Online resources to respond to Bible-thumpers

[Aliga]

My apologies in advance if this had already been posted elsewhere, and if this is the wrong spot for this. [tongue2]

I was at work today and a customer noticed my pentagram I wear around my neck. He was your average Christian who warned me (cheerfully) about how bad "The Devil" is. Now, I don't mind discussing my religion (pagan) with people who don't understand it (I love it, actually) but while i'm at work I don't really have time to go into it. This particular customer gave me a business card with information and a website about his church, and it gave me the idea that I could make up some cards to give back to people in such a situation.

Problem is, with how eclectic paganism can be, it's hard to find resources that explain all the different aspects that can be a part of it. Anyone have a few good websites they can suggest?

[Khelric]

I definitely see how proselytization at work (or anywhere for that matter) can be a major pain. I have co-workers who are interested in what my studies and beliefs are and it's great to be able to share a part of myself and hopefully give them something to think about. I think that's the whole basis of human exchange, that two people offer eachother an interesting dialogue and help eachother grow.

I know Christians in particular can be pushy about their beliefs, but I always try to keep in mind that they ultimately feel they're trying to help me and though annoying, it ultimately comes from a good, albeit narrow-minded place. Sometimes people will take offense to your beliefs and retaliate without you saying or doing a thing to them. I try to remember this is the person's personal ignorance and not the religion itself. I find following the advice of their prophet is the best technique. Just smile and turn the other cheek. If you don't have time to argue your point solidly and/or they're not of the mind to listen, you will always be in a lose-lose situation which results in both parties feeling frustrated and offended. Show these people that you're a noble person and not some child eating heathen by politely refusing to argue, but kindly offering to inform if they so wish.

I can't speak for all Christian sects, but before I came to be an agnostic and follow a path of magical study, I was raised as a Catholic. One of the most popular stories of the saints is of Saint Francis of Assisi. He led the priests through the town square claiming they they were going to proselytize to the people. He walked through the square being jovial and friendly, greeting people and chit-chating as the young acolytes followed closely behind him. When they returned back to the cathedral, they asked Saint Francis why he had not proselytized to the people and he told them that he did. By showing people the serenity and joy he experienced in his life, they would be more apt to come to the church to attain the same for themselves, not because he told them to.

I use this example because as occultists we're often associated with drug addiction, child exploitation, vandalism and general bad behavior. We have the good fortune that magic depends on our own strength and belief in ourself and not the approval of a god or prophet. When we can deflect blows to our ego or faith with dignity and grace that comes from within ourselves, we show others that sometimes it's better to remain silent and be thought a fool, rather than open your mouth and remove all doubt.

I know this isn't exactly what you were looking for, but sometimes it's better to let people think what they will than try to prove them wrong. Just my two cents. Take them for what they're worth.

[wazzup]

My apologies in advance if this had already been posted elsewhere, and if this is the wrong spot for this. [tongue2]

I was at work today and a customer noticed my pentagram I wear around my neck. He was your average Christian who warned me (cheerfully) about how bad "The Devil" is. Now, I don't mind discussing my religion (pagan) with people who don't understand it (I love it, actually) but while i'm at work I don't really have time to go into it. This particular customer gave me a business card with information and a website about his church, and it gave me the idea that I could make up some cards to give back to people in such a situation.

Problem is, with how eclectic paganism can be, it's hard to find resources that explain all the different aspects that can be a part of it. Anyone have a few good websites they can suggest?

In a work situation, it is never a good idea to promote your beliefs to customers. All you can do in these circumstances is nod and agree with the customer. Take their card, their words of advice etc., thank them, and leave it there.

However, outside of work, you are your own person, and I think your idea is an excellent one to pursue. You'd have to include a plethora of sites to cover all aspects of the paganism/occult/witchcraft to get the message across. As a starting point, I think this site should be included.

[adawehi]

I wouldn't start a pissing contest in a work environment either. I do however have a small list that I can hand to those that are pushy and I ask them why are there over 100 contradictions in the bible?

Here are a few:

1.Of the Israelites who were freed from the Babylonian captivity, how many were the children of
Pahrath-Moab?
(a) Two thousand eight hundred and twelve (Ezra 2:6)
(b) Two thousand eight hundred and eighteen (Nehemiah 7:11)

2.How many were the children of Zattu?
(a) Nine hundred and forty-five (Ezra 2:8)
(b) Eight hundred and forty-five (Nehemiah 7:13)

3.How many were the children of Azgad?
(a) One thousand two hundred and twenty-two (Ezra 2:12)
(b) Two thousand three hundred and twenty-two (Nehemiah 7:17)

4.How many were the children of Adin?
(a) Four hundred and fifty-four (Ezra 2:15)
(b) Six hundred and fifty-five (Nehemiah 7:20)

5.How many were the children of Hashum?
(a) Two hundred and twenty-three (Ezra 2:19)
(b) Three hundred and twenty-eight (Nehemiah 7:22)

6.How many were the children of Bethel and Ai?
(a) Two hundred and twenty-three (Ezra 2:28)
(b) One hundred and twenty-three (Nehemiah 7:32)

7.Ezra 2:64 and Nehemiah 7:66 agree that the total number of the whole assembly was 42,360. Yet the
numbers do not add up to anything close. The totals obtained from each book is as follows:
(a) 29,818 (Ezra)
(b) 31,089 (Nehemiah)

8.What was the name of King Abijah’s mother?
(a) Michaiah, daughter of Uriel of Gibeah (2 Chronicles 13:2)
(b) Maachah, daughter of Absalom (2 Chronicles 11:20) But Absalom had only one daughter whose name
was Tamar (2 Samuel 14:27)

9.Did Jesus say anything secretly?
(a) No. “I have said nothing secretly” (John 18:20)
(b) Yes. “He did not speak to them without a parable, but privately to his own disciples he explained
everything” (Mark 4:34). The disciples asked him “Why do you speak to them in parables?” He said, “To
you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given”
(Matthew 13: 1 0-11)

10.To whom did the Midianites sell Joseph?
(a) “To the Ishmaelites” (Genesis 37:28)
(b) “To Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh” (Genesis 37:36)

[devil]