Let’s Talk Witch – A Controversary Topic, Can a Christian Be A Witch?

Spell Caster

A Controversary Topic, Can a Christian Be A Witch?

 

I am often asked about this controversial topic while I am at an author event, teaching a class, or speaking at festivals. At first I could not figure out what the fascination was with my answer, but as my quick, snarky answer never changes, and the reaction is always gales of laughter, I began to realize that folks just enjoyed hearing me say it. Can you be a Christian Witch? My standard answer is, “Can you be a Baptist Jew? No, you can’t. So get off the fence— it’s one or the other.”

Oh my, I have probably just offended someone. Well, I get offended when some chick in a white eyelet sundress wearing Halloween-costume fairy wings and sporting a big crucifix around her neck stands there simpering at me, wanting me to assure her that she won’t go to hell just because she is dabbling with a bit of Witchcraft. After all, she just loves faeries and magick. It’s all so pretty… but she can still be a Christian, right? Don’t forget, she has lots of magickal books; they are so cool. Plus she has seen every episode of Charmed. Good grief.

In my opinion, no, you cannot be a Christian Witch. Why? Because Witches are following a polytheistic religion. We believe in and worship more than one god; we believe in the god and the goddess and the many faces thereof. We believe in karma, in reincarnation, and that our actions in this life are important. We are not “forgiven” for any misdeed; instead, we know that we are responsible. Witches work hard on maintaining their magickal neutrality. We embrace the sacredness of life and of nature, communing with spirits and believing that prophecy and visions are, in fact, not only real but a part of our spiritual rights as humans. Also, Witches do not believe in proselytizing; we do not recruit or convert others.

There is no fear in the Craft, but it seems to me there is a very real fear at the core of Christianity— the fear of divine retribution from an angry, jealous, and vengeful god. Before someone accuses me of Christian bashing, I invite you to research the history of the church’s conversion of the masses. Countries, territories, and entire races of people were converted by force or they died. Anyone who was different or worshipped differently was branded a heretic and met with an unfortunate end. There is a long, bloody, and violent history to Christianity. Even the crucifix is a symbol of torture and suffering. Roman Christian soldiers emblazoned it on their shields and banners as they moved into and conquered new territories. This was a way to advertise just what would happen to the people if they did not fall into line. Let’s be honest here, in ancient times the common folk could not read, but they understood what that symbol meant when they saw it: death by crucifixion.

And don’t get me started on the burning times, also known as the women’s holocaust. While the numbers of the victims vary from several hundred thousand to millions, depending on who you ask, it is true that across Europe many lost their lives from being accused of practicing Witchcraft. The bottom line is those atrocities were real. The torture and murder of women, men, and children all to save their souls in the name of Christianity is sickening.

Still think you can be a Christian Witch? Then again, I invite you to take a realistic and honest look at the guidelines of Christianity. Divination, visions, a belief in reincarnation, communing with spirits, any sort of magick, and, of course, the belief in more than one god and/ or a divine feminine is frowned upon most strongly, which is a nice way of say it is forbidden. There, in a nutshell, is your answer. You cannot claim to be both a Christian and a Witch when these two belief systems are in such direct theoretical opposition from one another.

I do respect other spiritual paths. We could all stand to have an open, honest dialogue with each other. However, I am standing by— and standing up— for my spiritual beliefs. As an author, I am in the unique position of having had the opportunity to meet different sorts of magickal folks from all over North America. That whole wanna-be-Witch-chick-in-the-white-sundress scenario really happened, and I get hit up with variations of this question almost daily. How would you feel if you were confronted with that on a regular basis?

While I appreciate that Witches are so popular in our culture, thanks to television and fiction, the truth is that Witchcraft is a spiritual practice— and one that should be respected, not played with. There is nothing more dangerous than a magickal dabbler. People who play with the Craft because they think it’s romantic or cool typically cause chaos. It annoys me to no end for folks to take my religious practices and turn them into what they imagine is a sort of fun hobby because they are looking for a thrill.

You do not get to have this both ways. Embrace the spirituality of the Witch wholeheartedly or stick with your own religion and stop playing with the Craft. Witches know that our spiritual path is not for everyone, nor should it be.

Every Witch Way: Spells and Advice from Two Very Different Witches

Ellen Dugan; Tess Whitehurst

9 thoughts on “Let’s Talk Witch – A Controversary Topic, Can a Christian Be A Witch?”

  1. It is quite controversial! And though I absolutely disagree with you; I respect your feelings and understand them. Christians by far are completed misguided by their own religion and because of that have actually created a religion that is not true Christianity. Actually, Wicca is more like original Christianity, than is celebrated in churches now! Really everything in your post made perfect sense to me and I agree with 95% of what you wrote. But alas, I am a Christian Witch. I will write a blog post in response to this one. I invite you to read it and let me know what you think. Maybe I can shed some light on this issue. I have met many other Wiccans that feel the way you do, whom I now call friends. Blessed Be!

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    1. Thank the Goddess that I did not write the article. I have heard Ms. Dugan’s opinion being called a lot of things in the back. Some of them, I could not publish. Each of us are entitled to our own opinion, mine is a Christian cannot be a witch. There are too many contradictions in the Bible for a Christian to even consider becoming a Witch. The first one that pops in my mind is one of the Ten commandments, “thou shalt have no other gods,” then, “thou shall not worship idols.” I admit Witches does not worship idols but we do use symbols (some might call idols) that represent our Goddesses & Gods. I have an image of Morrighan on my altar. I do not worship the photo, it only serves to remind me of her. I believe the one verse in the bible that hits all of us in the gut is, “thou shall not suffer a witch to live.” Do you honestly believe that those individuals you go to church with on Wednesdays and Sundays would not look and treat you different if they knew what you really were? I believe you know the answer to that question just as I do.

      I am a person that finds it very had to forget and even harder to forgive. I have to think back to the Burning Times. Those horrible days were organized by a Pope, a Roman Catholic Pope. The only thing it had to do with was to convict innocent people to their death, in order for the church to obtain their land and money. Our ancestors endured greatly, tortured and put to death. The church was so money and land hunger the biggest part of those put to death weren’t even witches. The pulled innocent people from their very own flock and accused them of Witchcraft and then killed them.

      There is one thing that always hits home with me when these discussions come up. Christianity is one of the bloodiest religions in history. My Goddess has never asked me to kill in her name. Can you say the same thing about yours? History tells us no!

      If you doubt what I am saying is true, get up Sunday and announce to everyone, you are a Christian Witch. Then let me know what you think.
      May the Goddess bless you & yours
      Lady of the Abyss

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      1. Hi there! I am an absolute fan of your blog and still am! No worries…I do not judge. Everyone has the right to their belief. I hope you take a minute and peruse my blog posts….I had to write two because the explanation was lengthy in order to expound on the questions brought up in the article you shared as your view point. Thank you for sharing! It is my belief in the craft there is room for ALL of us irregardless to personal opinions. Blessed be Sistar!

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      2. One thing that we do stress is that we respect each other’s viewpoints. Everyone is free to add their comments about any post here. If we are not willing to listen to other’s, then how are we expected to live and co-exist together. I learn your viewpoints and beliefs, I learn something new, therefore, I am growing. I have studied many religions and I can discuss most of them fairly well.

        I know you are new here and I hope you stay with us. You probably don’t know I lost several ancestors during the Burning Times. Also back in the 50’s around here, they hung three witches behind the floodwall. One of those witches was my aunt. I am very touchy about any of those topics.

        I appreciate your comment and I also admire your willingness to speak on the subject. We have several preachers, priests and other Christian Witches here. We all get along. We speak our minds then go on about our business. We never fight or argue, we can’t afford to. We have to unite if we are to achieve the goal and dreams we have for our religion.

        I will have to hop over to your site and read your articles. You don’t care if I steal them and bring them over here, if I want to use them. I would want to use them because you are a Christian Witch and you do speak out. I have tried to get others to do so with no luck. I do admire you. I hope you continue to stay with us.
        Blessings to you & yours, my dear sister,
        Lady A

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      3. Oh no worries! I have the mindset you do! I love everybody. It was very inspirational to read her take on it. It’s nice to inspire each other to share their story. I only spoke about myself. I don’t feed into anything negative. I have all kinds of friends, from atheists to bible thumpers. And as for the Burning Times I have tasted my own blood on the recollection of my torture and death during those times. That’s why it took me so long to come out as a Witch. Past life fear! Thank you for sharing! Blessings SiStar!

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      4. Then welcome aboard! I was worried you might leave. We are an open bunch of witches as you will come to find out. Tolerance is the key factor. I have a wide variety of friends also, everything from a Satanist to an Army Preacher. Topics do get interesting for sure. I am glad you are here. I was very serious when I said I admired you for speaking out. I hope you continue to do so.
        Blessings, Peace & Comfort,
        Lady A

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      6. And you are too kind! I have been called lots of things but very seldom sweet. Thank you, Miss Goodwitch. I believe you are going to be a joy to have around.

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