Wiccans have faith and devotion in various deities and spiritual entities. The Wiccan belief system revolves around the worship and reverence of nature, and therefore, many Wiccans view the divine in multiple forms and manifestations. The primary deity in Wiccan practice is the Goddess, who is often associated with femininity, motherhood, and fertility. The Goddess is seen as the embodiment of the Earth and the source of all life. In addition to the Goddess, Wiccans also believe in the God, who represents masculinity, strength, and the cycle of life, death, and rebirth. The God is often associated with the sun, the hunt, and the wilderness.
What animals, plants, stones, natural phenomena, are associated with the deity? We seek the times of day, times of month, times of year the deity was particularly honored. This leads of course into a cross-cultural comparison of calendars: the classical Greek first of the month was not reckoned as ours is!
An important ethical point here, one that many Pagans are at pains to make, is that in such study we must be careful to differentiate what is Pagan from that which belongs to another religion, and to respect other religions on the terms which their practitioners request. Isaiah 5 20 Close Isaiah 5 20 What sorrow for those who say that evil is good and good is evil,that dark is light and light is dark, that bitter is sweet and sweet is bitter.
The God is often associated with the sun, the hunt, and the wilderness. The Goddess and the God are seen as equal and complementary forces, with their union symbolizing the harmony and balance in the natural world. Apart from the Goddess and the God, Wiccans also have faith and devotion in various other deities, spirits, and beings.
My Wiccan Friend
Most witches (often called Wiccans) are part of the contemporary neo-pagan movement which is rooted in the ancient god and goddess worship of several pre-Christian cults and religions (Greek, Celtic, Egyptian, Roman and Sumerian). While there is much diversity of beliefs among witches (because it, like the New Age movement, is not one centrally organized religion with a set creed or belief system) there are several common beliefs widely held among witches.
Some common beliefs among witches:
1. Rejection of absolute truth.
Witches believe that experience and mysticism are the final authority not some book or creed. Each person must find and define their own reality and belief system.
Biblical View:
"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus. I give you this charge: Preach the Word, be prepared in season and out of season. For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths." : Close : OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE () :4
2. Tolerance
Witches believe that acceptance of other belief systems and religions (as long as those religions and belief systems are tolerant of theirs) is a must. Diversity is a virtue, dogmatism a sin.
Biblical View:
There is right and wrong. "Woe to those who call evil good and good evil. " Isaiah 5:20 Close Isaiah 5:20 What sorrow for those who say that evil is good and good is evil,that dark is light and light is dark, that bitter is sweet and sweet is bitter. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt)Some things should not be tolerated. "I will set before my eyes no vile thing. The deeds of faithless men I hate; they will not cling to me. Men of perverse heart shall be far from me; I will have nothing to do with evil." Psalms 101:3-4 Close Psalms 101:3-4 I will refuse to look at anything vile and vulgar.I hate all who deal crookedly; I will have nothing to do with them. I will reject perverse ideas and stay away from every evil. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt)
3. Polytheism or Pantheism
Polytheism is the belief that there are many gods and goddesses. Pantheism is the belief that all is god and god is all. Everything and everyone is divine.
Biblical View:
"I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me." Isaiah 46:9 Close Isaiah 46:9 Remember the things I have done in the past. For I alone am God! I am God, and there is none like me. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt)
4. Life Force
Most witches believe that there is an energy or life force that is ever-present throughout the entire universe. Therefore, the entire creation is a living organism.
Biblical View:
"For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together." Colossians 1:16-17 Close Colossians 1:16-17 for through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth.He made the things we can see and the things we can't see—such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him. He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt)
5. Goddess worship
Most witches worship the Goddess. The Mother Goddess is mother, maiden and crone (destroyer). She is eternal, associated with the moon and earth and can be invoked under many names. Many witches also believe in and worship the male counterpart to the Mother Goddess, the Horned God.
Biblical View:
". Before me no god was formed, nor will there be one after me. I, even I, am the LORD, and apart from me there is no savior." Isaiah 43:10-11 Close Isaiah 43:10-11 "But you are my witnesses, O Israel!" says the LORD. "You are my servant.You have been chosen to know me, believe in me, and understand that I alone am God.There is no other God— there never has been, and there never will be. I, yes I, am the LORD, and there is no other Savior. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt)
6. Magic/Sorcery
Most witches believe that they can cause changes in people and circumstances through invoking spirits, forces or gods in the unseen world. This is usually done through some prescribed ritual or incantation.
Biblical View:
"Let no one be found among you who. practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the LORD. " Deuteronomy 18:10-12 Close Deuteronomy 18:10-12 For example, never sacrifice your son or daughter as a burnt offering.* And do not let your people practice fortune-telling, or use sorcery, or interpret omens, or engage in witchcraft, or cast spells, or function as mediums or psychics, or call forth the spirits of the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the LORD. It is because the other nations have done these detestable things that the LORD your God will drive them out ahead of you. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt)
What do they believe?
About sin?
They believe that morality is personal and that the Biblical view of sin is guilt inducing and an unhealthy concept to accept.
Biblical view:
Men are held responsible for their sin ( Romans 3:23 Close Romans 3:23 For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) ; 6:23)About the Trinity?
Witches do not believe in the Trinity. They are either polytheistic (belief in many gods) or pantheistic (all is god and god is all).
Biblical view:
There is one God and yet three Persons ( Isaiah 45:5 Close Isaiah 45:5 I am the LORD; there is no other God.I have equipped you for battle, though you don't even know me, OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) ; Deuteronomy 6:4 Close Deuteronomy 6:4 "Listen, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD alone.* OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) ; James 2:19 Close James 2:19 You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God.* Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) )
About Jesus?
Many witches believe that Jesus was a witch due to his supernatural power. Others believe that he was just a man and not God himself.
Biblical view:
Jesus is fully God and fully man. He is the Creator, Ruler, Judge and Savior of the entire universe ( John 1:1-18 Close John 1:1-18 In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. The Word gave life to everything that was created,* and his life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.* God sent a man, John the Baptist,* to tell about the light so that everyone might believe because of his testimony. John himself was not the light; he was simply a witness to tell about the light. The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. He came into the very world he created, but the world didn't recognize him. He came to his own people, and even they rejected him. But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God. So the Word became human* and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness.* And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father's one and only Son. John testified about him when he shouted to the crowds, "This is the one I was talking about when I said, `Someone is coming after me who is far greater than I am, for he existed long before me.'" From his abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another.* For the law was given through Moses, but God's unfailing love and faithfulness came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. But the unique One, who is himself God,* is near to the Father's heart. He has revealed God to us. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) ; 8:58; 10:30; Titus 2:13 Close Titus 2:13 while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) ; Colossians 1:15-17 Close Colossians 1:15-17 Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation,* for through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth.He made the things we can see and the things we can't see—such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him. He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) )
About salvation?
Witches don't believe that salvation from sin is possible because the only sin there really is is that of intolerance. As Valerie Voigt wrote in her book Being a Pagan in a 9-5 World, "We don't have a Devil to blame our mistakes on and we need no Savior to save us from a non-existent hell."
Biblical view:
Only through salvation do we have true happiness. Jesus said, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." John 10:10 Close John 10:10 The thief's purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt)
About the Bible?
Witches don't believe in absolute truth. Therefore, while some witches may consider the Bible a good book, none hold it to be absolutely true in every area.
Biblical view:
The Bible alone is the word of God. It is without error. It cannot be added to or subtracted from ( : Close : OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE () :4; Revelation 22:18-20 Close Revelation 22:18-20 And I solemnly declare to everyone who hears the words of prophecy written in this book: If anyone adds anything to what is written here, God will add to that person the plagues described in this book. And if anyone removes any of the words from this book of prophecy, God will remove that person's share in the tree of life and in the holy city that are described in this book. He who is the faithful witness to all these things says, "Yes, I am coming soon!" Amen! Come, Lord Jesus! OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) )
How to witness to them
- Focus on the literal claims of Christ. Not only did he claim to be God ( John 8:57-58 Close John 8:57-58 The people said, "You aren't even fifty years old. How can you say you have seen Abraham?*" Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, before Abraham was even born, I AM!*" OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) ) but he also claimed to be the only way to God ( John 14:6 Close John 14:6 Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) ).
- Various questions to ask witches:
• "How do you know that neo-paganism (witchcraft) is true?"
• "What if you are wrong?"
• "If there are such things as gods and goddesses why have they not revealed themselves physically
like Jesus Christ has?"• "If Jesus is not absolutely God and only a good man then why did he claim to be God over
and over?"
Recommended reading
A Ready Defense , Josh McDowell. San Bernardino, CA: Here's Life Publishers, Inc., 1990.
Goddess Worship, Witchcraft and Neo-Paganism , Craig S. Hawkins. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1998.
Don't Check Your Brains At The Door , Josh McDowell and Bob Hostetler. Dallas, TX: Word Publishing, 1992.
Use with permission. Learn more at Dare 2 Share Ministries.
There is another issue that one scholar raised recently: If you can discover all you need to know about the Goddess from inside your soul and inside your mind, why should anyone study Sumerian and Akkadian? Doesn’t the insistence on personal experience devalue the scholar’s life work?
These include the elemental spirits such as the spirits of air, fire, water, and earth, as well as the spirits of specific animals and plants. Wiccans believe that these spiritual entities play a vital role in maintaining the harmony and balance of nature. In Wiccan rituals and ceremonies, Wiccans invoke and communicate with these deities and spirits, seeking guidance, protection, and blessings. They form a personal connection with the divine through meditation, prayer, and offerings. Wiccans may also create altars and sacred spaces dedicated to these deities and spiritual entities, where they can express their devotion and connect with the divine energies. Overall, Wiccans have faith and devotion in a diverse pantheon of deities and spiritual entities. They believe in the interconnectedness of all things and strive to live in harmony with nature and the divine energies that permeate the world. The worship and reverence of these deities and spirits are essential elements of Wiccan practice and help Wiccans cultivate a deep spiritual connection with the natural world..
Reviews for "Wiccan Beliefs in Magick and Divine Intervention"
- John - 2 out of 5 stars - I found "In whom do wiccans have faith and devotion" to be quite confusing and lacking in depth. The author seems to jump from one topic to another without providing clear explanations or connecting the dots. Additionally, the arguments presented are weak and do not convince me of the validity of the author's claims. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and wouldn't recommend it to those seeking a thorough exploration of Wiccan faith and devotion.
- Mary - 1 out of 5 stars - "In whom do wiccans have faith and devotion" failed to provide any meaningful insights or substantial information on the subject. The writing style was convoluted and difficult to follow, making it challenging to grasp the main points the author was trying to convey. Moreover, the lack of proper citations and references made it difficult to trust the accuracy of the information presented. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a comprehensive and well-researched exploration of Wiccan faith.
- Robert - 2 out of 5 stars - I was excited to learn more about Wiccan faith and devotion through "In whom do wiccans have faith and devotion," but unfortunately, I was left disappointed. The book lacks depth and fails to provide a comprehensive understanding of the subject. The author's arguments are often anecdotal and lack empirical evidence, making it hard to take them seriously. Overall, I found this book to be superficial and would not recommend it to those seeking a more profound exploration of Wiccan spirituality.
- Emily - 1 out of 5 stars - "In whom do wiccans have faith and devotion" was a frustrating read. The author's writing style is confusing and inaccessible, making it hard to understand the main points being made. Additionally, the lack of organization and structure further contributed to my dissatisfaction with this book. I expected a more coherent and well-thought-out exploration of Wiccan faith, but unfortunately, this book fell short of my expectations. I would not recommend it to others.