Witches

Tellyontellyon said:

What is your view on witchcraft? Is it a real thing from a Christian viewpoint?
How should Christians respond to witches? Ignore, evangelise, burn, etc?

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I'd probably just take them out ... ... ... 'cuz I figure they get hungry for good food just like anyone else.

Tellyontellyon said:

What is your view on witchcraft? Is it a real thing from a Christian viewpoint?
How should Christians respond to witches? Ignore, evangelise, burn, etc?

Click to expand...

Try to turn them towards God. That is what I would do. But, if the folks into magic force witchery on me, I will run away.

Tellyontellyon said:

What is your view on witchcraft? Is it a real thing from a Christian viewpoint?
How should Christians respond to witches? Ignore, evangelise, burn, etc?

Click to expand...

I don't believe that magic spells and curses actually work, though I'd be open-minded if a spell stood up to scientific scrutiny. (That is, the spell worked repeatedly, multiple people could see the results, conditions were controlled and included a control/placebo group, etc.) I currently don't know of any spell-casting that stands up to this kind of scrutiny.

I think Wiccans and other neo-pagans are real people. When possible, I like to have interfaith conversations with neo-pagans in which we each talk about our beliefs and practices, discovering where we have common ground and where we simply disagree. I had a number of conversations like that here on CF, while the World Religions forum was still active.

Tellyontellyon said:

What is your view on witchcraft? Is it a real thing from a Christian viewpoint?
How should Christians respond to witches? Ignore, evangelise, burn, etc?

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Anything not Christian is considered Pagan. All forms of witchcraft are Pagan. We are commanded to spread the Gospel to everyone who are typically considered Pagan. There is also Judaism and Muslim who are in a different catagory.
Blessings.

Many are quite open they're witches.

Yes, pagan magic is a thing. It happens in the Bible & God speaks against it.

I think you should always pray for guidance on what to do exactly. As a general rule, we are here to help everyone to return to God, to turn to Jesus, to repent and to accept the Gospel as the good news. Witches, none-witches, everyone.

I wonder how much witchcraft is about wanting to control reality and how much is appreciation of nature.
I suppose it depends on the witch but I would bet it is more about controlling outcomes and getting what one desires in life.

They're just people. Reach out to them like anyone else. Given the fragmented nature of New Age/occult beliefs, I would lean heavily on asking what they believe about X, Y, and Z rather than assuming. I have found that they respond well to steady kindness.

The last time I spoke with a Wiccan, it was in high school. If you're looking for help in talking to them, I would look for information from neutral sources on their beliefs, and ask questions of them to verify their beliefs on an individual level. Assuming that they are out to get you is very unproductive. Most of them are more interested in communicating with their gods than hurting people.

It's also clear that the Lord Jesus Christ is more powerful than the demons, so we have nothing really to fear from these people anyway.

I actually sympathize with them because of my love for nature and the brutality their spiritual ancestors experienced. Also their appreciation for ritual, displaced though it may be.

Tellyontellyon said:

What is your view on witchcraft? Is it a real thing from a Christian viewpoint?
How should Christians respond to witches? Ignore, evangelise, burn, etc?

Click to expand...

Witches are real enough. If the opportunity arises, witness to them. They know about the spiritual realm, so they are often more open than atheists, humanists or rationalist people. If a Christian knows they are dealing with a witch, he needs to bind the demon. Witches are not like the fairy tales. They often dress and act as normally as anyone else.

Nobody should be "burned", we do not have the authority to judge or give any sinner the death sentence for such things. Jesus and those he appoints will be the one to execute the wrath of God on the unrepentant sinners at his return.

The Old Testament had the death sentence for such unrepentant acts, but it was a very different society and world back then, and it applied to the nation of Israel only, God's holy nation in which all civilians born into knew that witchcraft was a form of satanism and demonism, and thus were 'intentionally' doing evil, and had prior warnings that if caught, they could face death penalities. The presence of God and his power was also rather present for people to see back then, and couldn't be denied (prophets, miracles, etc).

Historically, the Catholic Church may have burned people, but this was not the authority Christ gave to men to do concerning sin in the New Covenant, as none of us are judges of the court of God or Sanhedrin. Furthermore, today there are many tolerated religious beliefs, because unlike ancient times, miracles and displays of God's direct power are not as overt as they were when his presence dwelled in Israel amongst his prophets and the Temple containing the Ark.

Not a 'single' Christian in the NT ever burned, hung, or stoned sinners or witches. Sinners of the world in Christian scripture, are merely told to be shown mercy and lovingly preached to, if they refuse to listen, the judge will deal with them. And if witches or sinners were in the Christian congregation, they'd simply be kicked out (excommunicated) until changing their ways.

We live in an age and covenant of great mercies, thanks to our Lord Jesus who died for the sins of the world, saving the repentant, and giving those yet to repent a greater chance to live.

Tellyontellyon said:

What is your view on witchcraft? Is it a real thing from a Christian viewpoint?
How should Christians respond to witches? Ignore, evangelise, burn, etc?

Click to expand...

Modern witches are Neo-Pagans. Neo-Paganism simply being a term to describe various modern forms of Paganism and Pagan revival. That makes modern witches no different than any other adherent to a religious or spiritual tradition that isn't Christianity.

I do not believe that witchcraft, as defined in a modern Neo-Pagan context, is real; for the same reasons that I don't believe that the practices and beliefs of other religious traditions are real. From my perspective, whether it's a Hindu believing in Vishnu, or a New Ager believing in the healing power of crystals, I simply don't recognize those things as real.

I believe Christianity is true religion; consequently I believe that other religions aren't true.

Over the course of my life I have known and been friends with people who aren't Christian, they've been atheists, agnostics, Neo-Pagans, Jews, Buddhists, etc. I don't believe in discriminating against people based on what they do or don't believe, and so have always believed that my chief responsibility toward others, regardless of what they do or don't believe, is to love them.

I also believe that, when it comes to sharing my faith, or evangelism, that the Evangel--the Gospel itself--is the power of God to convert and give faith. Me shouting at people to convert won't ever make someone a Christian, being a jerk won't show the mercy and love of God to anyone, and acting like a self-righteous religious clown won't do anything except make others think Christians are bigoted jerks.

So I believe in simply being a Christian. Being a Christian to others means to love them, and to put my faith into practice. St. Peter says, "Be ready to give an answer to the hope that is in you, with gentleness and respect", in other words know what I believe, and be kind, gentle, and respectful as I walk and talk my Christian faith. Everyone I've known has known I'm a Christian, and generally I've found that talking about my religion has come from people asking me about my faith, rather than me pushing it on anyone.

I wouldn't treat a witch different than I'd treat anyone else. My sincere desire, in all my relationships with people, is to be faithful to Jesus as His disciple, and to be faithful in my witness to Him and His Gospel through how I live. I'm not saying I have attained that goal, but that is what I desire, it is what I pray for. It is the ideal I strive for.

-CryptoLutheran

Tellyontellyon said:

What is your view on witchcraft? Is it a real thing from a Christian viewpoint?

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According to Deuteronomy 18:10-13, witchcraft is both a bad thing, and a real thing.

Tellyontellyon said:

How should Christians respond to witches? Ignore, evangelise, burn, etc?

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We should imitate the first century Christians, whose aim was to do the will of God. 1 Timothy 2:3, 4
Acts 13:6-12

Of course, we would not tell a witch, “O full of all deceit and all fraud, you son/daughter of the Devil, you enemy of all righteousness...”

Paul was moved by the holy spirit to respond that way because God was demonstrating through powerful works that the apostles were his servants.
We do not posses such powers today.
Instead, God uses the work of the ministry as proof of his support and backing on his servants. 2 Corinthians 3:1-6

Witches are people too, and we winess to all people, because God desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:4
I spoke to a man years ago, who said he communicates with spirit forces, and they give him wealth.
Recently, I met a few persons who also mentioned seeing and hearing these spirits, and today many people are fascinated with being able to have contact with these spirit being.

They don't realize how dangerous the fire they are playing with, is.
We owe it to our neighbor - it's our obligation to "snatch them out of the fire".
Jude 1:22, 23

And indeed have mercy on those who are doubting; and save others, snatching them out of the fire; and show mercy to others with fear, hating even the clothing having been stained by the flesh.

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AlexB23 said:

Try to turn them towards God. That is what I would do. But, if the folks into magic force witchery on me, I will run away.

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Usain Bolt couldn't outrun a demon, even if he ran the 100 meter dash in 9 seconds flat, so I don't see you getting very far running away.
What if they follow you, or while running away, you meet up with another one.

I would not recommend running.

Remember Paul's encounter at Acts 16:16-18.

Of course, you won't be able to have that physical power over the demonic entity, but you can have spiritual power over any demonic threat.
Proverbs 18:10 The name of Yahweh is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are protected.
Acts 16:16-18; Psalm 23:4; Psalm 27:1-3; Psalm 91:3-5; Isaiah 41:10; Isaiah 44:8

There is no need to fear threatening witches.

CoreyD said:

Usain Bolt couldn't outrun a demon, even if he ran the 100 meter dash in 9 seconds flat, so I don't see you getting very far running away.
What if they follow you, or while running away, you meet up with another one.

I would not recommend running.

Remember Paul's encounter at Acts 16:16-18.

16 Now it happened, as we went to prayer, that a certain slave girl possessed with a spirit of divination met us, who brought her masters much profit by fortune-telling. 17 This girl followed Paul and us, and cried out, saying, “These men are the servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to us the way of salvation.” 18 And this she did for many days.​

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But Paul, greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And he came out that very hour.​

Of course, you won't be able to have that physical power over the demonic entity, but you can have spiritual power over any demonic threat.
Proverbs 18:10 The name of Yahweh is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are protected.
Acts 16:16-18; Psalm 23:4; Psalm 27:1-3; Psalm 91:3-5; Isaiah 41:10; Isaiah 44:8

There is no need to fear threatening witches.

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Okay, so then, I would get a pastor or priest on site.

AlexB23 said:

Okay, so then, I would get a pastor or priest on site.

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I don't understand why.
What makes a pastor or priest better than you, in facing a witch who threatens to put a spell on you?
Do pastors and priests have special angelic powers, or are they made of material you are not made of?

We just need to make sure and have God on site, so that no matter where we meet a witch, we have no reason to fear any threats.

CoreyD said:

I don't understand why.
What makes a pastor or priest better than you, in facing a witch who threatens to put a spell on you?
Do pastors and priests have special angelic powers, or are they made of material you are not made of?

We just need to make sure and have God on site, so that no matter where we meet a witch, we have no reason to fear any threats.

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Well, I have never met a witch. But, we must let these pastors rebuke these witches, as witchcraft is demonic.

AlexB23 said:

Well, I have never met a witch.

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You may be surprised to learn that you actually did meet many witches, and wizards too. They are ordinary people like you and I.
The difference is, they practice occult arts, including magic, sorcery, spirit medium practices, etc.

AlexB23 said:

But, we must let these pastors rebuke these witches, as witchcraft is demonic.

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Why do you think so?
Is that based on something you would have read somewhere?