Views on Wicca

[BlessedBe13]

Jermosh:

I rented a room in a big old mansion that was owned by a active covent. In reality their beliefs are not that far from Christian beliefs. There “Magic” is nothing more then prayers. They have a guiene desire for spirituality and quest for a devine being. But then they are also very sexualy open, not chaste by anmeans, and frequently party allot with drugs and alchohol. But then again so do allot of “Christians”.

I’m glad to see that you understand that “magic” and “spells” are the equivilants of what Christians call “prayers” as well as the search for spirituality.

I’m assuming when you say “they” are not chaste/do drugs/etc. that you are talking about the wiccans/witches that you rented from. Right now I am studying Wicca, and have had sex with only one person, whom I am still with, drink and smoke cigarrettes occasionally, but not to excess and take part in no other drug use. Most of the other Wiccans I know are the same. However, you did say that a lot of Christians do the same (un-chaste, drug use) as do people of any religion, so I’m assuming you weren’t targeting Wiccans in general.

 

[Jermosh]

BlessedBe13:

I’m glad to see that you understand that “magic” and “spells” are the equivilants of what Christians call “prayers” as well as the search for spirituality.

I’m assuming when you say “they” are not chaste/do drugs/etc. that you are talking about the wiccans/witches that you rented from. Right now I am studying Wicca, and have had sex with only one person, whom I am still with, drink and smoke cigarrettes occasionally, but not to excess and take part in no other drug use. Most of the other Wiccans I know are the same. However, you did say that a lot of Christians do the same (un-chaste, drug use) as do people of any religion, so I’m assuming you weren’t targeting Wiccans in general.

No I did not mean Wiccins in general. But there is allot of sexuality in that belief system(or so what I was told). They also have nothing to hold back there sexual urges or drug use as well. I think this is what I was specifically speaking about, Christians have no excuse to get drunk, do drugs or have sex with mulitple partners, it is ingrained in our bible and beliefs doctrines. But most other neo-pagen beliefs do not have that, and some even promote it. So they do not have the same level of culpibility for actions then a Chirstian does. Does that make sense?

Why are you studing Wicca though? Is it a passing fancy or something you are really beliveing?

Peace with you
Jermosh

 

[Tom_of_Assisi]

Jermosh:

I rented a room in a big old mansion that was owned by a active covent. In reality their beliefs are not that far from Christian beliefs. There “Magic” is nothing more then prayers. They have a guiene desire for spirituality and quest for a devine being. But then they are also very sexualy open, not chaste by anmeans, and frequently party allot with drugs and alchohol. But then again so do allot of “Christians”.

there must have been a lot of drugs being passed around if you think that pretending to cast a magical spell is the same as praying.

how can it be “not far” from Christian if they do not worship Christ!!!

:whacky:

wow…what an age of equivilance and low standards in education we live in

 

[Jermosh]

Tom,

Sorry I am fresh out of Troll food. Maybe if you try another poster they can give you some.

 

[BlessedBe13]

Jermosh:

But there is allot of sexuality in that belief system(or so what I was told). They also have nothing to hold back there sexual urges or drug use as well. But most other neo-pagen beliefs do not have that, and some even promote it. So they do not have the same level of culpibility for actions then a Chirstian does. Does that make sense?

While I can’t speak for other pagan religions, part of the Wiccan rede involves harming none, including yourself. Drugs and promiscuous sex can be harmful to ones body, so I can’t really see any Wiccan promoting either of these things. If they are, I wouldn’t consider them a true Wiccan. Wiccans also don’t have any excuse for drug use, getting excessively drunk, or having sex with multiple partners. Most Wiccans believe in karma and/or the law of threefold - what you do comes back to bite you in the a$$ or comes back threefold. In essence, taking responsibility for ones own actions, since it’s a pretty well known fact that frequent drug use, alcohol intake, and promiscuous sex isn’t going to turn out good.

Jermosh:

Why are you studing Wicca though? Is it a passing fancy or something you are really beliveing?

I didn’t really feel that the Catholic beliefs really fit with mine, and Wicca is something I had always been interested in, so I decided to begin studying and found that a lot of the beliefs made sense to me. I don’t know if this is the path I will end up on or if I’ll end up following no organized religion and just leading a “spiritual life”, but I don’t see it as a passing fancy either.

 

[BlessedBe13]

Jermosh:

Tom,

Sorry I am fresh out of Troll food. Maybe if you try another poster they can give you some.

I’d have to agree with you there. Based on his other posts I’ve seen around here, it wouldn’t even be worth the effort to reply. Perhaps if he was more respectful in his posts?

 

[Tom_of_Assisi]

Jermosh:

Tom,

Sorry I am fresh out of Troll food. Maybe if you try another poster they can give you some.

i’ll try back later…thanks anyways

 

[Tom_of_Assisi]

BlessedBe13:

I’d have to agree with you there. Based on his other posts I’ve seen around here, it wouldn’t even be worth the effort to reply. Perhaps if he was more respectful in his posts?

sure if someone can’t support the claim that a “religion” which does not mention Christ is close to Christianity–then don’t post back. I would hate to connor any of you with facts in such an intolerant way .

 

[Mary2004]

Syrokal:

Hi there i was just wondering what peoples veiws are on the Wiccan religion. What people think of there practicies and the way they conduct there lives and what relation it has to christianity.

The Wiccans that I’ve met are very nice, I rather like the idea of lighting a pink candle to bring peace into the home, but that’s about the extent of my knowledge of the practices.
I have never met a Wiccan who prays to Satan or who practices Satanism.
Some folks on this board are misinformed, this OLD RELIGION is not something that started fifty years ago, it’s been around since before Christianity.
Most of the Wiccans that I know have similar holidays, such a Yule at Christmas and Ostara, at Easter.

 

[BlessedBe13]

Tom of Assisi:

sure if someone can’t support the claim that a “religion” which does not mention Christ is close to Christianity–then don’t post back. I would hate to connor any of you with facts in such an intolerant way .

I don’t think Wicca is close to Christianity. I think what Jermosh may have meant was that they are close in that they both pray.

But no! Please don’t connor me! That would be horrible!

I am perfectly happy to address questions about my beliefs if I am asked nicely. I wasn’t even speaking about tolerance. I was speaking about rudeness and a condescending attitude.

 

[BlessedBe13]

Mary2004:

Some folks on this board are misinformed, this OLD RELIGION is not something that started fifty years ago, it’s been around since before Christianity.

I’m glad you seem to have a more positive outlook towards Wiccans. It’s true many people seem to be misinformed about what Wicca is as a religion, however it was only started about fifty years ago. Several ideas, practices, etc. are taken from pagan religions that were around a long time ago, but Wicca itself as a religion is relatively new. Doesn’t make it’s beliefs any less valid, but it’s not that old.

 

[Jermosh]

BlessedBe13:

While I can’t speak for other pagan religions, part of the Wiccan rede involves harming none, including yourself. Drugs and promiscuous sex can be harmful to ones body, so I can’t really see any Wiccan promoting either of these things. If they are, I wouldn’t consider them a true Wiccan. Wiccans also don’t have any excuse for drug use, getting excessively drunk, or having sex with multiple partners. Most Wiccans believe in karma and/or the law of threefold - what you do comes back to bite you in the a$$ or comes back threefold. In essence, taking responsibility for ones own actions, since it’s a pretty well known fact that frequent drug use, alcohol intake, and promiscuous sex isn’t going to turn out good.

Yes you could be very true. Although I have been around “Neo-Pagans” most of my life, I never really took anytime to really study there faith.

But the stuff I am talking about specifically is such as there is no direct doctrine of the Wiccan faith that states point blank that this is wrong or this is right. It just states not to do wrong. But the worng is subjective to each and there own beliefs, this is dangerous. Catholcism takes that part of what is right or wrong already, this is less dangerous.

BlessedBe13:

I didn’t really feel that the Catholic beliefs really fit with mine, and Wicca is something I had always been interested in, so I decided to begin studying and found that a lot of the beliefs made sense to me. I don’t know if this is the path I will end up on or if I’ll end up following no organized religion and just leading a “spiritual life”, but I don’t see it as a passing fancy either.

But what of the Wiccan faith makes sense to you? And how are you missing that in the Church?

Peace with you
Jermosh

 

[stillsmallvoice]

Hi all!

The Bible, in its original language (i.e. Hebrew) does refer to witches, necromancers, mediums, familiar spirits, etc. But, today’s pagans hardly engage in the foul & loathsome rites (burning children to Molech, temple prostitution, etc.) of the ancient Canaanites, Moabites, etc. Also, in the Jewish view, the Torah’s many pronouncements against witches, necromancers, etc. do not apply to non-Jews.

One of our Sages said that we must be very, very zealous in rooting out sin and in touting virtue. We should root out sin in ourselves before looking to root it out in others & tout others’ virtues before we tout our own.

While I don’t know much about Wicca, I’ve met more than a few Wiccans on various interfaith boards & without any doubt, I have found them, as a group, to be the most tolerant, patient and unarrogant people I’ve met on these sites. No Wiccan has ever witnessed at me. No Wiccan has ever told me that I’m necessarily going to hell because I’m Jewish, i.e. not Wiccan. No Wiccan has ever patronized me or treated me as anything less than an equal. As a[n orthodox] Jew, I acknowledge that a Wiccan’s beliefs have as much meaning for him/her as my Jewish beliefs have for me. And some people dare to call them evil merely because their beliefs are different? As my people say, that’s real chutzpah!

Be well!

ssv

 

[Tom_of_Assisi]

stillsmallvoice:

Hi all!

The Bible, in its original language (i.e. Hebrew) does refer to witches, necromancers, mediums, familiar spirits, etc. But, today’s pagans hardly engage in the foul & loathsome rites (burning children to Molech, temple prostitution, etc.) of the ancient Canaanites, Moabites, etc. Also, in the Jewish view, the Torah’s many pronouncements against witches, necromancers, etc. do not apply to non-Jews.

One of our Sages said that we must be very, very zealous in rooting out sin and in touting virtue. We should root out sin in ourselves before looking to root it out in others & tout others’ virtues before we tout our own.

While I don’t know much about Wicca, I’ve met more than a few Wiccans on various interfaith boards & without any doubt, I have found them, as a group, to be the most tolerant, patient and unarrogant people I’ve met on these sites. No Wiccan has ever witnessed at me. No Wiccan has ever told me that I’m necessarily going to hell because I’m Jewish, i.e. not Wiccan. No Wiccan has ever patronized me or treated me as anything less than an equal. As a[n orthodox] Jew, I acknowledge that a Wiccan’s beliefs have as much meaning for him/her as my Jewish beliefs have for me. And some people dare to call them evil merely because their beliefs are different? As my people say, that’s real chutzpah!

Be well!

ssv

yes.

Good job distinguishing the modern American witch who (you are correct) does not actually burn offerings or anything of the sort from the real witches of the past did. I too would find it hard to imagine a Wiccan trying to convert one to their faith since there really is nothig to it except that: you are really a goddess, and there should be peace in the world, and the earth is a goddess, oh and let’s have an orgy today after work. How does someone convert to this religion? Well maybe as you’re having an orgy in the forest one day pretend the god Pan is watching and then you’re a Wiccan. LOL

 

[Tom_of_Assisi]

Mary2004:

The Wiccans that I’ve met are very nice, I rather like the idea of lighting a pink candle to bring peace into the home, but that’s about the extent of my knowledge of the practices.
I have never met a Wiccan who prays to Satan or who practices Satanism.
Some folks on this board are misinformed, this OLD RELIGION is not something that started fifty years ago, it’s been around since before Christianity.
Most of the Wiccans that I know have similar holidays, such a Yule at Christmas and Ostara, at Easter.

Mary, if you ask Heathen Dawn (the forums main Wiccan representative) he will explain how Wicca began around 50 years ago by some English government worker. I’ve argued before that it began closer to 75–100 years ago, but Heathen Dawn assures me it was 50. I’m glad the witches you’ve met are nice…what does that establish.

what OLD religion are you talking about? LOL

 

[Tom_of_Assisi]

BlessedBe13:

I
But no! Please don’t connor me! That would be horrible!
.

LOL. Yes if only, in retrospect, I knew what it was, but I’m sure it is horrible…ha ha LOL

 

[ahimsaman72]

Tom of Assisi:

yes.

Good job distinguishing the modern American witch who (you are correct) does not actually burn offerings or anything of the sort from the real witches of the past did. I too would find it hard to imagine a Wiccan trying to convert one to their faith since there really is nothig to it except that: you are really a goddess, and there should be peace in the world, and the earth is a goddess, oh and let’s have an orgy today after work. How does someone convert to this religion? Well maybe as you’re having an orgy in the forest one day pretend the god Pan is watching and then you’re a Wiccan. LOL

Heathen Dawn must not have taught you well, my friend. You know what you have said here is ludicrous. Wiccans may not try to convert someone because if God exists in many different forms under many names - obviously it wouldn’t matter which God you worshipped or prayed to or believed in.

I have studied Wicca, Buddhism and Universalism. Your idea of Wicca from what I understand is illogical and your attitude (as always) is rude and condescending with much ignorance.

There’s much more to Wicca. Although I am a Christian and wish to remain so - I found Wicca to be full of life and free of hatred. Responsibility is a tenet of the faith and your idea of orgies in the forest reads like a science fiction/fantasy novel. You need to learn more before making such claims.

 

[Mary2004]

Tom of Assisi:

Mary, if you ask Heathen Dawn (the forums main Wiccan representative) he will explain how Wicca began around 50 years ago by some English government worker. I’ve argued before that it began closer to 75–100 years ago, but Heathen Dawn assures me it was 50. I’m glad the witches you’ve met are nice…what does that establish.

what OLD religion are you talking about? LOL

======
I was talking about an older religion that I can’t name for you they called themselves the Old Religion… As for Wiccans, I have to learn more about them I’ve only met about three and I guess I just lumped them into the same group.

I remember that they wanted to be included in an inter-faith conference at one time and somehow the Pope was involved, but I don’t remember the details.
It was, as I recall, resolved peaceably.

 

[raphaela]

Heathen Dawn, as for your ideas on wicca and the idea that the bible could’ve been written by anyone and is not Jesus’ words…that is the christian “faith”, they believe that this was the real Jesus and so their faith lies there.

I studied wicca for 6 years and then began to study christianity, more so catholicism. I’ve noticed that yes, practicing magick (IN MY OPINION) is much like praying, except it uses physical objects to represent the prayers. So, for argument sake, it is likely that “magick” could also be used in christianity. The use of herbs, candles, string etc, could easily be adopted as physical representations. (I’ve seen a few people do this). Though the idea of pantheism, polytheism, and atheism could not be used at all in the christian religion.

Tom of Assisi…there is a reason why this forum is called Non-catholic religions…show some respect would you? You really disgust me sometimes…show at least some christian kindness. The wiccans of this board are being very nice in explaining their beliefs, it’s ignorant and rude of you to make fun.

 

[Sowndog]

Heathen Dawn:

And this dissection has not done them much good. We have found out, for example, that the five books of Moses (Pentateuch) are of multiple authorship, and that the book of Ecclesiastes could not have been written by its purported author, King Solomon.

Actually, the Authorship of the Pentateuch is still an ongoing debate, and many argue that it WAS all written by one author. In any case this is irrelevant, as people then had a very different understanding of authorship than we do today. Someone could be the author of a book if it was ‘ghost-written’ by someone else. It would also have been acceptable to credit someone with authorship if the work was merely inspired by them. These rules also applied to some of the New Testament books. One modern example that comes to mind is the ‘King James Version’ of the Bible. It was not written by King James himself, but was sponsored by and acreditted to him.

Easy: we know there were lots of Christian books, but not all are in the canon, such as the Gospel of Thomas, the Gospel of Phillip, and so many more. Why are they not included? Politicking, of course.

There were many critereon for NT canonicity:
1)The books had to be written or inspired by an Apostle
2)They had to have been in regular use at liturgical assemblies for a long time.
3)They couldn’t be heretical
4)They had to have messages that would be relevant to all the Church, not just at the time of writing but for the future also.

There was a list of books that did not make it, but that the Church deemed fine for personal use (eg: Didache, Shepherd of Hermas.)

I could go on, but I think I have made my point. Anyway, this is supposed to be a disscussion about Wicca but I felt I should clear things up for anyone who had been thrown into doubt by some of the statements made.