A Wiccan's Response to Pat Robertson's Claim that Wiccans Will 'Destroy' Your Children
What Pat Robertson Says About Wiccans
Christian television preacher Pat Robertson has never had much love for Wiccans. In the past, he's told a Wiccan viewer that he was going to Hell and he urged a family to cut off their mother for becoming Wiccan. So when a friend sent me a link to an article about Robertson's response today to a viewer of The 700 Club, I can't say I was at all surprised.
As I went through my E-mails and social media, I see that in many of my groups and forums many people are buzzing about Robertson's comments. Some people are really upset and offended.
Personally, I wasn't mad at Robertson, or his opinions that he expressed (hey, it's a free country!). I'm not mad at Christianity, though I might agree with some Christian opinions.
What Robertson's answer made me feel sorrow in my heart.
It wasn't sorrow for Wiccans, that we're misunderstood, or that people would shun us. It was sorrow for people like Robertson, people who would listen to him, and their children. I also feel sorry for other Christians, good people, who get lumped together with such extremists.
Robertson Forgot This Bible Quote:
700 Club Viewer Asks About Wiccan Neighbors
Today on The 700 Club, Robertson received a question from a viewer. The question read:
A family that recently moved into my neighborhood claims to be Wiccan. I have heard from my son some of the things their daughter told him, and it really kind of frightened me to hear about spells and other concepts I’ve never heard of in the Bible. Should I let my son be friends with their daughter? Should I try to be friends with the family. I’m so unsure. What is the Christian things to do? — Nick
Here is Robertson's Reply:
A thing like that, uhh... you know you look at the Old Testament and it says that you don't inter-marry with them, you don't give your sons to their daughters, or their daughters to their sons. They'll corrupt you and, you know, these people, they'll, you know, they'll say these are 'white witches' vs. 'black witches'... there's no such thing as 'good witch'. I mean, you know, it's all demonic, and you don't want your children involved in that stuff. I mean they have power, don't think it's not real, it is real. But it's real wrong. And, uh, I would just say you're not permitted to go to their houses or have anything to do with them. They may seem to be very pleasant people and all that, but they'll destroy your children and you have to protect them.
My Thoughts on Robertson's Response
"The Old Testament and it says that you don't inter-marry with them, you don't give your sons to their daughters, or their daughters to their sons."
This caught me a bit by surprise, because Wicca is a 70 year old religion. I've read The Bible and I know that it doesn't talk about Wiccans anywhere in it; so I can only assume that Robertson thinks 'Wicca' and 'witch' are synonymous terms. But I'm pretty sure the viewer wasn't asking if they should arrange a marriage with their neighbors, only whether they should be friendly with them.
"They'll corrupt you..."
This is one of the reasons I feel sorrow for Christians like Roberts. It shows a real insecurity about one's own faith, God and world view if you think it could be so easily corrupted by merely coming into casual contact with people who don't have identical beliefs.
I can't imagine what it feels like to be a prisoner of that kind of thinking in your own life... and to build the walls to imprison a child in that kind of thinking.
"...they'll say these are 'white witches' vs. 'black witches'..."
Honestly I don't even know a lot of Wiccans, or witches for that matter (the words are not synonymous) who think in black and white terms like that. Life is not a role playing game. We don't have to choose alignment. All people have the capacity for very benevolent acts, as well as very harmful and malevolent acts. Most people struggle somewhere in the middle of that spectrum, regardless of religion.
Wicca teaches me to act responsibly, to strive for balance and not do unnecessary harm-- not just with magic or witchcraft, but in all things in life. So I can't really identify with this 'black' vs. 'white' world view of Robertson, and can't help wonder why he's imposing it on us Wiccans and other non-Christians.
What Do You Think?
Do you think Christians and Wiccans can become friends?
"There’s no such thing as 'good witch'."
According to whom? Last I checked with the world, there are many different choices a person can make in life, and most of us can't agree on what is good or what is bad. I wonder how many Wiccans or witches Robertson knows that he can make a fair judgement that most of us are not good.
Again, sorrow just washes over me for people like Robertson, trapped in this way of thinking.
"It's all demonic..."
I wouldn't know... as a Wiccan, I don't believe in demons. That whole 'fallen angel' thing is just not part of my world view. I've been told by Christians what it's like when demons enter your life, but I've been Wiccan for 25 years and have never remotely experienced anything like that.
I'm very curious-- how can you tell if someone, or their beliefs, are 'all demonic' if you refuse to fraternize with them? Perhaps Robertson's reasoning is escaping me here.
"...you don't want your children involved in that stuff."
As a Wiccan and a parent, I have the utmost respect for parental rights. That's one of the reasons I'm so glad that my religion teaches tolerance towards others, and discourages proselytizing and preaching.
But again, how does being friendly with a neighbor equate to getting your children involved with their religion? And again, I'm just struck with that sense of pity for the fear and loathing on display toward people with different beliefs.
"I mean they have power, don't think it's not real, it is real."
Robertson is correct here... of course Wiccans have power. Wicca teaches everyone has power: the power of our minds, to learn and make smart choices. We have the power of our bodies, the strength to help ourselves and help others. We have the power of our spirits, to show compassion and tolerance to our fellow human beings.
Robertson has these powers too, if he chose to wield them.
"They may seem to be very pleasant people and all that, but they'll destroy your children and you have to protect them."
That's sad on so many levels. It's sad because it's a false and unfounded accusation towards people Robertson doesn't even know. It's sad because of the hypocrisy displayed here by a man who comes from a religion that preaches not to judge people and not to bear false witness against others. It's sad to think of all the Christians who look up to Robertson trying to shut themselves and their children off from the world.
It Doesn't Have to Be That Way
Many Christians are Wonderful People
In my experience, many Christians are wonderful, loving people who are trying to lead a good life. They try to follow the example set by Christ. I might not share their views on the details, but that's okay-- they don't share my views either. I've been able to get along well with my Christian family members and friends because we can maintain a mutual respect for each other's rights and differences.
Rather than fear, we opt for clarity and just try to be good to each other. We don't assume the worst intentions of each other and harbor unfounded suspicions out of fear. Having mutual respect for each other's rights is all it really takes. That's a choice everyone can make. We don't have to choose fear, which only leads to mistrust, hatred and a multitude of problems.
We're All In This Together
How do you talk about religion without putting others down? Without being rude, preachy or sounding defensive? There are actually some good tips here in this guide to help you talk about Wicca with friends & neighbors who don't understand your beliefs. Communication is where good relationships begin.
The Advice I Would Give Nick
I would tell Nick that he should not judge his neighbor by their religion, but what their religious values and ideals are, and how well they live up to them.
Look to see if these are good people. They might not be-- I don't know them. Just because they're Wiccan doesn't mean I automatically think they're infallible-- every religion has people who fall short of their religious ideals, who just don't get the messages.
But don't just discriminate; give them a chance, as they should give you a chance. And if they are good, they will respect your rights-- your parental authority, your freedom of beliefs and the right to practice your religion as you see fit. Find common ground, find a truce, and you might actually find a friend you can trust.
Be a wonderful example to your son of how people don't have to agree on everything to share a community. You can still teach your son your religious beliefs-- of course you should absolutely do that! It okay to say you disagree with something someone else believes or practices. But you can also show him that neighbors can still reach out to each other, support each other, and treat each other with dignity and respect.
Don't buy into fear-mongering-- especially not from people who get their celebrity and income from promoting a certain agenda that tries to create an 'us vs. them' mindset. I'd advise you to follow your Bible, not Pat Robertson: love your neighbor.
This article is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge. Content is for informational or entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for personal counsel or professional advice in business, financial, legal, or technical matters.
© 2015 Mackenzie Sage Wright
Comments
I'm personally dealing with a wiccan woman that is & has been destroying her children & has started on her grandchildren. I can't speak for the religion as a entirety but in this case she is fine with living in complete filth & encouraging drug use on many levels. Wevarevin a all out spiritual war against her & all that she is promoting
All I'm going to say is while yes the name may be fairly new, the practices involved are not some families such as mine have generations going back that have practiced earth based magicks, and while during the witch hunts ages ago a lot of people did not know what they were admitting to, some were also practitioner's of the ancient ways, unjustly punished by these so called Christians who cannot seem to practice this intolerance they speak on. I've said my piece now, and despite the way you or I feel, this is the truth I know, and I do applicate your defense if us.
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Sorry to clutter up your comment box for useless junk of my words but I'm in need of advice, yes I know that seems like a lot of times I've said that, I told my Dad I've had that horned man dream and he said that was God trying to send me a sign and tell me I'm doing something wrong.
I told him I was studying something called Wicca and he said that its probably that and that I need to read the Bible and pray. The Bible for some reason scares me, when I've tried to read it before, I get nervous, my body starts to shake, then I get scared and don't read it. I want to continue on the path to Wicca but the thought of burning in torture forever is really scary...my family looking down on me from Heaven...
Anyway, I hope you answer and not get to frustrated with me commenting again. Thank you.
Thanks!
I normally don't start 'wars' and am normally very quiet. I find sometimes you learn more with listening and watching than asking questions. However, as my Dad says, ask questions but don't ask to many or the person will leave you. Anyway, Thank you for replying.
My best friend of 5 years has stopped Wicca, which is sad because she was the only one with me in it around me but I'm not going to pressure her or anyone into anything.
P.S. I just re-read this hub, and it occurs to me to say to anyone who claims to be "Christian" and still holds these bigoted beliefs. I would point out, as you have, that one of their own tenents is to 'love thy neighbor as thyself.' It absolutely does NOT have any qualifiers, such as, 'unless they are gay, black, some other religion, or whatever other trait you may not like.'
And, the same goes for 'not bearing false witness...' also--no qualifiers are included.
As far as teaching religion to children, I totally disagree. IMO, it is a form of brainwashing the young before they have reached the age of reason. This is how and why so many grow up with nothing but such hidebound, narrow views. With my own kids, I never taught them anything of the sort, instead leaving it up to them to decide, when they had reached an appropriate age and time in their lives, to choose a religion, if any.
In the end, they ended up in their high school years 'choosing' a nearby Baptist church, which was quite strict, and IMO, they made the choice because that's where a couple of boys in whom they were interested were attending.
The younger one ended up influenced enough to attend 2 years of bible college in Canada, married her first husband (whom she met at college) in the same local church where she first decided to go. That marriage ended in divorce.
Now that they are both in their early to mid 40s, neither of them attend church now. I think they still believe in a magical sky daddy, (which I do not), but I don't care. My one hard and fast rule for family harmony is that I refuse to discuss religion or politics. ;-)
Well said!
I've sort of been away from Wicca or a better way to put it, on pause I guess. My family have literally put the 'fear of God' in me, that's for sure. I got scared when I had a dream, I told my mom and she said that was the Devil coming to get me because I was doing something wrong. The dream was I was standing in my room in the dark and I turn toward my open bedroom door to see a figure in black with horns and red eyes that sent a shiver down my spine, the figure ran at me, its horns down and let out a sort of cry as it ran then I woke up...
What should I do? I'm confused and just don't know, I would appreciate your help or advice. Thank you.
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The only thing i disagree with you in this article on is you said wicca is only 70 years old. It isnt. The name is new. Some of the ways we practice are new. But what we practice has been practiced much longer tgan even the old testament has been around.
You're a good person, Sage. I wasn't going to bother reading any articles about what Robertson said because, frankly, he's too ignorant to listen to; however, I think you did a fine job explaining the truth in a peaceful manner. I admire that. Great article!
It's unfortunate that Nick chose to seek advice from Pat Robertson rather than from a true Wiccan such as yourself Sage. It's a shame that fear and mistrust has become the cornerstone for some people of the Christian faith.
Well said, Sage, well said!
I feel you are a better gal than I; more tolerant, for certain. While I avoid confrontations, and would never advise anyone along such narrow-minded lines as that celebrity pseudo-Christian, I also have no use or room in my life for such as he.
I feel more anger that he has such a worldwide platform from which to spew his vitriol, and brainwash ever more into following his mantra of hatred against "those people," regardless of which particular non-Christian faith they practice.
*end rant* voted up +++
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