Christians insulted at me

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This is one of the reasons that many of us do not speak about our religion to those who might not understand. What we believe is none of their business. That's why we have been referred to as "Her Hidden Children". I'm sorry you feel insulted, but in a way you brought this on yourself by intentionally saying something to a person who was very unlikely to understand. Perhaps in the future you need to take more caution in telling others about what you believe.

I too am sorry that this happened to you but I have to point out not to make the mistake the pastor did. Try to remember that Christians did not insult you, the pastor did. Whilst many people from many major faiths take issue with Pagan practices there are also a large number of such people that have no issue at all with magical practitioners.

I think most people here have had at least one similar experience although there are also quite a few people I feel much closer to having discussed my faith so don't let it put you off talking about it completely.

Why would you talk about this with a pastor? Is he your pastor? And one thing all people should have in mind, don't ask something that you almost know the answer (and it is not a good answer)!

If I know the answer of a silly question, I wouldn't ask it for anybody. It is the same when I say that I don't like math for my professor of math, see?

Just want to echo to remember this was only one person who said that. I've talked with a Catholic priest about being pagan and he was fine with it. He said it doesn't matter what path we take as long as we feel at ease with it.

Im so sorry this happened to you. Personally speaking, I don't understand people like this Pastor. The Christian religion teaches acceptance, respect and consideration for others. I would take this to mean that its followers should not judge others. Many Christians follow this teaching and fully respect others, but sadly many do not. I should point out here that this lack of respect is not unique to the Christian religion. Many people fear what they do not understand. Unfortunately, there is very little you can do about it. If a this man has publicly humiliated you in front of the congregation then I would not return to his Church. Sadly you have trusted the wrong person. I would simply find somewhere I felt comfortable being myself and move on with my own beliefs. Please remember that there will always be people who will accept you for who you are, regardless of their personal beliefs; you just have to be careful who you trust.

There are people that will insult you no matter what. And they won't always be Christians. My old manager tried to tell me I couldn't wear my penicle necklace at work. I told her that if I can't wear that, then anyone with a cross necklace shouldn't wear it either. She saw my point and I never took it off. With the choice to represent your relgion publicly (especially one that's not really accepted by society) you have to be prepared for the reactions. I knew how some people would view me, yet I wasn't about to change who I am just to please the mass. I had people say horrible things in front of all my other customers and co-workers. I smile and say "sorry you feel that way" and move on. I've had people who would not agree with my practices but would still ask me questions reguarding it. I happily answer their questions and still move on. No matter how "unfair" it may seem, we live in an era where if we are different than the majority then we are viewed just as differently. You can either let other people bother you because of what you believe in, or continue forward taking everything they say with a grain of salt.

On behalf of the lost sheep, I apologize. I grew up in the church and I know how cruel and judgmental Christians can be, but not all of them are like that. If the pastor did that then he is a hypocrite and will answer for what he has done. My father is a certified pastor and trust me we get into debates about my path, but I'm an adult now and because he came close to loosing me he learned to love me more than his ideals. People can grow and change that is the beauty in life. Weep not for your pain, weep for they will never get to know the wonderful amazing person you are. Blessed be all

They are totally not worth your time. I'm a Christian and it was kind of hard adjusting but there are people out there who believe in god who are perfectly lovely. And there are churches that will accept you for who you are. You just have to look a little harder, but keep faith they are out there :)

I can't believe a man like that could get such a position. He doesn't seem like the type to earn the respect of a congregation nor would I attend a church by someone like that. I'm still a Christian though i practice magick yet I don't advertise my practice of magick and I urge you not to either. I am fairly certain the people I know wouldn't insult me but they would worry about me needlessly thinking I was heading down a dark path as many sadly associate magick with evil and even sadder is the fact that there are some who seek magick out with that in mind. Like anything magick is neither black nor white it is the actions of the person that matters. The bible does urge Christians to share their faith but not force it on others though this pastor wasn't trying to lead you to Christianity instead he seemed to be purposely driving you away. Try not to judge a group by the actions of a few. Every group has its bad apples or in this case rotten ones.