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Thursday 10 January 2008

The Christian Druid

Now, this isn't something you find much about on the web! I almost feel I have to apologise for this blog to my Christian friends and forego any form of justification in writing it. I'll just say "Sorry, I was just exploring the 'occult' and I am now a fallen Christian needing deep prayer and redemption. Forgive me, and don't read on".

No.

I have no need to justify this. This is my personal journey and so here goes...


The Christian Druid, in my vague definition, could reasonably be applied to a Christian with a deep nature based spiritual awareness. Having read around the subject and recently listened to the Podcasts by the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids I have been surprised to find that I entirely agree with much of their values and ethics and perspective of the natural world. The following ideas that I adhere to I find very much in common (or that I wish Christianity had) between the two theologies: Nature based/aware, a way of life, not a religion, no dogma, can be monotheistic, mystical, story/myth based, ritual, belonging, soul-based... Having read quite widely around what many people would consider to be part of the 'occult', I have come to understand much of what it stands for and where it has come from.

And...

I am still here. I have not been drawn into deep and dark practices as I have always been led to believe would happen (well, I hope not and I don't want to be too glib about it). I have NOT felt touched by anything dodgy, apart from wanting to understand the differences between the practices and why there is so much antagonism on both sides. To be honest, I feel no need to delve deeper to explore the occult because I feel no attachment to it. I am not going to deny that 'dark' things may exist, but I have no need to go there. The only dark place I have found is my own fear of what I might find. For years I have come across stories of people being saved from the occult and turning to Christianity, now I have realised that there is also a flow in the other direction, of people seeking a wider understanding of their faith. I have never heard their stories until now.

Where I do want to go is to a place where people value and respect the environment at a level beyond anything I have experience so far in church. It's about being willing to think outside the box and learn from other spiritual religions about leading a wholesome, ecological lifestyle built around a Divine concept, prayer, love, knowing who you are, respect and self-development/awareness (how ever you want to undertsand that) in a consumer-based, capitalist based economy that disregards any sense of spiritual life and deep environmental conciousness.

When you begin to walk a path in a mystical way, that hates dogma, that seeks a journey, that respects nature, that honours God, that senses a spirit in all things, that seeks personal responsibility, that likes small forms of ritual.... then perhaps I have a lot to learn from the Druids. With thanks to the internet I know I am not alone in my thoughts.

As Emma Restall Orr writes in 'Living Druidry':
Druidry is an exuberant clebration of nature's currents, its tides and cycles, an intense journey of exploration and discovery in natural science and emotion. It is about the wild energy of being alive and breathing deeply, right where life shimmers and shudders with its own awareness: in the throes of change, collapse, dying, birthing, waking. It is about the stillness in the pause between ebb and flow. Druidry is about finding the beauty of it all, all of it, consciously, wherever we are, in the tranquillity of isolation and in the clutter of the crowd... ...It provides a language with which we can describe our perception and experience of life as something that is more than just physical, yet at the same time it doesn't require us to belive in anything that we cannot perceive or experience

Perhaps I'll research a more detailed justification of this pathway through life and write a paper on it. I hate labels, but it does sound rather exciting to talk of oneself as a Christian Druid. At least it would be a good conversation starter! I'll try it... perhaps...


March 2011 In the light of all the comments that I receive, please note the following: We are on a journey here, and some of us here may have suffered emotional and psychological 'challenges' through unsympathetic Christian teaching. Our faith is one of mystical qualities that seeks the possible and the impossible, not necessarily the black and white. Please respect our thoughts and bring any critique with caution - if you wish to view other people's faiths on the web and bring a fundamentalist Christian viewpoint that is clearly at odds with the ethos of the site that is your prerogative, but here isn't the place for it and they will not be published.

53 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thank you soooo much for expressing in words what I have been feeling as well. I have been exploring paganism for the last 3 years (came from a very judgemental christian church who put down everyone, so I began to study other religions as well), and I have now come to the same place you have expressed. I think it has actually renewed my relationship with God. If more churches could move out of a building, there would be more connection to all things. Thanks for sharing, it gave me hope that I am not alone.

Erwyn said...

I agree, church should not have walls. create a worship space in your back yard. Form a circle with stones or shrubs. Add a firepit. Have a communion service on a little altar in your worship space under the stars. See How many people leave their Sunday morning church services to invite themselves for service and song under the stars. Now that's non-comformist Christian Druidry. I did it, I now have 45 others worshipping with me on Nice Saturday evenings in my back yard, they have become my true brothers and sisters in Christ and the Order of The Priesthood Of Believers.
Erwyn

Artiste/artist said...

It is nice to see that we are not working alone in the mist of all creation...hehehehe

I'm happy to see an other Christian Druid on the net, keep the great work!

Blessings to you my brother and may the great light always shine on your soul!

From under the same sky,
Sébastien Beaudoin
Christian Druid
www.atelierdudruide.com
http://druidedupontiac.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

Interesting blog, and some nice perspectives here. I don't consider myself to be a Christian "Druid," but I am a Christian who certainly believes that the modern Church could stand to learn a fair bit from the ecological awareness and traditions of our early British ancestors. In all honesty, I consider much of that natural reverence (if not all of it) to be there in the Bible anyway, but I can't deny that I see much of it in England's trees and greenery in a way I don't quite feel elsewhere.

Keep up the good work ;)

Anonymous said...

I call myself Merlin, not to insinuate that I am a great wizard, magician, or seer, but to honor a figure from the dawn of human recollection, a figure whom I wish to embody. I am wholeheartedly a Gnostic Christian Druid who sees the Glory of God in All Things. For me, the contemplation, meditation upon, and connection with the Natural World allows me to glipse the pattern of expression that IS the Living God. As I contemplate the forest which stands around my home, I am drawn to the imagery of our roots as living beings delving deep into the flesh of God The Mother; of our branches and growth extending ever and ever higher toward the sky and Sun that is the embodiment of God The Father; of the broad zone of space, of air, of presence between Earth and Sky, filled with the sounds of life, the scents of life, the visions of life that fill the expanse of God The Holy Spirit. My heart and mind perceive these things, and I realize that I walk and live within the Body of God, filled with the very Life of God, and that all those "things" around me are but further parts of the Divine Pattern. I find myself linked in Oneness with All, and I realize that the Glory of God lies in the collective beauty and majesty of "The Wood". Toward that end, I strive to nurture, nourish, support, and honor all my Brothers and Sisters, all my Fathers and Mothers, to be that part of the Body and Mind of God that glorifies and honors the whole. My Mind, Heart, and Body become the Living Rays of Light of The Awen, linked, respectively to the Mind (Father), Heart (Holy Spirit), and Body (Mother) of God, the One Source of All.

FurtheUniversal Brotherhood, Unconditional Love, and the attainment of Universal Peace is the work of the Demiurgos, the Distorted Master. Let True Awen rain and reign throughout the world, let all attain to the Light, rooted in the Good Earth, and let God be One in Many, with r, any "faith", I believe, which seeks to deviate from Oneness, from respect and honor of all life, and from the bonds of the Many united in One. Amen/Awen.

mike9572@hotmail.com

Anonymous said...

Merlin, again....

My last paragraph got messed up when I cut and pasted it! A pox upon the digital demons! It should read:

"Further, any "faith", I believe, which seeks to deviate from Oneness, from Universal
Brotherhood, Unconditional Love, and the attainment of Universal Peace is the work of the Demiurgos, the Distorted Master. Let True Awen rain and reign throughout the world, let all attain to the Light, rooted in the Good Earth, and let God be One in Many, with respect and honor of all life, and from the bonds of the Many united in One. Amen/Awen."

mike9572@hotmail.com

katholic said...

Logos has more than one meaning one of those meanings is ,the knowledge that is above the gods, so in the book of john it says ; and the knowledge that is above the gods became flesh, also i think the fact that st columba is a bard is self explanitory.

Tara Sasiadek said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
MattP said...

Christian Druid...nothing you said should be offensive to a Christian who follows Jesus as Lord revealed in the scriptures. "Man made religion" as the Bible calls it, does not save anybody. I do not find any identity in calling myself a druid, but I have had all night prayer gatherings on the cliffs here in Hawaii, I also speak in tongues and most of my church community does as well. The Psalms are filled with God's revelation in nature. Job speaks of God as the one who laid out the stars and the zodiac signs. You could check out Bullingers "Gospel in the Stars" about how the astrological signs tell prophesy the coming messiah. Anyway the main thing I want to encourage you in is not to let go the Scriptures as the authentic word of God. There are many writings which are inspirational but nothing like the Scriptures. They claim to be infallible and unique in their infallibility. Don't become a universalist.

Peace Brother

Anonymous said...

You have to understand the 'Neart' and it will take you through the Eye of the Needle - the answers you are seeking are there - you are very close I can feel the Trinity reaching out for your Location.

Mark Downham

Anonymous said...

Being of Irish descent I have read quite a bit about druidry and found it intrigues me. However, each time I read or think about it my old Christian programming begins screaming foul and making me feel guilty for exploring the innate connection to nature that I've always felt deep in my soul. I am never more at peace when walking in the forest near my home, listening to the wind rustling in the trees and feeling the presence of nature all around me. While I feel I am a deeply religious person, Christianity has, for the most part, left me feeling unfulfilled and struggling--a fact which I cannot admit to anyone. Now that I know there are others out there who feel as I do, I'm going to continue to read about and explore this new path to see where it leads me, even if it forces me to lead a 'double' life. Looking forward to your future insights!

Anonymous said...

I've seen a lot of people express "I came from a 'very judgemental' christian church." or who have been put down by christians or the church thus you decided to serch out and explore new religions. I say this, you feeling wronged by the church is your wisdom in understanding that what those people are doing is wrong... don't blame God or Christ, blame the ones twisting his name...
I am as close to a Ceile De as one can be. I believe in God, only I call him our Creator... (mear font and text nothing more). I believe in the Creators son Jesus Christ. I believe in power on this earth for healing and over evil through my closeness with God and his Son.
In the bible the book of matthew holds instructions Christ gave his appostles.
Mathew 10:1 "And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease"
Sounds like powers in beliefe in God and Christ to Love and Heal and Battle evil to me... hmmm, kinda like Druid power...

Anyways, that was meirly to establish why I believe God will give us the power to overcome things if we truly are wed to him... become one with him... truly drop everything and follow him....

Druid faith calls us to become closer to the creator as do many other religions! I've seen Pagans and Wiccans come to me saying they hate Christianity because of it's Dogmatic human doctrin and hate God... that they don't want anything to do with him let alone get close to him...

To this I say, "You are scared away from God and Christ by the people who ruin his name with their Dogmatic human Doctrin... and scared away you run right into another 'religion' with it's own dogmatic human doctrin trying to get closer to multiple Gods...

I am Ceile De... "Truth and Love" is our creed... and Christ our example to live by... God the Creator our power in unity with him...

greenpriest said...

Greetings friends, thank you for your observations and reflections around the path of the Christian druid. I share a similar path. I am an Anglican priest in Canada, I teach in a seminary, and I have been working for several years on a book project called "Christian Animism". So far as I can tell, no one else is doing this type of thing academically yet, but it does seem to resonate with many folks I have talked to and corresponded with on the web. If you want, feel free to look at my website called "Ecumenical Companions of Sophia" http://ecosophian.wordpress.com/
I find it so encouraging that others are exploring similar paths. I too sometimes wonder about wandering down a dangerous path ... but I trust Christ and the Holy Spirit, Sophia, to be for me a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. May God grant the same for you...
Peace,
Shawn +

rowan said...

I grew up in the lineage of four generations of missionaries and Christian bohemians-- though I have never left my Christian faith, I've always felt that something was being left out. I wished that witchcraft/wicca wasn't so clearly at odds with the Bible, because so much of its ideas resonated in my soul. earlier this year I read Thomas Cahill's book How The Irish Saved Civilization, and something thrilled inside me to read how the early Celts accepted Patrick's message with exuberance, finding in the Bible not strictures but freedom. Everyone looking at this site should read the book-- it's what led me here. Thank you so much for this-- in reading the post and comments, I felt like I had stumbled upon my tribe, the few people that understand what I haven't been able to put into words. I feel so much powerful synchronicity in realizing that my mystic leanings don't have to be at odds with my Christian beliefs-- they're a part of it!

PS,this article is great--

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1058/is_29_117/ai_66809969/

blessings on you, my brothers and sisters!

Keaton Gairns said...

Alright.

So first I would like to say that if you actually think that you can be Christians and "Druids," you are sadly mistaken. What you believe is right does not jive with what Christians believe is right. How can you include yourself in a religion if you are not following the rules and/or not being accepted into that religion. When you have an answer for that, then I'll move on.

Jeremy Rempel said...

Thank you for your insight, Keaton. As you said, it is impossible to be both a Christian and a druid. Christianity clearly teaches that you must not have any other gods besides God. From the sound of things all that you pagans have done here is added to druidism the congregational atmosphere of any Christian church. The entire idea of being a "druid" and being a Christian is absurd, due to the fact that these two religions teach two mostly different ideas. Wicca and magic, although they are not the same, or the same as druidism, are also completely at odds with Biblical teachings.

Matthew Slater said...

Hmmm... I am intrigued by the number of comments that this blog has raised and I am not going comment on anything in detail at the moment. I have come across both Christians and Pagans who have very varied perspectives on this issue. For me, it is a hugely healthy exercise in looking at a broader picture and taking an interest in the philosophies that each has towards the environment and nature - however they may be viewed. I personally have needed to take a break from the labels that I have been surrounded by for too long. I do, and yet don't want to be a "Druid". I do, and yet don't want to be a "Christian". I want to explore the sense of belonging that each has to offer because that is what resonates with me. At the moment I am passionate about exploring that middle ground. It is bringing forth so much creativity into my life.

Thank you to everyone who is posting comments here. Blessings to you all.

Keaton Gairns said...

Matthew,

Before you commit to any religion, I believe that what you are doing is very wise. It is always good to research a religion before you commit to it in anyway. If you don't believe in the philosophies of the actual religion then there is no need to waste your time exploring it further. Just have caution, sometimes the easy way out is not the right way out. Blessings my brother, and good luck.

greenpriest said...

Boy oh boy, at the risk of sounding at all disrespectful, I would hate to see a good website, journalling the story of an authentic search for truth, curtailed by a couple of fundamentalists. Keaton and Jeremy both presume to know what is being "borrowed" from the druid path in this exploration of Christian Druidic spirituality. Why assume that it is polytheism which is being assimilated, rather than a deep love of nature, or an acknowledgment of feminine imagery for the Divine, or an embrace of the deep imagination or magical worldview of druidry. None of these things are forbidden within an orthodox christological and trinitarian framework.
Come on boys, why not just admit that anyone thinking outside the box scares you? Really, if you believe that Matthew, and the others of like mind who are "congregating" here at this website, are on a path to the dark side, then by all means pray for us, and even exhort us to return to the truth as you see it. But in doing so, at least be logical. At least muster some sort of theological critique other than "its obvious that your can't be a druid and a Christian at the same time". Try to come up with some actual arguments, OK?
Matthew, I hope your reflections in all this are fruitful. Keep on remembering the quotes of people who have said "I'm glad I'm not alone". And don't be bullied by fundamentalists.
Yours in the deep peace of the Green Christ,
Greenpriest +

Matthew Slater said...

Thank you Mr Greenpriest for putting my thoughts into words almost more adequately than I have been able to; and for your positive encouragement and support for a soul on a challenging journey. My blog takes various twists and turns as I encourage myself to explore different aspects of personal "greenery". I haven't written much on this particular theme for a while now as I feel it is important for me to dig deeper into the living experience and outworking of my "faith" (which I refuse to put in to a neat box with a label hanging off the side). I'd like to return to it at some stage after I have done more research. Blessings to you, you are much appreciated.

Anonymous said...

Blessings to you!So glad to find that there are others who see Truth in Christ AND in Nature: I feel as tho' I am being pulled in half sometimes! Orthodox Christians could not accept that I feel such reverence for Christ and also Mother Earth..What is a girl to do? I know no-one who has the same'twin' view and I long for spiritual Community. I cannot force my instincts into neat 'compartments'.

Anonymous said...

I spent a long time searching after leaving the church as a teenager, unimpressed with the judgement and the 'say the words and do the actions' form of Christianity found in my local churches. Since them, I have explored many paths, including those of Wicca and various other forms of Paganism. In studying the mysteries I was blessed to learn God's one universal truth - The Creator is all one being seen through the eyes S/He gave us, our vision and interpretation coloured by our background and experience. Last year I attended an Alpha course at a local church and, in reading the bible for the first time since primary school, learned that my experience of faith did not contravene anything written there, it is merely the interpretation of those who have been programmed to read it in a certain way who believe it does. I would recommend anybody who has had the blinkers of church programming removed reads the bible with the new eyes given to you by God. Jesus taught 'honour thy Father and Mother', he spoke as thy Father being our God, why then should we deny the Earth as our Mother?

Blessed be all who share in the Awen and the Light of Christ x

Angie said...

Hi Matthew:)

I, like greenpriest also reside in Canada. I find your blog to be a true reflection of my path as well. I am a member of Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids, which encourages the exploration of the Divine in nature, no matter whether you name the Divine God, Goddess, Great Spirit, or all of the above. I am glad I fell upon your post and I just wanted to say keep paying attention to the signs around you. It's not about the destination, it is the journey that matters. Along my journey, several signposts have come up for me including the incredibly open and accepting United Church of Canada. I have even found a "Green Bible" which instead of having the words of Jesus highlighted in red, has the passages related to taking care of the Earth highlighted in green. The Bible is complete, just has a different focus as opposed to the words that evangelical Christians like to pull from the Bible to make their point, lol. If you have access to the movie "Dogma" also check it out. Who can say God is not female? Or that Jesus was not God in His earthly form come down to earth to teach us how to be good people? If God was in human form today and went to the local church would you think he would be happy with the way Christians treat others who are not? Lots to think about... hope to hear more of your journey!

Anonymous said...

Thank you so much for this blog. I am a spiritual person, I feel a pull from a Goddess, that I can only guess is the Christian God in a female form. I have always felt close to nature and appreciated the spirituality that flows through it. I am glad to know I am not alone. This makes me more willing to explore what I might be happening upon with the Goddess I feel is approaching me.

Aslynn said...

Thank you so much! I turn 18 on July 24th. I turned away from the church 3 years ago, because of how badly women were treated. GOD IS NOT JUST MALE! God is feminine, God is woman. It hurt and angered me deeply to be told, over and over again, to obey the man because he is first and better. So I left. I have found a deep spiritual connection to nature. It has kept me from feeling alone. I may not be a Christian anymore, but I do recognize that there is a Goddess that loves me, and that created me to be me. I am glad there are others that feel the same as me. I don't feel alone, anymore.

Anonymous said...

This is an amazing blog. I hope you don't mind, but I've put a subscription for it up on my group page "The Grove of Christian Druids" on Care2. I do hope that you'd take a look at it an possibly join!

http://www.care2.com/c2c/group/ChristianDruids

greygoose said...

WOW! I am so thrilled to find another person who sees beyond. I grew up in church and would still be attending if I was welcome. I have heard of some gatherings of people of similar beliefs (Ceile De) in the UK. Has anyone heard of any groups in the US?

greygoose said...

WOW! I am so thrilled to find another person who sees beyond. I grew up in church and would still be attending if I was welcome. I have heard of some gatherings of people of similar beliefs (Ceile De/Christian Druid) in the UK. Has anyone heard of any groups in the US?

Kaleyl said...

Thank you so much for writing this! I felt as though I was looking into a literary looking glass - and that I may now have found some direction.

Anna said...

I'm a 13 year old christian, & ive had a hard time understanding christianity for a while now. I've been afraid that I'd just completly leave my beleifs behind. I struggle because of what people say about how other christians act. After I found out about christian druidry, i was pretty happy. but i'm actually quite let down, because I cant find anything on the internet about it. your blog as helped to me to lean towards christian druidry even more. thank you for your information. if there's any more information bout christian druidry you would like to share, that would be a great help. :)

Matthew Slater said...

Hi Anna. I'm glad I have been of inspiration to you and thanks for sharing your thoughts. I really need to explore the idea more and would just encourage you to try and keep an open mind and not get too worried about finding the right label at the moment. It has taken me the first 40+ years of my life to even get to where I am at - and I feel I have only just begun my journey! I struggle hugely with how I feel people will perceive me and so I find many things hard going -particularly as I am trying to get back into church life.

Have a look on the internet for things like Creation Spirituality and try the website www.greenspirit.org.uk - they have some interesting online articles that may help you. There is a lot of non-Christian material that covers paganism, druidry, nature awareness etc and you have to sort of take the approach of asking "What do all these other people do, does it apply to me and my path; and if so, how can I apply it in a way that is meaningful to me?". Be open and just look around you. As I have said in my posts, I am not really deeply into Druid practice, but more the green, ethical, lifestyle and philosophical approaches to life that a nature aware spirituality can bring and which can easily lie alongside Christianity.

I'm not that quite whether a pick and mix approach would be quite justified by my Christian friends but, like having to get sweets for my 6 year old daughter in the local supermarket, sometimes you just have to do it!

Hmm. Does this help?

Anonymous said...

hmm,It is nice to hear of other christians wanting to develop a nature awareness and I have often wondered how us so called christians can say we worship the creator whilst paying no attention to his creation. I have had a bit to do with OBOD and am curently reading through the bardic course that I managed to get my hands on without joining the group; as I really like to know what I am getting into before I jump, also I attended one of their camps and loved the people and the outdoors life and herb knowledge stuff but as a christian could not join in much of the activities that involved invoking and welcoming other gods, it says its non dogmatic but you will have a hard time being part of something where bed hoping whether married or not was par for the course, try squaring that and rituals that honour gods and godess' with Christian values&you will have a hard time,but I am using their material to awaken my senses to nature and Carr Gomms psycholgical training gives a few insights in to how we tick. Having said all that I am considering joining OBOD and attempting to walk a christian path within it; as when all said and done are we not left hungry for a nature awareness when we leave our church meetings?

Erintopia said...

I know this comment is coming a long time after your original post....but I wanted to post you are NOT alone.

I very much agree w/ your statement:
"When you begin to walk a path in a mystical way, that hates dogma, that seeks a journey, that respects nature, that honours God, that senses a spirit in all things, that seeks personal responsibility, that likes small forms of ritual...."

Well said!

Blessed be from one who also wants to honor the ancient sacred; combined w/ a deep belief in Christ.

Anonymous said...

I was hesitant to even google "Christian Druid", but something pulled me to. I've always believed in God as being the Great Spirit and I've never doubted (though i have questioned) his existence, only to realize a few moments later that i wouldn't have the ability to doubt or question or think for that matter if not for "He who created me".
All my life i've had a deep closeness to nature, in part maybe because of my celtic-native american ancestry. Like many of the people who've posted comments I've never been a church-going kind of person, though i do study the scriptures almost daily.
And like nearly everyone whose posted comments i too was conflicted on the nature of Druidism (lol, i made a pun) And wether it contradicted God's Word.
To sum up my ramblings, Thank you so very much brothers & sisters for your comments and to whomever created this site. You've clearified so much for me. Reading what you've wrote literally made me tear up w/ joy. I am proud and honored to call myself a Christian Druid now.
Godbless, and may His Spirit be with always.
~John Parker

Anonymous said...

I would like to say that our stories are much the same. I was drawn to the old ways, but could not leave the God whom I knew to be true. Long have I searched in vain for someone who shares my beliefs, and I'm glad to see I'm not quite as alone as I thought I was. Let all tongues worship HIM. May the road rise before you, brother.

Ruthie said...

And here I thought I coined the term "Christian Druid" so many years ago to explain the 'religion' I feel in heart that I follow. Christianity has many nods to, or homages to paganism, the original religion. Sometimes I feel that Christianity just evolved from it. So many questions, Trying to not be motivated by brainwashing, trying to learn more and yet follow my instincts, what feels right to me. I am of Scottish and Irish heritage (plus Swedish and German) but I feel this earth reference so deeply and feel like a key member of the Feminine Divine. Thank you so much for your blog post, I have bookmarked it and feel great happiness for those who feel as I do.

Ruthie said...

And by the way, to the "Christians" who are arrogant enough to come on here and think they can TELL PEOPLE HOW TO HAVE FAITH OR WHAT THEY ARE ALLOWED TO DO because your Sunday mortal men SAID SO...

I --- PERSONALLY --- think you are WRONG. JESUS WAS TOLERANT. Who the heck do you think you are telling US what we can and can't believe!!?

Matthew Slater said...

Thank you, "The Preacher" for your thoughts too.

Matthew Slater said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Matthew Slater said...

Dear Rev P. Thank you for your thoughts.

Anonymous said...

good that! Druidic blessing!

http://nikkinikki-earthearth.blogspot.com/2012/03/christian-druids-ancient-and-modern-pun.html

Anonymous said...

Thanks for this post. I am starting down this very same path.

I have called myself a Christian for more than a decade, after having grown up virtually free of religion in a non-practising Catholic family.

I have always been intrigued with Wiccans and Druids, but always, some fear stopped me from taking the step to get involved.

Now, I am finally taking the leap and joining a "protogrove" of local Druids for a Mayday ritual next week. I am nervous, sure, but even more excited.

Lucas Hooks (the christian druid) said...

man.. i dont know if you will read this. but your not alone in your travels. i realized that most churches are facist and ecotistical. they are hypocrits. if people would just see that there is so much more out there. i too am a christian druid. maerlin was a good man, and back in the celtic days time was much simpler and moved at a much slower pace... druidism is not a very popular thing here in livingston tennessee.. but i chose to go my own way because i know there is a god and im pretty sure he would not like the way some churches have become. god wants good people who help others and share compassion. not yell at others for being different or say women arent good enough. i thought what i was doing was wrong for a little bit.. then i realized i was right and the church was the one that is soo very much in need of help. spiritually. i think some people need to go and find out that there is much more to life than reading a book. they need to experience life... and realize that not all things are bad. my brothers and sisters on this page. we are the ones that will eneter the kingdom of heaven. im not saying others wont im just saying our way of life is looked down upon because we are different... i like different thank you... it makes people uniue.. everyone needs to be their own person.. this blog post is the best blog i have ever read.. and i only read intereting ones.;. i have a son and a wife and a job so i dont really have time to write things like this.... god is great but he doesnt want hypocrits in his land of peace... i also looked in wicca christianism....... everyone where i live turned wicca... i really didnt like the wicca thing because i know there is a god... so i turned to good ol fashioned druidism... thats where magik came from anyway... and i do not believe magik is a bad thing only how you use it..... jesus was a prophet he performed (miracles)= (magik)... all i am saying is thank you friends.. you all are ok in my book.. im glad im not alone in this world... thank you. hey we could all be friends on facebook!! my name is lucas hooks. my profile picture is me on my car. there are like only 4 people with my name. just shoot me a message as well when you add me.

WendyH said...

Thank you all of you for this moving conversation.. I too find myself pulled to Christ through nature. A while ago I fund this website. www.ceilede.co.uk - I have since been in touch with members of the Order of Céile De and have attended one of their retreats. I have to say that so for it is fulfilling all that I had hoped for... I thought I was the only one to feel the way I did - and then I find people like yourselves posting here and finally I stumble across the Céile De. We are not alone.. Indeed I would go as far as to say we are rediscovering what our ancestors once had. We are coming Home.... Blessings to you all. Wendy

Unknown said...

Pagan literally translated means "not from Rome" and in the sense of religion it actually refers to not being Roman Catholic. Therefore to call any religion that appears to be at odds with or different from Christianity is like the pot calling the cauldron black. Christianity distinguishes itself from Roman Catholothisim as well and therefore is also pagan in literal translation. Christians afterall do not follow the Pope as their religious leader or pay fealty to the Catholic church. Pagan is a term coined during a time when the Catholic church doggedly sought to make it known that they and only they were the one true religion. So any Christian, Baptist, Pentecostal, Methodist, etc. . . is Pagan by literal definition.

WendyH said...

I think people are using a different definition of the term 'Pagan' here Becky. But for sure you are highlighting one of the problem we have suffered under for aeons - that of getting stuck on definitions with regard to spirituality, rather than just trying to understand what we each mean and what we are experiencing... Imagine if we did not conceive of having labels for our ways of walking the path.... What would that be like?

B.B. said...

Thank you for the well thought examination of Christianity paired with druidry; my feelings are very similar and I have been exploring what feels so much 'More right' than the hatred, bigotry and blind obedience I see in the majority of modern Christian churches. I want to feel personally connected with god and his creation; i want to explore the abilities promised to us as followers, and the love he promises instead of constant argument and hate. The modern church is too easily distracted by lists of rules instead of the spirit; we have become a nation of Pharisees and Sadducees. Wicca has great draw, but I am monotheistic and have felt god, so I can't abandon that... still, something is missing. I am stuck with no 'label' other than agnostic. I have been feeling so alone in my feelings - thanks so much for sharing and letting me know im not alone. (please forgive typos, the phone key pad is tiny!)

Anonymous said...

I agree with the past comments and blog I for one am a christian druid who wanted to know more but all of my questions have been answered my religion is very simple to have a strong bond with nature and know that Jesus is my savior but before he rose to heaven he became part of nature. I also agree that church shouldn't have walls but should have seats and altars in a beautiful nature setting and to protect bibles a beautiful glass case that can be opened with a key.

Anonymous said...

I have been growing deeper and deeper in my relationship with God this year. This is a life time journey, but I have notice that it is becoming more and more inclusive especially in respect to nature. Also making my faith one and the same with reality and my everyday life instead of being a seperate thing.I see God in all aspects of my life and that definitely includes nature.

Anonymous said...

It has been awhile since anyone commented, if you care to share, where are you at with it all now mathewslater? I am curious as i am a 52 year old man and have pondered and struggled with the same ideas/feelings for years

Matthew Slater said...

Hi. Thank you for your interest. I will compose something in the next few days and post it as a blog entry. I want to give it a bit of thought so that I am happy with what I post.

Unknown said...

I think you may be surprised to find that what is termed as Druidism may in fact be early (true)Christianity. There was in fact no such thing as Christianity. More like a Hellenistic Judaism. Brought to Britain by James the brother of Jesus under his title Joseph Ari Ma Theo.A combination of Arimaic and Greek (second in line to be king, divine most high of God.In 37ad the first church was built. There is a dispute as to whether this was at Glastonbury or In South Wales.It is not as surprising as it may seem.There was an established tin trading route that passed through the South of France via the Mediterranean. Mary Magdalene settled in the South of France on this route along with the offspring of her and Jesus' children. Tamar,Jesus Justus the second and Josephus. Tamar became better known as the black Madonna coined because of the black priestly garb. The descendants of this spiritual movement became the Cathars the treasure of which was coveted by the Cathars being the Gnostic way of life and the record of the descendants of the holy family who became known as the Merovingians. The knowledge of Druidism was well known to the Essences through exchange of knowledge and spiritual practices through the trade routes. The practice of having a priest as personal assistant to the King was evident in the Essenes and in Druidism. The Zadok in the Essenes and the Merlin in Druidism.

ali said...

Breath of fresh air my friend. Thankyou for making me feel less alone 💛