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Can a Christian Become
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Witchcraft is defined as the use of magic in order to achieve an intended goal, although a Crafter, or Traditional Witch, would say it is the use of natural energy to influence reality. Magic itself can be used outside or inside of any religious context. So, the ability is there. |
This is the case with The Traditional Craft, Traditional Witchcraft in Britain. Every Traditional Witch follows a particular path in pagan spirituality which reflects classical pagan ideals and which has magic as a primary aspect. This tradition has evolved from the nature spirituality of our ancestors. Therefore, the old pagan spiritual traditions of Britain, sometimes called earth spirituality, has a witchcraft heritage. The old religions of Britain and magic complimented each other in a brilliant manner and provide a beautifully cohesive religious paradigm reflective of old folk culture.
No such association exists between the Asiatic religions of Judaism or Christianity and the preactice of European witchcraft.
Here are a few ideas to ponder:
1) The application of magic into any religious structure necessarily must assume that the religion itself does not prohibit the use of magic or witchcraft.
However, this is the case with Judaism and Christianity. They both specifically prohibit the use of magic and witchcraft. This is stated in very clear language in their scriptures as well as commentaries on the scriptures by their respective Talmudic and Church authorities.
Judaism and Christianity are revealed religions, this means the legitimacy of each religion rests solely on their sacred text (called "the word" in Christianity). They both believe their respective scriptures to be the only true revelations from their respective idea of God. These are considered "revelations" that are stated in the Jewish Torah and in the Christian New Testament, sources that establish each religion's version of their respective "ultimate truth."
In Judaism, the prohibitions against witchcraft include:
In Christianity, the prohibitions include:
There are others...
These are just some examples of Jewish and Christian intolerance and bigetry. It is myopic thinking that is incongruous to the higher pagan ideals of right and wrong that is found in European pagan spirituality.
2) There are many reasons why it is not logical to try to combine Judaism or Christianity with Traditional Witchcraft. In fact, many members of both sides (Traditional Witches vs. Christians and Jews) would consider a practice that combined witchcraft with Christianity or Judaism as nothing short of betrayal, and with some disgust. The main problem is the impossible task of accommodating directly conflicting fundamental beliefs.
3) Traditional Witches are pagans. We subscribe to Nature spirituality. Christians traditionally have considered nature with a great deal of scepticism specifically in refute of Greco-Roman paganism. Chriatians (Catholics) considered Nature as the domain of demons, which they considered to be evil spirits. The word "demon," however is Greek and means "spirit," not evil spirit. This type of antirationalism is what drove Europe into the Dark Ages.
Christians are monotheists, at least according to them. Ancient pagan thinkers, such as Roman Emperor Julian Augustus and other Neoplantonists questioned the idea that Christians are monotheists as being ludicrous. Monotheism is the belief in only one supreme god. In Christianity, their so-called one supreme god was declared to be a "trinity" in the third century, C.E. That is 300 hundred years AFTER their Jesus lived. This trinity is made up of 1) God the "Father," 2) His "only begotten son Jesus Christ," and 3) The Holy Ghost. This threesome may not sound like a monotheistic religion (because if you count them, there are 3). Nevtheless, since the third century C.E., Christians have insisted that a trinity is not polytheism. As a side note: Roman Emperor Julian Augustus called the Christian trinity, "the three-headed monster."
4) Pagans take very strong exception to the Christian idea that "God's only begotten son is Jesus Christ." This makes no sense as we believe we are all the sons and daughters of the gods.
5) Another claim in both Judaism and Christianity is the demand that their faithful "follow no other god" than the one their religious authorities approve.
With this one point alone, it's obvious that the concepts of deity in Judaism and Christianity and those in Traditional Witchcraft are hopelessly irreconcilable.
6) Then there are those other Christian pesky details, like:
• The expectation of being repentant of sin,
• The disbelief in reincarnation, and
• The belief in the devil, otherwise known as Satan.
These are but a few Christian beliefs that have no place in Traditional Witchcraft in Britain because they are incompatible with our pagan spirituality.
7) Besides, those that are have pagan spirituality at heart could never accept Jesus as a "savior." We simply do not believe we are in need of being saved by anyone. In fact, pagans find the very idea absurd and arrogant.
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If you're on the fence, and you feel you don't really know what to do, then that is perfectly fine. Take time and think about what is in your heart. Only you can decide what is best for you. Remember, Paganism is not suitable for everyone. If Judaism or Christianity is deeply meaningful to you, then live a Jewish or Christian life. |
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We all should travel a religious path that causes no harm to others and which is the most meaningful path for us .
Ultimately, you must decide which way of life you really wish. It is not always easy being a Traditional Witch. Not everyone is up to it. When the time is right, you need to select the ONE PATH that is the true path for you. Then travel on that path with your chin held high and with a happy and contented heart.
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