How does a Wiccan teen go about telling her Christian parents her new found religion?

Question

I have recently read up on Wicca and believe that it is a much more true path to take than Christianity. I cannot go living a lie by not telling anyone, especially my parents, that I dont believe in their god anymore. How should I tell them how I feel?

Please, no closed minded Christians who think wicca is a bunch of devil worshiping kids looking for attention, Its been around longer than your religion has.... Open minded Christian are welcome tho.

Answer 1

All right, as a Wiccan who had to go through that at 15, I'll tell you what I did.

Keep quiet. Seriously. My mom knew because I told her, but we rarely discussed it because I think she found it a bit strange, although she's cool about it now, as she's agnostic. My dad found out because he found a book on Wicca under my matress (I think he was checking to make sure I wasn't doing drugs or something) and burned it. Guess what we didn't talk about.

It's best to introduce the subject generally at first. "Mom, Dad, I don't think Christianity is the right religion for me anymore. I'm going to research other religions." Judge their reactions to that before going any further. I'm not saying that you should completely rebel against your parents, but if they forbid you to research other religions, I'd say that's what the military calls an "unlawful order." If you're American, you have freedom of religion. So do some other countries. Your parents can only guide you religiously up to a certain point. Then what you do is up to you.

Some advice, though. Read a bit more on Wicca. For instance, it's NOT an "ancient" religion. It is a religion that was started by a man in the 50's who claimed to have received training from a high priestess whose lineage went back to pre-Christian times. However, there is no proof that this is the truth. Most Wiccans acknowledge that, while our religion is based on ancient beliefs, it is what is known as a reconstructed religion. We don't worship the same way that the ancients did. There is a lot more to Wicca than you may have read about already. I would suggest trying to find a teacher (a true teacher won't charge you or will charge only a modest fee for time spent) in your local area. A good place to find someone is http://www.witchvox.com/

Also, look up Wicca at ReligiousTolerance.org. It's a very informative site.

http://www.religioustolerance.org/witchcra.htm

Good luck on your journey!

Answer 2

I hope that you have come to this conclusion after much research and studying of ALL religions. Religion is a huge decison and life-altering thing. I am a devout Christian, but open-minded as well is my dad and brother. However, my mother is a Wiccan.... a true wiccan. I have wiccans in my family dating back from when my ancestors lived in Europe and relatives who burned at the stake in Virginia during the witch hunts.

If your family is open and loving no matter what, I'd let them know. However, it seems that this is causing you some stress. If it is causing youthis much stress, it is probably due to the fact that you know their reaction may be extremely negative.

Weigh the options:
*living with your truth until you move out
*telling them upfront and freeing your spirit, but dealing with the consequences (no matter how severe or not they are). these consequences could be very strict, i will warn you.

I wish you so much peace in your heart and joy in your journey. Continue to research and read and maybe you will change or become stronger in your faith as a Wiccan. I'd actually recommend becoming VERY fluent in your new found religion before telling your parents.

That's just my 2 cents.

Melissa

Answer 3

Be very careful I don't know what branch of the Christian faith you were brought in but what I can gather you belong to one of those groups called Evangelicals. I know it's going to be hard telling them that you want to explore other avenue of religious faith. But try to trend softly and be aware they might not like want to hear what you have to say. In the meantime do more research into this particular faith and try to find a group of witches you can join in your area. Not all Wicca is bad but keep in mind there is the dark side of it. Call the University in your area too and see if they have a department that has some studies with this particular subject. Always remember that Christians think their way is the only way to heaven. Even though each Christian group has always thought it was better than the rest. So good luck and be prepare for a lot of black lash from your parents.

Answer 4

Sometimes spirituality is a private matter. Especially when making it common knowledge will cause more harm than good.

Your parents probably don't need to know. Wiccans honor their parents, too. If you disrupt the peace of your household because of your spiritual growth, it will cancel out much of the good you could accomplish.

Besides, what if someday you find out that just like your parents Christianity, Wicca doesn't really answer all the questions, either? Then you find other answers in another spiritual path... would it have been worth it to alienate your parents? Your spirituality will continue to evolve throughout your lifetime. You only have one set of parents. Be good to them.

Answer 5

Would it be closed minded to suggest to you that God is both male and female? The God/dess? To love Creation is to also love the Creator... Maybe you could find a compromise between your new Wiccan beliefs and your parents' Christian beliefs? I have some Wiccan friends who have done just that.

Not knowing your parents, it is rather difficult to decide on a course of action, but it is usually best to tell the truth.

Answer 6

Well, the best course would be to have a sitdown and bring along a friend who's level-headed and act as ref while you explain to your parents why you feel the way you do. I'm sure they'll understand why you feel you can't hold on to their beliefs. Most Christian families are surprisingly open-minded if they're approached in a civil and sane manner.

Good luck and blessings be.

Answer 7

Reading up on a religion and actually practicing it are completely different. Before you 'choose a path' be sure you know its the one for you.I hate to tell ya but Wicca has not been around longer than Christianity. Wicca is a fairly new religion, founded in the early fifties. Paganism is much older. But the age of the religion does not make it more true or not. I was a Pagan myself not too long ago.

I was raised Roman Catholic by one side of my family from birth but hated it, it made me angry and I felt that it was forced. I hated God at some points and dident really beleive in any sort of God for a few years growing up. I had to go to a Catholic school untill Grade 9.

Once I went to a public high school I started getting into Wicca and Paganism, I felt drawn to it, it really made sence. I started taking part in my pagan heritage and I stayed on that path for many years.I went to many rituials and events.
I had my Native American nameing ceremony, and me and my family would go to full moon ceremonies, and other events to honor 'mother earth'.

I practiced healing arts such as crystal healing, healing with herbs and started Reiki training. I later found out that my biological mother practiced the same pagan beleifs that I did, and I never met her untill I was 20.( I was adoppted at birth) Her 'gifts' were different than my own though. Then something happened.

I have since found such a deep, amazing faith in Jesus Christ. For me, it has been a wonderful experience and I've never been happier. It has been a strange transformation from pagan to Christian, but for me I know it is genuine and full of love and positivity. I've felt such a peace come over my heart. I'm not part of the Catholic church though, I have found God through the Bible and through the word of God. Through prayer, and through a different church.
I still have a deep respect for nature, I just worship the God who created it all.
"The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands" Psalm 19
Theres even a psalm that speaks about how the thunder is the voice of God, so powerful and majestic!. God's wonderful creation!

My parents were accepting of my decision to become a Pagan, but much happier when I decided to come to the Lord, I was much happier too, and felt much whole and connected.

I would tell them whats in your heart, and what you feel. Honesty is always best.

Answer 8

look, you just have to tell them the truth. I have a brother who decided to be satanist, he tried to hide it from my parents, when they found out they were so mad. so it's best to be honest. I mean they're not stupid, they will find out eventually.
as for the whole Wicca is older than Christianity, that's debatable, don't you think? if you're really serious about being Wiccan, just take it as it is, don't try to make it seem superior to Christianity. ps that's not a good way to help your parents accept you, by telling them your religion is better. see my point?
just trying to help.

Answer 9

I have a witch living next door to me..she has a pentagram tattooed in her left palm..AAnd she had a pagan wedding...consummation and all..I once considered myself a pagan, after years of fighting and resisting Roman Catholicism for 18 yrs (was born one), I wandered thru several different theologies..none really deeply, I just watched how they interacted, and how they accepted me and others.I did the e.s.t. trainings during the seventies, and became Self-aware..as far as creating my whole universe from my expanded point of view .It was all about "love" and loving your friends and bringing them to sign up for the training. and on and on. I realize that it kinda was a money maker for Werner Erhard the founder, but The Knowledge is/was astounding.and even today the Knowledge is incredible... I put one foot in front of the other.. I create myself right here right now.. every nanosecond of eternity.Well , I came to a point in my life that inner happiness wasn't there. Of course e.s.t. states that "there" is nothing but "here" with a "t" in front of it.and the t is for truth.Think about it.So then here we are. Right now. and right now.. Hmmmm ,Seems Right now is all ways here. kinda eternally.with time flowing through it. right now.Never can get "there".
Sorry to ramble on, however , after being my own god for several years, all this happiness stuff just didn't seem to be right here, right now- then.I think that being my own god, is a lot like "hedonism" self glorification , physical pleasures, try a little of this , and that..Never tried heroin tho', cause I knew that it would be tooo sweet, and I had known a few friends who really were quite brilliant, and were seduced by that stuff, and never were the same.. downward spiral.. Can't trust them.. steal for their high.. and worse ..prostitute.. it's hell to see your peers die.
Didn't keep up the happiness stuff very long.I got to know a lady who seemed to have a secret. she allways had this spark of joy, no matter what the circumstances were..Bugged me. I'd be puttering and muttering along, and she'd still be bubbley. I wanted her secret. She said that it isn't a secret...
Now, let's get back to my pagan neighbor .She's nice enough and all, and admits that she is living in the gray areas of life.and interrestingly enough,She knows that I have found that happy place where that lady comes from (she is now my spousal unit!)
A while back,my neighbors grandbaby (from a previous mate) was having a very serious time trying to be born.Life threatening, for both mom and child.My neighbor came over and asked me if my wife and I would pray for them. That's right,I came a full 360. AAnd I am most def. not a H.R.Cath.,but I know what kinda "knowledge" I have , and how it came into being...PLEASE PLEASE See Genesis 3 vs 4 & 5...that's my story, and that's the knowledge that comes from that tree.
Greatest luck in your life and searches, and I am pretty sure that your parents are gonna be kinda resistant to their "baby" wandering about spiritually and all, But Someone has to walk in your shoes, step by step, here and now. I wish you peace.

Answer 10

1. Jesus has been around a lot longer than Wiccans.
2. It isn't "their god," He is my God, also.
3. Wiccans cannot give you the relationship your heart desires. It may satisfy for the time but you will realize they can't replace the missing element in your life.
4. If your parents are true Christians, there will be quite a debate. If I was in your shoes, bring some NoDoz, this will drag on thru the night.