What should I do when somebody asks what my religion is?

Question

I am Wiccan and have recently had some people ask me if I am Christian, and I don't know what I should do about that as some people think Wicca is devil worship and I kinda would like to get through my freshman year alive. I mean I don't think I am going to get burned at the stake or anything, I am just wondering if anyone else has experience in dealing with this.

I don't broadcast my religion and I don't bring up the topic I have just had several people ask me and truly don't know the best response.

Answer 1

I don't broadcast my religion. I see that there are two reasonable choices when asked this question. 1. The None of your business approach. This especially applies to work or school. If coworkers, bosses, teachers or fellow students ask about your spirituality, you can simply state that you don't speak about religion in that setting.

2. Tell them the truth. You can do this in many ways. Simply say "I'm Wiccan", arm yourself with literature, preferably in the form of a handout. I wouldn't just pass these out buy if you say "I'm Wiccan" and they ask more questions you may feel more comfortable in handing them a sheet of paper than getting into a spiritual debate (I don't recommend doing this at work, I still say that the 1st option is best for work and school situations.) Some people prefer the spiritual discussion. Ready yourself for accusations, frustrations and insults of people not ready for your answers. Also, make sure you know what you are talking about. Study up on your spirituality and be ready to answer tough questions.

When I'm asked about my religion outside of work and school I simply say I'm Wiccan. I usually end it there because I feel I shouldn't press info on people. It tends to annoy. If someone presses me for more info, I refer them to the Prinicples of Wiccan Belief available on many websites including Religioustolerance.org. For people online, I've made up a study guide for the 13POB that will help answer some questions.

I also have a you tube site.

The main point I'm making is don't lie about it. People should know that if they ask that question that they should receive different answers from different people.

Another thing you must consider is those people who ask you about your religion in order to try to convert you to theirs. This is why I don't engage in conversation unless the other person presses for information. Also a great reason to use printouts. It's kind of an avoidance technique.

Answer 2

Discussing religion and beliefs can be very awkward, especially with people who you have just met and who don't know you so well yet. From my experience, Christians can turn pretty nasty when they feel threatened or suspicious of your beliefs and practices (just check out this Q&A section for proof of that!) As soon as you mention Pagan or Wiccan to certain types, you will be instantly labelled a Devil Worshipper or Satanist and even though you know it's not true, the negative impact of that is something you don't want to have to deal with when you are probably trying to focus on your higher education! I would suggest that you let them know that you aren't Christian, but they don't need to know anymore than that. You are most likely not the only Wiccan at your school, so I would bide my time until some more have identified themselves - courage in numbers!

Answer 3

When they ask what I believe I generally reply "the old religion". That is usually enough for most, but if the press I tell them that I am Pictish, a Hedge witch and not a devil worshiper. So far I have lost 2 people I thought were friends, but more often people seem to be curious about it. You will have to deal with ignorant and close minded people as long as you remain a non-Christian, but you develop a thick skin and get use to it. I am also Buddhist, and sometimes it is better to tell people I am Buddhist (since it is true) and they are not so judgmental. Buddhism & wiccan go well together so you might consider looking into it yourself. It is an easy out. When someone asks me to go to church with them I say "I am not comfortable going to a church, would you be comfortable going to a Buddhist temple with me?" That usually ends it.
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Answer 4

That is an unacceptable question. It cannot be asked in a job interview and shouldn't be asked in the college quads either. If you are asked and feel you must say something why not keep it light and undefinable such as, "My faith is my business and god tells me he's ok with it." Or just tell them the truth, they'll never get it anyway. You are always going to run into those who have had their minds locked into the christian mode who will never believe your soul is safe - NEVER worry about what these people think because it isn't much or often.

Answer 5

A bit of information regarding Wicca.................
Please read the whole thing to get to the point.

Some say that witchcraft has become one of the fastest growing spiritual movements in the United States. Throughout the developed world, an increasing number of people, inspired by feminist movements and disenchanted with mainstream religions, seek spiritual fulfillment in various forms of witchcraft. In fact, so numerous are the forms of witchcraft that people disagree even on the meaning of the word “witch.” However, professed witches often identify with Wicca—defined in one dictionary as “a pagan nature religion having its roots in pre-Christian western Europe and undergoing a 20th-century revival.” Consequently, many also refer to themselves as pagans or neopagans.

*The English word “witchcraft” comes from the Old English “wicce” and “wicca,” referring to female and male practitioners respectively.

Answer 6

If you're talking about college then don't worry about it, it's all about diversity at college. They even have several Atheist clubs at mine, if your talking about high school then I would say the same, don't worry about it. When I was a freshman, the fact that you're a freshman is a big deal, nobody cared what religion you belonged to. There are pushy, judgmental religious people out there, but they are beginning to be the minority, especially when it comes to the younger age groups. Don't let them make you afraid to believe what you want.

Answer 7

Do you care what those losers think about you? If not, then just tell them. If they think that Wicca is devil worship, then advise them that they are a bunch of ignorant hicks, and that maybe they should read a book once in a while.
Besides, its really none of their business anyway.

Answer 8

I think if you use the word "Pagan," it will not shock people quite as much. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think that this is one of those things where "All Wiccans are Pagans, but not all Pagans are Wiccans."
If you choose not to talk about it further, politely tell them that it's a personal matter and you don't like to talk about religion in public.
If you do choose to talk about it, make sure you know what you are talking about, and be intelligent and reasonable about it.

Answer 9

I remember asking a friend of mine who I'm pretty sure was a Wiccan, what his religion was, and his reply was, "I don't belong to any God-fearing religion". I thought that was a rather tactful way to put it. If the situation presents itself, I have no problem telling people about my Christian faith, but I also have to be aware that they get equal time if they are fervent about their own beliefs.

Answer 10

I'm an atheist, so I don't have the same issue as you do, but I think that you should just tell people that you are Wiccan. If you don't feel comfortable doing that, though, just tell them that to you spirituality is a personal thing, and that you don't like talking about it.