heathen.

*crusades*

But why are so many christians becoming atheists and why is christianity on the decline in places like europe. I mean the muslims seem far more devout and capable.

Im not shitting on christianity i like christianity in more than a few ways

Because Christianity makes certain moral proclamations that don't sit well with the modern crowd. Plus the Church itself is in desperate need of a Pope Pius XIII

[New Steuben]

But why are so many christians becoming atheists and why is christianity on the decline in places like europe. I mean the muslims seem far more devout and capable.

Im not shitting on christianity i like christianity in more than a few ways

Because Christianity makes certain moral proclamations that don't sit well with the modern crowd. Plus the Church itself is in desperate need of a Pope Pius XIII

Im torn between lutheranism and neo paganism

[Trollzyn the Infinite]

But why are so many christians becoming atheists and why is christianity on the decline in places like europe. I mean the muslims seem far more devout and capable.

Im not shitting on christianity i like christianity in more than a few ways

Probably because they went through the Enlightenment. That and the Thirty Years War.

That was... some time ago. I don't think either of those things are very relevant today anymore.

Maybe the Enlightenment. But no, mostly it's Protestant churches that are shrinking while other churches are rising. The damage done by the Reformation is being undone, essentially.

[Tarsonis]

Because Christianity makes certain moral proclamations that don't sit well with the modern crowd. Plus the Church itself is in desperate need of a Pope Pius XIII

Im torn between lutheranism and neo paganism

Why?

[New Steuben]

Im torn between lutheranism and neo paganism

Why?

I like some of the christian teachings but ive always felt like more of a animist, i look at nature and feel something more, but i dont feel the “single god” concept

[Tarsonis]

Why?

I like some of the christian teachings but ive always felt like more of a animist, i look at nature and feel something more, but i dont feel the “single god” concept

Sorry, just from a Christian perspective that doesn't make sense. St. Francis wrote extensively on the spirituality of nature, that's not at odds with the notion of a single deity.

[Trollzyn the Infinite]

Why?

I like some of the christian teachings but ive always felt like more of a animist, i look at nature and feel something more, but i dont feel the “single god” concept

Consider the following: God is all around is, including in nature.

Bam.

[Tarsonis]

I like some of the christian teachings but ive always felt like more of a animist, i look at nature and feel something more, but i dont feel the “single god” concept

Consider the following: God is all around is, including in nature.

Bam.

More than that. "Ashes to Ashes, Dust to Dust. From the Ground we came, from the ground we belong, and to the ground we return."

Humans come from nature. To not feel a spiritual connection would be bizarre really.

[New Steuben]

I like some of the christian teachings but ive always felt like more of a animist, i look at nature and feel something more, but i dont feel the “single god” concept

Sorry, just from a Christian perspective that doesn't make sense. St. Francis wrote extensively on the spirituality of nature, that's not at odds with the notion of a single deity.

I dont feel as if their is a single creator, idk, i identify with the primitive/nature side of asatru.

Ive been going through a spiritual battle latley. Most of my family and others are christians, which is fine, but they dont really know what im looking into

[Luminesa]

I'm a ethnically Germanic American

I was born a Roman Catholic, became an athiest then agnostic, now I'm "soul searching" and found Asatru.

What do Christians think about the rise of ancient euro faiths, like in Greece and Iceland?

I think others have said it better than me, but I think that it has to do with seeking a sort of “grassroots” spirituality. This is not to say that Catholicism is inorganic (I am a Catholic and think it is the religion that loves nature and life the most). There is definitely something to be said about this search for ancient, pre-Christian faiths, perhaps a search for “traditionalism”. It could also be related to political movements as well.

I’m glad you’ve come to this thread to talk with us! Feel free to ask any questions about Christianity you may have.

[New Steuben]

I'm a ethnically Germanic American

I was born a Roman Catholic, became an athiest then agnostic, now I'm "soul searching" and found Asatru.

What do Christians think about the rise of ancient euro faiths, like in Greece and Iceland?

I think others have said it better than me, but I think that it has to do with seeking a sort of “grassroots” spirituality. This is not to say that Catholicism is inorganic (I am a Catholic and think it is the religion that loves nature and life the most). There is definitely something to be said about this search for ancient, pre-Christian faiths, perhaps a search for “traditionalism”. It could also be related to political movements as well.

I’m glad you’ve come to this thread to talk with us! Feel free to ask any questions about Christianity you may have.

Thank you so much

[Trollzyn the Infinite]

Consider the following: God is all around is, including in nature.

Bam.

More than that. "Ashes to Ashes, Dust to Dust. From the Ground we came, from the ground we belong, and to the ground we return."

Humans come from nature. To not feel a spiritual connection would be bizarre really.

Good point.

[Luminesa]

Nah, that was "Deus Vult".

So... Deus Vult, heathen.

*crusades*

But why are so many christians becoming atheists and why is christianity on the decline in places like europe. I mean the muslims seem far more devout and capable.

Im not shitting on christianity i like christianity in more than a few ways

Christianity in the Western world has been largely pushed into the private sphere, so people are less and less excited or open about their faith. That’s a short answer.

[Luminesa]

Sorry, just from a Christian perspective that doesn't make sense. St. Francis wrote extensively on the spirituality of nature, that's not at odds with the notion of a single deity.

I dont feel as if their is a single creator, idk, i identify with the primitive/nature side of asatru.

Ive been going through a spiritual battle latley. Most of my family and others are christians, which is fine, but they dont really know what im looking into

Have you tried maybe sitting in church and talking to God personally? I think it would help you with some of your doubts. Having a deep contemplative life helps against many struggles we endure. Ask God to reveal Himself and how He lives among the beauty of creation.

[New Steuben]

Consider the following: God is all around is, including in nature.

Bam.

More than that. "Ashes to Ashes, Dust to Dust. From the Ground we came, from the ground we belong, and to the ground we return."

Humans come from nature. To not feel a spiritual connection would be bizarre really.

Idk the materialism of Many churches sometimes is off putting.

Especially mega churches that just seem fake

[Tarsonis]

Sorry, just from a Christian perspective that doesn't make sense. St. Francis wrote extensively on the spirituality of nature, that's not at odds with the notion of a single deity.

I dont feel as if their is a single creator, idk, i identify with the primitive/nature side of asatru.

Ive been going through a spiritual battle latley. Most of my family and others are christians, which is fine, but they dont really know what im looking into

No offense, but Asatru is up there with Wicca and scientology as "fad religions." They were created as a social movement, not because of any divine revelation. It's part of the larger Heathenry movement, which the name alone should tell you exactly what the aims are.


Ancient pagan religions no doubt have some appeal, (they wouldn't have existed otherwise.) But I caution you to use your reason, as well as your spiritual longing, before heading down that road.

[New Steuben]

I dont feel as if their is a single creator, idk, i identify with the primitive/nature side of asatru.

Ive been going through a spiritual battle latley. Most of my family and others are christians, which is fine, but they dont really know what im looking into

Have you tried maybe sitting in church and talking to God personally? I think it would help you with some of your doubts. Having a deep contemplative life helps against many struggles we endure. Ask God to reveal Himself and how He lives among the beauty of creation.

Ive had many moments, not good ones

I find churches to be nice, comfortable places, i have many good interactions with christians but for me nature is much more of a temple. When im on a mountain surrounded by trees or just being in the more “wild” is calming and i do want a connction with my ancient ancestors.

[Trollzyn the Infinite]

More than that. "Ashes to Ashes, Dust to Dust. From the Ground we came, from the ground we belong, and to the ground we return."

Humans come from nature. To not feel a spiritual connection would be bizarre really.

Idk the materialism of Many churches sometimes is off putting.

Especially mega churches that just seem fake

Lemme stop you right there.

Joel Osteen and his ilk aren't Christians. They're conmen using faux spirituality to make money. Ignore them. They're frauds, swindlers, hustlers, grifters, etc.

[Tarsonis]

Have you tried maybe sitting in church and talking to God personally? I think it would help you with some of your doubts. Having a deep contemplative life helps against many struggles we endure. Ask God to reveal Himself and how He lives among the beauty of creation.

Ive had many moments, not good ones

I find churches to be nice, comfortable places, i have many good interactions with christians but for me nature is much more of a temple. When im on a mountain surrounded by trees or just being in the more “wild” is calming and i do want a connction with my ancient ancestors.

*cough* St. Francis *cough*

[New Steuben]

Ive had many moments, not good ones

I find churches to be nice, comfortable places, i have many good interactions with christians but for me nature is much more of a temple. When im on a mountain surrounded by trees or just being in the more “wild” is calming and i do want a connction with my ancient ancestors.

*cough* St. Francis *cough*

I get what your doing but im not here to be converted really, i just find christian company to be good

[Tarsonis]

More than that. "Ashes to Ashes, Dust to Dust. From the Ground we came, from the ground we belong, and to the ground we return."

Humans come from nature. To not feel a spiritual connection would be bizarre really.

Idk the materialism of Many churches sometimes is off putting.

Especially mega churches that just seem fake

I see that especially with the Evangelicals and Prosperity Ilk Trollz just mentioned. But With the Apostolic Churches like Catholics and Orthodox, that materialism is needs to be understood in context. (I.e Gothic cathedrals are so tall because the they're supposed to give the impression of being under heaven. Cathedrals themselves are gigantic buildings in stark contrast to the villages they were built around. It's a form of visual evangelization, which was necessary for a mostly illiterate populace.)

[New Steuben]

Idk the materialism of Many churches sometimes is off putting.

Especially mega churches that just seem fake

I see that especially with the Evangelicals and Prosperity Ilk Trollz just mentioned. But With the Apostolic Churches like Catholics and Orthodox, that materialism is needs to be understood in context. (I.e Gothic cathedrals are so tall because the they're supposed to give the impression of being under heaven. Cathedrals themselves are gigantic buildings in stark contrast to the villages they were built around. It's a form of visual evangelization, which was necessary for a mostly illiterate populace.)

I love grand cathedrals my problem were the very obvious swindlers, i think religions should use traditional style

[Trollzyn the Infinite]

Idk the materialism of Many churches sometimes is off putting.

Especially mega churches that just seem fake

I see that especially with the Evangelicals and Prosperity Ilk Trollz just mentioned. But With the Apostolic Churches like Catholics and Orthodox, that materialism is needs to be understood in context. (I.e Gothic cathedrals are so tall because the they're supposed to give the impression of being under heaven. Cathedrals themselves are gigantic buildings in stark contrast to the villages they were built around. It's a form of visual evangelization, which was necessary for a mostly illiterate populace.)

I'm not sure what's worse, actually. Evangelicals or Prosperity.

[Luminesa]

Have you tried maybe sitting in church and talking to God personally? I think it would help you with some of your doubts. Having a deep contemplative life helps against many struggles we endure. Ask God to reveal Himself and how He lives among the beauty of creation.

Ive had many moments, not good ones

I find churches to be nice, comfortable places, i have many good interactions with christians but for me nature is much more of a temple. When im on a mountain surrounded by trees or just being in the more “wild” is calming and i do want a connction with my ancient ancestors.

I think Tars definitely makes a point about St. Francis of Assisi perhaps having something in come with you. Loving nature and finding God in nature and whatnot.

Consolations don’t always come during prayer, but waiting for them and thanking God for them really is like being a little flower, drinking water from a rain cloud and thanking the cloud for it. I think it helps to consider consolations in prayer like that. Sure, they might happen everyday or not at all for some time. But one must also not rely on consolations in prayer. We have to pray through those dry, desert periods in our spiritual life. I think you might be right there right now.

I also love being outside, especially in the spring and fall, and when I saw mountains for the first time I was taken aback by their beauty and splendor. Their hugeness. I don’t think that is something exclusive to paganism. We are meant to love the earth that God gave to us.

[New Steuben]

I have another issue though

This is going to sound mean and i dont totally mean it this way

I consider christianity a “invasive” faith, not natural to native europeons,