does the term christian wiccan bother anybody else?
829746
Christianity is not against witchcraft, the only religion to my knowledge that strictly forbids witchcraft is Islam. Some Christians may be against witchcraft and there was a stance of the church that witchcraft was evil, however this was a combination of bastardisation of the bible and bible teachings, as well as church suppression of various things that they did not like the looks of or that was seen as a threat to them. There are plenty of Christian witches, in fact there are of course far more Christian witches than Wicca and they have been around for far longer than Wicca.\n\nThe idea of Christian Wicca is an oxymoron not because of the use of witchcraft within Wicca, but because simply two religions cannot be combined, particularly not two such widely different religions. Wicca is first and foremost a priesthood, they have no laity like Christianity does, in order to become Wicca one has to be initiated after a lot of study within a coven, only then are they taught about Wicca – if someone is Christian or holds Christian beliefs as apposed to Wicca beliefs then a coven will not teach them, let alone initiate them – as such these is no such thing as someone who is both Christian and Wicca or who has combined Christian and Wicca. \n\nThere are Neo-wicca who have taken on Christian mythology and ideas, Neo-wicca is however a different animal to Wicca (Wicca initiate-only oathbound priesthood, Neo-wicca is a belief system based on loose ideas and outer-court teachings of Wicca) essentially Neo-wicca is a New Age combination of beliefs, so leaving them open to look into the likes of Christianity – remains however one cannot be two things at once, even Neo-wicca ahs some form of distinction between any other religion. \n\nI could go into this in more detail, but I tire of it, simply common sense and basic understanding of either religion will say there is no such thing as a Christian Wicca as much as some would like to argue otherwise – in most cases it is either people who do not understand either religions, people who want to be Pagan but refuse to leave their Christian roots or simply people who want to be witches without realising it is a practice that spans religions – in other words, some people are just plain ignorant. \n\nSide note – Christians suffered more from persecution from Pagans than the other way around, unfortunately the idea of Pagans being prejudiced by Christians is by large victim mentality on behalf of Pagans, for the most part it was quite the opposite situation.
986294
To begin with Wiccans are those who follow what they believe is the set of beliefs that were common among the peoples of Central and Northern Europe before the coming of the Romans and the Christianization of that part of the world. True Wicca isn't so much a religion as a set of beliefs about life and our place in this world and any other. It deals more with one's relationship to the world around you (whether physical or spiritual). Therefore the God(s) and/or Goddess(es) that any given Wiccan or group of Wiccans pays homage to can vary tremendously. Most, however, devote themselves to some variation of the Goddess and, possibly, God and tend to regard this duality as simply the male and female aspects of a singular Consciouness of which we are all a part. \n\nThere are some Satanists who regard themselves as Wiccan however they are few among Wiccans and, generally, not well recieved by other Wiccans. Even those that do revere "Satan" tend to see him as a force for creative freedom rather than evil and are not, themselves, generally given to evil acts or expressions. \n\nAs a belief system Wicca is as far from anything "evil" as you can get. The Witches Rede, for instance, states that as long as you do no harm to others you are free to live as you see fit (hardly an "evil" concept, eh?). Most Wiccans also subscribe to the "rule of 3", meaning that whatever you send out; good wishes, bad wishes, helpful or hurtful the Universe will return to you 3 fold. Consequently Wiccans tend to be some of the least vengeful and most forgiving and non-judgemental folks you'll ever meet.\n\nFinally a word on magic (or, as Wiccans spell it, Magik). Magic, to a Wiccan, serves the same purpose as praying to a Christian. There is little difference between a Wiccan incantation and the chanting that many Christians do in Church... or reciting the Lord's Prayer. And what difference is there between weilding the sacred objects (athame, staff and cauldron among others) of Wicca and fiddling with a rosary or taking communion? (which is, if you think about, a cannibalistic ritual at it's heart),
228738
First of all, it's nice to hear from Christians that you should respect another's faith.  Secondly, to hear from some of you that your way was is the TRUTH, is nothing new to me.  I understand it is how your faith operates.  Also, I just wanted to point out being brainwashed must involve a collective group of people who believe exactly the same thing.  This is not what you will find in the Wiccan faith.  As 100 Wiccans who or what is "GOD" and you will get 100 different answers.\n\nNow for the real question at hand.  I am distressed to hear that one from our faith of respect and tolerance is trying to "convert" you.  Obviously this person has not done much reading on the actual basic principals of Wicca.  One of these being that we do not convert, we only educate when asked.  This faith is one, which should be sought out and found.  To offer it up freely would be an insult to those who really wish to spend time deciding for themselves where their spiritual path takes them.\n\nAs for how to deal with this, I feel you should be blunt.  Tell her that you are not interested in participating in any rituals with her.  If this is all she has to offer in your time together then apparently you two don't have much in common.  You don't have to be rude, but don't beat around the bush either.  Make it clear what your intentions are as friends.  If one day you decide to walk in this path then you already have a point of contact.\n\nI would like to also say, that I am sorry some of the people who have posted answer have not been very supportive.  No matter what you decide to believe, always know that not one person has the right to make or persuade you to believe otherwise.
938260
well I'm an atheist and i don't mind that it has the word praying in the name but of course there are always radicals in any group of people that will complain about something that doesn't go along with their beliefs.....the world is full of stupid people like that
695928
I agree with Chris.  But I have a question for a couple of the others.  Why are you so insistent that it began in the 50's?  The only significant thing that came about in the 50's was sort of a coming out.  Wicca has been around for centuries in it's many forms (thank TPTB).  The persecution continues tho the punishment is not what it was.  Now many of us are still "underground" because we feel threatened.  We are labeled as "evil" and "worshipers of Satan".  We fear the ignorant, close mined few that would do harm to our property or things we hold dear (including family).  This seems to be especially true in the Southern States.   Please note that I did not generalize and accuse all Christians in that group, because that would not be the truth.  It is a small percentage of very vocal ignorant people that are the persecutors.
14916
Yes, people frequently do. It's called Wicca, and it's a Pagan religion. check out www.witchvox.com for more info. Generally benign. Frequently miscontrued.
1133290
Sweetie, i tell you, that upsets me too!!! It's upsetting, I put a question, where i put"Christians" only. People got offended, im not a mean person, it was just a question for followers of God. \n\nWhatever! LONG LIVE GOD!
839455
I honestly believe that many people are genuinely concerned about the well being of friends and family.  They believe that they are trying to save us.  The other, say ten percent, are only aware of the fact that they believe they are right, and that would make everyone else wrong.\n\nYes Wiccans believe in a Higher Power, and No, they do NOT believe in the Devil.\n\nHere are other questions about Wicca and WitchCraft and their answers.\n\n\nWhat is Witchcraft? Who are these Witches anyway?\nA practitioner of a nature-based belief system or religion. Not all Witches follow the same belief system. Some practice what is called the "old religion" which has its roots in pagan pre-monotheistic folk ways and beliefs and usually follows the seasonal cycles. These belief systems or "traditions" of Witches are often based upon the particular culture from whence they originated. Many Witches believe in a polytheistic deity structure (usually based upon the local gods and goddesses of the area of origin), but some simply practice magick (sometimes spelled with a 'k' to differentiate it from stage magic). Witches may practice alone as 'solitaries" or in covens. There are also family groups or traditions which trace their practices and beliefs within the same close group throughout several generations.\n\nTraditional Wicca:\nA modern form of Witchcraft is called "Wicca." Traditional Wicca is based on the teachings of Gerald Gardner, is coven based and each coven can trace its lineage (line of teaching passed on by initiated Traditional priests and priestesses) back to Gardner himself. There are offshoots of Gardnerian Traditional Wicca such as Alexandrian Wicca, Georgian Wicca and many others. Traditional Wiccans are considered a 'mystery' religion, require initiation by the coven and have a "degree system" or different levels of rank based upon coven training and the readiness of the initiate to accept the duties and responsibilities of that degree. They have a core of inner knowledge-often called the "Book of Shadows"-which is known only to initiated Wiccans. Most Traditional Wiccans believe in the balance of male-female divinity. Traditional Wiccans are seldom solitary except for those 'Elders'-usually former priests and priestesses-who may have retired from active coven involvement.\n\nOther Forms of Wicca:\nA newer form of Wicca has developed since the 1970's which is looser in structure and practice than the Traditional Wicca. These practitioners may follow a mixture of various or "eclectic' pagan and/or non-pagan beliefs. Some have formed 'traditions' or covens of their own, with or without a degree system, and have written a "book of shadows" outlining their own belief system and coven structure. Many are solitary practitioners who practice their beliefs and formulate their rituals in their own way.\n\nPagans:\nSince the terms Witch and Wiccan are often mistakenly interchanged, many simply call themselves "pagans" or Neo-pagans" when talking with others who may not be familiar with the complexity of the different belief systems. But just as not all Christians are Lutheran or Catholic, so not all pagans are Witches or Wiccan. Neo-paganism is a term used most often to describe people who follow an earth-based belief system or religion. Druids and the Norse tradition of Asatru (who tend to prefer the term 'heathen") are considered to be pagan belief systems, but their adherents are neither Witches nor Wiccans. Neo-paganism should also not be confused with the "New Age" movement as pagans are almost exclusively involved in distinctive nature religions or earth-based practices while New Age spirituality draws from many sources and esoteric spiritual techniques.\n\nQ: Are you a good Witch or a bad Witch?\nA: When you ask if someone is a "good" Witch or a "bad" Witch, it is
673170
I am a Wiccan witch does that count? I am female. For all you ignorant people below we are not evil we are not satanists we do not sacrafice babies we are basiclly normal people.  Satan is a Christian construct.
171882
Eh. Some of them are "Wiccan" because it's fashionable. And they still throw in a few "Father son and holy ghost"s for good measure. Irritates me. They'll kill an innocent chicken or rabbit for a spell but they are to ashamed to cut themselves or harness the power of their own bodies by m@sterb4ting atop an altar where Jehovah and Allah and those other gods they claim to deny can see them.\n\nThen there are the other kind, the true Wiccans who pick up "Bucklands complete book of witchcraft" instead of "Love spells for teens omg!!!" I respect THAT breed and the way they are attuned to the seasons and the cycles of life.\n\nI am not a wiccan. I am member of the CoS, but anyone intrested in becoming a Wiccan needs to pick up some of Buckland's work. Seriously.
168543
The present form of popular witchcraft, renamed wicca, follows a tradition of wisdom that is as old as Druidism, if not more. Without going into great detail, modern. Witchcraft was re-popularised by the late British civil servant Gerald Gardner in books he published in the 1940's. \n\n     Those who practice it say that witchcraft is the worship of a comprehensive Earth Goddess, whose religion began in the late stone age, refined during classical civilizations such as Egypt, Sumer, and Babylon, (and presumably also by European civilizations like the Greeks and Proto-Celts) \n\n    Wicca has been wrongly branded as Satanism by zealous  medieval Christians, They used lies to create fear inciting others to  violently hunt us to near-extinction. This  prejudice continues to this day. From what I know of mainstream Christianity their basic strategy is "kill what you cannot convert" (or get others to do it for them) Christianity is completely unaccepting of ANYthing that doesn't follow the bible. It is a mob mentality. \n\n   What was originally called "witch craft" has been renamed wicca. You get a totally different response to "I'm wiccan" than you would " I practice witch craft. But you are right There is NO Satan or satanic rituals in wicca  or the craft. If you want to learn more you can go to WitchVox.com The site is built around traditional craft practices and there are many types of witches. I myself am a solitary practitioner. AS was my mother and her mother and so on clear back to Medieval Scotland. Maybe farther, but that's all we know genealogically.\n    \n     People tend to shy away from and are frightened by anything "different" They make up lies to account for their ignorance and stupidity. This fear and behavior, I believe stems from Christianity..Historically they have been one bloody hoard from the beginning. Christianity has been responsible for more bloodshed than ALL the wars in recorded history. True fact. So with a threat of a certain grizzly and ghastly death to even question Christianity (piked, burned alive, boiled in oil exc..) Who wouldn't be terrified and go along with this madness? I find it odd that so many still follow this arrogant and ignorant belief system.
604874
Yes it does sound like christians are shooting themselves in the foot. its quite amusing. I also think that on some subconciese level that the guilt fear and shame inside them darkens thier hearts until they are unaware they are doing anything wrong or believing anything wrong/.;
7465
As i'm not a christian i find this quite annoying.  So to me, it's just because they disrespect anyone who is not of their faith.\n\nSo, in turn, i try and scare them as best as possible.  I remember comming down one time from upstairs to answer the door.  Person took one good look at the athame in my hand and pentagram around my neck and litterly bolted to their car and sped off :)\n\nOf course i was just cutting herbs and i always wear my necklace LOL, but he didn't know that :)\n\nI love pissing off and scaring christians, it's quite fun :)
334846
I personally believe that they have crossed over from devotion to God to being utterly looney tunes.  That is completely sick and twisted.\n\nAs a Christian I feel it trivializes what Christ went through.  It's as if they are trying to be righteous on their own.  I am utterly offended by this practice.\n\nI also believe this harms the cause of Christ.  To do something so unspeakable in the name of Christ sullies the Faith.  How is a non-Christian supposed to react to this?\n\nAs Christians we are called to be salt and light to the world.  We are to go and make disciples of all nations.  We are not called to turn inward and be consumed by our own rituals.\n\nThis applies to all forms of self mutilation and flaggelation in my opinion.
1090010
yah....It pisses me off because alot of "christistians" are full of sh*t. They talk about god and preach this and that, then they live and act the complete opposite. It makes it feel like any kind of christianity is really bull sh*t, like everything else in this world. Maybe it is.
862688
I don't know whether they still occur or not, but as a Christian, I am personally appalled and repulsed by them.  Please understand that many people who call themselves Christians perform acts in the name of their religion that Christ himself would have strongly condemned.
193449
It is better to be learning, questioning, growing, exploring, and expanding your head and heart than to be a lump in front of the TV only absorbing the pap being presented.  Good for you for exploring.  There is nothing wrong with Wiccan or any belief for that matter.  It is people who bastardize religions/beliefs/philosopies and bend them to serve their own needs.  These people are not followers but rather egoists needing to be right and to wield power over others. Usually they are wrong and the power they wield nothing more than smoke and mirrors. \n\n And the crap above about not suffering a witch to live should not escape the mouth of a Christian.  I thought Christ spoke of love and acceptance of all.  A world that doesn't accept something as gentle as Wiccan is a very sad world indeed.\n\nNever stop questioning, Miss Wicca.  The seach for deeper understanding lasts a life time and perhaps longer.