WT VIEW --Is there anything wrong with witchcraft?

by MrMoe 11 Replies latest jw friends

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  MrMoe

  LMFAO -- I wonder how they got these people (in the picture below) to dress up and cast circle? I wonder if they enjoyed it? Looks like they are having a very swell time... LMFAO

  
  
  

  	Is There Anything Wrong With Witchcraft?

  
  

  What You Should Know About Witchcraft MODERN-DAY witchcraft is hard to define. This is because those who practice it vary so greatly. They recognize no central authority or doctrine or holy book to unify belief. They also differ in tradition, organization, ritual, and opinion as to what gods to honor. Remarks one writer: "The occult world offers to the individual a 'free marketplace' of ideas." Says another: "Most Neo-Pagans disagree on almost everything." For many, the contradictions are not a problem. One guidebook for aspiring witches states: "When you're challenged with seemingly contradictory information, examine this information and make a decision as to which to follow. Listen to your intuition. In other words, feel free to pick and choose among the published rituals and ritual textbooks to decide what feels right." For those who recognize the nature of truth, such contradictions are a problem. Truth is fact, that which is real. Things are not true simply because a person feels or hopes or believes that they are true. For example, at one time doctors believed that they could cure pneumonia by cutting a live chicken in two and laying the pieces on the patient's chest. Doubtless, many patients sincerely believed that this treatment would cure them. Their beliefs and hopes, however, were not in harmony with factsuch a procedure does not cure pneumonia. People do not create truth; they reach out to comprehend it. The Bible claims to contain the truth about spiritual matters. Jesus Christ, when on earth, said to his Father in prayer: "Your word is truth." (John 17:17) The apostle Paul wrote: "All Scripture is inspired of God." (2 Timothy 3:16) Many who practice witchcraft do not agree. Instead, they look for inspiration and guidance in myth, ancient religions, and even science fiction. Is it not reasonable, though, at least to consider what the Bible says? After all, it is almost universally recognized as a holy book. It is also one of the oldest religious texts that has survived. The Bible was written over a period of 1,600 years, yet it is consistent throughout in its teachings. Let us compare the Bible's teachings with some common beliefs currently expressed by those who promote witchcraft. Who Dwell in the Spirit Realm? A basic question in the quest for spiritual understanding is this, Who inhabit the spirit realm? While most modern witches are followers of a nature-oriented, polytheistic faith, some worship a great mother-goddess, viewed in a triple role of maiden, mother, and crone, representing the basic stages of life. Her lover is a god with horns. Other witches worship a god and goddess together. One writer says: "The Goddess and God are seen as a manifestation of the feminine and masculine forces of nature. Each [having] unique characteristics that when combined result in the harmonious creation of life." Another authority writes: "One of the most pivotal choices in Witchcraft is your choice of the deities (Gods/Goddesses) you will work with. . . . The Craft gives you the freedom to pick and subsequently honor your own forms of the Divine." The Bible supports none of these ideas. Jesus Christ devoted his entire ministry to teaching others about Jehovah, "the only true God." (John 17:3) The Bible states: "Jehovah is great and very much to be praised, and he is to be feared more than all other gods. For all the gods of the peoples are valueless gods."1 Chronicles 16:25, 26. What about the Devil? Webster's Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary defines witchcraft as "communication with the devil." It would be hard to find a witch today who would agree with this definition, for many do not accept even the existence of Satan the Devil. One young woman, described in The Irish Times as a "high-ranking witch and leader of one of Ireland's most significant covens," reasons this way: "Belief in the Devil implies acceptance of Christianity . . . [The Devil] cannot inhabit a universe where there is no God." The Bible confirms the existence of the Devil and charges him with much of the suffering and turmoil on earth. (Revelation 12:12) Jesus not only taught that the Devil exists but also showed that it is possible unwittingly to do the will of the Devil. For example, self-righteous religious leaders of the first century asserted that they were, in a way, sons of God and believed that they were doing the will of God. Jesus, who could discern what was in their hearts, knew differently. He told them forthright: "You are from your father the Devil, and you wish to do the desires of your father." (John 8:44) Further, the Bible book of Revelation states that the Devil "is misleading the entire inhabited earth."Revelation 12:9. Is Some Magic Good? Magic, of course, has always been associated with the occult.* Many people in both ancient and modern times believe that the magic practiced by witches is performed to bring harm to others. Witches are credited with the power to inflict severe pain and even death by means of magic. Traditionally, witches have been blamed for an almost limitless array of misfortunes, including illness, death, and crop failure. Witches today strongly deny such charges. While acknowledging the existence of the occasional rogue witch who pursues evil, most maintain that their magic is used to bring benefits, not harm. Wiccans teach that the effects of magic will return threefold to the person practicing it and say that this is a major deterrent to the pronouncing of curses. Examples of this so-called benevolent magic include spells to protect yourself, to purify your home from negative energy left behind by former tenants, to make a person fall in love with you, to promote healing and health, to prevent the loss of your job, and to acquire money. With such sweeping powers being attributed to witchcraft, it is not surprising that it has become so popular. The Bible, however, makes no distinction between magic that is good and magic that is evil. In the Law given to Moses, God made his position quite clear. He said: "You must not practice magic." (Leviticus 19:26) We also read: "There should not be found in you . . . a practicer of magic or anyone who looks for omens or a sorcerer, or one who binds others with a spell or anyone who consults a spirit medium."Deuteronomy 18:10, 11. Why did God say that? It is not because he intends to deny us what is beneficial. Jehovah gave these laws to his people because he loved them and did not want them to become enslaved by fear and superstition. Instead, he invites his servants to approach him for the things they need. He is the Giver of "every good gift and every perfect present." (James 1:17) The apostle John assured fellow believers: "Whatever we ask we receive from [God], because we are observing his commandments and are doing the things that are pleasing in his eyes."1 John 3:22. What About Evil Spirits? Many witches agree with the Bible on this point: Evil spirits do exist. In one essay a promoter of witchcraft warns: "The Shadows are out there: They exist, in the invisible world that parallels our own, living creatures. . . . The terms 'Imp', 'Evil Spirit' and 'Demon' are fairly accurate. They are very strong. . . . The most intelligent variety . . . are capable (if someone is helpful enough to open a doorway for them) of entering our world. . . . They can enter your body . . . , even asserting a degree of control over you. Yes, this is exactly like the old stories of Demon possession." In Bible times, demon possession afflicted people in various ways. Some of those affected were unable to speak, some were blind, some acted insane, and some possessed superhuman strength. (Matthew 9:32; 12:22; 17:15, 18; Mark 5:2-5; Luke 8:29; 9:42; 11:14; Acts 19:16) At times the agony was compounded when many demons gained possession of a person simultaneously. (Luke 8:2, 30) Surely, then, there is good reason why Jehovah warns people to stay away from witchcraft and other occult practices. Religion Based on Truth Indeed, the world of religions has become a marketplace from which people are free to choose one that fits their needs, much as one would buy a pair of shoes. In contrast, Jesus spoke of only two choices. He said: "Go in through the narrow gate; because broad and spacious is the road leading off into destruction, and many are the ones going in through it; whereas narrow is the gate and cramped the road leading off into life, and few are the ones finding it." (Matthew 7:13, 14) Naturally, we are free to choose which path to take. But since our eternal welfare is at stake, that choice is vitally important. To achieve spiritual enlightenment, we must pursue the way of truththe way that is found only in God's Word, the Bible. * In English, some use the spelling "magick" to distinguish the difference between the occult variety and stage illusions. See Awake!, September 8, 1993, page 26, "Is There Danger in Practicing Magic?" Top

  Appeared in The Watchtower April 1, 2000 Copyright 2000 Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania. All rights reserved.
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  gsx1138

  Of course Moe knows that I had to respond to this one Surprisingly the article is almost right. However, there is no great argument between neo-pagans about what is right because all forms of religion are consider correct. I love this quote,

  Jehovah gave these laws to his people because he loved them and did not want them to become enslaved by fear and superstition.

  That is great, kinda the kettle calling the pot black. Smurfs for everyone!!

  All the witches I know pretty much fear nothing so I'm not sure of the purpose of this quote. On one hand the article uses the Bible to show that Witchcraft is wrong and on the other uses Witchcraft to show the Bible is right.

  In a climate where religious tolerance leads many to embrace even the bizarre, witchcraft has gained considerable respectability.

  The WTS calling another belief system bizarre, ahaha. (see comment above).

  In contrast, Jesus spoke of only two choices. He said: "Go in through the narrow gate; because broad and spacious is the road leading off into destruction, and many are the ones going in through it; whereas narrow is the gate and cramped the road leading off into life, and few are the ones finding it." (Matthew 7:13, 14)

  I always thought this scripture to be taken out of context. I think certain religous organizations like to use this to instill fear in their followers and convince them that they are the only ones to be "saved". Of course everything in the Bible that quotes Jesus is second hand information and written long after he died so it is hard to know if he even made this comment.

  I think most organized religions fear Witchcraft not because of Demons but because it gives the individual the freedom to make their own choices. This flies in the face of, 'you must go to church, you must pray at the church, you must give to the church.'

  I've got more but my daughter is pulling at me.
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  MrMoe

  What kills me is the dang pictures that are being used.... UM THIS IS NOT ME!!! Geesh... Talk about power of suggestion, making all pagans look like this is so very misleading!
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  Moridin

  They took some of these pictures off from the website, The Witches Voice. I think that a copyright violation has occurred. Besides that, I've always had a problem with the scripture they qouted, ""Jehovah is great and very much to be praised, and he is to be feared more than all other gods. For all the gods of the peoples are valueless gods."1 Chronicles 16:25, 26. Isn't this a recognition of not one god, but many. Why even bother to mention the fact that this god is better than the others if there really aren't any others, accordint to the Watchtower. Just a thought.
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  MrMoe

  Yeah, he is feared cause is the God of War.
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  Xander

  Okay, truth time, which looks like more fun:

  or:

  C'mon, you can tell me. Which way REALLY looks like the best way to honor your chosen deity? Really? C'mon, you know which looks best

  (Oh, alright, I'll give you a hint: look up some of the traditional methods of celebrating Beltaine. )

  Edited by - Xander on 5 August 2002 2:46:16
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  LDH

  For example, at one time doctors believed that they could cure pneumonia by cutting a live chicken in two and laying the pieces on the patient's chest.

  And at one time, JWs believed that getting an organ transplant was tantamount to eating another human's flesh!

  They also believed that VACCINATIONS were tools of Satan, and did nothing more than inject the unwitting victim with poisoned PUS.

  Let's not start talking about what *some* of us used to believe, eh?

  Lisa
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  Sirona

  HI Moe,

  For those who recognize the nature of truth, such contradictions are a problem. Truth is fact, that which is real. Things are not true simply because a person feels or hopes or believes that they are true.

  I agree with the last sentence, that things are not true just because a person hopes they are. Just like the bible is not necessarily true. They go on to say that the bible CLAIMS to give truth. Yes it does, but so do many other books and writings. No matter how much people hope it is true, it might not be.

  Their whole argument is based on suggesting that the bible says witchcraft is wrong. I think thats debatable in itself, since the bible seems to be condemning witchcraft used to harm rather than other types of witchcraft.

  Those pictures look fairly accurate to me. They are quite good at describing modern witchcraft too. The only wrong part was suggesting that "making someone fall in love with you" is considered "good" magick. IMO that is not advisable magick since it seeks to control another. Moreover, they suggest that we categorise magick into "good" and "bad"....when most witches don't. Its an entirely different world view. They portray witches as dabbling in the dark side and knowing that they are doing that. I think that due to an entirely different view of so-called light and dark, witches cannot be said to be practising dark or light magick.

  Sirona
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  SYN

  Their hypocrisy is breathtaking. Thx for the article Moe, even though I nearly made an impromptu visit to the bathroom to go puke my guts out.
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  LittleToe

  Gotta laugh at this one:

  Webster's Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary defines witchcraft as "communication with the devil."

  Whoops - Jesus did this, and encouraged his disciples to do likewise when casting them out.