I'm not sure what the big differance between the religions is I was hoping somone would clarify them for me. I would appreciate it if no one would answer that their religion is better than the other because thats bull. Religion is all about what you belive in so please just be polite.
2006-09-25 08:28:24 · 28 answers · asked by Clint S. 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Christianity vs Wicca
The age old debate in wiccan communities, why do they hold ill will to Christians? The consensus on this would be that they don't hold ill will to Christianity until Christianity displays ill will to Wicca. This page is intended for people who wish to know some the factors in this eternal struggle. These are common accusations given by some Christians as a rationale for their dislike of Wicca, with some rebuttals.
Slave of Satan?
People who are Christians have, on many occasions, considered witchcraft, Wicca, and many permutations and meanings of the word to be the slave of Satan, or in some way evil. Numerous websites on the internet such as the Perilous Times are examples of antagonism which are deemed unacceptable by many people, even Christians, not just to Wiccans.
Satan, and Satanism, is of Christian origin. The antithesis of Christian culture, beliefs, and doctrine. The all evil duality with the all good god. Wicca is of a pagan origin, no matter if you take a direct line through the Burning Times, or Wicca according to Gardner et al. Wiccans, therefore, do not accept Satan as part of their religious constructs, as Satan is a Christian construct.
Wiccans also do not recognise the Christian extrapolation to non-Christian religions of the non-Christian religions being Satanic. Satanic religious connotations extrapolated onto non-Christian religions are, therefore, seen as a Christian construct.
Wicca has its own religious constructs to utilise obviously, therefore, have no interest in using another belief systems constructs into their own.
As an example: The moral and ethical standards called "The Rede".
The Rede "An it harm none do what thou wilt" is considered a core belief by the majority of wiccans. This means that the wiccan to is reinterpret their actions as it is potentially liable to have serious consequences, this applies to animals and on to the earth itself, not just limited to man. This is extrapolated onto the wiccan him/herself, as well.
This requires the wiccan to accept the consequences of their actions, and therefore an 'evil' act will bring unnecessary consequences which would be obviously bring unwelcome consequences back. If the action was undertaken the wiccan would be self-harming, hence being contrary to the Rede. As all consequences have the practitioner at the root, the wiccan will not try and attribute it to a "higher power" as members of a number of mainstream religions have done, at some stage in their history.
The One True Way?
Wiccans, in general, believe that there are numerous ways in getting in touch with the divine source. The path being dependent on the person who is on the path to the divine. Wicca, therefore, is good for the Wiccan and Christianity is good for the Christian, and same for all other religions.
Forcing a religion on to those not compatible with it is, therefore, looked upon as subjugation of the persons natural free will and freedom of religion.
All religions are acceptable in wiccan communities. Wiccans are not "one true wayers" in which only one prescribed methodology of entry to heaven is acceptable, and the rest are wrong. If a heaven is to be believed in the actions of the person at the gates are judged, not on the belief system used in their life, so a Muslim, Christian, Buddhist, even a Satanist, or whatever, would get into heaven if they lived their life in an ethical manner.
Wiccans are tolerant of other religions and this only deviates when the said religion does not reciprocate the gesture.
This is in contrast with Christianity, which officially believes that their religion is the only way to god, and the rest are barking up the wrong tree. It seems that entry into heaven is likened a club whereby you have to identify yourself with one belief system and one alone, and the tendency for the Christian practitioners to attempt to convert (or save) those not already Christian.
These days the vast majority of Christians have become more tolerant than in the past, but even so militant remnants remain, and are allowed to grow.
"Wiccans Reject Christianity/Jesus"
That particular comment needs to be placed in context. Pagans do not have Christianity's roots as its religious constructs. Wiccans do not reference a document [the bible] for teaching its members. Wiccans do not recognise an intermediary of divinity [Jesus].
These are not because they are rebelling against anything it is simply because they do not share the same roots for their literature or divine rationale.
Christians, sometimes, apply their own criteria for a religion without common frame of reference, and therefore others which are encountered are seen as evil, backward, or pathetic. The origins and, therefore, conclusions of this extrapolation are going to be flawed, as the paradigm applied is not compatible to that which it is being applied.
Wiccans recognise that knowledge of the divinity does not have to be through Jesus, knowledge of the divinity is via the wiccan individually, a personal relationship with the divine.
What is not the case is that this 'rejection' is disrespectful in any way, shape, or form with regards Christian faith, and doctrine. It must be reiterated Wiccans believe that no restrictions on the knowledge of the divine, or how one goes about it (within stringent and ethical parameters). Therefore all religions are acceptable for the participants which are currently in them.
Attempts of Subjugating Religious Freedom
Wiccans generally dislike the application and subjugation of a religious lifestyle from one religion to another, and are repelled where necessary. Events such as being sacked from a job because of religion (e.g.. Ralph Morse); being victimised in your own home, because of your beliefs; and even motivating a community to attempt the circumvention of basic human rights (e.g.. Army Boycott by Christian Groups) guaranteed by the 1st Amendment (in the US Constitution) and the European Convention on Human Rights (Articles of Convention) appears to have sinister consequences for the population if a politician holding contrary views, than what protection these conventions bestow, gains significant power.
These violations are products of doctrine. It is about time, in the 21st Century, that abrasive energies being pitted against what are, after all, members of your own society be pitted to more worthy goals. Aggressors, it would seem, are coming almost entirely from the Christian camp. Is the Wiccan presence on this planet such a threat that they are worthy recipients of genocide?
Do not Judge, Or you shall be Judged Yourself
The proof of the pudding is in the eating. Observe a wiccan rather than blindly judge them. Actions should be judged rather than beliefs. Put yourself in their shoes for a second. Would you have the guts to come out to people and say that you are Wiccan, in a community, under the current intolerant environment?
Would you be dismayed that your neighbours suddenly turning against you, potentially in a violent situation, just because of your beliefs? Wiccans, in certain parts of Europe and the United States are more at risk of getting physically attacked, for no good reason (other than their beliefs) yet these people are willing to take a risk to be Wiccan yet they still hold fast to their beliefs. That should say something about their religious conviction? And for those in the armed forces, they would lay their life down for the preservation of yours.
The Christians were, once, a minority religion in the first millennium. Persecuted throughout the middle east, the Roman empire and beyond, to be enlightened you do not circumvent your subjugator to be a subjugator, but this is exactly what appears to be happening. In most westernised countries the Church and State are generally separate, but even there the Church is capable of exerting its influence even in government in order for it to influence ratification (or denial) of certain laws, as the current US presidential election has proved.
Mending the Fence
Consider your actions before you execute them (based on your judgments) lest when you die and go to heaven you could potentially see a big ACCESS DENIED sign (assuming the pearly gates have been automated), instead of being ushered into the eternal grasp of paradise and we all know what the other place is like, don't we?
If the Christian way is the true way then the Wiccan will deal with that consequence of his/her own decision when the time comes. You will be happy in knowing that you have done the right thing, but if you take sinister actions against people consider that you may be the one burning in hell when all is said and done.
Wiccans are simply no threat to you, your spouse, or your family. Learn about them from their own literature as that is the best way to know what is really going on, as I am sure that you would request the same of any one else, before they judge yours!
Don't take someone else's word blindly in anything. Knowledge is power. Live and let live is the only request of the wiccan and perhaps a bit of understanding may not go amiss either.
Blessings )O(
2006-09-25 08:37:02 · answer #1 · answered by Epona Willow 7 · 8⤊ 4⤋
I think the ultimate decision on this has to be up to the individual, but I will tell you why I am no longer Christian and I converted to Wicca.
Wicca promotes a more fair society that values men and women equally. Chriatianity obviously is biased towards men.
Wicca doesn't ban or demonize natural, healthy desires lilke sex. Christianity teaches that sex is only allowed between one man and one woman within the confines of marriage.
Wicca agrees with modern science. Even Magick is proven to work on a different type of brainwave. This has been incorporated into our teachings. Christianity disagrees with modern science on many levels including evolution.
The Wiccan Rede, "An Harm Ye None, Do What thou Will." Focuses on peace instead of control.
The 10 commandments and other lessons from Christianity dwell on control and fear. They say if you don't believe what they do, you will die or horrible things will happen to you.
Wicca gives power to the individual, instead of depending on Diety for all their needs.
As for Christianity, the only thing I can say is that its easier. All the rules are right there for you and you don't have to do much thinking, just go to a church and ask what to do. The power is taken away, but if you don't want that responsibility of using your brain to make up your own ideas about the world, then its probably the religion for you.
2006-09-25 22:49:41 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The answer given by Epona Willow is excellent although it does not address the benefits of either Wicca or Christianity.
The greatest benefit of Wicca, in my humble opinion, is that the path is active and at the same time, personal. There are no intermediaries although there is a priesthood and priestesshood from which you can learn and grow. Christianity is more passive. If you are a Catholic, you must reach towards the divine through an intermediary otherwise known as a priest. Other than praying and lighting candles, there's not much you can do to influence an outcome. In Wicca, there is much more.
2006-09-25 15:57:10 · answer #3 · answered by gjstoryteller 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
As you said, basically religion is all about what you believe in, so the benefits would be that the religion feels right to you. You should only follow a religion or have certain religions beliefs if they feel right to you. A Christian feels better about Christianity and a Wiccan feels better about Wicca and a Jew or Hindu would not care one way or other, since Judaism or Hinduism would be the religions that the feel better about, respectively.
2006-09-25 16:16:00 · answer #4 · answered by BlueManticore 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Wicca is non-judgemental. It shows no preferences to anybody in regards of race, sexual "preference," age, gender, etc. It is empowering and intelligent--Wicca is both a religion and a science. Wicca encourages the learning of other religions and the truth in all things. It is also very free, with the commandment being, "An it harm none, do what ye will." Basically, that means do whatever you want as long as it hurts nobody, including yourself.
Christianity slams the doors on other religions, as all people following other religions will eternally rot in Hell; this applies to most women, all homosexuals/bisexuals, etc. It also rejects religion and science. On the plus side, if you like to follow, Christianity is for you.
Take care and blessed be.
2006-09-25 15:38:44 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋
Christians have churches and congregation everywhere. These can be sources of support in several ways if you can find a niche or you play the social/political game fairly well. The Wiccan/Pagan community is much smaller and very disorganized. It's kinda like a box of chocolates.
Wiccans have a polytheistic view of the Diety. You can usually always commune with a different god or goddess when the need or feeling arises. As a semi-polytheist, a Wiccan can work with many dieties throughout her/his lifetime. Christians are semi-monotheistical. They can work with the Trinity and maybe even include Saints as intermediaries if they are Catholic.
If you are very open about your faith, being a Christian is less controversial. You get fewer stares and strange looks if you wear a cross on your neck instead of a pentagram.
Wicca takes a more hands-on approach to spiritual matters and how one relates with the Divine. It takes effort and trial-error to find what works best for you. Being a conduit for the Divine or even just working magick takes self-control of the mind, emotions, thoughts, and desires. The Christian method of salvation through allegiance appears to take less concerted, methodical personal effort. They have to accept Jesus as their Savior, spread His Word, and behave themselves.
Wicca has more emphasis on the individual's relationship with the Divine while Christians see the personal experience as secondary to following what the Bible says. Some mainstream Christians even make fun of the Christian sects that work with personal connection with God by means of speaking in tongues and other methods.
Wiccans are more at peace with other different faiths. They understand that the human spirit is universal and accept that someone else has different gods and practices than they might. Christians feel they are the One True Faith and will either try to convert someone with different beliefs or just assume they are Damned to Eternal Torment.
Wicca emphasizes the natural world of which we are a product and just a part of. Christians believe from Genesis that man was given dominion over the earth to do with it as he pleases.
Wicca works with developing the whole self including learning to use his/her Inner Tools or working with magick to better him/herself and life. Christians view such practices as evil and forbid any such practice.
Being a solitary Wiccan can be scary if you have been stalked in the past and are wary of trusting other pagans. Most Christians don't have this kind of concern.
If you practice Wicca or new age paganism on your own, you miss out on some of the neat things only a group can do like group singing. Christians use their choral tradition to bring a group into emotional as well as audible harmony.
For a Wiccan, just about anyplace outside can be a sacred place if properly prepared. Most Christians will go to the sanctuary of a church to find their sacred place.
Wicca is more open and accepting about sex, as long as it's responsible and between two consenting adults. This includes homosexuality. Christianity has restrictions upon what it would consider acceptable sexual practices and some extremist Christian sects of the past, like the Puritans, would only reserve sex for the use of child-bearing.
Some Christians teach that fear and utter submission is the proper attitude to approach God with. Many kneel when they pray to God. Most Wiccans do not fear their gods/goddesses and often will not bow or kneel to them. This posture does not indicate that the Wiccan feels equal to the god, but shows that he/she walks with the god and is not being sheperded by it.
Wiccan's holy days are more evenly spread throughout the year. Each full moon, the seasonal changes, and the high points of each season are all considered special times and some Wiccan traditions place much emphasis upon them. That's around 21 holy days in a year. Besides Christmas and Easter, I can't think of any holidays that are strictly for Christian observation.
2006-09-25 15:43:43 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The benefits of Christianity are that it is a mainstream religion with a large, public group of followers. This means you can easily find places to worship in many cities and quickly find communities to welcome you in. Also, Christianity offers its members certain rights and rituals, such as a Christian burial, being married in a church, as well as the sacraments of baptism, communion, and confirmation. It is also easy to find help through Christian organizations, such as church-sponsored soup kitchens and charity organizations.
The benefits of being Wicca are the religious beliefs may offer you a closer personal connection with the God and Goddess. Instead of being led by a priest, you are encouraged to find your own paths and ways to worship. While Christianity encourages personal relationships, it does not encourage you to define your own worship services. Also, in Wicca you may find people who are more similar to yourself. Christianity has a wide range of adherents. However, since Wicca has to be sought out, as it is not a mainstream religion, you may find people who are struggling with the same issues as you are. Wiccans also have their own rituals and rights, though these may differ from area to area.
In essence, it simply comes down to what you believe in, not what you want the religion to do for you.
2006-09-25 15:42:44 · answer #7 · answered by lauren under water 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I think if more people understood the gifts of the Holy Spirit, Wicca would disappear. It is my experience that people turn to wicca for a sense of power over others.
Where did Wicca come from? Two English men, Gardner and Alexander (last names) who wanted to run around naked with naked women.
Nothing they put in their little "how too" books is original. They borrowed a lot from their Anglican roots.
There are many different kinds of wicca now.
2006-09-25 15:41:38 · answer #8 · answered by Max Marie, OFS 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Well in Christianity you are a lot more safe. For life and for eternity. In Wicca it is a lot more enjoyable on a day to day basis because Wiccans are just the friendliest darn people you could ask to meet, and the ceremonies seem sort of cool. But there are repercussions, first you could end up stalked by demons (depending on your spiritual vulnerability, and the level of Wicca you get in to). And second you will end up in Hell, which is an actual option God gives to us not just a threat, if I were to make the unwise choice to go to Hell it would be over Buddhism not Wicca. But I like Christianity because God is really quite amazing to serve and once you get to know God all those things that you have to give up for "Him" are really worth it. I hope that I will see you in heaven.
In Christ
Victoria
2006-09-25 15:46:05 · answer #9 · answered by Victoria W 3 · 0⤊ 3⤋
It really is a matter of which path you resonate more with.
If you're very independent, not looking for hierarchical structures, happy with finding your own path, and are drawn to mysticism then Wicca might be a better fit.
Christianity tends to appeal to people who likes a fair amount of external direction, have guilt issues (I don't know how else to put the sin stuff), and generally want to be told what to do.
My suggestion is start down the path and if it works for you, go for it.
Blessed Be,
Pabs
2006-09-25 15:37:13 · answer #10 · answered by Pablito 5 · 6⤊ 1⤋
In case you haven't figured it out yet - what are the benefits of Wicca over christianity?
Well, using the answers here as an example:
Wiccans (or pagans) are more reasonable, logical, friendly, tolerant.
Christians, on the other hand, are quick to condemn, judgmental, irrational.....
I'm sure you'll come to the same conclusion.
I'm neither, by the way.
And as if the wacko answers aren't enough, check out my thumbs down....truth hurts I guess.
2006-09-25 15:45:58 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋