Psycho-Babble Faith Thread 540860

Shown: posts 1 to 18 of 18. This is the beginning of the thread.

 

WICCA

Posted by vines123456 on August 12, 2005, at 18:27:15

My husband and I have 2 children ages 20 and 15. Out 15 year old has informed us that she is interested in WICCA. We are a Christian family and I just cant understand why she has such an interest in this. I would appreciate any comments you may have on this issue.

 

Re: WICCA » vines123456

Posted by Dinah on August 13, 2005, at 11:32:24

In reply to WICCA, posted by vines123456 on August 12, 2005, at 18:27:15

There may be a lot of reasons your daughter has an interest in Wicca. It's featured on TV shows like Charmed, it may be an expression of her feminine identity, or it may be that she's looking to rebel or to shock. Or it may be a genuine spiritual interest.

My only suggestion would be to respond with interest rather than shock or intense disapproval. Whatever her reasons, that will give you a better chance to understand them and her. Plus, it is usually genuinely interesting to learn about different ways of thinking and expressing spirituality.

 

Re: WICCA » vines123456

Posted by NikkiT2 on August 13, 2005, at 12:06:54

In reply to WICCA, posted by vines123456 on August 12, 2005, at 18:27:15

Can I ask if you are scared of your daughter being Wiccan, or see it as being evil?

I think one of the most important lessons they teach is a love of *everything*, and its not a "religion" that disallows other religions.. Its designed really to live alongside life.. so you can be christian and wiccan..

Its a wonderfully empowering philosophy.. maybe learn more about it with your daughter..

Nikki x

 

Re: WICCA

Posted by spriggy on August 13, 2005, at 13:29:57

In reply to Re: WICCA » vines123456, posted by NikkiT2 on August 13, 2005, at 12:06:54

I think first of all, as a Christian mom myself, I would pray, pray, pray (with your husband) over your daughter. If she won't allow it, pray over her as she sleeps at night.

I think Dinah is right to not act shocked and horrified but at the same time, I would also take this seriously. Obviously, as a Christian, this is not something you would want your child involved with or dabbling in.

She is so young, She is probably curious and experimenting... trying to find herself and where she belongs.

I know at that age, I remember wanting to know God "myself" not through my parent's, or a preacher, or anyone. I wanted to know for myself who He was and if He was real.

Just pray that as she searches for "spirituality" she find the one she is searching for.

 

Re: WICCA » vines123456

Posted by Declan on August 13, 2005, at 15:10:49

In reply to WICCA, posted by vines123456 on August 12, 2005, at 18:27:15

When my sister and I were her age we announced to our parents that we were Marxists, as was proper for the time and place. Our parents could have saved themselves a lot of grief by getting us to explain the labour theory of value, or the change from quality into quantity or whatever else. This would not only have been unexpected, it would have meant we would have to learn the stuff, which would have been an education.

I dunno anything about Wicca but I would say to her, great, tell me stuff, were they persecuted as witches by the church, does it have anything to do with the Albigensian crusade, is it connected with matriarchy, and any other matters arising. This might be too much for your kid. But she's 15 did you say? I have a 15yo daughter too. (Help!)

Honestly, I would practise unwavering interest in anything to do with Wicca, that she was prepared to tell me, I mean. It might not go on for as long as you think. And no doubt it's interesting anyway. Since I imagine you're secure in your faith, you can take it as a typical identity challenge from a 15yo.

Declan

 

Re: WICCA

Posted by vines123456 on August 13, 2005, at 21:33:07

In reply to WICCA, posted by vines123456 on August 12, 2005, at 18:27:15

Hi Everyone, I just wanted to say a big "THANK YOU" for your posts. It is comforting to know that there is a place where I can go for support and advise. My younger daughter has always been somewhat of a free spirit. She is a beautiful girl who is trying to find her identity however she is going about it the wrong way and seeking approval from the wrong crowd!(GOTHIC) We currently in therapy as there are some issues my husband and I just are not sure how to deal with. Anyway, we are keeping an open mind and just pray that this is just a phase. Sherri
>
>

 

Re: WICCA » vines123456

Posted by Deneb on August 14, 2005, at 1:17:29

In reply to Re: WICCA, posted by vines123456 on August 13, 2005, at 21:33:07

> She is a beautiful girl who is trying to find her identity however she is going about it the wrong way and seeking approval from the wrong crowd!(GOTHIC)

What's wrong with the goth subculture? They don't hurt anyone.

Deneb

 

Re: WICCA » Deneb

Posted by Declan on August 14, 2005, at 20:14:49

In reply to Re: WICCA » vines123456, posted by Deneb on August 14, 2005, at 1:17:29

And they have fashion sense, all those pale faces and black clothes.
A small relief in today's bland mono atomised world.
Declan

 

Re: WICCA » vines123456

Posted by AuntieMel on August 16, 2005, at 17:19:36

In reply to Re: WICCA, posted by vines123456 on August 13, 2005, at 21:33:07

I agree with declan.

The quickest way to turn a teenager off to something is to want to get involved with her in learning about it.

 

15 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER

Posted by Declan on August 17, 2005, at 7:23:25

In reply to WICCA, posted by vines123456 on August 12, 2005, at 18:27:15

I'd be pleased if our 15 yo informed me of *anything*. She had a big fight with her mother in the Woolworths carpark when she demanded to be taken for a tongue piercing. I'm embarrassed to say that I suggested (after) that she should have been taken up on it. Wouldn't have done any good though, she'd have gone ahead with it, but I did wonder if she'd chicken out.
I think girls might be more of a challenge to argue with. This one anyway.
Declan

 

Re: 15 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER

Posted by Meri-Tuuli on September 12, 2005, at 6:38:41

In reply to 15 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER, posted by Declan on August 17, 2005, at 7:23:25

I agree with Declan, totally. My mother when I was growing up actually wanted me to dye my hair pink (she thought it was artistic or something) and she encouraged me to make unusual choices in my studies (I did art, geology and physics for my A-levels!) anyway end result was that I didn't do anything conventionally rebellious. I was also a massive tom boy, a proto-goth. I grew out of it. I also remember being into 'Witchcraft' when I was little....harmless fun. I also had the Communist phase, although whilst at university. I think these things make us a more rounded, tolerant individual. I can guarantee that in a year or two, your daughter will be like 'Wicca was sooo last year' or whatever. Maybe its part of God's plan to help her find her way in life.

 

Re: WICCA

Posted by TexasChic on September 19, 2005, at 20:49:53

In reply to WICCA, posted by vines123456 on August 12, 2005, at 18:27:15

I come from a strict Christian family with a preacher for my father. I felt I was not given a choice when I was younger, so I explored different faiths as an adult. I found that the Wiccan faith was so like the Christian faith that I moved on quickly.

There are some definite differences, they believe in a Goddess or a God and Goddess, and they have specific rituals that may seem strange to a Christian. However, they are very spiritual. Their 'circles' are basically the same as praying in my viewpoint. Certain rituals are similiar to communion. I just saw the parallels so distinctly that I quickly realized I'd already been there, done that.

The one misconception people seem to have is that they are Satanic. Wiccans laugh at this as they don't even believe in Satan. They believe in very positive, good natured type things. Like being a positive and good person and doing no harm to others will provide you with a positive life in return. I actually have somewhat adopted the idea without the 'religion' part of it. I don't really believe in the 'unseen forces' or 'supreme being' aspect of it, but I think its a great way of keeping a positive attitude about life by looking for the positive rewards in response to your own good deeds. If you look hard enough, you will find them. It keeps you positive and causes you to recognize the good things in life. When I find I could do something harmful to someone who deserves it, I just think, Karma will take care of that. And lo and behold, it does. Now whether there is a perfectly scientific or psychological explanation for these things, I don't know. I just know it keeps me focused on being a positive person, and refraining from revenge or hostility because people will eventually bring what they deserve on themselves.

The Wiccan faith is very popular right now among teenagers, kind of like a fad. Your daughter may or may not decide this is for her. She may, like me, discover its not quite what she thought and is really an actual 'religion'. Or she may find this is the perfect way for her to show respect for the creator of all things. Either way, I think its wonderful that she is able to explore these things and decide what she wants to believe for herself. I was not given that choice growing up,

 

Re: WICCA

Posted by Shame on October 19, 2005, at 15:13:44

In reply to WICCA, posted by vines123456 on August 12, 2005, at 18:27:15


Let me start by saying that I was born into a Wiccan family. I have a very different view of pagan and Jeudeo-Christian religions than most people you will talk to. I don't think this is a place for philosophical debates, and I have no intention of making anyone feel uncomfortable. I'm hoping that a different point of view may help put things into focus.

Like any religion, most of the Wiccans you are familiar with are the outliers, the fringe element that like to attract attention to themselves. Obviously the 'Goths' fit into this category. From my perspective nothing they say or do supports their claim that they are Wiccan. They have no true faith in the religion, and view it as a way to rebel more than a way to find spiritual enlightenment. True Wiccans look and act like your average Joe walking down the street. We live a moral life, help others, love our families, and work for a living.

Many women (young and old) are drawn to Wicca because modern 'neo-pagan' Wicca places a very heavy emphasis on woman’s role in the creation of the world and the divinity that surrounds us. This is somewhat of a departure from the tenants of the Old Religion (Wicca as it has stood in decades past), but is generally harmless, and is just a way for most women to feel more divine. As I look into the world of Christianity, I see God creating man in his own image, and women are created as an afterthought. I see women responsible for the worlds ills. I can see how it would be easy for a young woman to see Wicca welcoming in that respect.

Will it be a phase? More often than not, it is. Wicca is somewhat 'in style' at the moment, and we are seeing a great number of young 'Wiccans' that do not truly believe, but are buying books on tarot cards, astrology and other nonsense that has nothing to do with Wicca. Some grow bored with it and return to the religion of their own families, some realize they always were Wiccan, and they let it fill their life.

I know that every persons religion is sacred to them, and when true faith fills your soul, it's the most wonderful thing in the world. If your daughter is exploring true Wicca, and if she follows the path it lays out before her, she will lead a moral life.

I realize that the true issue here is her belief in Christ, and accepting him as her Savior. What I am saying to you is, is that if she does return to you, she will not have behaved in a way that will shame you. Although Wiccans and Christians seem to be at odds most of the time, we have much more in common than most people would want to admit. We are not about dark cloaks and secret ceremonies. I gladly answer any question about our ways. We hold life as sacred as you do. What outsiders view as ritual magic, we call prayer. It's a way to feel connected with God.

Hope it helps.

 

Re: WICCA

Posted by greenhornet on October 28, 2005, at 19:23:09

In reply to Re: WICCA, posted by Shame on October 19, 2005, at 15:13:44

>
> Let me start by saying that I was born into a Wiccan family. I have a very different view of pagan and Jeudeo-Christian religions than most people you will talk to. I don't think this is a place for philosophical debates, and I have no intention of making anyone feel uncomfortable. I'm hoping that a different point of view may help put things into focus.
>
> Like any religion, most of the Wiccans you are familiar with are the outliers, the fringe element that like to attract attention to themselves. Obviously the 'Goths' fit into this category. From my perspective nothing they say or do supports their claim that they are Wiccan. They have no true faith in the religion, and view it as a way to rebel more than a way to find spiritual enlightenment. True Wiccans look and act like your average Joe walking down the street. We live a moral life, help others, love our families, and work for a living.
>
> Many women (young and old) are drawn to Wicca because modern 'neo-pagan' Wicca places a very heavy emphasis on woman’s role in the creation of the world and the divinity that surrounds us. This is somewhat of a departure from the tenants of the Old Religion (Wicca as it has stood in decades past), but is generally harmless, and is just a way for most women to feel more divine. As I look into the world of Christianity, I see God creating man in his own image, and women are created as an afterthought. I see women responsible for the worlds ills. I can see how it would be easy for a young woman to see Wicca welcoming in that respect.
>
> Will it be a phase? More often than not, it is. Wicca is somewhat 'in style' at the moment, and we are seeing a great number of young 'Wiccans' that do not truly believe, but are buying books on tarot cards, astrology and other nonsense that has nothing to do with Wicca. Some grow bored with it and return to the religion of their own families, some realize they always were Wiccan, and they let it fill their life.
>
> I know that every persons religion is sacred to them, and when true faith fills your soul, it's the most wonderful thing in the world. If your daughter is exploring true Wicca, and if she follows the path it lays out before her, she will lead a moral life.
>
> I realize that the true issue here is her belief in Christ, and accepting him as her Savior. What I am saying to you is, is that if she does return to you, she will not have behaved in a way that will shame you. Although Wiccans and Christians seem to be at odds most of the time, we have much more in common than most people would want to admit. We are not about dark cloaks and secret ceremonies. I gladly answer any question about our ways. We hold life as sacred as you do. What outsiders view as ritual magic, we call prayer. It's a way to feel connected with God.
>
> Hope it helps.
>
> Unfortunatly the difficulty with wicca and other "pagan and "new age" religions is not that they practice black magic. They do how ever practice that which is specifically forbidden in Scripture both Old and New Testamant.

Leviticus 19:31 "Do not turn to mediums or wizards; do not seek them out, to be
defiled by them: I am the LORD your God.

Gal.5.9-21. The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: . . . idolatry and witchcraft;
hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage . . . and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God."

While they appear harmless and peaceful, the "idolotry" they propigate is that of "the self", self-indulgence. The misguided godess worship is simply about power, misplaced power. To make women "feel good about themselves". God created humankind and humankind sinned; Adam AND Eve and all of us share in that sin today. To point the finger at women or men would miss the whole point. There is only One true God and He gives us ALL the opportunity for redemption from that sin; its called Grace, and it comes through His son Jesus Christ. Making someone "feel divine" does not make them so. Only God is divine and if I accept His son as my Lord and Savior, I will share in His divinity for eternity....


 

Re: blocked for 2 weeks » greenhornet

Posted by Dr. Bob on October 28, 2005, at 23:55:03

In reply to Re: WICCA, posted by greenhornet on October 28, 2005, at 19:23:09

> The misguided godess worship is simply about power, misplaced power.

Since the idea here is support, please don't put down the beliefs of others. The last time you were blocked it was for 1 week, so this time it's for 2.

If you or others have questions about this or about posting policies in general, or are interested in alternative ways of expressing yourself, please see the FAQ:

http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#civil

Follow-ups regarding these issues should be redirected to Psycho-Babble Administration. They, as well as replies to the above post, should of course themselves be civil.

Thanks,

Bob

 

Re: blocked for 2 weeks

Posted by mama141 on October 29, 2005, at 14:25:30

In reply to Re: blocked for 2 weeks » greenhornet, posted by Dr. Bob on October 28, 2005, at 23:55:03

> > The misguided godess worship is simply about power, misplaced power.
>
> Since the idea here is support, please don't put down the beliefs of others. The last time you were blocked it was for 1 week, so this time it's for 2.
>
> If you or others have questions about this or about posting policies in general, or are interested in alternative ways of expressing yourself, please see the FAQ:
>
> http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#civil
>
> Follow-ups regarding these issues should be redirected to Psycho-Babble Administration. They, as well as replies to the above post, should of course themselves be civil.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Bob

I'm new here what is wrong with what this person said? MAMA141

 

Re: what is wrong

Posted by Dr. Bob on October 30, 2005, at 13:24:54

In reply to Re: blocked for 2 weeks, posted by mama141 on October 29, 2005, at 14:25:30

> > > The misguided godess worship is simply about power, misplaced power.
>
> I'm new here what is wrong with what this person said?

I thought it put down other beliefs to refer to them as misguided and simply about misplaced power...

Bob

 

Re: blocked for 2 weeks

Posted by maddawgz on November 4, 2005, at 19:27:20

In reply to Re: blocked for 2 weeks, posted by mama141 on October 29, 2005, at 14:25:30

MAMA141 hi can u email me at 2dawgz@gmail.com thanks i was wanting to talk to u about your recovery plz thanks MD


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