Dear rose, I am christian but i believe in magick and wish to partake within these spells. I’ve studied wicca alot and shall respect the tenets and rules of the the wicca god and goddess but i still want to worship my god. Please tell me, can i practice witchcraft spells for responsable reasons, respect the tenents, believe in the god and goddess, and still worship my god?

Dear Seeker, whether or not you are able to manage this incredible juggling act is really up to you.  If you believe that the translation of the Christian bible that your denomination uses is the literal Word of God, then…No, you cannot also practice Wicca without betraying the basic tenets of your faith.  If, however, you feel that the bible is the inspired Word of God as written down by men, then there is some wiggle-room, so to speak. 

Much of modern Christianity’s misplaced fear and loathing of witches and witchcraft is really due to how the words were translated initially.  The “witch” of the bible referred to anyone who put curses on others through sorcery, and/or used poison to commit murder.  Both of these actions are also forbidden in Wicca, so you’re covered there.  I’ve noted before the similarites between the Wiccan Rede (“If it harms none, do what you will”) and many primary tenets of Christianity (“Love your neighbor as yourself” is the first of words attributed to Jesus which come to mind.)  Also, the Rule of Three has a direct comparison to the Christian bible:  compare “All good that you do, three times returns to you; all bad that you do three times returns too” with “Cast your bread upon the water, and it will return to you.”  I don’t know about you, but I read those the same way…and that’s also known as “karma”, if we want to throw a new word in there. 

Basically, the only truly sticky issue for you to wrangle with is that of Deity, and that’s a big one.  It really all boils down to your ability to effectively synthesize both religions while keeping your faiths intact.  Please be aware that, if you become a Christian Wiccan, there are those in both Christianity and also those in Wicca who will say that you do not truly belong to either religion.  (Personally, I would wish for more acceptance from ALL sides when it comes to such an intimate choice as personal religion.  Tolerance is not just a two-way street; it should be like the hub of a wheel, with different but equal spokes radiating out.  But that is merely my own opinion.) 

Christian Wicca actually has its roots in the Gnostics, an early Christian sect.  For more history and information, go to www.tolerance.org and look up “Christian Wicca.” 

Now…I’ve given you both background and my personal opinions, but neither of those count much in the grand scheme of the Universe.  As I said earlier, this intimate choice is yours and yours only to make.  May you see with the light of your heart what path is right for you.

Blessings of Love and Light.