"…It may be the devil or it may be the Lord; but you’re gonna have to serve somebody", by Bob Dylan
Wicca is a religion (or a lifestyle) that is being adapted by our youths as a “New Age” way to ‘have it all’ by doing “your own thing” and not having to pay homage to anyone or anything; because you’re “all that and a bag of chips”. Wicca deceives a person into believing that if you do well to “things” and wish no evil, then you will obtain all your hearts desires. What Wicca doesn’t tell you is that the ‘deity’ that you trust in is dependant upon someone or something else to keep ‘them’ or ‘it’ self-sufficient. The trees, candles, fire, earth, water, air and herbs are all created and maintained by God (read the beginning of Genesis in the Bible) and not a god or a goddess (read Habakkuk2:18-19).
Because of some hypocritical people in affluent places – many young and ever older people, who profess Christianity, have been confused by what they’ve seen or heard in the “Church”. This confusion has led some of God’s sheep astray to a self-created, self-centered doctrine of the Wiccan society.
People are not infallible; they make mistakes. They are not God. Jesus Christ has given each of us a road map, a savior and the free-will to decide which way we want our lives to go. Do we want to live a Christ-centered, fulfilling life on this earth and also in a life to come, or are we willing to sacrifice our lives to ‘something’ that draws its powers from natural things? Who created us anyway? We did not “poof” into existence nor did we reincarnate from another life form. We were created by God.
If you were to face a Wiccan, would you be able to identify them? Would you be judgmental or compassionate? Could you help them to the truth & the light which is through the one, true God, Jesus Christ? If you still have questions, or you need to help someone to the ‘truth’ then read “What’s the Deal with Wicca” by Steve Russo. As for me and mine – we’ll stick with our Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ: Father, Son and Holy Spirit (Trinity), but that’s another story. Trust – Believe – Receive!!!
Ms. “V”
Official Website
Comments
" . . . not having to pay homage to anyone or anything; because you’re “all that and a bag of chips”. Wicca deceives a person into believing that if you do well to “things” and wish no evil, then you will obtain all your hearts desires."
You clearly know nothing about the subject. Typical christian ignorance; you really think your way is the only way to worship your version of God. Others know better. Educate yourself, if you can - and if your religion permits it.
Dear George,
We continually explore all avenues of interest and information, otherwise I would have never written anything on this subject. As you can see there is reference material and if you read my books, you will see that I've had first-hand experience with Wicans over in Germany. Thank you for your comment. "Have a nice day" ;)
You may have had some first hand experience with wicca, but your hands on experience is obviously lacking. Your observations are to generalized to give an accurate description of wicca.
Your presentation of wicca seems subjective, which gives your reader a one-sided biased version of a much more complicated issue. Your views seem to be more of an act of proselytizing rather than providing accurate, well researched information.
I think it is great that you choose to stick with Jesus. It is obvious that your relationship with Jesus is important to you and has helped you grow spiritually as an individual. This is a good thing, a positive thing.
It seems to be some what arrogant to profess that Jesus is the only way for all peoples to communicate with a creator or to infer that any other way to communicate with a creator is inferior to yours.
Some of us do not Jeeha with the God of Israel and we are very comfortable with that decision.
You have a good day yourself.
Sorry about the reposts. Not sure how that happened. Please delete the extra posts-Loki
Sorry Loki that you felt the need to repeat yourself, but I get all of my information, and expertise from the Bible which is the authoritative Word of God. Check this out.
John 14:6 “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
John 3:3,5 “Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God”. 5”Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God”
I do thank you for contributing to my good fortune ;)
With all due respect, it's not just our "youth" practicing Wicca - nor are all Pagans practicing Wicca. I am a 39 year old, average soccer mom of three. I cook, I clean, I freelance write as a part time job. I haul kids to various activities - one of which, for my daughter, was participating in the local Catholic church choir.
I am also a practicing witch.
I have a deep respect for other people's differing religious choices. I only ask that they have the same for mine.
I guess we will agree to disagree.
Bible verses have nothing to do with the misrepresentation of wicca. All I can see is your writing is proselytizing, which seems to be more about manipulation than using real evidence to back up your claims.
The bottom line is that you give a slanted bias of wicca and your readers will be making decisions on untrue information. Any one that does just the slightest amount of research will understand the flaws in your article. The validity of your article is at question due to your overwhelming lack of knowledge of the subject. Your article is more religious propaganda than anything else.
What I get from your response is that the truth is unimportant
A Question:Do you think that in your responses to people that disagree with your stance, that you tend to talk down to them as if they are uneducated because they do not agree with you?
To make a point, I did not have a need to repost. It was an accident.
Thanks for your response
Wow - your article made no sense at all.....
Sorry Ms. Bradley & loki if I stepped on your toes, but can you deny any of my article to be falsehood? The Bible is the infallible, written word of God and He is "The Creator". I too do most of the daily activities as you do, nonetheless I choose to serve & worship The Supreme Being who made all things.
Now, may I ask you, Does your daughter's Priest/choir director , or the parishioners of your diocese know that you are Wiccan?
My apologies if I appeared in any way condescending. That is not my style. and was not my intent. You have the right to disagree, and I hope that you have voiced your opinion.
Also, have you ventured out to read the book that I referred to in the article? Can you deny any of what Mr. Steve Russo wrote in his book to be false?
When I wished you a good day - I meant it ;)
I have been Pagan for 30 years. It saddens me when propaganda is preached as truth. Mr. Russo's book is far from the truth. But I do understand that when trying to convert people the truth is not necessarily important.
When it gets down to the nitty gritty it usually becomes a matter of perception. My perceptions and philosophies are different. Since they are not rooted in the bible I understand that you will see them as inferior.
After many years of serious research I can not accept the Bible as the word of God nor do I subscribe to the apologists justifications that are not based in any facts.
I just think it is unfortunate that Christian fundamentalists choose to propagate untruths about other types of spirituality. If you had an inkling of understanding of Wicca you would not have used the words self centered or doctrine.
This is not a debate because you obviously have no comprehension of the subject your are discussing.
I also meant for you to have a nice day.
I am 39 years old, have been Wiccan for 23 years. I'm ordained clergy, and have performed dozens of legal marriages in 4 states. And I can tell you that you have a very slanted view of the religion, and it appears many misunderstandings about it.
To answer a couple of your points in your last comment:
"have you ventured out to read the book that I referred to in the article? Can you deny any of what Mr. Steve Russo wrote in his book to be false?" yes, I have recently encountered this book and it has many incorrect "facts" in it. Many. It is written for the sole purpose of trying to make one religion seem "bad" or "wrong" and the author's own religion to be "right". It is written to try and keep followers of his religion from leaving to try the one he writes about, and also to encourage followers of his religion to try and "bring back" (convert) followers of Wicca to his own faith. yes, I have recently encountered this book and it has many incorrect "facts" in it. Many. It is
Sorry for multiple posts, my post was too large... continued:
As to this quote from you: "but can you deny any of my article to be falsehood? The Bible is the infallible, written word of God and He is "The Creator" yes. I will give several of the more glaring examples. But first let me say that the Bible was edited and compiled by the Roman Emperor Constantine's councils of Nicea, Trent, and Carthage... where they determined much of the doctrine (such as the divinity of Christ, and the concept of the Trinity) about 400 years after the life of Christ. They also determined which books were to be part o
continued:
They also determined which books were to be part of the Bible, and which one's were not... there are many left out that they didn't think fit with their idea of what the new church should be about.
As to the specific "falsehoods" of your article, you say "Wicca is a religion (or a lifestyle) that is being adapted by our youths as a “New Age” way to ‘have it all’ by doing “your own thing” and not having to pay homage to anyone or anything" Not true... I am not a youth, it is definitely NOT about "having it all" OR "doing your own thing" and we do pay homage to many things... the amount of falsehoods in this one sentence is vast.
Then you say "Wicca deceives a person into believing that if you do well to “things” and wish no evil, then you will obtain all your hearts desires." Which is again totally wrong. I think you may be trying to refer to the idea of Karma but you've got it so wrong its comical.
Then you say: "the ‘deity’ that you trust in is dependant upon
continued:
Then you say: "the ‘deity’ that you trust in is dependant upon someone or something else to keep ‘them’ or ‘it’ self-sufficient. The trees, candles, fire, earth, water, air and herbs are all created and maintained by God (read the beginning of Genesis in the Bible) and not a god or a goddess" This is simply using your OWN religious ideas, not ours. For us, we are not worshiping the "creation instead of the creator", for many of us the creation IS the creator. The concept may be quite alien to you, but that's because its a different religion and a different philosophy completely.
What is wrong here is when people try to cut down other people's beliefs. They say that one sign of a cult is when people fear losing people from their religion, and actively try to prevent people from looking to other ways of thinking, while actively trying to gather more followers. If a religion is true and good, people would come to it and stick with it based solely on the fact that it
continued:
If a religion is true and good, people would come to it and stick with it based solely on the fact that it is true and good. There would be no need to worry about people becoming Wiccan. Sorry for the multiple posts but the page wouldn't take my full post.
Chris,
This is a position for me – so before I retire for the weekend, allow me to say, I stand on God’s Word which was interpreted many times over; still it was inspired by God and needs no further defense.
I’ve asked the children of some of my friends, what they were told when they joined Wicca and I was told how they feared for their souls to leave. I’ve encountered how demons had to be exercised from young adults who ventured into Wicca.
As I’ve stated in one of my books, “There are either antagonists or protagonists; good or evil; God or the devil; black or white. When you get into the shades of gray – then you get yourself into trouble”. Now, that, you may quote. There are many religions, sects, groups, beliefs etc.; nevertheless, I still contend that there is only one, true God and not many little gods.
It seems to me that your mind is made up. My prayer for your salvation is said. My hope is that others will have a clearer understanding of their eternal life in heaven, and the fulfillment of their life in this present world, as they accept Jesus Christ to be their personal Lord & Savior. It’s a choice, and as the song states, “Ya Gotta Serve Somebody”. Enough said, in Jesus name and the devil is a liar, John 8:44.
Speaking as a woung woman who is activley seeking the truth i will say that I am not sure what to call my religion other than pagan. I do not follow wicca. I try to follow a religion as close to my ancestors as i can. And it makes me happy to know that I am following a religon that I can believe in and one that makes me feel right deep down. I can tell you just from what i have read here that you have a deeply biased view of any religion other than the one you belive to be the right one so i will tell you now my mother does not belive in your god nor do i nor does my sister, her husband is christain and does not approve of what i belive in. Since the time I was 2 to the time i was 12 i had to deal with domestic abuse from a man who follows your god. Now he has partial custody of my little sister who i might add does not believe in god although she pretends to so as not to recive physical harm or mental. If your religion becomes an excuse for men like that to hurt his wife and childre
I only responded because I thought you might want to know that as far as wicca goes you are way off the mark. All the bible stuff or jesus stuff you responded with has nothing to do with the misrepresentation of another religion. You have not admitted you may be wrong about a religion you have not participated in. You are misleading people and that is your truth.
I have no problem with Christianity. My wife (23 years) is my favorite Christian. I would like to see more Christians that are tolerant of other types of spirituality.
Buy the way, I don't really have any desire to enter heaven. I am afraid there may be way to many intolerant and closed minded people for my taste.
You too are in my prayers.
-n My sisters husband is a good man and as i said he is christian i love him like a brother. I dont have a problem with his or your religion. I do have a problem with chritians even ones i love telling people my religion is a farce. I was never forced by my mom to follow a religion in fact before i became old enough for it to matter i never had a religion and when i chose to follow my religon my mother suported me in my descion. If only all mothers where so suportive.I have a friend who follows the same religion and she is miserable because her parents wont allow her to follow her religion. she has to go to a church and preted to belive. so her parents are pushing her farther and farther away . You can never force somone to belive.
I am 15 I am gifted as soon as i turn 16 im going to collage and my mom homeschooled me I am a good person no matter what i believe in. when it comes down to it thats all that matters not what you belive in but who you are.
sorry for the sloppy writing im not good on a keebord
My last comment Ms. V.
I know many people that have had horrendous experiences with Christianity. I could list 100's (probably 1000's with research) of abuse to children and young adults by Christians in the name of Christianity. But it would be irresponsible of me to compare those experiences as a sounding board of what Christianity represents, if I chose (never have) to compare my spirituality to Christianity.
To think that you have a representation of a religion from a few experiences is rather naive.
I am not concerned with what is or what is not the right path. May be your path is the right path. I am concerned with your lack of knowledge of the subject you use as a comparison to show that your path is the right path. I would think that you would want a young person to choose your path based in truth and honesty and not a lie.
Mr. Russo's book is just more propaganda. Sorry to say.
Thank you for taking me seriously.
As a mother of 3 and a Wiccan for 30 years I want to point out that while you have the right to your beliefs and opinions, we also have the right to point out when lies are spread about our faith. We don't have to sit back and let false information be spread about our beliefs without calling it out for what it is.
As far as reading the bible, it's something you may want to do more closely. You may want to pay particular attention to the teachings of Christ and how you should treat others. Perhaps you should read the bible verses from John 8-1-11 ""If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone." With this simple phrase, Jesus silenced an angry crowd ready to execute a woman caught in adultery. His words challenged them to judge themselves before judging others."
GET A GRIP,YOU SHOULD AND NEED TO BE EDUCATED,I RECCOMEND THE BOOK "WICCA, A GUIDE FOR DUMMIES" YOU NEED EDUCATION LADY,IM SURE YOU COULD FIND A LOCAL PRIESTESS OR PRIEST TO TEACH YOU..I AM AMAZED AT YOUR MISCONCEPTIONS, JUST BECAUSE YOU HAVE A WEBSITE HERE , DOESNT MEAN YOU KNOW WHAT YOUR TALKING ABOUT.SO PLEASE GO TO YOUR LOCAL BOOKSTORE AND GET THE BOOK THAT WILL GUIDE YOU TO THE TRUTH. I AM A MOTHER OF 5 ,A GRANDMOTHER OF 6,A RETIRED NURSE, I AM A PRACTICING WITCH... MY HUSBAND IS A DEDICATED CATHOLIC..HE TOTALLY ACCEPTS AND RESPECTS MY FAITH,AS I DO HIS.I WAS RAISED A CATHOLIC,BUT MY MOM AND I BOTH KNOW WHAT WE REALLY BELIEVED...MY GRANDMOTHER FROM SICILY AND HER MOTHER BEFORE HER WERE (STREGA) OR INHERITED SICILIAN WITCHCRAFT. MY FAMILY ALL KNOW WHAT I PRACTICE,AND THE RESPECT ME.MY HUSBAND TOLD HIS LOCAL CATHOLIC PRIEST THAT I PRACTICE WITCHCRAFT, WICCAN, AND THE CATHOLIC PRIEST SAID AND I QUOTE"THATS A BEAUTIFUL FAITH,RESPECT YOUR WIFE" AND WE HAVE BEEN MARRIED 30 YRS.EDUCATE!!
GET A GRIP,YOU SHOULD AND NEED TO BE EDUCATED,I RECCOMEND THE BOOK "WICCA, A GUIDE FOR DUMMIES" YOU NEED EDUCATION LADY,IM SURE YOU COULD FIND A LOCAL PRIESTESS OR PRIEST TO TEACH YOU..I AM AMAZED AT YOUR MISCONCEPTIONS, JUST BECAUSE YOU HAVE A WEBSITE HERE , DOESNT MEAN YOU KNOW WHAT YOUR TALKING ABOUT.SO PLEASE GO TO YOUR LOCAL BOOKSTORE AND GET THE BOOK THAT WILL GUIDE YOU TO THE TRUTH. I AM A MOTHER OF 5 ,A GRANDMOTHER OF 6,A RETIRED NURSE, I AM A PRACTICING WITCH... MY HUSBAND IS A DEDICATED CATHOLIC..HE TOTALLY ACCEPTS AND RESPECTS MY FAITH,AS I DO HIS.I WAS RAISED A CATHOLIC,BUT MY MOM AND I BOTH KNOW WHAT WE REALLY BELIEVED...MY GRANDMOTHER FROM SICILY AND HER MOTHER BEFORE HER WERE (STREGA) OR INHERITED SICILIAN WITCHCRAFT. MY FAMILY ALL KNOW WHAT I PRACTICE,AND THE RESPECT ME.MY HUSBAND TOLD HIS LOCAL CATHOLIC PRIEST THAT I PRACTICE WITCHCRAFT, WICCAN, AND THE CATHOLIC PRIEST SAID AND I QUOTE"THATS A BEAUTIFUL FAITH,RESPECT YOUR WIFE" AND WE HAVE BEEN MARRIED 30 YRS.EDUCATE!!
GET A GRIP,YOU SHOULD AND NEED TO BE EDUCATED,I RECCOMEND THE BOOK "WICCA, A GUIDE FOR DUMMIES" YOU NEED EDUCATION LADY,IM SURE YOU COULD FIND A LOCAL PRIESTESS OR PRIEST TO TEACH YOU..I AM AMAZED AT YOUR MISCONCEPTIONS, JUST BECAUSE YOU HAVE A WEBSITE HERE , DOESNT MEAN YOU KNOW WHAT YOUR TALKING ABOUT.SO PLEASE GO TO YOUR LOCAL BOOKSTORE AND GET THE BOOK THAT WILL GUIDE YOU TO THE TRUTH. I AM A MOTHER OF 5 ,A GRANDMOTHER OF 6,A RETIRED NURSE, I AM A PRACTICING WITCH... MY HUSBAND IS A DEDICATED CATHOLIC..HE TOTALLY ACCEPTS AND RESPECTS MY FAITH,AS I DO HIS.I WAS RAISED A CATHOLIC,BUT MY MOM AND I BOTH KNOW WHAT WE REALLY BELIEVED...MY GRANDMOTHER FROM SICILY AND HER MOTHER BEFORE HER WERE (STREGA) OR INHERITED SICILIAN WITCHCRAFT. MY FAMILY ALL KNOW WHAT I PRACTICE,AND THE RESPECT ME.MY HUSBAND TOLD HIS LOCAL CATHOLIC PRIEST THAT I PRACTICE WITCHCRAFT, WICCAN, AND THE CATHOLIC PRIEST SAID AND I QUOTE"THATS A BEAUTIFUL FAITH,RESPECT YOUR WIFE" AND WE HAVE BEEN MARRIED 30 YRS.EDUCATE!!
Sigh. Yet more X-ian bigotry.
The simple fact is, the X-ian Bible does not apply to Pagans, Wiccans or Heathens. We are the "Other People", even the Bible says so.
Google "We Are the Other People" by Oberon Zell
209.240.158.130/fundies/other_people.php
You notice with articles like this and other pieces of garbage Chrisitan anti-Wiccan propaganda they always ignore the fact that Wicca recognizes different Gods and Goddesses and it's not just a humanistic standpoint. Utter bullshit. If there is a Hell, lady, you're going there. Either way, I don't think your life is very happy that you'd have to lie about other religions.
Good day all,
Pagan, you were alright with your typing and I hope that you’ll feel free to contact me anytime. And for the person who is married to a Christian, they may have wanted you to get some understanding (II Cor. 6:14 www.biblegateway.com/quicksearch/?quicksearch=unequally+yoked&qs_version=KJV) from someone else in order to maintain peace in the household.
To the rest of my readers, the fact remains, “Don’t Shoot the Messenger”. This article was also a review of Mr. Russo’s book (www.shelfari.com/books/468066/Whats-the-Deal-With-Wicca-A-Deeper-Look-into-the-Dark-Side-of-To/readers-reviews) and also included some words to a song (see both references in the article). What about the song in the title? Who are you serving? I love and serve a God who has delivered me, comforts me, sustains me, strengthens and loves me. God has given my family & me: peace, health, relief, freedom, power, wisdom, knowledge, and He remains my ‘all-in-all’.
If you want to see more of what my God has done for me – kindly come to my website and read my Blogs or better yet, purchase my books and see what I have to say, in Jesus name. You will be blessed. I am by no way belittling anyone, but I will continue to educate (Heb. 5:11-14 www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Heb%205:%2011-14&version=NIV) from the Bible (the written Word of God).
Yours in Christ,
Ms. “V”
www.victoriapoller.com
The only reason I would buy your books is so that I could burn them.
I think the point here is that this is using the rules and standards of one religion in measuring a different religion. It would be a bit like saying that Christians are damned to reincarnate forever within the wheels of Samsara because they refuse to follow Buddha's Noble Eightfold Path. Equating Wicca with Satanism is like saying Hindu's worship Mohammad.
I'm not longer a teenager, I'm a 35 years old woman, pagan for 10 year, mother of two, wife of another pagan and i don't appreciate when my believes are treats as jokes or rubbish.
I totally subscribe the point of Stephanie: "while you have the right to your beliefs and opinions, we also have the right to point out when lies are spread about our faith. We don't have to sit back and let false information be spread about our beliefs without calling it out for what it is."
So, I write here to say that this article is full of pregiudice, misconception and lies.
Don't complain when someone else will do the same about you, because you did first to others.
Still monitoring. Question still remains unswered - who are you serving?
We don't "serve" anyone or anything. That's the point here. "Who do you serve?" is a question specific to your own religion, not ours. Its like the others have said, you are trying to measure us by your own rules, which don't apply to us. This is a fallacious comparison.
Agreed. Serving God is part of the Christianity, Wiccans respect/honor the divine, but are responsible for our own Karma. Asking who we serve is using Christian ideas for Wicca. It is like asking which Hindu God you honor... not really a fair question since you don't honor Hindu Gods, (duh) you're Christian. Of course Wiccans don't "serve" either the Christian God or Devil, because (duh) they are Wiccan.
Jenna, I serve the One who created me. We (people) did not just 'poof' into existence. We were formed from God's own hands and given the breath of life. How did you come to exist? As Christians, we respect/honor love and take full advantage that God allows us to make choices in this life. Man can decide whether he is going to do good or evil, right or wrong, and the outcome of such decision is a persons’ destiny.
Now Chris, allow me to rephrase the question. Who or what would you give homage to? Since you follow the Wiccan way, please tell me what you have to look forward to. Again, know that I am not trying to belittle, but I believe in the God who I trust. He's proven Himself to me ;) Again I say: “Let us agree to disagree” "Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another. Romans 14:19 (KJV)
Again, "homage" is a part of YOUR philosophy, not mine. There are methods of communicating with the "other side" but most Wiccans believe "every man and every woman is a star". When we reincarnate, the ocean releases drops, when we die, the drop becomes the ocean. I look forward to reunion with the universal consciousness, Summerland, and spiritual connection with the All.
First off I found this article extremely rude,in my opinion this is religious bashing and none the less. ‘have it all’ by doing “your own thing” and not having to pay homage to anyone or anything; because you’re “all that and a bag of chips”. WRONG. We follow the rede,we believe what we put out comes back to us times three,hence if we were to do anything negative we would get bitten three times worse. We believe in free will,and celebrate the cycles and seasons of the year. Attuning ourselves to the earth the moon,the sun and the universe. Our Deities vary,depending on what stem of belief we practise,but all in all we do not recognise an evil or demonic force or prescence. Yes spells are part of the practise,but personally i will never ask for anything i do not need,because in my book that is wrong. Wicca is a branch of paganism with so many followers today i can see why you are addressing it in such a way. I know you think your doing the right thing by publishing this article.......
and i know that your religion teaches you to help convert others,but we don't need to convert,alot of us are very happy with our spiritual paths,and yes some people do not like it,but thats tough. I suggest researching Wicca more in depth before writing an article such as this as you clearly have the wrong information.
peace hope and love.
Blessed be
Ms. Poller, as I'm sure you can tell, you've hit a nerve or two. Unfortunately, this medium is a little narrow to discuss this subject in detail. Even a response targeted at just your original post might run over the 1,000 character limit (I'm a wordy sort!). Is there a way I can contact you directly to have a civil discussion, which we might then post somewhere for all to view?
Just so you understand my position, I'm 48 years old, with a stable job at a large company and prospects for advancement. I have a wife who's starting her own business and child who is healthy and happy. I'm not some flake who decided he was the reincarnation of an Atlantean High Priest after watching "The Craft" one too many times, nor am I Wiccan as a "way to ‘have it all’" because I'm "'all that and a bag of chips.' "
I'll be happy to discuss my faith with you in excruciating detail, but I won't be drawn into a "have you stopped beating your wife?" discussion, and your title question is just that.
I am a Christian. I know little to nothing about Wicca. What I do know and believe is that each of us are made in the image of God and are important to Him. I believe God loves us and accepts us where we are. I believe He values each of us. At least that's how I found Him to be. He gives us ( I believe) an amazing feature called "free Will" which allows us to "choose" who, what and where we want to be and become. As a Christian, I am growing away from "judging" others for their choices. Again, I believe God has commanded me to "LOVE OTHERS" not "JUDGE" them. At any given time we are traveling in either one of two directions on our path through life. Either we are traveling toward God or away from him, no matter where we are. We can be the most pious Christian, sitting in a holy ghost filled church and be moving away from God. Or, we can be a crack addict strung out on drugs, living on the street and moving toward God. God wants us to MOVE TOWARD HIM ON OUR JOURNEY. Hope each of us R.
It is unfortunate when a person justifies their beliefs at the expense of the dignity and sincerity of another's beliefs. The author of this article is welcome to her personal religious beliefs which she is likely sincere in. It does not however grant the authority to discredit or belittle the belifs of other religions. To accuse another religion of deceiving its followers on no other basis than that it is not your own (or arguments from within your own theological framework) is simple schoolyard name calling.
I would hope that the author would recognize that followers other religions have the same sincere relationship with the sacred as she does. Disrespecting other religions is disrespectful to your own and hints at a lack of true confidence in your own religious convictions.
FTP
www.thewicca.ca
How many Wiccans out there practice their path out of a desire for personal gain? None that I’ve heard of. Like all workable religious traditions Wicca is a practice that takes into account the one and the many. Oneself and those around you. “Harm none and do what you will/Love others as much as you love yourself.” Yes, Wicca promises self transformation. So does Christianity. So do all living faiths. But spiritual development is worth nothing if you don’t step outside of yourself and affect change in the world around you. A sacred/holy world is a balanced world tuned into the divine. athensjerusalem.wordpress.com
Hey, Ms. V! It has sure been fun reading all of the comments on this article. It is always interesting to get another's opinion on topics like these.
You did a great job with this article. You go, girl!
@Lynne Levandowski
Just out of curiosity, how is an article that contains misrepresentations of another religion "a great job?" Just wondering, y'know?
Marge, your post has me intrigued. First of all, I first heard of the Wiccan's by watching Scooby Doo with my children, so please excuse my ignorance. Can you please share the spiritual benefits of practicing witchcraft? You say you are a witch, please explain what that means to you?
Ms. V has eluded to what being a Christian means to her, can you do the same with regards to your faith?
Help me to see what you view as being the beauty of what you believe.
One thing for sure Ms"V" wether you support Christianity and are a believer as I am or not, this article compels you to be informed, know what you believe and study it so that you are sure. When someone challenges your belief be knowledgeable and as the scripture tell us "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. II Tim 2:15
<i>Wicca deceives a person into believing that if you do well to “things” and wish no evil, then you will obtain all your hearts desires.</i>
Wicca in no way teaches this. I understand that you do not believe as we do, but please, disagree with what we *actually* believe, not a made-up strawman.
Wicca teaches personal responsibility and self-knowledge. "Wishing" no harm makes no never mind if you *cause* harm (for example: if I break your fence by accident, I still have to mend the fence, even if I didn't mean to break it. This holds much more so for harm to living beings.) Wicca teaches us compassion and balance, yes - to see the spark of God/dess within others as it is within ourselves. It teaches us that we must examine our actions and inactions to avoid causing harm (very difficult sometimes). It does not teach that we automatically get our heart's desire (except inasmuch as the Goddess is that 'which is attained at the end of desire', but She offers Her love without need of
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