Ep.1236: Can Christianity and Paganism Work Together? (Part II)
The core values of Wicca compared with biblical Christian principles
If you do not have a password, please subscribe to our FREE Premium Content for the Full Edition version of CQ Rewind. The welcome message will contain your password, and a reminder will be sent each week when the CQ Rewind is available online for you to read, print, or download.
CHAPTERS
Theme Scripture: Exodus 20:1,3
In Part I we examined modern-day Paganism and compared it with some of the most basic tenants of Christianity as revealed in the Bible. What we found were two fundamentally different approaches to life, worship and morality. We can see that as Christians, we are absolutely to love those who hold such a contrary belief system to ours, but that does not mean we support the standards they choose to live by. But what about Wicca, considered "white" witchcraft and built on the basis of Pagan beliefs? As Christians, we might simply say our answer here should be obvious. However, there are claims that the Bible is only condemnatory of black magic and black witchcraft, so Wicca is not included in those verses. Could this be true? What does the Bible really teach on these matters?
**PLEASE NOTE** We inadvertently moved the definition of one of the Hebrew words under the wrong heading for the on-air presentation. While this did slightly skew two meanings, it does not at all change the clear conclusions of these scriptures. Please refer to the corrected CQ Rewind Show Notes at ChristianQuestions.com and the Christian Questions app.
Is it possible to be Christian AND Wiccan at the same time?
There are many levels on which this question can be considered and answered. Let’s begin with the basic level of discipleship. Any disciple’s job is to learn from their teacher. They then seek to emulate what they learned in their own daily experiences to their best ability. Wicca is a spiritual system of belief that focuses on one's individual free thought and will. It is very much an earth-based perspective. As a form of Paganism, it sees divinity in all things. To be a student of Wicca, meaning a disciple of its philosophy, one must put these principles of following your own will and the revering of nature first. This is all a basis for learning how to perform the magic arts that Wicca offers.
Self-promotion or self-denial?
To be a disciple of Jesus means we are always willing to put his example before us in any matter of life. Jesus unabashedly taught us to first and foremost follow and do God’s will, especially when our own will has different objectives. He also emphatically taught that worship belongs to the one and only God and Father of us all. As Jesus’ disciples, we are obligated to put these simple principles of self-denial and focused reverence to God first. This is the very basis for learning how to transform our lives into true disciples who daily live what they believe.
When comparing the basis for Wicca with the basis for Christianity, these fundamental differences cannot be overlooked. Yet still some insist they can be combined. Their reasoning is built on several approaches. First, Jesus technically never said anything negative about any kind of witchcraft. Second, the hard Old Testament condemnations of witchcraft and the like were only directed at practices that delved into the dark arts. Wicca, they claim, is not in that category.
What now? Check out our July 4, 2022 podcast, “Can Christianity and Paganism Work Together? (Part II)" for details. We deeply examine those Old Testament condemnations, consider Jesus’ words and put the whole issue plainly on the table. Join us as we walk through the details and find the clearly defined biblical guidance to stand for godly truth.
Leave your comment