CONTENDER MINISTRIES RESPONSE:

Hi Anna.  Thanks for writing to Contender Ministries.  We've heard from quite a few young people who feel drawn to Wicca.  Many of them point out some of the same things you did -- it's not an evil religion, and the Wiccan rede is adament about doing nothing to harm people.  By appearances, Wicca can seem "good" and somewhat appealing.  However, it's important to realize that appearances can be deceiving.  Quite honestly, while most Wiccans and pagans deny the existance of Satan, he is very real, and uses witchcraft to corrupt and deceive.  Harry Potter and Buffy the Vampire Slayer are works of fiction, and they do not show the evil behind witchcraft, nor its consequences.  Witchcraft is real, but it is the power of Satan that is at work there.  People who think that Satan wouldn't make something evil look noble and appealing are being deceived.  In 2 Corinthians 11:14-15, we read, "And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve."  If Satan always came across with horns, a reptilian face, and reeking of evil, he wouldn't be able to deceive many people.  Satan doesn't scare people into following him; he deceives people into following him.

Anna, the Bible openly condemns witchcraft and sorcery.  Revelation 9:20-21 says, "The rest of mankind that were not killed by these plagues still did not repent of the work of their hands; they did not stop worshiping demons, and idols of gold, silver, bronze, stone and wood--idols that cannot see or hear or walk. Nor did they repent of their murders, their magic arts, their sexual immorality or their thefts." If you do not yet realize how serious this is, Revelation 21:8 says, "But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars--their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death."  This is a pretty serious condemnation!  I encourage you to read the Bible, and to draw near to the one true God and Savior, Jesus Christ, through prayer and worship.  It is THIS faith that saves your soul, and fulfills your needs.  Please don't go in that direction, Anna.  All you need is Jesus in your life.  When He is, then I promise you a life of fulfillment and happiness, regardless of your circumstances!  The magic of Wicca comes from the Satan that Wiccan's say does not exist.  Having our sins washed away and living with the blessed assurance of our salvation is all the "magic" we could ever hope for.  The answers lie in Jesus, not in Wicca. 

Anna, I can't emphasize enough that you need to be in daily prayer and Bible reading.  Come near to God and he will come near to you (James 4:8). When you do that, you have the promise of a better relationship than you could get anywhere else.  And God will lead you along the way.  The Bible says, "For I am the LORD , your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you" (Isaiah 41:13).  Pray also for your friend.  Ask the Holy Spirit to minister to your friend, and open her heart to THE truth (see John 14:6).  Let us know if you have any further questions.  God bless.

In Christ,

Ben and Jennifer Rast

Contender Ministries