>>I too came out of deep spiritual darkness. As one how has seen the other side, I would seriously caution you about keeping (especially wearing) items from a Pagan (read demonic) background. I have done quite a bit of reading into the expericence of people coming out of the occult/paganism and seemingly harmless things can have unexpected consequences years later. >>
While it is true that false religions come from the devil, the old Pagans did not know the word because it hadn't been spoken yet. Their intentions were not demonic, because they knew of no Christian devil at that time. Their religions were not based on any bible characters and that is what Christians don't understand. They didn't and don't believe in satan and their religion does not reflect him in its practice. They have their own evil deities, but few would worship or honor them. I detect some leftover Paganism in the old testament too, myths and characters from the region which parallel that of Pagan religions prior to knowledge of Yahweh. The Old testament was oral for so long, I find it hard to believe that every word was verbatum, and inspired by God.
***The Old testament was oral for so long, I find it hard to believe that every word was verbatum, and inspired by God.***
You are doing yourself a great disservice by holding that opinion of the Word of God. (In the long run) it will greatly harm you spiritual life and ability to walk with the Lord.
I am not speaking as one who doesn't know or refuses to face the issues some bring up regarding the veracity of the Scriptures. There are good, solid, reasonable arguments for believing that all the Scriptures are worth our trust.
I hope I don't come off as too pedantic in these posts - I am motivated by a genuine desire for your good.