Christian Witchcraft.
Two words which, biblically speaking, are diametrically opposed to one another. A concept foreign to most Christians who are aware that the Bible prohibits the use of witchcraft in both Old and New Testaments. In fact, if you ask most people they would probably say there is no such thing as Christian Witchcraft.
They would be wrong.
In the past twenty years, Christian Witchcraft and Christian Wicca have emerged as growing spiritual paths for many mystically minded Christians. Typically these people come from church backgrounds but for them somehow being a Christian falls short. These are people who often disagree with certain doctrines or dogmas in mainstream denominations, have a love or reverence for nature, and long for a deeper connection with God. They have a love for God, the teachings of Christ but have also been harboring a secret interest in the occult for much of their lives. Eventually, for these people factors combine which create a desire to stop fighting against what has always felt natural and meld Christian traditions with magickal practices.
I know. I was one of these people. I was a Christian Witch.
The real question isn't whether Christian witchcraft exists but rather how is such a thing possible? How could anyone believe they could bring opposing philosophy's into a form of spiritual harmony? The process is called syncretism. Syncretism pulls religious ideas from a number of sources to create something unique or individual. This is the foundation for Christian Witchcraft. A Christian Witch will take what they like from various traditions, beliefs, and rituals of both Christianity and witchcraft…and leave the rest behind. In doing so the Christian Witch creates something totally individual for their own spiritual expression.
What exactly then does a Christian Witch believe? What does Christian witchcraft look like?
Like all esoteric or mystical paths, Christian witchcraft is highly individualized. However, there are some common denominators which can be found among Christian Witch's, Christian Wiccans, and Christo-Pagans. Most…though certainly not all…Christian Witch's either have a very liberal understanding of the Bible.or follow Gnostic Christian teachings. Many come from a Catholic upbringing. New Age philosophy can also enter strongly into a Christian Witch's belief structure. Some will take the religion of Wicca or a form of Paganism and superimpose a Christian understanding of deity on the rituals while others take a more traditional Christian approach, adding magick and ritual into their belief structure. Many will continue to be regular attenders and active participants of their local church. In all circumstances, Christian Witchcraft, Christian Wicca, and Christo-Paganism are nature based.
As a Christian Witch, I was a Christian who practiced traditional witchcraft. Christianity was my belief…witchcraft was my path.
Christian witchcraft (or "witchery" depending on who your addressing) differs significantly from Christian Wicca, which actually includes four traditions or "sects" with varying influences:
Trinitarian Wicca utilizes the traditional Christian Trinity but is "goddess inclusive"…Father, Son, Holy Spirit (Mother). Additionally, saints, angels, and elemental spirits are invoked for rituals and spells.
Norvescensian Wicca follows a threefold path of nature mysticism, spiritual feminism and ritual. It is inspired by the lives of three Christian mystical women of the past….Brigid of Kildare, Hildegaard of Bingen, and Julian of Norwich.
Marian Wicca views Mary of Magdala and/or Mary, the mother of Jesus, as representations of the goddess.
Sophian Wicca adopts the feminine personification of God's wisdom…"Sophia"…as a separate goddess.
You may be asking why would anyone want to combine Christianity and witchcraft.
In my own case, from the time I was young I had always experienced an interest in the occult, witchcraft, and other mysteries. However, being a Christian all of my life I loved God. When I reached a crisis point in my faith as an adult I spent several years exploring the occult, turning my back on God and the church. Eventually though I wanted to be able to return to my Christian roots without giving up what I'd learned about witchcraft. In a way it's like "having your cake and eating it too." The idea of combining Christian belief and the Craft seemed a little strange but also like the answer. What truly surprised me was when I discovered two things…a mentor who was willing to show me how and many others who were on a similar journey. I found a community of Christian believers who either desired or were on a similar journey as my own. A kind of secret movement growing out of needs not being met in traditional or mainstream churches.
Christian Witch's follow their path silently and in secret, connecting on the internet through chat rooms and on message boards. Christian Witch's have no desire to convert anyone to their way of thinking but simply want to be able to have what they consider to be the best of both spiritual worlds…Christ and mysticism. I eventually turned from the witch path (after also becoming a medium and ghost hunter). I repented of my sins and my relationship with Christ was truly restored. However, I learned one important thing from my occult experience. There are more Christian Witches and Christian Wiccans out there than most people realize.
The church needs to wake up to the reality of their existence.
Rather than arguing the impossibility of Christian witchcraft, the church needs to acknowledge there are spiritually hungry people in the Christian community who are being tempted to incorporate magickal practices into their faith walk. We must do all we can to encourage Biblical literacy among Christians. Too many people profess Christ but have no clue what the BIble says about Him or anything else for that matter. People now seem to base their Christian walk on what they hear in the pulpit, see on tv, or read on the internet without ever checking to be sure it's actually from the Bible, accurate, and in context.
We must acknowledge the Bible as the true, revealed word of God. There is no doubt Scripture condemns all practices involved in witchcraft: sorcery, spell casting, divination, enchantments, spiritism, idolatry, etc…in the strongest terms (Deut. 18:10, Deut. 18:14, 2 Kings 17:17, Gal. 5:20, Rev.18:23) but many people are either missing or ignoring it.
As Followers of Christ we are saved by grace as revealed through the gospel. We don't need to add magick to our lives to be fulfilled or empowered. After accepting Jesus, the Holy Spirit comes into our lives and through Him we are daily transformed to become more like Jesus. The Holy Spirit gives us wisdom, strength, and spiritual gifts to be used for the glory of God and for building up the church (Acts 1:8, 1 Cor. 12:7-10).
By loving God and loving people we need to go out into the world as salt and light with the truth of Jesus Christ. We also have to make sure those in the church are fully equipped with the knowledge of who they are in Jesus Christ. To stand firm against the temptation and allure of witchcraft.
"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." Matthew 7:13-14
Great post! Been there about 20 yrs ago. Like so many things that are done in the dark thinking there is no one else, there is nothing new under the sun… God bless you and I pray your blog will bring others to the fullness of Christ.
Thank you for your encouragement and prayers. Your so right…there is nothing new under the sun. Hopefully people will learn they aren't alone in their questions and there is a way that is so much better.
I've been reading your blogs with interest and as a Holy Spirit-filled believer who operates in the gifts of the Spirit, I have to wonder if some of this seeking after mysticism and such things is largely an effect of denominations that repress and discourage, if not openly deny the gifts of the Spirit…. good stuff.
You know that is a very good thought. People are definitely looking for “more”…including authenticity and a connectedness to God that some times appears lacking in the church (at least to the outside observer). I’m so glad you’ve been enjoying the blogs and hope you’ll continue to read and recommend!
Carrie @ comfortedbyGod.blogspot.com
Every time I read one of your posts, I walk away amazed at the power of God. You skillfully communicate the insufficiency of witchcraft and the Lord's supremacy! Excellent post. I truly look forward to reading your blog because you offer an honest and vulnerable look into your past life and how RADICALLY Christ transformed you. Keep up the great work!
Thank you so much for your kind words and encouragement, it truly means so much! There was a time when I didn’t tell my story because I was worried what Christians would think. How silly was that? God is the one who saved not only me but my marriage and family. He deserves all the witness I can offer.
Wow, Kristine – thank you so much for this post. I am definitely one who was in the dark about much of what you shared. When I read "we must do all we can to encourage Biblical literacy among Christians," I wanted to stand up and shout!! Amen, girl! That is a HUGE passion of mine – we must teach Truth and train people to be discerning! It is a crucial element of true discipleship that we are far too often missing.
I absolutely agree! We cannot lead people to Christ and them leave them to try to figure stuff out on their own. We are called to disciple and encourage one another in the truth so that we don't get off track.
I absolutely agree! We cannot lead people to Christ and them leave them to try to figure stuff out on their own. We are called to disciple and encourage one another in the truth so that we don't get off track.
WOW. Amazing and I can't wait to get to know you more through your blog and FB.
Blessings to you and yours!
Karen
God is good and gracious
I thank Him every day for what He's done in my life and family. I look forward to getting to know you better as well. 
Your testimony is very powerful! Thank you for sharing it. I'm posting this on my fb.
Your very kind. God is very good and I’m grateful for all He’s done!
I'm sorry, but I disagree. I think that God is so indescribable, and multifaceted, that it is limiting to not diligently and prayerfully examine multiple perspectives and interpretations. I think a personal relationship with God can take on many forms. In John 21, Jesus talks about the Samaritans and the Jews and how they were focused on where they worshiped rather than who than God. I think this is a similar situation. Your focusing more on the method of interaction with our Creator than the fact that true worship may not be humanly distinguishable. I think God cares that we make the connection to him, not how we do it.
one thing for sure thou! we have to make the connection through Jesus Christ, other then Him there is NO way! we must repent of our sin and ask Jesus Christ to come into our hearts, and to reighn and be Lord of all of our selves.
The gospel is the good news for that very reason.
Dear Elizabeth, it sounds to me like you are already well down the warning path of the accultic path of justifacation of such things. However God did warn you and so many others not to lean to our own understanding of his word and how dangerous it could be for us and the people who follow. He also warned us to sanctify ourselves and that he wold santify us holy, and he ask the question? What does light have to do with darkness, are you not children of the light? What fellowship does the righteous have with the unrighteous? Revelation 21:8 says that all who support and do such things shall have their part in the eternal fire of hell and that whosoever loveth such things and makes clean paths for such lies, are no of his. If I were you dear Elizabeth, I would ask God to forgive me for the assistance in such accultic matters and tern away from this path of leadership for it is the gateway to eternal damnation, teaching doctrins of devils the master deceivers of hell. May God help us all. Pride and our wisdom is so dangerous without Gods help and leadership.
I'm sorry, but I disagree. I think that God is so indescribable, and multifaceted, that it is limiting to not diligently and prayerfully examine multiple perspectives and interpretations. I think a personal relationship with God can take on many forms. In John 21, Jesus talks about the Samaritans and the Jews and how they were focused on where they worshiped rather than who than God. I think this is a similar situation. Your focusing more on the method of interaction with our Creator than the fact that true worship may not be humanly distinguishable. I think God cares that we make the connection to him, not how we do it.
I respectfully disagree but thank you for sharing your opinion.
PRAISE GOD Kristine Mac for your ministry. I know exaxtly how the enemy (satan) hides his work, yet makes what is visible look sooo sweet & alluring. The Bible says he comes as an angeel of light. Therefore he is going to draw & mix the the closest thing that sounds & smells like God to deceive many. Therefore they think it is right & good. I practiced witchcraft myself as a teen yrs. ago. I remember how it's power made me feel strong. Later I was casting spells on my Father to make him die. I know the good witches say they do good things not bad, yet the truth is as I now know that the only way to get to GOD = the Father, Jesus, & the Holy Spirit is accepting Jesus as our Lord into our hearts. My new book Hearts Without Knowledge, how to be free & made whole in your life was out in Jan 2010. It covers how God broke off all my chains of fear,anger,lust,depression,hatred,withcraft,soulties,addictions to drugs, alcohol, & sex & more. We don't know how bound up we are until Jesus sets us free. Love you already, Debbie Brooks Patten
Hi Debbie. Thank you so much for your encouragement. Yes, the enemy does comes as an angel of light and is most certainly using that ploy to deceive many. I'm so glad to know you were also saved by our merciful God
I'll have to check out your book. Blessings!
Hi. I found your blog through Momtage. Thank you. What drew me in were your words about separation and divorce as i have looked everywhere for a way to run this week from this "hell."
You mention the Holy Spirit in this post. I have not yet practiced any witch craft knowingly (though i go to some yoga classes so that may be a beginning as i have no idea the beliefs of those leading). At any rate I think I search out the emotional feeling or high or response or something that gives relaxation which I don't feel in church, don't feel by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit (which I dont entirely understand nor probably believe.) So I say all this to ask, regrettably knowing nothing of your life and experience, how did you find a replacement in God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, for the life you had led? (If you would like to refer me to another post or to your book that is good, as this very spot is my entrance point. sorry.)
Hi Keri. I'm glad you were able to find my blog and that you've found at least some encouragement from them. You mention looking for an "emotional feeling" or "high" and ask how did I find a "replacement in God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit" from what I left behind.
I think part of the problem I was was the fact I was basing my faith, belief, relationship with Christ (because I was a Christian for 29 years before turning to witchcraft) on emotions and feelings. The truth of the matter is our faith in relationship with God is based on a foundation of truth in scripture. Certainly there are times when I feel God's immediate presence in prayer or worship, but those experiences are no longer what I base my faith upon. Emotions and feelings are not the firm foundation of faith we build upon but rather are shifting sands. Seeking God daily, prayer and keeping close accounts with Him, being obedient to His word, studying scripture, and basing faith on this firm foundation…this is what makes the difference. I don't know if that helps but keep seeking Him out according to His word, not your feelings.
Well it seems my comments are too long and cannot seem to find the happy length. These things happen in Christendom and it is up to those who will to show how to walk in Christ daily to do, thank you for this, Thank you for this blog we too are trying to do our part on the same path toward heaven. Mrs. Jennings, http://athomejournal.blogspot.com, please come for a visit, thank you.
My recent post The calling to be a keeper at home or independent
Thank you for your visit and I hope you'll return often. I look forward to visiting your blog.
Thank you for reading and your encouraging words. You hit the nail on the head. The enemy will attempt to do whatever he can to prevent people from learning the truth…or twisting the faith people have so they are in darkness and ineffective. My prayer is the church will stop hiding from this reality and face it head on with the grace of Jesus Christ.
Thank you so much. I'm glad it was useful to you. And it was my pleasure visiting MCB today
I loved the links they were so useful and informative!