Quote:
Originally posted by mrnoodle
But do pagans ask for the intervention of their deities in their daily lives, or do they just pay ritual homage to them? That would affect the relationship a great deal. You don't have to fear something that lacks the power to influence you in any meaningful way.
On the other hand, a god with real power would be worthy of fear and unquestioning obedience, particularly if that god had specifically requested it from his creation. BTW, the 'fear' I'm referring to is more akin to a deep sense of awe than to 'omg please don't kill me i don't wanna die' fear.
Like I said, I'm aware of the energies you refer to. But I'm equally aware, in the same real sense, of the truth of the Creator, and the inspired nature of the bible as his word. To tie it back to ShatteredSoul's comment, once I'm aware of this truth, I can't ignore it. For me, to simply pay respects to the physical world around me (including it's mystical/spiritual component) is missing the boat. It's akin to only drinking the foam on top of the beer. The good part is underneath the foam, dude.
Actually, I believe I will go have a beer right now 
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Wolf is right on with what she said. Of course, there are variations among pagans. For instance, I believe that there is only one Deity, and all the others are merely aspects of a single being--just as we play many roles in life, with many aspects, so does Deity.
The thing is, all religions, in my opinion, believe in the same Being. The only differences are names and rituals.
With Paganism, you are pretty much required to question, and to take responsibility for your actions. There's no devil to blame anything on. there's no hell. We don't fear our Deity because we don't believe that they CARE which path we follow, as long as we walk with them. There are no threats or intolerance on the part of God/dess.
I was talking about this with Sidhe, as a matter of fact, and she sent me a poem she wrote about eight years ago, kind of a poem to the God/dess. I'm going to pass it on. I hope she doesn't mind. I thought it described God/dess well.
The Call of The ONE
I call My children, all, to Me;
My face, My form, not fixed but free;
What each needs is Who each sees
In the form that brings them peace...
Listen, for I call to THEE...
My Pagan paths wind round and round;
The Christians choose My narrow ground;
In wind and rain you hear My voice,
How you see Me is your choice.
Whether church or forest, whether Solitary flame;
Whether wine and host, or whether cakes and ale;
No matter how you seek Me, your Paths are all the same:
My love, My face, is what you seek, and NONE shall ever fail!
copyright 1997
R.A. Silverwind