Catholicism or Wicca?

Question

I am torn between Wicca and Catholicism. Earlier today, for the first time, I attended my first mass. I like the ritualistic feeling to Catholicism, and I like the fact that I can easily hear the word of God by simply going to a church service. However, the problem is that I don't want to believe some of the main laws of Christianity. 1) I believe that every religion prays to the same God; we just view Him or Her a bit differently. I know that Christianity does not share this viewpoint. 2) I definitely believe in a female deity, and I am unwilling to give that belief up. 3) Lastly, sex before marriage, I don't think it's a big deal. Anyways, my question is, do you think it's okay if I still attend Catholic mass (in light of my beliefs)? Can I listen to their message of love and apply it to my life without accepting all of their values? Also, how can I get closer to God as a Wiccan? I am tired of reading books. Thanks!

I just want to clarify: I am not PUSHING sex before marriage. I am just saying that, if the people involved are not hurting anyone (including themselves), than it's not a big deal to me. I am not FOR pre-martial sex, nor am I against it. Also, thank you so much for ALL your answers; I feel better already!

Answer 1

My dear sister,

I am a Catholic. You can attend and go to as many church services as you want. You are always welcome!!!

However, unless you are a baptised Catholic and in a state of grace - not having mortal sin (such as sex before marriage, adultery, murder) then you can not have Holy Communion. However if you have the sacrament of Confession then you can receive Holy communion.

Look at a website like New Advent (put in a search engine) - give you some more info. on the catholic faith or type 'CATECHISM' Vatican into a search engine and you can get a online catechism explaining things.

God loves you very much sister! Please feel welcome to visit and go to catholic services!

Totus Tuus Maria

Answer 2

That is up to you, of course. But have you looked into some other Neopagan traditions beyond Wicca? You seem to like the high ceremony of Catholicism. There are "High Church" Wiccan traditions, too -- the Gardnerian and Alexandrian Witches tend to do a lot of elaborate ritual. There are also Druids, who are very ceremonial in their approach. You might like an organization called Ár nDraíocht Féin: A Druid Fellowship (ADF). They are an open Druid organization that holds public rites for the Pagan holidays. Their rituals are very beautiful, and sometimes quite elaborate, with songs, and processions. Also, there is Thelema, a religion based on finding your True Will, which was very influential to the formation of Wicca. Thelemites have a ritual called the Gnostic Mass, which has some similarities to a Catholic Mass, but is very definately Pagan. If the city you are in has a local O.T.O. lodge, they probably perform the Gnostic Mass for the public on a regular basis.

Answer 3

Hmm... well obviously Wicca isn't the only religion that has female deities and lenient dogmas. You could look into other pagan religions as well.

If mass is your thing, then more power to ya. Also bear in mind that one religion isn't right for everyone. It would be nice is we all just fell into different religions perfectly, but that's not the case. If you want to have your own special hybridization of Wicca and Catholicism, then go for it.

Answer 4

There were a group of bishops who were excommunicated in Germany by the Pope for ordaining female priests on the Danube river recently (year 2005 if I'm not mistaken). They share your beliefs and got expelled.

You can look them up. I'm sure they will retain the "Catholic ritualism" you like and may be "progressive" as to the points you mentioned.

Answer 5

Faery Wicca in case you need to p.c.. considered one of the two. As an Atheist i come across them the two to be mythological ideals yet from the Wiccans i comprehend, it would look that they comprehend this and comprehend the capability of delusion. This makes them lots extra acceptable than those whose familiar objective over the previous couple of thousand years seems to have been to combat with non-believers and to amass dogmatic policies. BTW, in case you nonetheless preserve a humorousness, look on the British author Tom Holt for some humorous takes on faeries and such.

Answer 6

It sounds like you're definitely leaning toward Wicca, becase the idea of a female Deity is very Wiccan and not at all to be found in Christianity.

As a Wiccan, there would be nothing stopping you from attending a Catholic mass, so long as you act respectfully within their temples. Our religion doesn't dissolve when it comes into contact with others. :-)

Getting closer to God/dess as a Wiccan is entirely a matter of starting to practice the religion on a daily basis. I recommend the book "Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner" by Scott Cunningham; it will give you all the information you need to get started. Then it's a matter of honoring the Lord and the Lady as often and as sincerely as you can.

You might also try contacting other Wiccans in your area in order to attend public rituals, open circles, and so on. One way to do this is through the Witches of the World section at Witchvox:

http://www.witchvox.com/xvn.html

Just use the pull-down menus on the left to find individuals, groups, shops, and events in your area.

Best of luck to you on your path.

EDITED TO ADD: In response to a previous poster... Christianity and Wicca don't play well together, for reasons outlined in the following article:

http://wicca.timerift.net/christianwicca.shtml

In fact, you'll find the http://wicca.timerift.net site as a whole is an excellent resource.

Answer 7

YES YOU CAN ATTEND MASS TO FEEL CLOSER TO GOD, HOWEVER I WOULDN'T TELL THE PEOPLE AT CHURCH YOUR DIFFERING BELIEFS. AS FOR GETTING CLOSER TO THE WICCAN FAITH, WELL READING BOOKS IS ALWAYS GOOD BUT IF YOUR TIRED OF READING TRY FINDING A TEACHER OR EVEN GOING TO PAGAN WEBSITES. THERE ARE SOME REALLY GREAT ONES OUT THERE. IF YOU GET INTO A PAGAN GROUP ON LINE YOU'LL BE AMAZED AT THE THINGS THAT YOU'LL LEARN. HOPE THIS HELPED.
BLESSED BE

Answer 8

You should check out the Liberal Catholic Church.
http://www.liberalcatholic.org/about.html
Here is some information about it. It split off from the rest of the Catholics when the Roman Catholics failed to move forward. It seems like it fits within your belief system.

Answer 9

Just believe in what you want and if you want to go to mass go. Catholic are supportive and you are welcome there.

I know some Catholics in Mexico practice white magic and some of the Aztec tribal traditions got Incorporated with catholic beliefs there.

While Mary is not worshiped as a goddess she is honored and respected as the mother of Jesus.

Answer 10

Of course you can. Noone can tell you what you have to believe, that is your choice. If they get the impression that you hold these particular beliefs, they very well may ask you not to return though. The Christian religions have never been accused of being the most open minded. If you need some good advice on Wicca, try witchvox.com. Be true to yourself.