I’m not a frequent poster on this board, but I do want to reply to some of the opinions that are being expressed in this thread.
First, the assertion that the gods of polytheistic paganism are the same as the monotheistic God of the Judeo-Christian tradition (and even the Muslim faith) is simply false. Worshipping the many gods of the natural world (paganism) is not the same as worshipping the God that created the natural world (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam). Just because the God/gods worshipped by Jews, Christians, Muslims, and pagans is/are spiritual beings does not mean that they are all the same. That is like saying that humans and televisions are the same thing because both are composed of the same raw materials.
Second, the statement that Christianity is for the “mind-numb masses” is pretty laughable. Kroby, I don’t know where you came up with this idea or what evidence you have to support it, so I really don’t know where to begin. Without offering any support for your opinion, you come off as being prejudiced against Christians. In fact, you are acting somewhat like the KKK members that you rightly criticize. I find it somewhat ironic that you then go on to talk about “priceless hypocrisy.”
To deal with the actual issue of Christianity subjugating its followers, I have to admit that I agree.
However, I agree for a completely different reason. Kroby seems to believe that Christians are subjugated to a lie for the sake of subjugation. I believe that Christians are subjugated to a truth (in fact, the truth) for their own good. To see which opinion is right, it’s important to ask the right questions and objectively consider the evidence. If (as we both agree) that Christianity rules the lives of its followers, the obvious question is why. Subjugation for the sake of subjugation just doesn’t make any sense to me. Maybe I’m too much of a rationalist, but I would like to have some justification for that subjugation. One may say that church leaders are just power-hungry narcissists, but that opinion is again not based in reality.
In fact, the best church leaders devote their lives to serving their followers. There are, of course, exceptions who become leaders where the religion is all a ploy to increase their power, but those “leaders” are generally rejected by the church as imposters.
On another point, there seems to be an idea that submission to anything other than ourselves is somehow stupid and, ultimately, dehumanizing. I think the thought of Nietzsche is at its root. Again, look at the evidence. Take the saints of Christianity, for example. Read about their lives and decide for yourself whether they were fulfilling and enjoyable. Or, heck, read about the life of Jesus. Then read about the life of Nietzsche and consider his mental collapse. You may say I’m cherry-picking my examples. I agree.
To really test the validity of any system of thought, it is best to consider its closest followers. And let’s be honest, people, the evidence shows that the submission of Christians is not at all idiotic or dehumanizing.
Well, I know I’ve strayed from the original intent of this thread, but I suppose that’s what happens when a question on paganism in America is used as an excuse to bash Christianity. There is much more to say of Christianity, paganism, and how they play into American culture, which is why I’m looking forward to reading the other opinions in this thread. Thanks for the chance to give my two cents.