How do I explain Wiccan beliefs to a Christian?

Question

I've been studying Wicca for a little less than a year. I don't consider myself Wiccan or a "Witch", yet. But after years of believing certain ways, I found that Wicca fit me the best. How do I explain the beliefs to someone who only believes what they have been told to believe, and thinks that Wicca=Witchcraft=Evil etc, without getting into a whole theoretical debate, when they are bullheaded, and I'm only partly "armed" with the information that I've learned?

I asked, because I was "confronted" with it earlier today. I had mentioned to a friend that I have been studying Wicca, not practicing mind you (yet), but learning what I could about it. The friend's husband asked me today "So are you still a witch?" Which threw me off to begin with. I explained that I have felt drawn towards Wicca, but there is a difference between that and what most associate with "witchcraft", and that the majority of what most believe witchcraft is, has been greatly distorted by Hollywood. He seemed genuinely curious, but in a confrontational manner. I just want to have a better answer than "It just seems to feel more right to me". Sorry if I'm not making much sense... it's 2:20 am. here.

Answer 1

You can use an unbiased source like the US Army Chaplain's handbook. It gives a very basic description of Wicca and perhaps the Christian would believe that source. Maybe.
http://www.religioustolerance.org/wic_usbk.htm

You could also cite the study that the University of Virginia has on world religions. Again, this is from an unbiased source. Click on "W" at the top fro Wicca. It also has different Christian denominations too.
http://religiousmovements.lib.virginia.edu/profiles/listalpha.htm
Hope this helps.

Answer 2

Get the book Wicca's Charm by Catherine Edwards Sanders, it gives a good overview of Wicca's history including it's origin that was crafted in the 1940's and 50's by several sources but primarily by a man named Gerald Gardner who used ancient gods and goddesses, ideas about nature worship and magic to form an alternate type of paganism or neo-Pagan witchcraft.
It's strange that so many women think it was centered around them due to it's goddess beliefs when actually just some guy made it all up.

Answer 3

This is what I always tell everyone. Some people will never change their views, though. Keep that in mind and don't let it get to you.

Wicca is an earth-based religion that appreciates the Gods and forgotten Goddesses of Christianity. It uses spells and rituals mostly like you would use prayer in Christianity. Wicca is not Satanism in any form, in fact, Wiccans do not even believe in the devil, but only in good and bad. Wiccans believe in the three-fold law which is do harm and you get harm three-fold, do good and you get good returned three-fold, pretty much like karma. I will post some sites below or you to research more thoroughly. Also, don't judge so quickly if you do not know what it even is!

Answer 4

Theresa,

What I do is ask the other person what they believe witchcraft or wicca or paganism or what have you to be. Usually a person is only going to ask you a question like that because they're operating off of a given stereotype. By asking this question, you

a.) give yourself the opportunity to cut right to heart of the person's objection

b.) don't force yourself to have to justify every single belief you might have.

Keep the discussion positive, focus on what appeals to you most about Wicca, and emphasize those Wiccan beliefs that you have actually adopted as your own (for example, it doesn't make any sense to go on and on about reincarnation if you only think we get one time through this world).

It sounds to me like you aren't interested in challenging your friends' beliefs. That's understandable, but if your friends are diehard Christians, you have to remember that anything outside of Christianity is of the Devil to them. No matter how many times you tell them that Wicca doesn't believe in the Devil, it may not matter. Since it's not Christianity, it's Satanism. Just as Islam, Buddhism, and so forth may be "of the Devil" to them. Remember the quote,"The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was to convince people that he doesn't exist"? Well, to some folks, that's how your protestations will come across. Anything that you might embrace other than Christianity can come across as a challenge.

I'm not saying that your friends will necessarily react this way. I'm just saying don't be surprised.

If you're really not interested in having this debate, next time your friend asks you if you're still a witch, tell them,"Not yet, but I hope to be soon!" If they keep going with it, let them know that we live in a free society and as a responsible adult you're free to follow whatever path you wish without having to justify it to everyone who wants to quiz you on it. Then ask them why they believe friendship gives them a right to pick your spiritual choices apart.

Regardless of what you choose to do, I say don't hide it. Some people may not understand, some people may not like you because of your choice, but you ought to be able to live your choice as fully as anyone else. If you can't do that, freedom of religion ain't worth much.

Good luck.

Answer 5

I think that you've already answered your own question. If the person that you're trying to convince is not open to your explanations, then by default the argument is over. The more you continue to bang your head against the wall, the more determined they will be to stick to their beliefs.

You also said that you are "partially armed". How can you debate someone that has such strong beliefs when you can't formulate the proper arguments? You're not sure of what you're saying, so it's that much easier for them to jar you off topic.

Can you say, "exercise in futility"? I thought you could!

Answer 6

I wouldn't bother ...a waste of precious time to try to explain to someone who only believes that wicca is evil. Sounds like the person may not be very open-minded.

Answer 7

Tell them that really the only difference between you is that you perceive God differently. You still have morality and a conscience. So it doesn't make sense that the Bible calls you evil. Don't try arguing with them that their Bible is wrong. that will only make them mad. Just say that Wicca works better for some peopel who value Feminine and Masculine equally as the Creator.

Answer 8

Wicca attempts to recreate a native-type religion which honors respect of nature. You can compare it to any other native spiritualities your friends or relatives might be more familiar with.

Answer 9

You can't.

How about explaining to someone with a M.Th. and has extensively studied the Holy Bible and several other religions, including your so-called religion of worshipping trees and what-not.

Ever hear of the Witch of Endor? Go look her up and when you know a little about who and what she is get back with me.

Answer 10

I think you are better off just letting it go. People are sometimes very close minded and don't care to understand. My husband is very attached to his religion and i don't discuss my spiritual studies with him unless he asks me. So if this someone truly wants to understand they will ask.