However, I am extremely conservative!
It has been so frustrating to watch Wicca being hijacked by "liberals" and "New Age" idiots over the last few years. Most Pagans today have no concept of a religion. They use the term "pagan" as a code word for "I hate Christians."
One of my strongest beliefs, is that God taught each culture around the world, in ways that they could understand. The basic religious concepts are the same, but how it was presented to them, was individually tailored.
For me, Wicca is my method of exploring the lessons that God has taught different cultures around the world in more detail. I learn by studying what each religion has in common, and not their differences.
Every religion in history has been a mixture of what God taught, and what man has modified for political power. Such is the way of humans and civilizations.
The goal is to separate the two aspects of religion, and strive for an understanding of God's lessons.
Exactly! The story of the four blind men experiencing the elephant is an excellent parable of man's relationship with the Divine. One blind man touches the elephant's trunk, and decides it's a type of snake. Another touches the leg and thinks it's like a tree, etc. Religion is a filter allowing humans to use their finite perceptions to experience the infinite.
I don't consider myself a Christian anymore, even though I believe Jesus was exactly who he said he was, and I tend to follow the spirit of his teachings closer than a lot of Christians.
Sounds like you are a human with all that goes along with it who respects Christs teachings. Pagan/Christian