Out with the Old, in with the New! Wicca vs Classical Theism!

Is it time that we move on with our beliefs? That’s the question I’m posing. The new age Religion Wicca vs. Classical.

My friend who is a Wiccan continually demands that people should forget Christianity, Hinduism, Islamic religions etc, and focus upon a new tradition. I myself am a Christian and am constantly trying to defend my religion in the face of criticism, but to what extend can I defend it when a religion such as Wicca combines many different cultures and belief systems into one comprehensive system?

Do you think that we should forget the Old and concentrate on the New?

Steve

 

Well if they are true to the Wicca belief, most of those beliefs are much older than Christianity, Hinduism, and the Islamic religions. The belief system of wicca is based off of the oldest forms of paganism which was around much longer the more modern religions. Religion over all is just a faith and it is what you believe that matters not what others tell you to believe.

So if you decide to switch, you may be following the old and forsaking the new.

 

No. It doesn't matter what is old or what is new. It matters what you feel in your heart is true. It is a very personal thing, you decide what is true for yourself.

 

Yes I understand that Paganism is an essentially ancient religion, but Wicca is not, as I said it brings together various concepts and various belief systems.

I agree that Wicca and its ethical system is a lot more liberal than classical or organised religions, which I suppose is a plus.

Stevo

 

That is very true, I believe whatever you think is true to yourself is the only thing that matters. Thanks for that Rebecca.

Isn’t Wicca getting a HUGE following in the states?

Steve

 

This is not a new attempt. Bahais are practising the same since about 170 years. Nothing to do with God, beliefs and religion, just a self serving trick of the founders.

 

Fundies are Fundies no matter if they quote the lord or the goddess.

 

we need to get rid of religion not move to a new one

 

I would'nt go to the extreme of getting rid of religion as such. It plays an integral role in millions of lives.

 

Lol, i agree with you...

 

people still practice wicca? I thought it went away in 90's.............

 

Join Jackuulism.

Why? Well that is an astute and most profound question. The astounding non-astrological, scientifically proven - through physical tangible data - sealed with a plastic wrap of industrial goodness truth is:

We have Cheese. Therefore we are better.

 

Hey Jackuul, your Religion does sound inviting, especially the cheese part, however understand no Religion is ‘scientifically proven - through physical tangible data - sealed with a plastic wrap of industrial goodness truth is’. All religions are based upon a subjective interpretation, inductive reasoning and not analytic truths.

Steve

 

Cheese is good.

How can you get subjective about cheese? Sure, some lactose intolerant people may not like it - but there is always Soy cheese.

 

Actually Wicca is older than christianity, but not hinduism. Paganism is older than hinduism.

Wicca today is basicly depressed girls that want to be diffrent and have a reason to dress funny. The ancient wiccans didnt dress funny. It started in 1939 with reformed wicca.

 

You mean Wicca today is really Emo depressed girls who cut themselves to "feel alive"?

I think we knew that . I have a solution - send them all to Iraq to make the terrorist depressed. Think about it - they take one hostage, then the Wicca's talk about the futility of life - then the insurgents give up. If they do kill the depressed emo wicca... then is it so bad? I see it as a win win . This is not directed at all wiccas either, just the depressed ones who cut themselves and wont shut up about people "not understanding how they feel" as if they are special and we don't all have feelings too.

 

Aww, I think Jackuul is being a little too harsh on them, sure I understand your despise with emos, but I wouldn’t go as far as assuming all wiccans are emo lol. 8^ I think I know what your getting at, just keep in mind that the actual formation of Wicca began with Gerald Gardner, yes in 1939. The origins of Wicca such as paganism and shamanism go way back, however when I refer to it as a new age religion, I just mean its new in the sense of acknowledgement. Keep in mind that many religions have ancient origins, one could say that Christianity has its roots in Judaism etc.

 

This is not true, they just walk around and say they are Wiccan for the shock value. They have no clue what it is about or the history of the religion. If they studied the true belief, they would most likely find something different because it is far from a depressing religion.

Truth is that if you study any of the major religions of the world they are all very similar in their core belief. It is how people use the name of the religion that causes the major contrast.

Most people need something to believe in. It gives them that extra security blanket in life with the hope that someday it will all get better. I have been studying religions for about 19 years and it seems I can not find one that I see any better or worse than another.

My belief is you believe what feels right for you or a combination of several if that is what you prefer, just don;t judge others for not sharing those same beliefs. JMO

 

Hey allout, what a fantastic contribution to the thread. Very philosophical and abundant with wisdom. I think I would go with you with that, I am a university student studying Philosophy and religious studies, so I am fully aware of the links and similarities within Religions. But yes, at the end of the day it must be down to the individual I suppose.

Wicca is a truly fascinating system though!

 

My Degree is in Historical Studies so I have some background. Thanks for the nice comments. I also teach high schoolers (out on medical leave if anyone is wondering why I am home LOL) and my favorite part of teaching is the discussions on religion because most teens have no idea the true history of any of them. Most textbooks are outdated and do not even cover facts.

It is very interesting and I have at least 32 books on the subject. Today even the United States military accepts it as a religion. Like any religion the beliefs can be taken to a extreme such as Black Magic and such but the core belief is nature centered and "do no harm to others".