Guest xforeverxmetalx Posted October 16, 2009 Report Posted October 16, 2009 I'm just curious on what Mormons think about paganism, similarities between them, etc... can't really find too much via googling it, at least not from any decent sources. also what about pagan symbols, Thor's hammer pendants, etc... personally I just think it's interesting and kinda cool thunder god, Vikings and such... Quote
Dove Posted October 16, 2009 Report Posted October 16, 2009 Hey, Honestly, I don't know enough about paganism to give and educated answer about it.....I know a lot of pagan traditions have come down through christian holidays, like the Christmas tree, Halloween, and others I'm sure are there and unaware of. I have observed that the LDS people celebrate these holidays, and the pagan influences inherently in them, with abandon. We celebrate Christmas with the Christmas tree, we celebrate Halloween with ghoulish fun, LOL...(a little humor there). I think the reason we do so is because we know the inherent symbolism is what we make out of it. We don't worship any other God besides God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. However, the Christmas tree is benign to decorate, and Halloween is for the kids to have fun dressing up and getting treats. We use it for that end, and not the satanic goings on of the occult. We don't actually worship or do any of the rituals associated with paganism. No satanism, or worshipping of the different gods. I'm actually interested in finding out more about paganism. I strongly believe in the LDS religion. I am interested in learning how paganism has influenced our culture. I also find that the core of major religions most often have inspired truths to offer. I would hope to find these in paganism as well. Please realize I am speaking my own opinion, and this in no way represents the official position of the LDS church on this matter....... Quote
Traveler Posted October 16, 2009 Report Posted October 16, 2009 I'm just curious on what Mormons think about paganism, similarities between them, etc... can't really find too much via googling it, at least not from any decent sources. also what about pagan symbols, Thor's hammer pendants, etc...personally I just think it's interesting and kinda cool thunder god, Vikings and such... Symbolism is an important part of all ancient religions. At time of Jesus the concept of religion did not exist – it was known as a path or a way. The word “Pagan” was a term invented as a slur by the early Trinitarian Christians to label all that would not accept the Trinity even those that claimed to believe in Jesus but reject the Trinity.Many of the ancient symbols that are associated with the pagan worship were also used by the early Christians and the even the Jews prior to the advent of the Maccabeus and ensuing Rabbinical era. It is interesting to me that Baal, Thor, Hercules, Zoroaster and many others all were part g-d and part man given control of weather – in particular thunder and lightning and that the Apostles also testified the Jesus had power to command the weather. It is my belief that many of the pagan symbols were attempts to claim or demonstrate a Christ like character that would save mankind with divine powers. But the truth that I believe that there is only one individual born of a woman and a g-d that will save mankind and that is Jesus Christ.The Traveler Quote
talisyn Posted October 16, 2009 Report Posted October 16, 2009 Pagans throw the best parties, but some can get kind've preachy about the Earth...this from my way vast experience with some at UC Santa Cruz Quote
Guest Godless Posted October 16, 2009 Report Posted October 16, 2009 Paganism is really a very beautiful religion if you take the time to read a few things about it. This website is a good place to start. Personally, I'm pretty fond of some of the modern influence that it's had on the arts, from books like The Mists of Avalon to music from artists like Loreena McKennitt and Ensiferum.That said, I don't know much about the symbols. Quote
ferretrunner Posted October 16, 2009 Report Posted October 16, 2009 "Pagan" is an umbrella term, covering many different practices and spiritual beliefs; like "Christian" can refer to people who are LDS, Methodist, Catholic, etc. Most pagan spiritualities honor the Goddess and the God and are nature based. Many follow the seasons of the year and celebrate 8 main holy days. Pagans do not worship Satan nor do they follow occult practices. Most pagan religions do not believe in Satan, as Satan is a Christian belief and not part of the construct of early paganism. One of the major tenets of Wicca-based pagan practice is "an it harm none, do as you will." Basically, don't hurt yourself or others with your actions. The Three-fold law is a concept that what you send out, you get back, three fold. Basically, you get back what you give out. The spirituality is one of balance, more or less. One common symbol people misunderstand, due to popular media, is the pentagram or pentacle. It is a five-sided star, enclosed in a circle. In most pagan practices, the top of the star points upward. The points represent earth, air, fire, water, and spirit. The circle represents protection and the never ending cycle of life. The Holidays Samhain (sow-in) is October 31st. It marks the end of the harvest and the beginning of the Celtic New Year. It is also a day to honor ancestors and is believed that the Spirit World is closer to this world that night. Yule (December 21st) celebrates the shortest day of the year and the rebirth of the God as the Son of Light. Imbolc (Feb 1 or 2) is a day of hope of the coming of the Spring and "plantings" of new beginnings and new hopes. Ostara (spring equinox, somewhere around March 21), is the first day of spring and dark and light are equally balanced. Buds are seen on trees and the hope of spring is starting. The goddess as mother is celebrated. Beltane (May Day)- May 1st. Spring is in full bloom. The Goddess is celebrated. As with Samhain, it is a day where the Other World is closer. As Spring deals with fertility, prayers for good growth of crops and honoring the bounty of the earth are performed. It's a very popular day for handfastings (pagan weddings). The love of the God for the Goddess is also celebrated. Litha (midsummer), about June 21-23. Honors the God- present as the summer warms and the sun becomes more powerful. Ludhnasadh (lo-na-saw)- about August 1st. This is the first of the three harvest festivals. Mabon (September 21- 23)- Fall equinox. The days are equal in length again. It's the second harvest festival. Then we're back to Samhain. The holy days are broken down into quarters and cross quarters. The quarter days are the soltices an equinoxes. The dates they are celebrated will chage yearly, as they follow the path of the sun. The days usually fall between the 21st and 23rd day of the month of the holiday. The cross quarters are approximately half-way between quarter holidays. Anyway, this ends "Wicca- based pagan 101." =) Blessed be! Quote
Maxel Posted October 16, 2009 Report Posted October 16, 2009 I don't know much about pagan symbols, but I do know that we shouldn't be suprised about similarities between the various religions in the world. Evey religious system extant draws its inspiration (whether known or not) from the Gospl of Christ. Take the pure Gospel, add some worldly influence and individiaual apostasy, let settle for a few generations, and bingo! Instant paganism (or whatever religion is in question). It's interesting to study, but can lead one to believe (falsely) that Christianity is another form of paganism. Quote
Moksha Posted October 16, 2009 Report Posted October 16, 2009 personally I just think it's interesting and kinda cool thunder god, Vikings and such... May the Vishanti lend you the Crimson Bands of Cyttorak in which to imprison the mischievous Loki.:) Quote
hordak Posted October 16, 2009 Report Posted October 16, 2009 (edited) Like ferretrunner stated Pagan is an umbrella term. I wouldn't compare it with the term Christianity however as all Christians worship Christ. There are many different groups like Asatu who prefer to be called heathens rather then pagan. They try to be as historical accurate as possible to the old religion,(reconstruction) where as others such as Wicca can be eclectic, and take theory,practice etc. from all sorts of pagan groups.I would also point out that not only do pagan not worship Satan but most Satanist don't. They don't even believe in him (as a person in the Christan Jewdeo sense)And if anyone understands how the meaning of symbols can be misconstrued it would be the MormonsNavoo temple Have a good Freyjas Day Edited October 16, 2009 by hordak Quote
Hemidakota Posted October 16, 2009 Report Posted October 16, 2009 I'm just curious on what Mormons think about paganism, similarities between them, etc... can't really find too much via googling it, at least not from any decent sources. also what about pagan symbols, Thor's hammer pendants, etc...personally I just think it's interesting and kinda cool thunder god, Vikings and such...Never had the time to invest into thiese beliefs. Quote
Hemidakota Posted October 16, 2009 Report Posted October 16, 2009 Symbolism is an important part of all ancient religions. At time of Jesus the concept of religion did not exist – it was known as a path or a way. The word “Pagan” was a term invented as a slur by the early Trinitarian Christians to label all that would not accept the Trinity even those that claimed to believe in Jesus but reject the Trinity.Many of the ancient symbols that are associated with the pagan worship were also used by the early Christians and the even the Jews prior to the advent of the Maccabeus and ensuing Rabbinical era. It is interesting to me that Baal, Thor, Hercules, Zoroaster and many others all were part g-d and part man given control of weather – in particular thunder and lightning and that the Apostles also testified the Jesus had power to command the weather. It is my belief that many of the pagan symbols were attempts to claim or demonstrate a Christ like character that would save mankind with divine powers. But the truth that I believe that there is only one individual born of a woman and a g-d that will save mankind and that is Jesus Christ.The Traveler Any thoughts of the Greeks gods? Quote
talisyn Posted October 16, 2009 Report Posted October 16, 2009 Greek gods were a bunch of pansies. Odin and Co. would totally wipe the floor with them Quote
Guest xforeverxmetalx Posted October 16, 2009 Report Posted October 16, 2009 definitely, Odin and Thor > everyone else also I'm planning on getting a Viking style sword when I get my own place to fight off potential intruders. Quote
bert10 Posted October 17, 2009 Report Posted October 17, 2009 Hi xforeverxmetalxYou cannot find stuff on the internet because you are not looking for the right things. We are of Babylon much more than most Christians believe or even LDS. For example the use of money and interest rates is of Satan. Another example...The Calendar with its months and days of the week are named after False Gods or even after demons. Like for example Thor's day...Thursday, June ....Juno, etc. Many have on their lips the names of these demons more often that the Lord's Name in prayer. And so on. We live in Babylon and we are entangled and bound up by Babylon in so many ways that people have not yet fully realized. And this society and its rules and government cannot stand. It is corrupt and becoming more corrupted. It fights God and His Kingdom and the people whom He sends. Therefore, It must be destroyed in order the people become free from her. There are more example how Babylon have crept in to rule or regulate every facet of our life.Peace be unto youbert10I'm just curious on what Mormons think about paganism, similarities between them, etc... can't really find too much via googling it, at least not from any decent sources. also what about pagan symbols, Thor's hammer pendants, etc...personally I just think it's interesting and kinda cool thunder god, Vikings and such... Quote
Guest Godless Posted October 17, 2009 Report Posted October 17, 2009 I've been to Babylon. It's a gorgeous place. Quote
pam Posted October 17, 2009 Report Posted October 17, 2009 Never had the time to invest into thiese beliefs. Nor the inclination. Quote
ferretrunner Posted October 17, 2009 Report Posted October 17, 2009 Like ferretrunner stated Pagan is an umbrella term. I wouldn't compare it with the term Christianity however as all Christians worship Christ. There are many different groups like Asatu who prefer to be called heathens rather then pagan. They try to be as historical accurate as possible to the old religion,(reconstruction) where as others such as Wicca can be eclectic, and take theory,practice etc. from all sorts of pagan groups.I would also point out that not only do pagan not worship Satan but most Satanist don't. They don't even believe in him (as a person in the Christan Jewdeo sense)And if anyone understands how the meaning of symbols can be misconstrued it would be the MormonsNavoo temple Have a good Freyjas DayThere is actually controversy to what denotes a Wiccan within the pagan community. One group holds to the position that you can only be Wiccan if you complete the 3 year initiatory studies and are formally intiated into a Coven- primarily this is a Gardenarian position. Gardnarian Wiccan is very formal and is a reconstructionist form. Others state that anyone can be Wiccan- including solitaries that are not affliated with a coven. You can self-dedicate/ initiate. This also tends to be where the "eclectic" practices come from. Even within this style, most of the beliefs/ practices are at least loosely based on reconstructionist paganism. They just take it beyond, making it more relevant for them in today's world. There's also Family Trad. Wiccans, wiccans who follow the path of Diana, Green Craft, Celtic, just to name a few. Quote
talisyn Posted October 17, 2009 Report Posted October 17, 2009 I've been to Babylon. It's a gorgeous place.My brothers were there, too. They said it was really dusty and people tried to shoot them Quote
Traveler Posted October 17, 2009 Report Posted October 17, 2009 Any thoughts of the Greeks gods? Actually I believe that the Greeks had a great impact on what many call the paganization of early Christianity. Without question we see the influences of Greek pagans in the writings of Paul. Not that Paul’s understanding of Christianity was changed but that he constantly wrote epistles denouncing the adoption of pagan Greek ideas, philosophies and doctrines. Alexander the Great was touted to be half man half g-d and as such was the Christ to conquer the world and free citizens. Although both Greek and Christians believed in human freedom both at this time of history (300 BC to 1800 AD) maintained slavery in their societies. I would point out that the serfs of the Dark Ages were an “upper” class of slaves and were thought to be the property of the privilege class. For much of Western history and traditional Christian history – women were considered property and not a free class.Something interesting is that there is a Hebrew word to describe a g-d referenced in the Eden epoch. I do not remember the Hebrew word but in the New Testament Paul uses the Greek term Cherub as the translation – which is not translated in English but the Greek term Cherub (un-translated ) is used in both the Old and New Testament. During the Dark Ages under the influence of the Trinitarians, Cherub was given the classification of angel in a vain effort to preserve the doctrine of theTrinity. However, the meaning in Greek for Cherub is that of a g-d. For example Eros (Roman or Latin Cupid) was the g-d of erotic love (lust, beauty and intercourse) but is often defined in Christian history as an angel. In reality Eros was a g-d and was worship in Greek society as the fertility deity. He was the son of the g-ds Aphrodite and Ares.The Traveler Quote
Guest Godless Posted October 17, 2009 Report Posted October 17, 2009 My brothers were there, too. They said it was really dusty and people tried to shoot them Actually, it wasn't all that dusty compared to other parts of the region. And the shooting, well, that just made the experience all the more exciting! Quote
LDSpunkrocker Posted October 18, 2009 Report Posted October 18, 2009 I'm just curious on what Mormons think about paganism, similarities between them, etc... can't really find too much via googling it, at least not from any decent sources. also what about pagan symbols, Thor's hammer pendants, etc...personally I just think it's interesting and kinda cool thunder god, Vikings and such...I have and wear thors hammer( Mjolnir ), i view it as purely historic, i just really love ancient cultures. the story of odin hanging on a tree and sacrificing himself to himself seems like a warped version of the crucifixion. there are some good stories in the poetic eddas and havamal. my roommate is a pagan, i believe in religious freedom. Quote
Guest xforeverxmetalx Posted October 18, 2009 Report Posted October 18, 2009 I have and wear thors hammer( Mjolnir ), i view it as purely historic, i just really love ancient cultures. the story of odin hanging on a tree and sacrificing himself to himself seems like a warped version of the crucifixion. there are some good stories in the poetic eddas and havamal. my roommate is a pagan, i believe in religious freedom.cool, I'm thinking about getting one myself... not because I worship any of those gods but out of celebrating some of their ideas, stories and valuesonly thing is, not sure how some LDS would look at it and see it Quote
bytebear Posted October 18, 2009 Report Posted October 18, 2009 I would recommend finding some books by Joseph Campbell. He was also the center of a PBS special called The Power of Myth. He goes through all the ancient myths, and finds common themes and archetypes. He was also highly influential to George Lucas who based Star Wars on many of those themes. It is interesting to note that in Greek culture, the Greek gods were a crucial aspect of culture, but they didn't care about logic or contradictions within the stories of their gods. It's very different than how we think of worship today. As to LDS being influenced, the church encourages us to be "in the world but not of it" which includes cultural adaptation. We have Christmas trees, and we dress up in costumes on October 31st because those things are culturally important to us. But the symbolism, although understood and even considered morally important in some cases are not religious in nature. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is full of symbols, from the title "fisher of men" to temple architecture, to the act of baptism. They all have meaning and are used as teaching tools, but none are worshiped. That is reserved for God. Quote
john doe Posted October 18, 2009 Report Posted October 18, 2009 cool, I'm thinking about getting one myself... not because I worship any of those gods but out of celebrating some of their ideas, stories and valuesonly thing is, not sure how some LDS would look at it and see itAs long as you're under 20 you should be good. When you get to be an adult you might want to start wearing grownup clothes and accessories. Quote
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