Daily Archives: September 2, 2008

Did you know Wicca is the fastest growing religion in the United States? Some predict it will be America’s third largest religion by 2012, outranked only by Christianity and Judaism. Did you know there are Wiccan chaplains in state prisons? Pagan homeschool networks in addition to private pagan schools? There is even an organization called Spiral Scouts International, similar to Boy and Girl Scouts, currently raising “circles” of Wiccans and other neopagans in twenty-two states. Wicca is just one of several neopagan religions now freely accepted in America. Its reach and influence are both growing, yet most Christians haven’t a clue what it is or what it teaches. Those of us who think we know may actually be holding misconceptions about witchcraft and what witches really believe. Others may understand but minimize the relevance.

Scripture tells we’re in a battle. We need to engage the culture, protect the Truth and reach out to the lost. How can we do any of that well if we are ignorant of our opposition?

Dillon Burroughs and Marla Alupaoicei (both graduates of Dallas Theological Seminary) have written a great book for this exact purpose. Generation Hex: Understanding the Subtle Dangers of Wicca explains the origins of Wicca, reasons for its rise in popularity, what Wiccans believe and how Christians can engage these lost and searching souls in discussions that point to Truth. I highly recommend it.

It’s a short book, only 160 pages, but packed with valuable, easy-to-read (and understand!) information, from interviews with people who practice Wicca to facts from around the globe and plentiful Scriptural supports. I was shocked as I read it at how uninformed I’ve been.

As a stay-at-home mom I can be sheltered; my exposure to life outside of my church and my little community is limited. I skipped the whole Harry Potter thing and don’t really enjoy fantasy stuff. I viewed the prevalence of such entertainment as a cultural shift of preference rather than a barometer of something far more significant. But this articulate and well-researched book highlighted my naivety. I’m not saying Harry Potter is bad or that fantasy converts readers to witchcraft and wizardry; just that an increase in presence reflects society. The more publishers (and film executives) produce along these lines indicates a greater market pursuing those avenues, whether as entertainment or faith.

This post-modern culture in which we live elevates relativity; we honor choices and encourage tolerant communities. This environment makes Wicca attractive to hungry souls. While the religion does hold some foundational beliefs, the rest is very pick-and-choose. What’s right for you may not be right for the person next door. There is no hell. Everything good thing you do will come back to you in triplet. You have the power to change things. Celebrate life. Protect the earth. Do harm to none.

There are many good and true beliefs held by Wiccans! But what they hold that is not true can destroy their souls. To quote Richard Howe (as quoted in Generation Hex): “Jesus’ command to preach the gospel and make disciples of all nations invariably includes witches. In order to do so, it is necessary that we understand who they are and what they believe.”

Pick up a copy of this book. You can read the whole thing in one afternoon. Take this opportunity to learn more about what we and our children may soon face (if we haven’t already) and how we can reach out to those who need to know the Truth.

You may purchase Generation Hex through Amazon.com for $9.99.
Click HERE to read an excerpt from the book.

Visit other stops on this blog tour to catch interviews with the authors and reviews from other readers:
A Peek at My Bookshelf
Aspire2 Blog
Be My Guest
Bible Dude
Blog Tour Spot
Book Room Reviews
Camy’s Loft
Christy’s Book Blog
read DB
Fictionary
Footprints in the Sand
From the desk of Flutecrafter
Gatorskunz and Mudcats
Good Word Editing
His Reading List
i don’t believe in grammar
iamhealed.net
In the Dailies
Leap of Faith
Lift My Noise
Lighthouse Academy
L’Chaim
Morehead’s Musings
Mystery, Suspense, and God, Oh My!
One Voice in a Big World
Portrait of a Writer . . . Interrupted
Quiverfull Family
Reality Motherhood
Refresh My Soul
Reiter’s Block
The Friendly Book Nook
The Reel Katie Morgan
The Sosbee Story
Wide Eyed Fiction
Windows to my Soul
Write by Faith
Writing on the Edge

To participate in future blog tours, visit The Blog Tour Spot. Be sure to tell them I sent you!