I had changed my Instagram name to zinniathewitch and all of a sudden everyone was praying for me and telling me they were worried about me. I always have been a witch. I even have the triangle birthmark. I just recently accepted it as this is who I am and embraced it. I respect their differences but wish they would give me a genuine equal respect. They act like I'm leaving behind my original religion. I'm still an ordained Christian Minister (they were against that too as we were all Catholics and women cannot be ordained in the Catholic Church.) I think that all things have a connection and I'm starting to find evidence that the Bible was changed in order to fullfil agendas and hide ancient truths. That's an entire other topic though. I wanted to at least be able to discuss with them the similarities between Christian and pagan beliefs and where many of the holidays they celebrate originated from. I found it fascinating. I get how they may not. I have to keep reminding myself that we are all at different points on our journey and that not everyone will have the same enlightenment or enthusiasm about such things. I was just disappointed I couldn't find even one person to talk to about my discover. I'm so thankful to have found this website though. It's so nice to find others on a similar journey.
Part of the issue with discussing religious topics with some people is that you are challenging their lifelong beliefs. To them, the entire concept of witchcraft is contrary to what they believe. I have heard those exact same reactions from others. It's really a very dismissive sort of response. They have already made all the assumptions they intend to consider, and have no desire to hear your side of things.
A small tangent of my own: I went on a trip to Italy when I was in my 20s. After my return, I accidentally mentioned I had wine while on the trip, and I was asked through tearful eyes if I still "follow Jesus." Having alcohol, whatsoever, was that severe of an infraction to them.
About your own tangent: I think you are looking in a very interesting direction. I have believed (and have been finding more correlating evidence) similar: That the Christian Bible is heavily edited, to fit certain agendas. I have found evidence of similar for the Old Testament as well, in portions long pre-dating the heavy edits of the New Testament. There are some very crossed lines throughout history, which seem to tie a lot of loose ends, and connect the mythologies of several (if not many) cultures together.
