Christianity

I have been a member of this site for several years (despite a two or three month break recently).  In that time, I have gone through a MAJOR personal spiritual transition.  This site, and the many thought-provoking discussions I have taken part in, have helped me through the learning process.

Sadly, there are many in the neopagan world (and, even more sadly, the Christian world) that don't really have a proper grasp of what Christianity really is.  So, in an effort to open up some dialogue, gain understanding from both sides of the issue, and perhaps educate some who don't know (and gain some knowledge myself), I thought we should discuss this often controversial, and always thought-provoking, topic of....

Christianity.

I consider myself to be a Christian.  Some people get irritated by that, I can only imagine why... More specifically, I consider myself an Evangelical Lutheran Christian.  In addition to that, I am also a Powwow.  For those who don't know, it is a system of folk magic as found within the culture of the Pennsylvania Dutch...a culture I am very much a part of.  My magical path is not only common in my area, it is taught within my very own church.  It is very much a part of my culture, my state's history, and even the early history of our country (USA, for those who weren't sure).  Formerly I dabbled in wicca, Wicca, neo-shamanism, and whatever else, so the transition to Powwow and Christian was not much of a leap for me.

Anyway, back to Christianity.  I will start by saying this: IT IS PROBABLY NOT WHAT YOU THINK IT IS.  And YES, you can talk about Christianity in an occult forum without fear of anyone trying to convert you.  That's not what I do (misconception #1).

With that said, let's begin conversation.  What are the common misconceptions?  What are the common complaints?  How much of what you do, as a modern magical person, comes from Judeo-Christian teachings?  How much of what Christianity does comes from what you think is yours?

Let's discuss.  And remember, keep the hate to a minimum...