Whoa! Whoa! Whoa!

Did you ever get that funky feeling about something that on the outside is seemingly harmless? Maybe you felt that something wasn’t quite as innocent as it seemed? Some things, all “light and fluffy” on the outside can have some seriously dangerous roots. Why is it that Christians, seemingly “strong” Christians, can be duped into occultic and dangerous fields, all the while pooh-poohing those who are trying to encourage them to reconsider participating in it?

Ok, I’ll stop talking in hyperbole and say what I’m trying to say. In doing some research on why Christians shouldn’t celebrate Halloween, I came across a very intriguing information page for wannabe Pagans. I’m talking young pagans whose “mean” parents won’t let them practice Wicca.

I’ll get back to Halloween in another post, but this I just had to share. This is nuts.

Here are some suggestions given by Patti Wigington on some things that young people can do to “prepare” for their future practice of Wicca:

Learn about Plants
Learn about horticulture, herbs and vegetable gardening. Volunteer at a park or nature center, so that by the time you’re out on your own, you’ll know exactly why herbs work the way they do. (Hmmmm)

Study History
Instead of learning about dead white guys, check out Roman gods, Ptolemy or Celtic history. Read Ronald Hutton’s The Druids or books on the Celts. Later on when you begin practicing, you’ll understand rituals a lot better if you can imagine them in a historical context. (again, hmmmmmmm)

Get Cooking
If you can learn to follow a recipe, you can learn to follow spell and ritual instructions.

Volunteer
Be assured that most covens expect their members to be useful members of the community as well.

Study Your Parent’s Religion
(This one surprised me) Why would you want to study Christianity/Judaism/Islam as a precursor to studying Wicca? Well, because believe it or not, a lot of times there’s a lot more there than you’ve really paid attention to. Find out what it is that you disagree or agree with….

Look at the Stars
Learn about the constellations, the movement of the planets, all of the things that go on thousands of light years away. It will come in useful later on, particularly if you develop an interest in astrology. (Not to be confused with astronomy)

Get Healthy
Take a yoga class or meditate daily. Learn to prepare healthy meals for your entire family.

Trace Your Roots
Think you might be interested in Norse religion because your family is Scandinavian? Start learning about your ancestors with whom you share blood.

Be a Steward of the Earth
Nearly all Pagans and Wiccans regard our planet as sacred, so quit throwing your Cheetos wrappers on the ground. Take some time to learn about things you can do to help save the planet. (Oh brother!!) Begin a recycling program at your school. (And my favorite) The earth is our mother, so learn to treat her with respect.

Learn a Skill
Sewing, making jewelry and candlemaking can all benefit the local coven. (Oh, please.)

Granted, some of these things can have some value but others validated my feelings that they had distinctively “New Age” flavor. Remember that term from the 80’s? Why is it that many no longer recognize, let alone fear, the new age influence? Is it because we, as Christians are desensitized to the dangers of new age and wiccan theology?

Several of the points above are, or to me should be, no-brainers that we as Christians should be very cautious with, or avoid altogether. Unfortunately, many Christians I know have no problem with them, notably: herbology, studying ancient Egyptian, Roman and Greek gods, astrology, yoga, meditation, and “Green” living in hopes to “save” our planet. I did find it intriguing as I was reminded that wiccans tend to be stricter than many Christian churches in making sure that their members are contributing members of their coven and their community. While many church leaders are doing little more than ear-tickling, and placating weak church members in the hopes of attracting and keeping them, wiccans expect "useful" members. Oh, does this grieve me.

After having a time of Bible study with my family this evening, we discussed the importance of recognizing the indoctrination of the world. With God's prompting, I felt increasingly sensitized to seemingly harmless practices that could possibly rob me of my sensitivity to His instructions to avoid the appearance of evil and the unfruitful works of darkness.