when looking at neopagan movements, there is 2 schools of thought: revivalist (being as close to the previous tradition of the religion as possible), and reformist (modification of the religion). you will see that most neopagans fall somewhere in-between.
this line of thought also applies to Christianity. Catholicism, Protestantism, restorationist, and orthodox Christians all fall into the first category, as their exitances stems from the believe that their specific type of Christianity was the only correct one, the others being corrupt (worldly) even modern Gnostics views the previously mentioned categories as corrupted by the demiurge.
with this, folk Catholicism, Christo-paganism, Christian witchcraft and Trinitarian wicca are reformist. with this, Christian reformism really is just another religious movement, a denomination. we are eclectic, taking parts from a lot of denominations: veneration of saints and archangels like Catholics, view our gifts being from the holy spirit like Pentecostals, view Sophia as the divine feminine like Gnostics, and view Jesus Christ as God like all Christians.
people, Christian and pagan alike, say that we are not Christian, not really. and I'm sorry, but this is so laughably ridiculous I can't even take it seriously as an argument. saying "Christian witches are not Christians" is like when Protests say Catholics are not Christian, are when Mormons say both are not Christian. as already stated, every group thinks the other is wrong. that's why Christian reformism is the path I, and many others, prefer. we don't claim to be "the only right ones". instead, we recognize all path, even non-Christian ones, as having truth.
this is just some of the thoughts I had. i think this website would appreciate it :)
Comments
Displaying 1 of 1 comments ( View all | Add Comment )
LuciLucilia
Not a Christian-Pagan, but I find religious reformism to be best generally as well. Especially when it can be informed by original interpretation and context as is showed via the professionals who can help piece those things together. As much as you can reasonably do any of that.
Culture changes over time, and this is one more case where it makes sense to let it!