APP: Wicca is a complicated, contemporary religion that is often associated with occultism, neo-paganism, and witchcraft. Wicca, also known as witchcraft or the “craft of the wise,” is a centuries-old religion. It emphasizes worship of the earth, all living creatures, and both the god and goddess. In Wicca one also chooses the form of deity they work with, based on one’s personal preferences, and what they want to work on. They have the freedom to custom design the kind of god they want to worship. It’s a buffet-style, individually practiced religion. Since they make their own gods (deities), the gods are smaller and less powerful than they are, so Wicca is really about worshipping oneself because the self is in charge. At the heart of Wicca is a central rule called “The Rede,” which says “Harm no one, do what you will.” Basically, witches have the total freedom to do whatever seems right to them as long as they don’t harm themselves or anyone else. There are no absolutes in Wicca. What should our response as Christians be to witchcraft, based on what the Bible teaches? Do you have a friend who is messing around with witchcraft? How does God want you to respond and help this person?
“Do not defile yourselves by turning to mediums or to those who consult the spirits of the dead. I am the LORD your God.”
LEVITICUS 19:31 NLT
When you enter the land the LORD your God is giving you, do not learn to imitate the detestable ways of the nations there. Let no one be found among you who sacrifices their son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the LORD; and because of these same detestable practices the LORD your God will drive out those nations before you. You must be blameless before the LORD your God.
DEUTERONOMY 18:9–13 NIV
“You must not eat anything with the blood in it. You must not try to tell the future by signs or black magic.”
LEVITICUS 19:26 NCV
“I will destroy your witchcraft and you will no longer cast spells.”
MICAH 5:12 NIV