#chistian

It’s not just that I would like actual, non-revisionist history to be preserved, it’s also that I think the assumption that certain practices are 100% Pagan just because they’re “Weird” or “Abnormal” is an idea rooted in a kind of bigotry/fetishization surrounding non-western or non-American peoples. For Example, there is little-to-no evidence that Yule Logs are rooted in either pre-Christian beliefs or Christianity, but what we observe now is that a bunch of *Christians* in Europe burn this log on a Christian holiday in a similar way to how American Christians may eat ham or turkey on Christmas.

What I believe a lot of Neopagans end up doing is saying “What, burning a log? That’s not the Christianity I’m familiar with, that’s weird!” and then they just assume that it’s “Pre-Christian” or “Pagan” because it’s unfamiliar to their preconceived notions of what Christianity “Should be” when it could easily have just developed after Christianization as another culture’s way of celebrating Christmas.

It feels like a kind of denial of cultural diversity, since so many of us now paint Christianity in large swaths and tend to homogenize it and its followers in one way or another, when the reality is that Christianity is a very diverse religion with many sects and cultures, and to deny these cultures’ practices for what they conceive them to be (I.E. wholly Christian), is in my opinion to sink into the trap of a kind of “Barbarization” of other cultures, which in some ways looks like fetishization, and in other ways looks like a TikTok of some rightwing Evangelical nutjob saying something like “Yer tellin me that some o’ y’all put up Christmas Trees and still consider yerselves Christians?”

Verse for the day:

Matthew 5:44

“But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you & persecute you.”

And I wait on to my God to give or to live. What much can I make of a twist except to the doors of hell?

I just mainly go on Blue Letter Bible online to read commentaries, Bible hub to break down a scripture but that's about it. Plus Bible project videos occassionally, or studying w someone on YouTube. The Holy Spirit reveals the truth to us as we study more and intentionally seek truth ♡ it's pretty cool!

1. Live Your Faith Authentically

Let your life quietly reflect Christ’s love, grace, and hope. The way you treat others may speak more clearly than any words you say.

2. Build a True and Caring Friendship

Love them for who they are—not as a project, but as a person made in God’s image. A sincere friendship builds trust and opens hearts.

3. Listen with Empathy and Respect

Be genuinely curious about their story. Let them share their beliefs and doubts without fear of judgment. Listening is a form of love.

4. Pray for Them, Silently and Faithfully

Bring them before God in private prayer. Ask for guidance, gentleness, and the Spirit’s work in their heart—always in God’s time, not yours.

5. Begin with a Universal Language of Faith

Sometimes it helps to start with broader spiritual language—offering prayers that speak of peace, healing, or gratitude without invoking religious terms too soon. This can lower barriers and show that God is already near.

→ Faith is an intimate lens through which you see the world, not everyone will share it—and that’s okay. Respecting that boundary is part of loving well.

→ You might say: “I don’t know if this would be meaningful to you, but sometimes I say a short prayer for peace—would that be alright?”

Click here to see a universal prayer I created for different situations, this prayer does not carry any religion, just good intentions! It may help your friend feel more comfortable!

6. Share Your Own Story

Instead of trying to convince them, let them see the transformation in your life. Share how Jesus brings you peace, meaning, and joy.

7. Ask Thoughtful Questions

A kind, honest question can stir the soul and open space for reflection. You might ask: “Have you ever felt a longing for something more?” or “What gives your life meaning?”

But go slowly. Don’t rush into quoting Scripture or trying to steer the conversation into theological ground too quickly—especially if your friend has had painful experiences with religion. In those cases, what they need first is not doctrine, but compassion, safety, and a human connection.

→ The gospel is not a script; it’s a relationship. Be a safe person, not a persuasive one.

8. Extend Gentle Invitations

You can invite them to a service, a conversation, a book, or a Bible passage—but always in freedom, not pressure. Let them know that your friendship is not conditional.

9. Walk Through Doubts Together

If they have questions about suffering, faith, or contradictions, don’t rush to give perfect answers. Sometimes, the most powerful witness is saying, “I’ve wondered that too. Let’s explore it together.”

10. Share Beauty That Points to God

Whether it’s through nature, music, art, or acts of kindness, show how the beauty in life can awaken spiritual longing. Sometimes the soul is moved before the mind is convinced.

→ “The heavens declare the glory of God” (Psalm 19:1).

11. Encourage Small Steps of Openness

If they’re willing, suggest simple things: reading a Psalm, saying a short prayer, or just sitting in silence. These tiny openings can be sacred doors to grace.

But be attentive: faith is deeply personal, and not everyone will feel comfortable. Avoid offering spiritual reflections when someone is visibly angry, grieving, or feeling emotionally raw. In those moments, presence and listening may be more powerful than words.

12. Be Patient, Present, and Trust God with the Journey

Transformation often takes time. Keep walking beside them with love, even if they wrestle with doubts or take steps slowly. Only God changes hearts. You are called to love.

💛 Our calling is not to win arguments, but to reflect the heart of Jesus—a heart full of truth, tenderness, and grace. When love leads, God moves.