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Page 8 of Wiccans and Christians: Some Mutual Challenges' bvy Philip S. Johnson
The old catechism avers that our chief end is 'to glorify God and enjoy him forever'. I would hazard to say that a great many Christians have excelled on the glorification, but have lost all sense of how to enjoy God. This is in stark contrast to the enthusiasm, joy and sheer friendliness one finds among many Wiccans. It is high time Christians bore witness to Christ by their love, which is one of the distinguishing marks Jesus spoke of about his true followers. If Christians continue to subsist within the ghetto of the Church, then we need not be amazed that spiritual seekers find spiritual fraternity elsewhere. The time has arrived for Christians to truly become the community that is built on faith, hope and love.
Finally, are Christians convinced that Jesus Christ can transform lives and that his teachings work? Wiccans find fulfilment through earth magic and devotion to the Goddess. Are Christians positive that the risen Christ empowers lives and gives the spiritual fulfilment that we long for? If we are sure that Christ's message is 'good news', then we need to find that good news working in our lives before we invite others to share in its blessings. If we are sure that through the resurrection of Christ we are made whole again, then we have a very powerful message to offer.
The Apostle Paul was passionate in his efforts to share the power of the risen Christ. He shared with both Jew and Gentile the same message, but used a different method to reach the same goal. When he dialogued with his own Jewish people, he began with their sacred writings to disclose Christ was the fulfilment of their faith. When he approached Gentiles who had never read those books, he entered inside their culture and offered Christ as the fulfilment of their search for meaning.
Some Wiccans have had a background in the Church and sadly found it deficient. Other Wiccans have grown up outside the Church altogether. Wicca challenges Christianity to recover the heart and passion of its message. Fiona Horne, a prominent Australian Wiccan, has said that she is frustrated by her childhood experiences with the Church, yet she 'digs Jesus'. It seems to me that we have put obstacles in the way of people seeking faith. If Wiccans cannot see the living Christ in us, then it is no wonder they dismiss the Church as utterly irrelevant.
When Jesus came to earth his purpose was to make people right again with God. Perhaps we have spent too much time telling people they are wrong, we have lost sight of Jesus' primary mission of enabling people to become right. Let us not bear false witness against our Wiccan neighbours by demonizing them or ridiculing them as being irrational. The basic game plan of Jesus has always been about healing people and reconciling them with God. Instead of debunking or deconstructing Wicca, why not share the riches of Christ as the fulfilment of the quest? Wicca challenges us to have the love and integrity Jesus had. Are we listening to the voice of the Spirit who guides and comforts the Church?
3 feedback items found, listing newest first
Some sanity in a world of choas
For the first time ever, I have finally read an article written by a Christian who did not want to rant and rave at the heathens.... this is by far the most enjoying and liberal minded article I have seen in a world gone crazy with trying to prove that they are right and everyone else is wrong. While you show that you have a very strong belief structure with Christ, you are still willing to say that others have a vaild opinion. I wish that they were more people like you out there..... Thank you very much for a most enjoyable read... Rachael
On magic
Just one quick comment on the use of magic among Wiccans: most Wiccans, once the initial "I'm a witch, let's see what I can do" excitement wears off don't cast many spells or do magical workings. Magic is a tool to be used only when all other methods (ie. the regular ones that everyone uses) are exhausted. If I wanted a new job, I would put out applications, not cast a spell. There is also the "An it harm none, do what you will" (the Wiccan Rede) aspect that prohibits any action, magical or mundane, that would harm any being or impinge upon their free will. That eliminates hexes, curses, love spells and even healing magic if the recipient has not granted consent. Probably the greatest bulk of practiced Wiccan "magic" is nearly identical to Christian "magic" - prayer.
Another quick comment on the use of Fiona Horne as a major source: while she is probably one of the best-known witches in Australia, I don't think she's the best example to be citing in this otherwise excellent article. Ms. Horne is a self-declared atheist who appears to be promoting witchcraft for purely commercial reasons.
Fran
more info
it might be worth noteing that wiccans although forgotten by some do worship a singular driving force behind the universe and existance. we mearly give if we choose this force god and goddess names so as we can better relate to it.
it is easyer to invoke something with a name and history/story then to try and conjure up the very energy of the cosmos. when we call on different deitys we are mearly trying to evoke an aspect that that goddess/god represents. ie peace, love,fertility,power,strength. also each deity has both good and bad aspects. we do not split good/evil as christians do with god/devil, heaven/hell. the deity that has power over life can also deny life, who gives health can also take it away ect...
it is good to finally find some christians who arn't out for blood where wiccans are concerned. i just hope that a outlook like this reaches the people that matter and this doesnt fall on deaf ears(or blind eyes in this case)
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