Wicca- a work of the devil? set me right here.

[katiethompson]

I have recently read that Wicca is supposedly a "work of the devil".. It goes on to state that every religion other than that of Christianity is a work of the devil and that the devil is working THROUGH these religions to get you on his side. He makes you understand the religion and make you think its ok, but really its his way of pulling you to his side. He puts these religions out there and makes them easily understood or done so it makes you believe in them, and in the end you'll end up in hell. Excuse me if im wrong, but on my path to learning Wicca, doesnt that mean that if i go into this i take the big risk of pushing myself into the devils hands? And NO ONE knows the right religion, you just know it in your heart. but all through my path now, im going to be having the idea that "this is the devils work" in my head. again,i just merely like to learn about religions and im just wondering what you all think of this idea.

[DixieWitch]

This makes me think of Gwen in "The Mists of Avalon", what you've said here. From what I've witnessed, it seems every religion is the "right one" in the eyes of the most pious person of that religion. And I'm not one to say this religion ir right or that religion is wrong. I can only hope and pray that more people will open their eyes to all religions in the world, Paganism included, as see we are all equal.

[Theres]

go on, bite the apple! :deviltail

[Mindflayer]

One thing I don't get

It's the "work of the Devil", and by doing it you're "Working for the Devil"

Ok, so you go to Hell and suffer for all eternity... but wait, why would the Devil torture those who worked FOR him, even evil overlords reward those who work for them :p

Doesn't make sense to me ;)

[Sibylle]

The answer is simply: It depends on your perspective. Not all christians believe that everyone except christians go to hell... hell in itself is a concept that many don't subscribe to anymore. But even if someone belongs to a group that believes Wicca or paganism in general is "of the devil" - so what? That's what THEY believe. I'm pagan, in my world there's no hell and no devil, and so this doesn't make sense to me. I might still respect it as THEIR opinion, but that doesn't mean I have to share it...

What I'm getting at is that everyone has the "right" religion. Because it's theirs. They're free to believe what they choose... problems only begin when they try to forcibly convert people - not when they just TELL others they're "wrong", imo (although I'd prefer if they didn't).

[crissystar]

I don't understand how anyone could believe that a wiccan could be a " servant of the devil" we don't do bad things, we don't hurt anyone, We belive the is a God we just believe there is a Goddess. I don't think it's right that people go around bashing others beliefs because they are not their own. Why is it people get so crazed insisting everyone should "see the light" and "find Jesus"( where was he hiding?) Why is it we can't wear our symbol and be unafraid of someone taking affence or trying to convert you? :geez:

[asamananara]

There are many christian sects which adhere to these principles,
and IMO it makes perfect sense within the parameters of their
dogma. The question here, then, is whether you accept their
dogma as truth, or not. You mentioned that wicca is "easily
understood and done"; a sentiment I hear echoed often, usually
in reference to the commonly adopted "anything goes" approach.
This, however, is a prime example of the folly of this thinking.
To grant equal validity to every path is tantamount to nullifying
your own. Until you exclusively define your beliefs, you will
forever be plagued with doubt. Either you reject the "devil doctrine",
or you accept it. If you accept the possibility that wicca
may be the devil's work, and you don't wish to work for him...
don't continue on the path.

[asamananara]

I don't understand how anyone could believe that a wiccan could be a " servant of the devil" we don't do bad things, we don't hurt anyone, We belive the is a God we just believe there is a Goddess. I don't think it's right that people go around bashing others beliefs because they are not their own. Why is it people get so crazed insisting everyone should "see the light" and "find Jesus"( where was he hiding?) Why is it we can't wear our symbol and be unafraid of someone taking affence or trying to convert you? :geez:
Just for the record, Lucifer was cast down for rebellion, for speaking
against Jehovah. He was made the lord of lies, and master of
deception, advesary of the most high. His primary role has always
been to lead people away from god, not to have them commit "bad"
acts. It's been said that the greatest trick the devil ever
played was convincing people that he didn't exist.

[mucgwyrt]

Just for the record, Lucifer was cast down for rebellion, for speaking
against Jehovah. He was made the lord of lies, and master of
deception, advesary of the most high. His primary role has always
been to lead people away from god, not to have them commit "bad"
acts. It's been said that the greatest trick the devil ever
played was convincing people that he didn't exist.
So what you're saying is Lucifer isn't "evil", but that he was punished for campaigning for freedom of religeon?

[asamananara]

No, for having the audacity to second-guess the absolute authority
jehovah. What could be more evil than that, in a christian's
mind? What do we hear wiccans proclaiming, time and time again?
That there is no devil, and that there is no "one" truth path.
Curious, that.

[mucgwyrt]

:T

[Ladyvi]

depends on your viewpoint. im neutral. i beleive all things exist within one side of the balance or the other. if you believe in devils they have a job to do as well as angels do. my 'demons' are a bit different. if you believe in wicca and that premise . they do not hold to a heaven or hell. they beleive in karma and summerland as well as reincarnation. if there isnt a hell. are there demons and devils?
and are demons and devils just your own fears and doubts made flesh.

[IvyWitch]

I have recently read that Wicca is supposedly a "work of the devil".. It goes on to state that every religion other than that of Christianity is a work of the devil and that the devil is working THROUGH these religions to get you on his side. He makes you understand the religion and make you think its ok, but really its his way of pulling you to his side. He puts these religions out there and makes them easily understood or done so it makes you believe in them, and in the end you'll end up in hell. Excuse me if im wrong, but on my path to learning Wicca, doesnt that mean that if i go into this i take the big risk of pushing myself into the devils hands? And NO ONE knows the right religion, you just know it in your heart. but all through my path now, im going to be having the idea that "this is the devils work" in my head. again,i just merely like to learn about religions and im just wondering what you all think of this idea.

This is really just a Christian belief. Since most Pagans I know don't believe in "the devil" this really doesn't apply to the faith. I've gotten in trouble for saying this before, but there is nothing wrong with the Christian belief that everyone else is going to hell, it just isn't our belief and therefore has little meaning to us.

[Phi]

There is an idea that one must choose to follow this or that, rejecting all else, and swallow all that the "priests or priestesses" (although they may be called by other labels) have to say, and follow certain proscribed rituals and "join" this or that group. I feel this is a choice, and a valid choice for many, but not a must. I'm not much of a joiner, rather a "student." I don't seek a religion, I seek the truth in religions and try to discern what is spiritual from what is human-made opinion. It is not easy, but it is certainly interesting, and keeps my mind open and my heart warm to many different kinds of people and their ways of seeing what is good and why.
I believe that G-d/G-dess reaches out to all peoples, and not just this or that chosen group. Although certain groups choose to delliberately misrepresent what is given in order to gain power or in order to find excuse for cruelties, it does not mean that the truths they were given are false just that they have been ignored, misunderstood, mistranslated or misused.

[samiaminsane]

Well, since I don't believe in the 'devil', I doubt I'm going to 'hell', which I also don't believe. It really depends on your perspective, and how you feel about Christianity. I do think it's great that you are researching other religions! Think about this: What's the perfect campaign for a religion? Join us or you'll go to hell! *I'm well aware that will make someone mad, but hey, it's how I feel, and I know not all Christians are like that, but quite a few are*

[Phi]

Well, since I don't believe in the 'devil', I doubt I'm going to 'hell', which I also don't believe. It really depends on your perspective, and how you feel about Christianity. I do think it's great that you are researching other religions! Think about this: What's the perfect campaign for a religion? Join us or you'll go to hell! *I'm well aware that will make someone mad, but hey, it's how I feel, and I know not all Christians are like that, but quite a few are*

I have been researching other religions since 1963 or perhaps earlier. As I said, I have no "religion" per se, rather through searching other religions I have found many good and noble truths. I think you have misunderstood me. There are great truths in Christian teachings, that all others go to hell is just not one of them...Same for any other religion that says theirs is the only truth or the best way. Which is why I do not join a religion.

[samiaminsane]

Phi, I wasn't even responding to your post! I feel the same way as you, that Christianity is a great religion except for that one thing... That was just one of the thoughts swimming through my head and I thought it would give katiethompson something to ponder. :smile:

[Pol]

I was raised with that mindset, as a fundie Christian.
It's a load of crock, and not actually biblical.

"The Devil" really hardly exists in the Bible, and in the capacity only of one who does the 'bad' stuff God needs done, basically.

[Athena-Nadine]

This is really just a Christian belief. Since most Pagans I know don't believe in "the devil" this really doesn't apply to the faith. I've gotten in trouble for saying this before, but there is nothing wrong with the Christian belief that everyone else is going to hell, it just isn't our belief and therefore has little meaning to us.
*...nods...* Agreed. Christians have as much right to that belief as we do to ours. They also have just as much right to tell us we're going to hell as we have to tell them to mind their business.

As for the initial question in the thread, it depends on what you believe. Do you honestly believe that all the other religions of the world, which make up over 2/3 of the world's population, some of which existed before Christianity and Judaism, and most of which have their roots in Pre-Abrahamic religions, are the work of some devil out to get us all? Hmm... So, the ancient Hellenes, Norse, Asians, and everyone else on the planet, were all following the devil before the Abrahamic god even came about? How can that be if the Abrahamic god created "he who became satan?"

*...shrugs...* Personally, I find the logic flawed. Of course, I'm not Christian, Jewish, or Muslim, and don't believe in only one god. I never have. Maybe that's why the whole concept of every other religion being the work of satan makes no sense to me. Of course, that statement doesn't just go for Non-Abrahamic religions, in some sects and denominations. For some, other Christian religions are the work of satan as well.

If looked at the right way, that could be said for every religion on the planet. So, really, it all depends on your personal relationship with your god (or gods), your personal interpretation of your religion, and what you know to be truth in you heart and soul. We can all give you something else to think about, but none of us can definitively answer your question for you.

[Pol]

I don't think there's anything wrong with that idea - it's an idea believed by many religions for a long time. However, I believe it's not based on the base of Christianity.

[Athena-Nadine]

I don't think there's anything wrong with that idea - it's an idea believed by many religions for a long time. However, I believe it's not based on the base of Christianity.
Exactly. Even the Romans, who had a practice of leaving other religions and practitioners alone so as not to upset other peoples' gods (for a while, at least), were similar in their beliefs. They believed that Christians and everyone else who believed differently had it wrong. They found the Christians of the day strange and disruptive. Throughout history, the dominant religion of the day and area has felt very much the same way about other religions that some denominations of Christianity feel today.

[Pol]

I believe Rome to be blamed, partially, for the flawed theology of "you're going to hell!"
I think a lot of that was really built up by Constantine.

[Equinox]

Aine wrote:

And NO ONE knows the right religion, you just know it in your heart. but all through my path now, im going to be having the idea that "this is the devils work" in my head. again,i just merely like to learn about religions and im just wondering what you all think of this idea.

Everyone else has done a good job of pointing out that this is just a Christian view that could be wrong, so I won’t repeat all of that.

I will point out that this is a variety of Pascal’s wager. His original thought was “Christianity offers you safety from Hell. Hell is infinitely bad. So to get the expected value (mathematical term explained here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Expected_value) equals (likelihood of Christianity being true)timesX(Hell, which is negative infinity). So no matter how unlikely it is the Christianity it true, you should be Christian just in case it is true so you will avoid Hell.

Pascal’s wager is invalid (it is a trick) for a number of reasons that many people have pointed out over the past 100 years. I won’t go through them because my fingers would fall off before I was done. However, I will mention my favorite response to Pascal’s wager:

Ok, I think you’ll agree that it is pretty unlikely that I am God. If I were God, I could save you from Hell by my command. Also, I would do this for the minor price of only $1. Now, according to Pascal’s wager, no matter how unlikely it is that I am God, you should still pay me $1 because the consequences of Hell are negative infinity! So if you see any merit in Pascal’s wager, you logically should pay me $1 right now.

If anyone is stupid enough to pay you, you can up your price every few minutes and request more payment by the same argument! :bangyourh

The upshot is that if the fear of Hell makes you want to alter your spiritual path, then you have to follow all religions that have a hell just so as to avoid all the Hells. That is impossible to practically do, because most Christianities, Islam, Zoroastrianism, and many other religions have a Hell. Many of these religions are exclusivistic, so by following one you disqualify yourself from following another, so you are Hellbound no matter what if Hell exists.

I’ve got too many real things to worry about than to spend any time worrying about Hell. :deviltail

[Equinox]

I believe Rome to be blamed, partially, for the flawed theology of "you're going to hell!"
I think a lot of that was really built up by Constantine. :bad:

Um, the idea of Hell is a Zoroastrian mythology. Zoroastrianism is a Persian religion that was big in the middle east (especially Babylon) from around 700 BCE to 1000 CE. The Jews were exposed to it during the Babylonian captivity in the 6th century BCE, and slowly incorporated it into Judaism (that’s why there is little about Hell in the Bible prior to the Babylonian capitivity).

Zoroastrianism was very influential by Jesus’ day, so that is why it is so strongly affirmed by the people who wrote the books that eventually became the new testament. This is long before Constantine was born. It is also why it is a major part of Islam, which grew out of the same area a few centuries later.

[Inuus]

I don't understand how anyone could believe that a wiccan could be a " servant of the devil" we don't do bad things, we don't hurt anyone

STOP SCAPEGOATING A DEITY YOU DON'T KNOW SHIT ABOUT!!!!!!!!! :meanface:

[IvyWitch]

:bad:

Um, the idea of Hell is a Zoroastrian mythology. Zoroastrianism is a Persian religion that was big in the middle east (especially Babylon) from around 700 BCE to 1000 CE. The Jews were exposed to it during the Babylonian captivity in the 6th century BCE, and slowly incorporated it into Judaism (that’s why there is little about Hell in the Bible prior to the Babylonian capitivity).

Zoroastrianism was very influential by Jesus’ day, so that is why it is so strongly affirmed by the people who wrote the books that eventually became the new testament. This is long before Constantine was born. It is also why it is a major part of Islam, which grew out of the same area a few centuries later.

Hmm, learn something new everyday! ^_^ :fpompoms

[seraphx]

Many christian sects do see wicca as of the devil. they interpret the devil as anything that pulls you away from god, their interpretation of god. i guess it depends on your view of what is "of god" and what is "away from god".

[IvyWitch]

STOP SCAPEGOATING A DEITY YOU DON'T KNOW *** ABOUT!!!!!!!!! :meanface:

You know, maybe people would be better inclined to listen to whatever you have to say about Satan if you weren't so rude about it. If your attitude is the one that is looking to educate me about it, I'd rather stick to what I already know...
And not only that, I firmly believe that you have grossly misinterpreted her post.

[Pol]

:bad:

Um, the idea of Hell is a Zoroastrian mythology. Zoroastrianism is a Persian religion that was big in the middle east (especially Babylon) from around 700 BCE to 1000 CE. The Jews were exposed to it during the Babylonian captivity in the 6th century BCE, and slowly incorporated it into Judaism (that’s why there is little about Hell in the Bible prior to the Babylonian capitivity).

Zoroastrianism was very influential by Jesus’ day, so that is why it is so strongly affirmed by the people who wrote the books that eventually became the new testament. This is long before Constantine was born. It is also why it is a major part of Islam, which grew out of the same area a few centuries later.

Yes, I wasn't meaning Rome was to blame for hell - I meant for the whole "if you're not a christian you're going to hell, omb it's bad to be non-Christian!"

Also, a lot of old Norse, Anglo-Saxon, Celtic, et cetera ideas give to the modern idea of Hell. It's natural for humans to not fully accept an idea, but instead to blend it with their own aboriginal ideas. For example, the Goat Red Devil, the name Hell, that sort of thing.

[Pol]

STOP SCAPEGOATING A DEITY YOU DON'T KNOW - ABOUT!!!!!!!!! :meanface:

Perhaps you would do well to consider not romanticising a diety created from the ideas of evil that exist in every culture. It's like taking Professor Moriarty wasn't a criminal mastermind, but instead a wonderfully sweet old man. He's just had a cloud put over him by society.

[Inuus]

I'm serious! So many people put their blames on the Prince of Darkness acting like he inspires his followers to hurt people and kill stuff. I have heard so many people say "We're not Devil Worshippers, we don't kill people!" This is scapegoating in my views. I really wish people wouldn't do it. I am a nice guy but some people really sicken me. All what you have to say is "We're not Devil Worshippers, we do no acknowledge the Prince of Darkness." Just simply do not say we are the bad people.

[IvyWitch]

I'm serious! So many people put their blames on the Prince of Darkness acting like he inspires his followers to hurt people and kill stuff. I have heard so many people say "We're not Devil Worshippers, we don't kill people!" This is scapegoating in my views. I really wish people wouldn't do it. I am a nice guy but some people really sicken me. All what you have to say is "We're not Devil Worshippers, we do no acknowledge the Prince of Darkness." Just simply do not say we are the bad people.

Well, I for one have heard my share of police stories in which self proclaimed satan worshippers have killed animals and attemtped human sacrafice. And I for one am always a little wary of non-LaVey Satanists. Satan worshippers in my experience have been known to exhibit viloent behavior and just generally be not the type of people you want to hang around..

[Pol]

Well, seeing as the Prince of Darkness is based on the many different dark lords of legends and mythologies, all of them the evil and wicked, you can't turn it around and say 'but he's really a nice guy, and we're nice people!'
If the followers of the Prince of Darkness do not follow what the thousands of years of his developement as an evil figure dictate him to be, then they are in fact creating a new diety and worshiping him.

Ergo, we're not even talking about your Prince of Darkness, but 'the devil' that people have created through fear and the need for a wicked, evil diety.

[Inuus]

And I for one am always a little wary of non-LaVey Satanists. Satan worshippers in my experience have been known to exhibit viloent behavior and just generally be not the type of people you want to hang around..

How do you know? There are plenty of non-LaVeyians out there who are not what you described. I accept the title Devil Worshipper because my deity is a supernatural dark god who represents what LaVey was saying Satan represents (minus the atheistic thing). Devil Worship is legal and is protected by the 1st amendment of the constitution. Crime isn't.

[Pol]

The god you worship is not the devil most people are speaking of when they say devil-worshiper, then.

[Aine of the Fae]

I was raised with that mindset, as a fundie Christian.
It's a load of crock, and not actually biblical.

"The Devil" really hardly exists in the Bible, and in the capacity only of one who does the 'bad' stuff God needs done, basically.

Yup, yup. Take a look at the book of Job in the Old Testament. Satan's role here is as someone who tests Job's faith. In fact Satan and God have a civilized conversation *shock* If they were really enemies, I find it hard to believe God would say "Ok, test him..." In fact, not only did God and Satan have a civil conversation, Satan stood in the presence of God! If God is all good (which I believe) and Satan is all bad (which I don't believe) then Satan would be seperated from God, for evil cannot continue to exist in the presence of God. It simply goes poof because God's good is too powerful.

6 One day the angels [1] came to present themselves before the LORD , and Satan [2] also came with them. 7 The LORD said to Satan, "Where have you come from?"
Satan answered the LORD , "From roaming through the earth and going back and forth in it."
8 Then the LORD said to Satan, "Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil."
9 "Does Job fear God for nothing?" Satan replied. 10 "Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land. 11 But stretch out your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face."
12 The LORD said to Satan, "Very well, then, everything he has is in your hands, but on the man himself do not lay a finger."
Then Satan went out from the presence of the LORD .

Satan, the name, means accuser. His job is, quite simply, to catch people doing bad things. Not to make them do bad things. Not even to tempt them to bad things. Just to catch them and bring them before God. Think of Satan as God's cop.

Biblically, Satan can't tempt us, it's our own decision to do good or bad.

Now as far as religion goes, and one true religion and all that blabber? Who are we to limit God? Who are we to say that God can't work through all of the world's religions? I believe he gives each of us what we need to come closer to him. For some that is Christ, for some that is Goddess, for others that is science. It simply depends on your personality. To me the evidence for this is the fact that different religions attract different personality types. They cross socio-economic backgrounds, they cross race, they cross gender, but the personalities of the adherents of particular belief systems are remarkably similar.

[Athena-Nadine]

I just wanted to pop in and say that I'm loving the turn this conversation has taken. I find it fascinating. :)

[aluokaloo]

One thing I don't get

It's the "work of the Devil", and by doing it you're "Working for the Devil"

Ok, so you go to Hell and suffer for all eternity... but wait, why would the Devil torture those who worked FOR him, even evil overlords reward those who work for them :p

Doesn't make sense to me ;)


LOL! Good point :crylaugh: :thumbsup:

[Inuus]

The god you worship is not the devil most people are speaking of when they say devil-worshiper, then.

Hmmm, thank you. =)
I've just had a really bad day today. I am truly sorry if I have hurt anyone with my words though (I'm a sensitive guy).

[Phi]

STOP SCAPEGOATING A DEITY YOU DON'T KNOW SHIT ABOUT!!!!!!!!! :meanface:
Perhaps you should read a bit more about Innana, and about the Nammu?
These were the Sumerian concepts of holy ones, hardly evil ones to the ancients, although they did have their moments...not unlike the later concept of YWVH, among others.

Speaking of not knowing s--t about something....Hmmph! Clean your doorstep before complaining about someone else's...(not to mention your language...there are rules here...Mol you see this one??)

[aluokaloo]

Well, I for one have heard my share of police stories in which self proclaimed satan worshippers have killed animals and attemtped human sacrafice. And I for one am always a little wary of non-LaVey Satanists. Satan worshippers in my experience have been known to exhibit viloent behavior and just generally be not the type of people you want to hang around..


:hehehe: Well, thats probably what christians say about wiccans, pagans, etc. that we sacrifice animals and attempt human sacrifices and that we are not the type of people you want to hang around with. The closest I've ever come to sacrificing an animal is picking out a couple of nice big fresh caught crabs for dinner! I've known a lot of satanists, levayan and otherwise and they are strongly against animal sacrifice and human sacrifice. The media, misinformed and zealous little buggers that they are always has this thing for making Mt. Everest out of a little molehill. People are people, good bad or indifferent. Back in the day there were animal sacrifices, and human sacrifices. Today while human sacrifice doesn't really fly well, there are several religions that still do animal sacrifices. Does that mean that the whole lot of them is evil, especially since that goat was bred for milk or meat and was bound to end up on the dinner table sooner or later anyways? No not really. Most true satanists don't go around stealing kids to offer them up to their Deity anymore then we do.

Now if you'll excuse me I have to go prepare to roast that bratty little snot who's been prank calling me for the last few weeks. :whistle:

[Aine of the Fae]

:hehehe: Well, thats probably what christians say about wiccans, pagans, etc. that we sacrifice animals and attempt human sacrifices and that we are not the type of people you want to hang around with. The closest I've ever come to sacrificing an animal is picking out a couple of nice big fresh caught crabs for dinner! I've known a lot of satanists, levayan and otherwise and they are strongly against animal sacrifice and human sacrifice. The media, misinformed and zealous little buggers that they are always has this thing for making Mt. Everest out of a little molehill. People are people, good bad or indifferent. Back in the day there were animal sacrifices, and human sacrifices. Today while human sacrifice doesn't really fly well, there are several religions that still do animal sacrifices. Does that mean that the whole lot of them is evil, especially since that goat was bred for milk or meat and was bound to end up on the dinner table sooner or later anyways? No not really. Most true satanists don't go around stealing kids to offer them up to their Deity anymore then we do.

Now if you'll excuse me I have to go prepare to roast that bratty little snot who's been prank calling me for the last few weeks. :whistle:

Actually as one who knows a LOT of police officers and a LOT of emergency medical people, it does happen.

No most "true satanist" aren't out they sacrificing anything, however some people are very warped and very twisted and it does happen. It's those very rare times that "Satanice ritual sacrifice" occurs that gives Satanism and witchcraft in general bad names. Just like the few crazy Christians give the rest of the Christians a bad name.

[Inuus]

hardly evil ones to the ancients

The deities are not good or evil. To call something evil is just like calling it ugly or pretty. You know what? I don't care if I get in any "trouble" for using "profanity."

[Pol]

When people say "devil worshipper" they are talking about one who worships a truly evil diety. That is what the "devil" is that cultures and peoples have created - an evil diety.

[aluokaloo]

Actually as one who knows a LOT of police officers and a LOT of emergency medical people, it does happen.

No most "true satanist" aren't out they sacrificing anything, however some people are very warped and very twisted and it does happen. It's those very rare times that "Satanice ritual sacrifice" occurs that gives Satanism and witchcraft in general bad names. Just like the few crazy Christians give the rest of the Christians a bad name.


thats very true aine. Thats pretty much what I am saying though, just because there are bad apples doesn't mean the tree is always and only gonna produce bad fruit.

[Pol]

A lot of confusion is in the word 'satanists.'
A lot of satanists use a proverbial satan as their mascot - though there are groups that believe in the dietised form of satan and actually worship him.

[Ladyvi]

whew .. got some heat going there for a while.. ~ fans her face. not sure if its the room here or hot flashes~~ not sure how many of you have had dealings with devils or deamons. i have. both on fighting them and conversing with them. i dont worship them but i do deal with them concidering the nature of who i am. being neutral i speak to both sides. my dieties picked me. d'anu ( or inanna, ishtar, and going by various other names) also has tapped me. where am i going with this.
well some folks dont think they exist as they are figments of ones doubts and fears. which majority i agree. some folks think everything is the devil and deamons. to which i violently disagree. wicca is hardly the devils work. it is a tool weiled by one of malevolent means can become something nasty to which case starts walking down other paths at that point. weilded by one that is benificent good things can happen. to varying degree all paths do 'grey magick' . wicca is no exception to this grey magick.

[CaitrionaMorgaine]

I don't understand how anyone could believe that a wiccan could be a " servant of the devil" we don't do bad things, we don't hurt anyone, We belive the is a God we just believe there is a Goddess. I don't think it's right that people go around bashing others beliefs because they are not their own. Why is it people get so crazed insisting everyone should "see the light" and "find Jesus"( where was he hiding?) Why is it we can't wear our symbol and be unafraid of someone taking affence or trying to convert you? :geez:

I would have to disagree with you. There are people in every religion who are more than willing to tell you that your path is wrong. I've had Pagans and Wiccans tell me that because I don't follow the same path or tradition as them, that I'm wrong. I don't agree with them any more than I agree with the Christian who tells me that I'm going to Hell.

People who try to "bring you to the word of God" are not necessarily crazed. They are taught within their own faith that it is their duty to convert. They honestly feel that if you do not find "God" that it is your blood on their hands. I cannot fault them for that. They are just as serious about their faith as I am about mine. Mine simply teaches different things.

However, when they lack the ability to respect my decision to believe differently, that is when I get bothered. My best friend is Christian, and although we disagree, we agree to do so. I give his faith the respect that he gives mine.

Avalon's Blessings, ~Rhiannon

[violet rain]

:hmmmmm: I was just wondering if anyone believes that they are a blood witch?

[Romani Vixen]

So what you're saying is Lucifer isn't "evil", but that he was punished for campaigning for freedom of religeon?
Just read the Incarnations of Immortality series! Satan's not bad, just misunderstood!

lol

sorry... couldn't help it

[Romani Vixen]

:hmmmmm: I was just wondering if anyone believes that they are a blood witch?
Not familiar with the term, but I have blood. And I'm a witch! :)

[Theres]

Not familiar with the term, but I have blood. And I'm a witch! :)

:lol:

[Ladyvi]

i know what a blood witch is .. one of inherited witch blood line like the strega.

i come from celtic and native blood lines. i dont know if im blood witch or not. i do know that im a wilding.