Does it seem like Traditional Christianity is no different from paganism

[Universalist Catholic]

I've noticed that many of the Practices of Christianity(Catholic, Protestant, Evangelical), seem to function in a similar way that the Ancient Pagan religions used. 
-Someone interprets the stuff beyond our understanding, and makes their own religion of their beliefs, and expects people to follow them.
-Use of combining religion and Politics.(Egypt and Rome both punished people for disobedience towards their religious customs, Saudi Arabia is ran by Muslim standards, the Catholic Church used to control most of Europe, Calvin did the same for Geneva I believe, Puritans took control of the New England area, now we have Fundamentalist Christians trying to get their beliefs made into laws.)
-High Emphasis on petty rules.(fasting at certain times of the year, process for mummification, what kinds of food one can eat, telling girls how to dress, not allowing one to listen to rock and roll). 
-Make up their own spiritual practices, and then dismiss all other spiritual practices as nonsense(Human sacrifices, rosaries, speaking in tongues, snake handling, yoga, ect.)
-Have some type of organization on earth to get their religions out, such as a Church, temple, synagogue, or a mosque.

[Beloved Servant]

Man-made religions have inherent similarities.


...even our own unique-personal varieties that we so closely cherish and defend!

[Paul Hazelwood]

Having similarities I do not think is the problem,  Christianity simply is a term that lumps 1000's of variations of belief into one term rendering it useless no matter what it is compared to.

[Beloved Servant]

Perhaps;
The Family of God is the most appropriate term.
When asked what "religion" I am, I simply say that I'm not religious, I'm just a Son of God.

[WhiteWings]

UC you may like this e-book: http://www.sonsofzadok.com/Studies/Fossilized_Customs.pdf
Many/all denominations are infected bt paganism but I think RC the most.

You should also ask the question: Who copied who?
For example is Christianity copied from Zoroasterism or the other way around?
http://bdsda.wordpress.com/2009/02/01/untimely-figs/  ==> Zoroaster was a student of Daniel.

[peacemaker]

"Our level of understanding and comprehension is based on spiritual insight; apprehending the true nature of a thing."

peacemaker

[Dallas]

Paganism and Christianity go hand in hand. Even this form or universalism is pagan in may areas.

How do we simplify paganism so we can apply comparrison....

Throwing the madien into the volcano.

Paganism is based upon man doing something to appease and please their God. Olden day pagasnism delt with throwing a virgin into a volcano to gain a more fruitful harvest, or stop a current calamity.

Modern day, Christians trying to please God so He will bless them. If I do this then I will get that mentality.

God is based upon grace, gaining when we don't do. I get what I don't deserve. Paganism is about pleasing God, making myself more acceptable, trying to stop sinning, trying to live a more acceptable life.

[noname]

when the Roman empire adopted Christianity as the official state religion, many pagan festivals were included into Christian celebrations to make it more palatable for the pagans, as they were forced to covert or face prosecution and/or death ...ie the rebirth of the Sun (Sol Invictus) which was celebrated during the winter solstice in December (roundabout 25th) became Christ's Mass (Christmas)...

the pagan holiday of Ishtar also signifying rebirth is now celebrated as Easter

I have noticed only one "new testament" festival Jesus asks us to celebrate according to the Scriptures...and that would be Communion