I'm in a bit of a spiritual bind--Now, I would describe myself as a pretty devout, traditional (non-denominational) Christian, but lately I've been starting to feel in tune with paganism, especially and specifically Celtic Reconstructionism. I mean, there are parts of both I adore, and parts I don't care for, as it is, I suppose, for most believers. But do most believers have this sort of soul-struggle? My two ancestral faiths seem to be waging war within me, and I'm afraid that if one succeeds I'll miss the other one's path for me.

What can I do? I've prayed about this, and I kept understanding that perhaps other's struggles could help me. So, what can I do?

For those who have help for me, thank you in advance.

I agree with Tigerseye. WHat about Paganism do you feel drawn too. And what parts of xtianity do you have an attraction for. Perhaps you could be more specific and we can see if our  ideas make sense. :)

moth1701 wrote:

I'm in a bit of a spiritual bind--Now, I would describe myself as a pretty devout, traditional (non-denominational) Christian, but lately I've been starting to feel in tune with paganism, especially and specifically Celtic Reconstructionism. I mean, there are parts of both I adore, and parts I don't care for, as it is, I suppose, for most believers. But do most believers have this sort of soul-struggle? My two ancestral faiths seem to be waging war within me, and I'm afraid that if one succeeds I'll miss the other one's path for me.

What can I do? I've prayed about this, and I kept understanding that perhaps other's struggles could help me. So, what can I do?

For those who have help for me, thank you in advance.

Yeshua (Jesus) taught us in Matthew 28:19 [COLOR=magenta]Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: (20) Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Those words suggest you are being led to observe something other than Christianity. It doesn't mean reject Christianity but to see how they work to reveal the same truths.[/COLOR]

For 31 years I have been a nomad studying with every religion I was allow to while not rejecting Christianity, I was born into. In looking for them to be revealing the same truths that is what I found all religions do. The main differences in religions are, their base culture gives different metaphors saying the same that the others say.

I too have faced the difficulty of being drawn to aspects of Celtic mysticism that dwell outside "mainstream" Christianity.  In particular, I am drawn to the ancient methods of invoking the Elements as part of my rituals - something that was part of the Christian esoteric tradition but has been almost entirely removed in our modern rites - and the Wheel of the Year, which allows me to include the natural changing of the seasons into my spiritual practice .  What I have done is learned all I can about the way Christianity was practiced when it was first introduced to the Celtic lands - when the saints and missionaries that were converting the pagans found ways to incorporate the rituals and beliefs of the converted into the "new" religion.  I have then tried to use the same inclusive philosophy in my personal rituals.  I have also found others who share my interest and my viewpoint.  We all still attend worship services at our churches - indeed we are all active members of our parishes - but we also explore Celtic Christianity and how it differs from what we are taught today and we include those practices and thoughts in our lives.  We include "non-traditional" elements into our group rituals and we meet monthly to discuss Celtic Christianity and how we can manifest it in our daily lives.

In the end, we are all seeking a connection to the Divine and the different methods we use are less important than the connection.  So, I would encourage you to study parts of non-traditional Christianity as well as those parts of non-Christian tradition that appeal to you and find your own "blend" - one that works for you.

[QUOTE=moth1701;307334]I'm in a bit of a spiritual bind--Now, I would describe myself as a pretty devout, traditional (non-denominational) Christian, but lately I've been starting to feel in tune with paganism, especially and specifically Celtic Reconstructionism. I mean, there are parts of both I adore, and parts I don't care for, as it is, I suppose, for most believers. But do most believers have this sort of soul-struggle? My two ancestral faiths seem to be waging war within me, and I'm afraid that if one succeeds I'll miss the other one's path for me.

What can I do? I've prayed about this, and I kept understanding that perhaps other's struggles could help me. So, what can I do?

For those who have help for me, thank you in advance.[/QUOTE]


Since you like both paths, I don't see how you can go wrong.  Why burden yourself over this?