Witches

Interesting (but alarming) reports recently came out of the US indicating that the population of self-identified witches has risen dramatically in the United States in recent decades, as interest in astrology and witchcraft practices have become increasingly mainstreamed. In fact, it is reported that witches now outnumber Presbyterians.

According to some, the rapid rise is not a surprise given philosophical and spiritual trends in today’s culture. In particular, the rejection of Christianity has left a void that people are seeking to fill. Many view modern Wicca as being repackaged so that it is no longer considered pagan, demonic or Satanic. In fact, it is being promoted as a pre-Christian tradition that promotes free thought and an understanding of Earth and nature.

However, we all know that packing can be deceptive. Yet, as Biblical literacy and a general awareness of God’s expectations for mankind reduce significantly, many are prone to accept anything that appeals to their spiritual senses. And of course, this is a tragic reminder of how badly many nations need a spiritual revival driven by the Holy Spirit. As an example, a survey of people aged 18-29 who “never doubt the existence of God” dropped from 81% in 2007 to 67% in 2012.

Novelist, Diana Wagman, explained that she started practicing witchcraft in order to resist the Trump administration and its policies. It was reported that thousands of witches sought to put a spell in the President known as the “Spell to Bind Donald Trump and Those Who Abet Him. “I don’t believe in the devil, but I do believe our country has gone to hell, and I am willing to try anything to save us”, Wagman explained. Bizarrely, Wagman quoted Matthew 21:22 (which reads And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith), as supporting evidence for participating in the mass spell.

Although it may seem unusual for a Wiccan to quote from the Bible, some Wiccans pick and choose parts of Christian doctrine to embrace, while others totally reject Christianity. Some Wiccans are polytheistic, worshipping more than one deity, while others worship an impersonal god or goddess. And then you have the Wiccans who worship nature and refer to it as Gaia, after the Greek earth goddess.

What this is starting to remind me of is Elijah’s showdown with the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel. However, we shouldn’t become anxious over the battle. Elijah was not worried, fearful or anxious. In fact, he was so full of confidence in the power of God that he actually laughed at the antics of the demonically-driven rebels.

In light of increasing challenges for Christians in a culture which invites demons into their homes, it is important for us not to be cowered by demonically-inspired rebels but instead rest in the Almighty power of God, Who is able to achieve the seemingly impossible through one faithful believer.

In the end, witchcraft is a sin and God hates it. Why? Because it is yet another attempt for man to solve his own problems and to cut off dependence from God. Anybody involved in witchcraft would be well advised, for the sake of their eternal destiny, to turn from it and seek life through the Lord Jesus Christ.