Wicca and Modern Paganism: A Biblical Warning

Throughout the world, we are witnessing a revival of old, pre-Christian belief systems, often repackaged in ways that seem harmless or even appealing. Modern Wicca and neo-paganism have gained popularity, especially among those seeking a deeper spiritual connection, a sense of mystery, or even a form of empowerment in their daily lives. Some are drawn to these practices out of curiosity, while others see them as a way to connect with nature or find personal meaning.

We understand that many who turn to Wicca or neo-paganism are sincere seekers—people who want to experience something real and powerful in their spiritual lives. If that describes you, be assured that God loves you (John 3:16), and His Word offers something far greater than anything found in pagan practices.

God desires that test everything by the light of Scripture (1 Thessalonians 5:21). And when we examine Wicca and neo-paganism, we find that they stand in direct opposition to God’s revealed truth.

What is Modern Neo-Paganism?

Neo-paganism is an umbrella term that includes various spiritual movements seeking to revive ancient, pre-Christian religious practices. Some forms of neo-paganism involve worshiping nature, while others include honoring a variety of gods and goddesses. Wicca, one of the most well-known branches of neo-paganism, claims to be a modern revival of ancient witchcraft. Many Wiccans follow a belief system that includes casting spells, performing rituals, and seeking guidance from spirits or “energies.”

While some modern pagans insist that their practices are not “evil” or “Satanic,” we must remember that anything that leads people away from the truth of God is dangerous. The Bible is clear: there are only two spiritual sources—God and His truth, or the deception of the enemy. There is no neutral ground.

What Does the Bible Say?

Scripture strongly warns against any form of witchcraft, sorcery, or communication with spirits:

• Deuteronomy 18:10-12 warns that anyone who practices witchcraft, divination, or seeks omens is an “abomination unto the LORD.”

• Leviticus 19:31 says, “Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them: I am the LORD your God.”

• Galatians 5:19-21 lists “witchcraft” among the works of the flesh and warns that those who practice such things “shall not inherit the kingdom of God.”

The reason God warns us so strongly against these practices is not because He wants to keep us from experiencing something “mystical” or “exciting.” It is because these practices are deceptive and ultimately lead people away from Him. The spiritual forces behind Wicca and neo-paganism are not neutral—they are part of Satan’s plan to blind people to the truth of the Gospel.

A Better Path

If you have been involved in Wicca or neo-paganism, we urge you to turn to Jesus Christ, who is the true source of life, peace, and power. Unlike the uncertainty of spells and rituals, the love of God is sure and unchanging. Jesus said in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

The Bible tells us that those who turn to Christ are “delivered… from the power of darkness, and … translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son” (Colossians 1:13). You do not need spells or rituals to find purpose, strength, or meaning. You need Jesus. He alone can satisfy the deep longing in your soul.

If you have been involved in these things and want to turn to Christ, know that He stands ready to receive you. The same God who forgave the Apostle Paul, who once persecuted Christians, is ready to forgive and redeem anyone who repents and place his or her faith in Christ.

To anyone who has been caught up in these practices, our message to you is this: There is a better way. Jesus is not just another spiritual figure—He is the living Son of God. He offers you forgiveness, peace, absolute truth, and eternal life. Will you turn to Him today?

• Read more about knowing Christ as your Savior.

• Seeking Angels: A Biblical Warning About Angel Mediums.

What about Wicca?

Pastor Hammond

Wicca is a religion that involves a variety of ancient practices.  While there's considerable variation in how wicca is practiced,  we should understand a few common themes:

(1) Wicca teaches the veneration of nature. This is based on a profoundly unbiblical PANTHEISM, i.e. the idea that a (typically feminine) "divine" is present in all things. This is much more than teaching respect for nature; it's teaching that nature is God. This is entirely contrary to the Bible;

(2) Wicca's so-called "Charge of the Goddess" teaches a POLYTHEISTIC worship of various goddesses. Again, this is profoundly contrary to the Bible, e.g. Exodus 20:3 "Thou shalt have no other gods before me);

(3) The so-called Wiccan Rede teaches people to do whatever they like (so long as it hurts no one) - representing a rejection of the full cannon of Scripture - and it's numerous imperatives;

(4) Not uncommonly, Wiccans teach the use of magick -- a practice that is wholly reliant upon a very real demonic realm for it's very real results. I have known people who have been converted to Christianity after having spent considerable time practicing Wicca. They generally conclude that Wicca is ultimately about Satan - even if that is not taught overtly.  Importantly, I have personal experience with people who testify that THE VENERATION OF SATAN IS SOMETIMES TAUGHT OVERTLY (albeit not to new adherents!).

The Lord Jesus Christ died on the cross at calvary for all sinners - including the practicing wiccan.  A person who is caught-up in wicca may repent of their sin just like any other sinner.  

How may a wiccan know that his or her sins are forgiven?

1.  Understand and acknowledge that we are all sinners.  In Romans 3:23, the Bible says that "all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God."  God's perfect holiness and justice requires that a penalty be paid for sin.  In fact, in Romans 6:23, the Bibles teaches that "the wages of sin is death."

2.  Acknowledge that Jesus Christ - the son of God - died on the cross and paid for all our sins.  The good news is that the son of God, the Lord Jesus Christ, paid that penalty for us by shedding His blood and dying upon the cross in our place.  Jesus Christ was the perfect sacrifice that satisfied God’s demand for justice against our sins. Because Jesus did that for us, eternal life is offered to us as a free gift.  God paid the price for our sin Himself! 

3.  Understand that simply choosing to be a better person will not save you.  The bible states, " For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast," (Ephesians 2:8-9).  No one can be saved through their own good works!

3.  Understand that repentance and faith are required for salvation.  According to the Bible, it is only through repentance and faith in Christ that our sins are forgiven.  Romans 6:23 says, "the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."  If you will repent and receive Christ as your savior, the Bible says that you can know for certain that you have eternal life (1 John 5:13).

To repent is simply to make a conscious decision to turn away from sin and to turn toward Christ.   Repentence involves a change of mind that produces a change in action.   Repentance normally involves sorrow over our past sins - especially when we realize that Christ died on the cross in our place.   The Bible say, "...there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth."  (Luke 15:10)

4. Understand that Bible says that "...Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." (Romans 10:13) "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16). The word believe in John 3:16 means to place your trust in Christ. If you will place your trust in Jesus Christ as the one who paid for your sins on the cross of Calvary, and in nothing else, God promises you both forgiveness of sin and eternal life. 

In 1 John 1:9, the Bible says, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."  "All unrighteousness" includes the sin of practicing wicca!

In 1 John 5:13, John writes, "These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life..."  If you will repent - confessing your sinfulnes - and trust in Christ alone for forgiveness, you can KNOW that you have eternal life!

Learn more.  If you'd like to know about the forgiveness of sin that is possible in Jesus Christ, please contact Pastor Robert Hammond at Long Hill Baptist Church, 100 Middlebrooks Ave., Trumbull, CT (203) 268-5104.