Do 'Pagans' really think that 'wiccanism' is a better alternative to Christianity?

Question

Isn't it really just a fashionable fad? And just as untrue as Christianity?

Ok Nandina, you sort the terminology and I'll get busy with the important bits.

I'll just point out that I'm non-religious.

Pull mY Finger: A good point I think. No preaching always makes me more accomodating.

Ambivalence: The point is that wiccans attack christianity as if they could come of any better in the reality stakes.

Back to hospital for you 'Can't Stop Me'.....

For the record, I know the history and the time span. The point is that replacing one fantasy world with another is not very impressive.

Labgirl: I really wish you had read the additional details. I am not a christian, I am not even religious. There have been a lot of Qs on R&S recently, where pagans/wiccans have been knocking christianity's adoption of christmas. Both are systems grounded in imagination and mythology.
Your answer indicated that if I don't accept paganism, I must then be choosing a christian approach to life. On the contrary, I choose to live a life of reason and knowledge built upon reason rather than constantly searching for outside guidance. Dispensing with the crutches is where really walking through life begins....

Answer 1

Short answer - Yes, of course "Wiccans" think "Wicca" is a better alternative.

Since Wicca as a religion is only about 60 years old, the vast majority of practitioners were not born into the faith. We converted - or in those cases where there was no religion of birth (like myself) we "came to it". That does not mean that Wicca is better than Christianity or any other religion, it just means that it is better for those that practice it. For one reason or another it works for us.

Is it just a fashionable fad? Only time will tell. Personally I don't think so. But lacking a crystal ball - oh wait.. never mind, sorry my crystal ball just won't answer that question.

Is it as untrue as Christianity? If you don't believe in any religion then yes, it's as untrue as Christianity. For me? It rings truer. Does it matter? I really don't see why or how.

Answer 2

I don't think you'll find a lot of Wiccans stating that their religion is better than Christianity - just very different and that it might be for those who didn't find what they were looking for in Christianity.

Of course there are those who get angry when told that they're going to hell and worshiping Satan and all the other usual attacks. They're human, after all. Christians react the same way when told they worship a spiteful, make-believe sky god.

If it was just a fad I think it would have died out 20 years ago instead of getting stronger and stronger.

As for "untrue" - that's for the follower to decide, not those of other religions. I was Wiccan, I'm still a "non-believing" heathen. I think Wicca comes closer to a peaceful, loving and equality based religion than most organized religions I've seen.

Answer 3

You should probably acknowledge first that not all Pagans are Wiccan. Just for the record.
It's not a fad; in fact, Pagan religions are as old as mankind. The majority of Pagans seem to not think it's a "better" alternative to Christianity; it's their religion and/or lifestyle. You can't just say, "I choose this over this" in this area because it requires, like any other religion, study and dedication. So it isn't really an alternative.
That's kind of like asking if homosexuals consider being gay a better alternative to being straight. Or like asking if coffee is a better alternative to tea. It's not necessarily a choice; it just sort of happens. It's in each person's interest, and not something they'd like to change anytime soon.

Answer 4

Wicca is not a fantasy. Explain how it is and we can talk.

Lets see...hmmm what does Wicca teach:
#1. You're responsible for your own actions.
You prefer, what, the devil made you do it?
#2. This life is the one you control.
You prefer, what, live for an afterlife that doesn't necessarily exist?
#3.If an action doesn't hurt anyone or anything, it's all good, do it as much as you want.
You prefer, what? God will smite you for doing stuff that doesn't hurt anyone?
#4. If an action has the potential to cause harm to anyone or anything, weigh the decision to do it or not ethically and take responsibility for it.
You prefer, what, do whatever touches your fancy and if it's illegal or wrong and you get caught complain about it?
#5.Be the best person you can make yourself.
You prefer, what, to suck as a person?

It's not *my* fault you're clueless about Wicca. I've been Wiccan for 20 years, you've never been.

Answer 5

Each to his own path in spiritual thought as long as it doesn't infringe on the free thinking of others and doesn't block the path of positive *human social evolution* (oh dear I used the Evo word the Fundies will be thumbing me down and a knocking on my door!)(please read the adjective connected)

It's the same with true freedom all is granted but the limit is set by the principle do as the others as you would have them do to you (sound like something I've heard somewhere b4)

Basically it's respect! and clear thinking that is important, anything which allows these to exist without interference is ok in my book.
But if one comes a knocking on my door telling me that I'm all bad and the like, I may just prove their point.

Live and let live.

Happy festive seasons to everybody (with the exception of caca cola and the like!)

ADDED sorry that's coca cola, I was thinking in Italian!


ADDED oh sorry I didn't answer the question, but I'm not a follower of others.

Answer 6

I was never Wicca nor did I find any attraction or draw to Wicca. Until I met a really awsome Wiccan, I actually had a rather jaded view of Wicca and comercialize nonsense. I have since changed my view though I still have no desire or calling follow Wicca.

I'm Heathen. Otherwise called Asatru. I'm not sure if it fashionanble or not. I certainly hope not though I'm sure Odin would get a kick out of being "popular".

Answer 7

I'm a wiccan and we don't really think we're better than anybody, if you become wiccan 'cause you think it will make you popular those are all the wrong reasons and it may be untrue to some... but these are our beliefs.

Answer 8

Isn't Christianity the fashionable fad here? wiccanism has been around longer, technically, and christianity picked up a few ideas from it as well? Besides, to each his own.

Answer 9

What is "Wiccanism"? Oh, wait, do you mean "Wicca"?

It's the right path for me, so that's all that matters to me. Why do you care one way or the other?

If you're going to go around attacking the beliefs of others, it might behoove you to actually learn about what you're attacking first. Otherwise you just end up looking stupid.


"The point is that wiccans attack christianity as if they could come of any better in the reality stakes."

Examples, please?

Answer 10

All reasonable people know Christianity and Wicca are both ridiculous mythologies. But "Paganism" includes more than Wicca.

I worship the true gods and goddesses, those of Mount Olympus. (Actually. I only worship Athena, but I believe in and respect all of the others.)

ETA: those of us who worship Athena know the rest are ignorant, but we don't believe in religious wars. Wars should only be fought in self-defense or in the defense of one's neighbors, not over the foolish beliefs of others.