Wiccans: Your thoughts?

Question

I was reading a book on world religions and the author had this to say about Wicca:

One of the rising trends in New Age spirituality is Wicca, the religion of witchcraft. It is closely related to goddess worship and neopaganism. All of these different groups hold to the divinity of nature and to the idea that spiritual power can be attained through the manipulation of these "natural forces." While Wicca originally attracted older adherents, it is quickly becoming a major attraction for young people. It promises power, mystery, self-gratification, and rebellion against Christianity.

Answer 1

It is not a rebellion against anything, least of all Christianity. It does in no way promise power! The author sounds very biased about Wicca and his/her prejudices are shining through tremendously. Read a more subjective book that explains exactly what we are about, and make up you own mind.

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Answer 2

I think rebellion against Christianity is a little harsh. Although many Wiccans are ex Christians. We don't chose our religion because it's not Christian. Frankly, we don't think that much about Christians unless they are waving their beliefs in our faces.

I think alot of Christians do see Wicca and other Neo Pagan religions as a threat because they offer something so vastly different from Christianity. But I dont think self expression and a free flow of ideas is a bad thing. So where's the bad?

Answer 3

I disagree with the rebellion comment. I am 54 years old and am Wiccan and a former Christian, but I chose Wicca out of it being a path that suits me and my beliefs now. I would think if people wanted to rebel against Christianity, they would choose Satanism, but that is just a guess, since true satanists deny this.

Answer 4

I have some experience with this

while it is yet another name that tries to umbrella nature faiths or earth based faiths, it is just as fundamental and heirchal, self destructive and authoritarian

in our area the two circles or clans that have failed did so because of a struggle for power to be the 'leader' or guru when the object of most wiccans is not to seek spirituality thru a person, but to get guidance to 'god' or nature

christianity is no different, just the next thing to absorb other cultures and put a name to something and require a struture for power, control and authority to controll the masses better than any police state or dictatorship could based on volunteer submission and peer pressure

Answer 5

I find that somewhat silly, actually. Wicca's about as far from a rebellion against anything as...well, something really far. Plus I don't really see Wiccans as out to gain "power". Wiccans seem to work with the world, not against it.

For the record, I'm an occultist/chaos mage. Not much rebellion there, either. :D

Answer 6

Although I must admit that it is blunt and abrasive, in many ways there is a great deal of truth in that statement. I do know of people who turned to Wicca as a means of rebellion against Christianity as apposed to it's spiritual virtues. As far as power, the thought of empowerment to people, especially women is a positive thing that should be touted as one of the many virtues of Wicca.

Answer 7

Whoever wrote that had a very little understanding why people are choosing to go back to what early mankind believed. They found happiness without materialism.
Seems like a PR stunt to pull in wanna be pagans who need something to identify with.

Answer 8

"rebellion against Christianity"

Why does it have to be about rebellion, instead of finding a new path, that works for you, and your inner self?

Answer 9

I agree with the author, based on my 35 years of experience.