What Should Christians Know about the Religion of Wicca?
-
![Plus]()
- Published Jun 21, 2022
The cult of Wiccan is a fast-growing belief system that has taken the world by storm in recent years. Wiccans have been around for a long time as it is not just a recent trend. Recently, Wicca has grown in popularity due to feminist politics and the #MeToo movement.
Wicca is a cult that consists of witches who practice magic and witchcraft. It is important for Christians to be aware of Wiccans and their beliefs.
What Is the Origin of Wicca?
The first thing Christians should know about Wiccans is that the modern-day movement of Wicca was started by Gerald Gardner in the 1930s. As previously mentioned, Wicca and witchcraft have been around for thousands of years, but the modern-day movement was started by Gerald Gardner.
In the modern-day, Gerald Gardner is known as the “Father of Wicca.” Gardner was influenced by Freemasonry, the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, and Aleister Crowley (Ibid.). Gardner’s belief had no connection to older forms of witchcraft, such as what was practiced in the dark ages.
The term “Wicca” did not come on the scene until 1962, as Gardner referred to his belief system as “witch-cult” and “witchcraft” (Ibid.).
1. Book of Shadows
Gardner wrote the book Book of Shadows, which contains spells and witchcraft that are still used in modern Wicca today. Later additions were added by Doreen Valiente.
The Book of Shadows is considered the Wiccan’s sacred text, such as the Holy Bible is to us as Christians. In addition to being used by the Wicca followers of Gardner, other sects of Wicca utilize the Book of Shadows, such as Mohsianism and Alexandrian Wicca.
It is without a doubt that the Book of Shadows is a dangerous book filled with the occult, witchcraft, and evil. As Christians, we need to be aware of this book and educated in knowing that this book is a sacred text of Wiccans, and it is filled with occult knowledge.
2. Covens
Christians should know that Wiccans normally meet in a coven. A coven is a group of witches who meet together regularly and normally consists of four to thirteen people at a time. Most Wiccans believe a coven cannot have less than three Wiccans.
Covens are supposed to be close-knit individuals who look out for each other. Within covens, Wiccans meet to perform spells, incantations, and other forms of magic.
3. The Term ‘Witches’
The term “witches” is a reference to males or females. The term is meant to be gender-neutral. Most Wiccans do not endorse the title “warlock” as “warlock” is seen as a derogatory term. The term “warlock” was depicted as a negative title over time for Wiccans because it means “oath-breaker” (Ibid.).
Therefore, Wiccans may refer to themselves as witches, or they may choose to just use the term Wiccan. In either case, witches or Wiccans can refer to a male or female.
4. Other Names
There are many different names for Wicca as Wicca is also referred to as “The Craft," “Benevolent Witchcraft," and "The Old Religion.” Depending on the individual, they may use one of these other titles to denote their belief in Wicca.
As Christians, it is important for us to know this information because if someone is talking about “The Craft," “Benevolent Witchcraft," or "The Old Religion,” it is crucial that we understand they are referring to Wicca.
Whether the individual calls the belief “The Craft," “Benevolent Witchcraft," or "The Old Religion,” it is important that we talk to them and share the truth of the gospel.
5. Wiccan Rede
The Wiccan Rede is the statement made by Wiccans that demonstrates their key moral teachings and beliefs.
The most important moral teaching within the Wiccan Rede is the statement, “‘An’ it harm none, do what ye will’” (Ibid.). Modern variations of the saying include, “Do what you will, so long as it harms none.” In other words, you can do anything as long as it does not harm anyone else.
6. Population of Wiccans in America
Based on recent surveys, there are over 800,000 Wiccans in America and even more across the world. Since there is such a high number of Wiccans, it is vital that we do outreach and connect to the Wiccan community in order to share the gospel.
It has been shown that adherents to the Wiccan belief system will continue to grow and increase as the years' pass. It is vital that we connect to Wiccans, build true friendships, and share the truth of Jesus Christ.
7. Life after Death
Concerning life after death, Wiccans normally believe in reincarnation, or that one goes to the Summerlands when they pass.
Wiccans do not believe in heaven, hell, Satan, or sin. Since Wiccans do not believe in heaven, sin, Satan, or hell, they will have a harder time listening and understanding the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
When we evangelize to Wiccans, we need to keep this in mind because one’s belief about life after death will impact their entire worldview.
8. Opposition to Christianity
Christians need to know that Wiccans are very opposed to the idea of the Christian church because of past persecution. Since Wiccans in the past were persecuted, such as in the Witch Trials, they have a negative view of the church.
This is a difficult obstacle that we as Christians will face when talking with Wiccans. Wiccans are also opposed to the idea of the Christian God as they believe in a mother goddess rather than the true God of the Bible.
9. How Wiccans View Jesus
Lastly, Christians should know that Wiccans view Jesus to be a mere man and not God. Some Wiccans believe that Jesus was a Wiccan Himself because of His powers. As one can see, these views are audacious and heresy.
As Christians, we know that Jesus is God as He is the second member of the Trinity. Furthermore, we know that Jesus was not a Wiccan because His divine power came from His own divinity, not from magic spells, potions, or incantations.
It is good for us to educate and help Wiccans know the truth about Jesus. Yes, Jesus was fully man, but He was also fully God. This is known within the realm of theology as the hypostatic union. Jesus was more than a mere man because He was God in the flesh.
What Does This Mean?
Wiccans have strong beliefs, and they are very anti-Christian. If you know a Wiccan, it is good to talk with them about the truth of the gospel. You can also pray for them and ask for God’s help to open their eyes to the truth.
Wiccans are steeped in occult knowledge, and they practice witchcraft, which means they are dealing with dangerous elements in spiritual warfare. As Christians, we know God will protect us, yet we still need to be careful because many Wiccans dabble with dark magic.
Wiccans need to know Jesus just like everyone else if they are going to be saved, and it is our responsibility to share the good news of Jesus with them.
For further reading:
What Is the Meaning and Beliefs of the Occult?
What Does the Bible Say about Magic?
Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/Maltiec
