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Generation Hex: Is Every Witch Wicked?

My friend and former student Marla Alupoaicei had little interaction with Wiccans until she was in college. There she met a girl in a writing class who told her, “I’m a white witch.” Marla didn’t know what to say, and having been taught to stay away from anyone involved with witchcraft, she remained silent. She still regrets being unequipped to have a spiritual conversation with that girl. The experience, though, led to the release of a new book, Generation Hex (Harvest House), which Marla wrote with her brother-in-law, Dillon Burroughs, a staff writer for the John Ankerberg show. In the book she deals with many misconceptions about Wicca, five of which she shared recently with me:
 

Myth #1: You can tell a person is a Wiccan just by looking at him or her.  

Truth: “The average witch is a beautiful twenty-five year old,” according to Jami Shoemaker of Llewellyn Publishers. Wiccans do not necessarily dress “Goth” (nor do they ride on broomsticks).

Myth #2: Wiccans are Satan worshippers who sacrifice living beings.  

Truth: Wiccans do not worship Satan directly. They consider Satan part of the Christian tradition; most don’t even believe that he exists. They do not perform human or animal sacrifices.

Myth #3: Wiccans try to convert others to their religion.

Truth: Wiccans read books on Christianity and other religions. They typically do not, however, try to convert others to their faith.

Myth #4: Wiccans don’t follow any rules.

Truth: Wiccans follow the Wiccan Rede, which states, “’An it harm none, do as ye will” (translation: “As long as it doesn’t harm anyone, do whatever you want”). They also follow the Rule of Three, which states that the consequences of a person’s actions, whether positive or negative, will return to that person threefold.

Myth #5 Wicca and Christianity are compatible.

Truth: Scripture clearly states that Christians may not participate in any form of witchcraft. Practices associated with witchcraft include séances, casting spells, palm reading or fortune telling, using Tarot cards, communicating with spirits, playing with Ouija boards, or playing occult-related video games.              

Marla concludes by saying, “The truth is that most Wiccans enjoy engaging in honest, open dialogue about their faith. If you show genuine interest in them, most will be glad to discuss their beliefs and experiences with you. When you have the opportunity, share a testimony about how God has transformed your life through Christ.” 

 While every witch is lost in that he or she lacks a saving relationship with Christ, not every witch is wicked in the ways many people think. It’s worth our time to learn about their world view. Another of my friends, Julie, told me she had prayed for her college roommate for years. “She was a Wiccan,” Julie said, “And last year she phoned to tell me she had trusted Christ as her Savior.” In telling me this she countered yet another myth–that Wiccans are hopeless causes.    

Sandra Glahn, who holds a Master of Theology degree from Dallas Theological Seminary (DTS) and a PhD in The Humanities—Aesthetic Studies from the University of Texas/Dallas, is a professor at DTS. This creator of the Coffee Cup Bible Series (AMG) based on the NET Bible is the author or coauthor of more than twenty books. She's the wife of one husband, mother of one daughter, and owner of two cats. Chocolate and travel make her smile. You can follow her on Twitter @sandraglahn ; on FB /Aspire2 ; and find her at her web site: aspire2.com.

9 Comments

  • Kristin

    Online Chat
    Thanks for these myths, Sandra! I work with Abunga.com, a family-friendly online bookstore, and we are hosting an online chat with Marla and her co-author Dillon Burroughs on Wednesday from 2-3 p.m. EDT at Abunga.com/AuthorsAtAbunga. I know you have already spoken with Marla about “Generation Hex,” but we’d love to have you join us!

  • Heather A. Goodman

    What’s the fun without a

    What’s the fun without a broom?

    Seriously, I imagine being a Wiccan, while it may have some culturally cool points, would be hard to admit to a lot of people. Our sensitivity in talking to them, in showing that we don’t think they’re weird (but searching for something–though we may believe that in this case, what they’ve found is less than fulfilling) may open doors to dialogue with them.

  • Sue Bohlin

    Love to be educated!

    This is outstanding, Sandi–thanks SO much!

    Recently we (Probe Ministries) got a comment on our website from a young Wiccan (sounds redundant, doesn’t it?) complaining of being painted as a Satanist when they don’t believe in Satan.

  • Sharifa Stevens

    Hmm…

    …sooo, I’m just gonna say this:

    Do you think that part of the appeal of Wicca is the respect that the religion has for women? Maybe that it’s a spiritual worldview that encourages and empowers women?

    What do you think?

  • questionable86

    Questions about blog?
    Hello, I enjoy reading your materials on this site, however I am asking a ques. to the person that wrote that blog. I am trying to understand what you are saying, I am a believer in the body of Christ and I am trying to understand your point you are stating in your blog. Are you saying there is good witches?

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