Forgive me for not reading the entire thread, some of the crap spewed out by people is just too much to read. But I've got the general feeling and I don't like it.
Self, I'm really sorry to hear you've been hurt so badly by the church. (And, keep in mind people, this is a generalized term.) I know what it's like to suffer by the actions and words of wannabe christians, having come from a very wannabe christian family.
I can assure everybody, both christian, wannabe christian, pagan, and everyone else under the sun that the constant hate-mongering some of you ignorant bastards are spewing forth is NOT what a true christian would say. I have several very good friends who, despite their christian beliefs, do not believe me to be a stupid, self-centred and self-pleasing satanist pig. They see me as the person I really am - a nature loving, selfless and highly intelligent individual who devotes hours of her time every week helping the injured and tutoring the mathematically challenged. While they do believe I am wrong, they respect my feelings of love and forgiveness. They respect my beliefs, and instead of trying to convert me by way of hate and force, they show me love and understanding.
I find it interesting that thoughs who view what they term pagan do not attempt to understand it. They fear the unknown and what it may hold. They're like children afraid of the dark, without realizing that the darkness can hold both great and terrible things. I view those with pagan beliefs tend to be more open-minded and adventurous, seeking out unknown knowledge and mysteries in order to fortify their understanding of the world in which they live. It is most unfortunate that some of you are so afraid of displeasing your God, you blind your eyes to some of God's greatest creations.