Why are witches (or others involved in the occult by whatever name) viewed up so much more harshly than other "sinners". Why do many Christians (please note, I said "many" and not "all") hold these people in greater contempt than someone who is having sex outside of marriage? Or who is gay?

This is not a Christian bashing thread. I would appreciate all responses to be respectful. But, this has been my experience with Christians and I am wondering why. What is it about my being a witch that causes such a reaction from Christians?

I think the biggest problem is that most Christians (please note that I said most, and not all) are convinced that witches worship Satan, which, as we know, of course isn't true, but it gives them a reason to hold witches in contempt.

I, personally, do not think it my place to pass judgment on others. I have enough faults of my own to deal with for the most part.

I would imagine it could be one of several things that have some people being very verbal about their thoughts on this...or why someone feels they stand to pass total judgment on other people...not sure.

I guess that is not really even an answer....

I will only speak for MYSELF here. I came FROM the sort of religion that you speak of and they looked upon anything being different as wrong, or as a cult and taught that those things "were from the devil". It seems to me, even through fairy tales, there were good witches but, in movies, in other sects, etc., witches are more protrayed as being evil, as causing harm to others. The very term "witch" then comes with bad connotations. Some of the reactions witches are met with, I believe are based on fear and lack of knowledge.

Okay, this actually makes sense. There is nothing to fear from someone who is sinning in other ways. But, with witches there is a certain fear that they could be hurt by them. This makes total sense as that is why the witch hunts and burnings happened. Because of the belief that witches were actually hurting others.

Thanks! That's an interesting response that I really hadn't considered.

this is a great question....and I would like to know what do they worship...does a witch believe in God or what...

I am a Christian, BUT if you read my screen name you might not ever guess that I am. I think that the Christians that are ignorant and do not know the word of God are more loud than those that DO know. I think that people that judge others have not or choose not to embrace their own life. I have been through a lot, and I know people say that, but I really have, drugs, sex, no money, no food, no home, sexually assaulted, molested etc. And from all that I did not get a cold heart, I got tolerance! And a lot of Christians are caught up in the old teachings, well the bible CLEARLY states that we should not be involved in rituals. And some churches, families can turn traditions into rituals, and that could be your argument, "You're just like me, you perform rituals too" I myself am free to say I am a sinner and I am NOT any different than a person that is a witch/warlock. Some Christians may be mad at ME for even saying that, but it is true. Running a red light, and murdering a person are two of the same in God's eyes, the CONSEQUENCES are what is different. Anyway, I don't even know if I have made any sense. So this is where I stop!

There is a whole thread on the subject and several people who can answer your questions here: http://mingle2.com/topic/show/185951

as i have asked in another thread

is not sin sin

could someone show me where to find the list

of the sin in order of severity

-----------------------------------------

i have never found it

and i have looked

and not only that

i read somewhere

something like

all have sinned and come short of the glory of god

so in my opinon (which doesn't account for much)

judging some one for what you feel is a sin

is just as bad as the sin you are judging them for

-------------------------------------------

just a thought

but hey

what do i know

Wouldn't it be just great if everyone would think like that?

Thank you Robin.

I, honestly, do not have a problem with people believing that I am a sinner and will be going to hell unless I repent. I respect that opinion and understand it is a part of their faith. However, their faith also teaches them to love their neighbor as themeselves. It is the second greatest commandment. I believe if one can show kindness and consideration to the fornicator and the thief, surely one can show the same for the witch.

Ruth, I think a lot of it has to do with the very fact that Christians and Witches historically have been very intimate and almost intertwined to some degree. The Christians traditionally have feared and shunned Pagans and the ritualistic practice of Witchcraft has been a particular thorn in their side (pun intended).

They very often fear it, yet are drawn to it and curious for the most part. Many Christians are quite fascinated by Tarot and psychic abilities. It is indeed a Love/Hate relationship that exists between the two spiritualites. However, in the OT it does clearly state that any followers of the old religions shall be put to death. So it is generally viewed as being wrong and that will override any naturally aroused curiosity or feelings of compassion for these older, mystical practices. The Christians fought long and hard to condemn the practitioners of Witchcraft and Paganism. These feelings of insecurity are not going away overnight. They haven't diminished in the passing of thousands of years and some might even claim have only intensified.

if a Christian perform magic it's called a Miracle and they are on the road to Sainthood

if a non-christian perform magic it's called witchcraft and they are on the road to be burned at the stake

Superstition is the key answer to your question. One who does not know will use an unwelcomed method of eliminating what they don't understand. It has been used throughout history. I hope education will be the key in reducing such superstitions to understand we are as a people are no different then the next person you meet in your daily lives.

I got to where I am today by studying Catholicism (I was a very devout catholic for years) and the saints in particular. The statement you just made was one of several epiphanies I had.

I do not really know because I have not personally known Christians that are like that. If I had, I may well have questioned them as to why.

I am aware that some people who are very religious can be judgemental, but then I have found that those without any faith to be the harshest and most judgemental to others.

Saint Brigid of Kildare=The Celtic Goddess Brigid
The Virgin Mary=The Symbolic Goddess

Both used in order to attract Pagans to convert to Catholicism..

Im gonna put a curse on everyone who disagrees with me from now on.............