Wicca is an evil, demonic power thirsty faith.

[headheart]

Thank you, quite accurate. Blessed Be, Dur

Yes, it's good to see that somebody is actually reading and thinking before putting bear claw in mouth.

Darth, Wicca is definately a pagan belief system, however you think of it. Gardener borrowed a lot from Crowley, Celtic, and various Mythologies. Wicca is kind of a Hodgepodge of Paganism. In fact I think its referenced in the "Neopaganism" movement. Pagan the word actually means country dweller, however more often it is associated with polytheism or indigenous religion. Wicca being part of a new aspect of polytheistic religions is appropriately called "neopagan"

Here's something that I wanted to reference earlier but was sure it was in a longer answer and it turned out to be in the Question and Answers section at Witchcraft, Wicca and Paganism FAQ:

Q. Who do Witches Worship?

A. There is a single power defined as the One or All, which is composed of everything it has ever created. This supreme energy force does not rule over the Universe, it IS the Universe. Since most find it difficult to talk to or call upon a faceless mass of Divine energy, this supreme power is personified into male and female aspects as the Goddess and God. This simply makes the concept easier for the human mind to comprehend and relate to. Some take this concept a step further and use actual names, like Astarte, Isis, Odin, Pan, Dianna, Cernunnos, etc., when invoking the Goddess and God. In the end, it is a personal preference and what a Witch uses depends on what "feels" right for them individually.

There's more on the site but I think it's really a case of those who prefer to forge ahead with their opinions will do so regardless.

Peace,
Eric.

[headheart]

There are a couple more which might interest the earnest "seeker"

Q. How do Witches view Christianity. Are Witches Anti-Christian?

A. Not necessarily. Witchcraft, overall, is very tolerant of other religious views, and does not engage itself in criticizing the beliefs of other people, providing that their beliefs do not violate the basic tenant of "Harm None." Witches do object to religions that attempt to suppress the religious beliefs of others, or every human's right to seek spirituality in their own way. This is why there is a slight rub between Wiccans, Pagans, Witches, and some Christians. Many of them feel they have exclusive rights to the divine. We also have a strong disdain for those who use religion as an excuse to commit mass genocide. The "Burning Times"* are a clear historical example of one religious group attempting to exert its philosophies and beliefs upon others using extreme measures.

Perhaps an over simplified way of describing our view is this: Imagine a beautiful meadow in the forest, and their are many paths leading to this meadow. It really does not matter which path you take to get there, the important thing is that you get there without harming anyone or anything along the way.

From: Witchcraft, Wicca and Paganism FAQ

Peace,
Eric

=============
*Ronald Hutton, in his unpublished essay "Counting the Witch Hunt", counted local estimates, and in areas where estimates were unavailable attempted to extrapolate from nearby regions with similar demographics and attitudes towards witch hunting. He reached an estimate of 40,000 total executions. Table of recorded and estimated executions according to Hutton's estimate. (refer: The Hall of Rememberance : Estimates of Executions > Recorded and Estimated )

[headheart]

Seeing as certain folks here who're not seem really quick to assume that I'm into Wicca might find this rather interesting, I know I did when I first read it some years back:

Q. Can I follow the path of Wicca or Witchcraft and be a Christian too?

A. Again, some say yes and others maintain that they are completely separate religions. I believe that if one looks closely at the true teachings of Jesus with an open heart, you will find some stark commonalities. It is only when one takes literally the sometimes frail misinterpretations of those who misunderstood the intent or used the teachings to suit their own political agendas that one see's wide differences.

As a solitary you are free to choose any path you desire, or any blend that "feels" right to you. The important thing is to not allow a name or word to become a stumbling block. It is the intent of your actions and spirituality that matters in the end. I realize it is a poor comparison; Peanut Butter and Chocolate are two completely separate things. The fact remains, however, that they work pretty well when mixed together. Ultimately you must do what "feels" right to you..

From: Witchcraft, Wicca and Paganism FAQ

Chocolate and Peanut Butter Cookies YUM!.jpg

Peace,
Eric

[SwordEphesians6]

Seeing as certain folks here who're not seem really quick to assume that I'm into Wicca might find this rather interesting, I know I did when I first read it some years back:

Peace,
Eric

Hogwash! Wicca denies the shema, how is it compaitble with Christian faith?

[Chrawnus]

There are a couple more which might interest the earnest "seeker"




Peace,
Eric

=============
*Ronald Hutton, in his unpublished essay "Counting the Witch Hunt", counted local estimates, and in areas where estimates were unavailable attempted to extrapolate from nearby regions with similar demographics and attitudes towards witch hunting. He reached an estimate of 40,000 total executions. Table of recorded and estimated executions according to Hutton's estimate. (refer: The Hall of Rememberance : Estimates of Executions > Recorded and Estimated )

Well, to be honest it doesn't matter what Wiccans think on the matter when it comes to whether or not their religion is anti-Christian or not. What's important is the definition of anti-christian that the Bible gives, which is:

1 John 2:22-23

Who is the liar but the one who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, the one who denies the Father and the Son.
Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father; the one who confesses the Son has the Father also.

and:

1 John 4:2-3

By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God;
and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God; this is the spirit of the antichrist, of which you have heard that it is coming, and now it is already in the world.

So, the question is, does Wicca qualify as anti-Christian under the above definitions? If so, Wicca is anti-Christian, regardless of whatever it's adherents claim. Of course, the converse is also true, namely, if Wicca doesn't deny that Jesus is the Christ and that He's from God, then it's not (necessarily an anti-Christian religion). However, if one accepts that Jesus is the Christ and that He's from God, then one must also accept his claim that he's the Way, the Truth and the Life and that no one comes to the Father except through him. Anything less would count as a rejection of Jesus, which, IMO, means that one is anti-Christian.

So, to sum it up, if a religion denies that Jesus is the only way to having a relationship with God then that religion is anti-Christian, whatever it's adherents may claim.

[headheart]

Jack,
I'm sure that Durthorin will reply to your comment but seeing as I'm in the FAQs I thought it might help you to get a better understanding of 6. Wiccan Rede (which I referred to in Post 50 ) before that happens:

....Wicca we just do what we do."

Q. The Wiccan Rede says "An it harm none, do as ye will." Does that mean a Witch can do anything they want and its OK if they justify the action to themselves?

A. An excellent question indeed! and the answer is no... The whole premise of our belief system is based on living in harmony with all things that exist. This includes, but is not limited to the earth, trees, rivers, lakes, oceans, air, and all of earth's creatures, as well as other people without regard to race, color, religion, or sexual orientation.

( read the complete answer by clicking here >>> From: Witchcraft, Wicca and Paganism FAQ )

Of course, you need to watch out for an occasional "ZAP" should you consistently do 'something very wrong within society and causing a lot of harm to others.'

Batma____n ZAP!.jpg

Kinda reminds of some of the verses in the New Testament. i.e., '....you are to deliver this man to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord.' (1 Corinthians 5:5)

Peace,
Eric

[headheart]

Hogwash! Wicca denies the shema, how is it compaitble with Christian faith?

You should try eating some of the 'Hogwash!' and read the FAQ instead of making more of your jabber-dabble-doob infamous HOT lines referred to in the opening post. It seems you are marching to the same tune as the TEKTON gang. Well, that's about if from me. Enjoy your 'Hogwash' sulphur stew while I head off to eat some yummy chicken for dinner.

Peace,
Eric

[Scrawly]

But they don't. That a man named Jesus may have existed, yes.. that he rose from the dead and this was confirmed positively not. The only ones who accept the Resurrection as a fact are strangely enough .. Christians.

Blessed Be, Dur

I think you misunderstood me. You originally claimed that there is no evidence for the resurrection of Jesus. I stated that this is false because a broad spectrum of New Testament critics who teach at secular universities and non-evangelical seminaries have come to regard as historical the basic facts which support the resurrection of Jesus. I never said that these critics accept the resurrection of Jesus, instead they posit a naturalistic explanation to account for the facts (which I believe falls woefully short but that's not what I am arguing here). The facts/evidence for the resurrection of Jesus that you stated doesn't exist is as follows:


FACT #1: After his crucifixion, Jesus was buried in a tomb by Joseph of Arimathea.

FACT #2: On the Sunday following the crucifixion, Jesus’ tomb was found empty by a group of his women followers.

FACT #3: On multiple occasions and under various circumstances, different individuals and groups of people experienced appearances of Jesus alive from the dead.

FACT #4: The original disciples believed that Jesus was risen from the dead despite their having every predisposition to the contrary.

This is not merely an appeal to authority. These facts are accepted by the majority of NT critical scholars for good reasons (not stated here because it would be too time consuming). I just wanted to establish that your claim that there is no evidence for the resurrection of Jesus is simply false.

[Catholicity]

Here's something that I wanted to reference earlier but was sure it was in a longer answer and it turned out to be in the Question and Answers section at

Yes, Eric, I know the site, quite well.

Hogwash! Wicca denies the shema, how is it compaitble with Christian faith?

Paganism (now I'm speaking in general terms because I am not going to distinguish one pathway from the other) is as a general rule polytheistic, with its own beliefs and many many pagans are not Christians Indeed they deny the one and only God, Christ's resurrection etc. However ,every once in a while you may encounter some Christians who believe in (such as Amish, Celtic, African etc.) local folk traditions and some may even take part in such traditions without negating there belief in Christ. However these traditions are often centuries old. (This does not make them right or wrong many times they are neutral. Ex. A celtic home leaves out food believing it will bring them good luck. An Amish family uses lavender believing it wards away evil spirits etc.) Its a distinction when someone believes in other spirits (benign or malevolent) yet still worships the one and only God, and someone distinctly denies Him in favor of Another god. Many pagans do the latter. Its merely more than the Shema. Its a denial of God in favor of spirits and other gods.

[Durthorin]

Here's something that I wanted to reference earlier but was sure it was in a longer answer and it turned out to be in the Question and Answers section at Witchcraft, Wicca and Paganism FAQ:




There's more on the site but I think it's really a case of those who prefer to forge ahead with their opinions will do so regardless.

Peace,
Eric.

Yes its often taught as "From the One comes the Two, from the Two the Many."

Blessed Be, Dur

[Durthorin]

I think you misunderstood me. You originally claimed that there is no evidence for the resurrection of Jesus. I stated that this is false because a broad spectrum of New Testament critics who teach at secular universities and non-evangelical seminaries have come to regard as historical the basic facts which support the resurrection of Jesus. I never said that these critics accept the resurrection of Jesus, instead they posit a naturalistic explanation to account for the facts (which I believe falls woefully short but that's not what I am arguing here). The facts/evidence for the resurrection of Jesus that you stated doesn't exist is as follows:


FACT #1: After his crucifixion, Jesus was buried in a tomb by Joseph of Arimathea.

FACT #2: On the Sunday following the crucifixion, Jesus’ tomb was found empty by a group of his women followers.

FACT #3: On multiple occasions and under various circumstances, different individuals and groups of people experienced appearances of Jesus alive from the dead.

FACT #4: The original disciples believed that Jesus was risen from the dead despite their having every predisposition to the contrary.

This is not merely an appeal to authority. These facts are accepted by the majority of NT critical scholars for good reasons (not stated here because it would be too time consuming). I just wanted to establish that your claim that there is no evidence for the resurrection of Jesus is simply false.

Again, what you have is not fact but a supposition. It is a fact only to Christians. Sorry. You may accept those Biblical Scholars, I prefer Historians.

Blessed Be, Dur.

[Durthorin]

Well, to be honest it doesn't matter what Wiccans think on the matter when it comes to whether or not their religion is anti-Christian or not. What's important is the definition of anti-christian that the Bible gives, which is:

1 John 2:22-23

Who is the liar but the one who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, the one who denies the Father and the Son.
Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father; the one who confesses the Son has the Father also.

and:

1 John 4:2-3

By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God;
and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God; this is the spirit of the antichrist, of which you have heard that it is coming, and now it is already in the world.

So, the question is, does Wicca qualify as anti-Christian under the above definitions? If so, Wicca is anti-Christian, regardless of whatever it's adherents claim. Of course, the converse is also true, namely, if Wicca doesn't deny that Jesus is the Christ and that He's from God, then it's not (necessarily an anti-Christian religion). However, if one accepts that Jesus is the Christ and that He's from God, then one must also accept his claim that he's the Way, the Truth and the Life and that no one comes to the Father except through him. Anything less would count as a rejection of Jesus, which, IMO, means that one is anti-Christian.

So, to sum it up, if a religion denies that Jesus is the only way to having a relationship with God then that religion is anti-Christian, whatever it's adherents may claim.

I would tend to say not Christian as opposed to anti-Christian, I don't oppose your faith I simply don't believe its basic tenant. But I accept that makes me according to you and enemy of your faith and your God. It does also make me glad I live in a society where freedom of religion is guaranteed by secular law. Not to say I think you would personal persecute nonChristians...

Blessed Be, Dur

[Sparko]

Again, what you have is not fact but a supposition. It is a fact only to Christians. Sorry. You may accept those Biblical Scholars, I prefer Historians.

Blessed Be, Dur.

so basically what you accept is historic and what you don't is supposition. I sure am glad we have such wonderful arbiters of truth as you to protect us from falling for suppositions.

[Durthorin]

In other words you can't base your faith on anything save your own personal experience? Christian sources reporting the resurrection of Christ also report that the Jews accepted the body was gone. Taking in all the factors, such as the elite guards at the tomb, the Roman wax seal and the huge boulder then Christ must have risen. Another way of putting what you just said: "Christianity relies on history, with Wicca we just do what we do."

My experience, the experience of other Pagans I have met in my journey, those of my Circle. "Christian sources".... Sorry, I'm sure Moslem sources can validate the claims of the Prophet.

The flip side to this is that you yourself worship a contingent goddess who relies on some other absolute truth in order to even make the claim that an act is evil by its own nature. In the Christian God, we have all that is good encapsulated in His nature - making Him a necessary being. Also I'd like you to point out to me where this genocide took place, though I'm sure you are referring to Joshua where there is no such event.

Numbers 25

Excerpt from the Convention on the Prevention and
Punishment of Genocide (For full text click here)
"Article II: In the present Convention, genocide means any of the following acts committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group, as such:

(a) Killing members of the group; CHECK

(b) Causing serious bodily or mental harm to members of the group; CHECK

(c) Deliberately inflicting on the group conditions of life calculated to bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part; CHECK

(d) Imposing measures intended to prevent births within the group; CHECK

(e) Forcibly transferring children of the group to another group.CHECK


Blessed Be, Dur

[Durthorin]

so basically what you accept is historic and what you don't is supposition. I sure am glad we have such wonderful arbiters of truth as you to protect us from falling for suppositions.

I don't. I just don't believe it as you do.

Blessed Be, Dur