How to explain Wicca to a Christian fundamentalist in a matter of about 2 hours?

[Artemis84]

Tomorrow I'm going out to coffee (or ice cream seeing as coffee tastes like chalk) with the leader of my friend's youth group. She found out that I was Wiccan on one of my few visits there last week, and now she wants to talk about it (how I got interested and so forth). How should I go about explaining this? I know I should be myself, but being yourself will not always bring across understanding to a mostly closed mind. My friend will be there with me, but she is also a very religous Christian and I will kind of be out numbered.

[Dagda Moon~Lily]

I see you have made a preconception of your own....you believe you will be outnumber....like you're looking for the argument. Who is to say they will not listen to what you have to say, and respect your choices?

When I find myself in the position of "explaining my religious beliefs" I start at square one....first is to hear me through....then a general overview of the religion. What I believe, and what I don't. I explain what I celebrate at what time of year and why. Then....go into any discussion about what's been described.

Good luck to you!

[Wyrdsister]

Wow, that's quite the position to be put in. How old is the leader of your friend's youth group? Did she "request" a meeting with you and your friend, or did they make you feel that a meeting was "required?" Did your friend ask that this meeting take place?

I think it's good that you recognize that the youth group leader's mind might already be closed. (it would be great if it wasn't, but I would make a small bet that those attracted to fundamentalism of any sort would prefer to see things in black and white rather than see a rainbow of possibilities.) If that is the case, then don't even try to get her to understand or even accept your beliefs. It would most likely be a waste of energy.

Be honest in your answers to her questions. Know that you are not obligated to answer every single question she asks. The meeting was not initiated by you; you didn't express any interest in sharing your beliefs with her, so don't feel as if you must divulge more than you feel comfortable. You are there at her request (?), therefore you are doing her a service. Of course, be polite! But that doesn't mean you have to bear your soul to her. After all, who would expect you to bear your soul to a stranger? :)

Before you meet with her, try saying a prayer to the Goddess (and God if you prefer). You can ask Her for things like personal strength, open-mindedness for yourself and others, increased knowledge about yourself and others, etc. You could also thank her for guiding you to where you are today and for her help along your life-long path, where ever that may take you.

You might also want to talk to your friend before this meeting. Ask her what she thinks of this meeting and what she thinks the leader's intentions might be. If she is a close friend you can tell her how you feel about being "outnumbered."

My thoughts and prayers are with you, and I hope that all goes well. I would love to hear from you after your meeting with the youth group leader to hear how it went!! May the Goddess bless you and the leader with tolerance and open-mindedness.

Blessed Be!

Wyrdsister

[Elaine]

well first I would like to say that I hope it goes alright for you....secondly I would like to ask you to share with me what happens in this meeting, for I would appreciate any tips you may come up with in dealing with a situation like this....I too have problems discussing this with people and would love to hear the story of this experience of yours!! thirdly I want to say that I think the advice of Dagda Moon~Lily and Wyrdsister is wonderful advice and that it has helped me greatly....I will take that advise into my next discussion with my husband:) thanks you 2:)

good luck....may the Goddess be with you and give you patience and the strength to explain this to them

[EasternPriest]

Coming from a Christian perspective, when I share my faith I try to keep in mind 1 Peter 3:15, which basically says that one should always be ready to provide an answer, in meekness and humility, for the hope that is within them. So, maybe a way to frame the conversation is to state somehow that you would like to be asked and answer questions in the spirit of 1 Peter 3:15.

The other thing I would say is try not to go in with a closed mind, even of you fear she has one. Once again, from my Christian perspective, I find soem encouragement that she is even open to ask.

Blessings.....

[Artemis84]

Thanks for the great advice guys. I'll get back to you on how everything goes. Course, if we go to DQ and get ice cream anyway, the conversation will definatly start out happy!

Bright Blessings!

[Methanespirit]

Artemis84; the adivce I've read on this post is very good. It has been my experience with many "Christian" Fundamentalists, that they will try to put a "guilt-trip" on you, especially if you don't believe as they do. You might explain to them that Wicca is a nature religion, and is not to be confused with Spiritism. Be conservative and don't answer any questions that may be used to incriminate yourself, especially those about your personal life. I suggest that you learn or try to understand her faith viewpoints. Get them to talk more than you, as this is most often what they want to do to begin with. Usually, what you will find among the Christian community, a genuine fear of Wicca with all sorts of superstitions and ideas (some of them are even terrified at the thought of witchcraft), as though it is a real enemy and destroyer of the Christian faith -for them! After listening to some of the Christian radio programs that talk of traditional Astrology and wicca, it is little wonder that there is great apprehension from them when encountering others of these practices . This is what you may encounter as an underlying current in the meeting. If you have any questions about her presentations that you woul like for me to answer, you can either air them on this site, or E-mail me personally, and I will try to explain them to you. Be cool. Bessings.

[MystyPines]

The times I have been asked about Wicca, it is hard to encompass everything in one statement. Instead of you trying to figure out where to start and how to explain, why not ask them first, "What do you believe Wicca to be? Get all their thoughts and then address each misconception or issue.

Bright Blessings!

[idusty88]

I would approach the meeting in a positive and open manner, however, I would not be unprepared to find myself in a 'conversion attempt' or worse situation. If that happens, stay positive and try to bring the focus back to the original purpose of open exchange of information. A good idea is to follow the three strikes rule. If your third attempt to maintain the focus fails, it is time to terminate the meeting and politely excuse yourself.
Also, it might be a good idea to bring a printout of some basic things such as the wiccan rede, wheel of holidays, charge of the goddess, literary quotes, witchcraft FAQs, or whatever you feel is appropriate.

[Semele]

Great advice thus far!! I would ad only to remember to keep calm and not be defensive. Other folks can quickly make us feel defensive and that is bad for making a point. Good luck!! Keep us informed!

[BrightStar]

Hi all!
I would like to suggest an article I read at the Witches' Voice called The Little Witch and the Christian.
It seemed to show a way to discuss religions without a lot of anger or prejudice.It's in 5 parts,but worth the read.
http://www.witchvox.com/basicsw/little_witch_christian0.html
Hope this works.
peace and Love
Rain BrightStar

[Lilu]

I picked up this book some time ago, and read it through.

I have designated it my "hand out to the fundies" book. *grin*

Or something like that. It is very basic, and doesn't get into a lot of strange terminology, or anything like that. It just explains what Wicca is in basic terms, and a few of the things Wiccans believe in. I consider it a good intro to wicca for non-believers. If my mother-in-law were to actually open her mind a bit, this would be the book I'd give to her.

Pocket Guide to Wicca by Paul Tuitean and Estelle Daniels

http://shop.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbnInquiry.asp?userid=26ZASK687H&mscssid=VS1EQ2RDD5118GJGWGQBUGP7WFUL1QQ9&isbn=0895949040

BB
Lilu

[Jazzy Cat]

Being someone who has met Fundementalists and had debates with them I wish you lots of luck! A sensible Christian or sensible anything doesn't start with a viewpoint of "You are an evil person, where's the kindling and the petrol?" but sadly many of the fundementalists do. When I meet ones like that I always ask "Why to angels fly?" and I answer "because they take themselves lightly", sadly I had one Born again who replied "Because God ordered them to!!!" Hmmmm odd person.
My advice would be, don't try to play down what you do, too often pagans try to go too far across to the other person's point of view as we perceive their impression to be grim before we even talk to them. If they think you are evil they will think that if you did a card trick and they couldn't work it out! So speak about your beliefs honestly, any sensible person would appreciate that and be okay about it. If the person you are meeting gets uppity, tell them they might look better as a frog!

Thor and Sif's blessings!!

Jazzy Cat

[Wyrdsister]

Wow, I'm really enjoying this thread! I think I'm picking up as much useful information as Artemis84! :)

Wyrdsister

[widukind]

What I would do is first ask them what they expect to hear. This might seem a strange question at first, but it is not all that unlogical to ask. Find out if they want to find evidence to incriminate all Wiccans, or are truly interesting in exploring the same path as you do, or if they are simply interested in seeing why you believe in what you do, just to see how you see things.

A few Christians I have talked to, said their religion was better because the Christ and God story is more logical and makes more sense. I find it said when people are trying to convert you.

But on the other hand, I am wondering whether someone would have a point or not if you say you truly accept other people viewing the gods as one god, you don't really believe what you believe is the truth... if you think about it... :crazy:

Hmm... oh well. :eek:

Brightest Blessings!

Widukind