Keep the Hearts of this Generation

Understand the Hidden Traps of Wicca

What would you do if you found your teen was being trained to: “Practice the Down-Low”: “keep it secret from your parents…We don’t recommend keeping secrets from your parents but sometimes practicing on the down-low is necessary because of religious differences, or you may feel your parents will think it’s silly. Understand…You will be out on your own soon enough—it won’t hurt you to follow your parents’ rules a little bit longer. Until then, hopefully, these tips will make living under your parents’ roof a little bit easier.”

Wicca is the fastest-growing religion today among high school and college students. The influence of pop culture has made witches and witchcraft appealing to today’s teens. Growing up on Harry Potter books and movies has further opened doors for teens to experience both a curiosity and a familiarity with witchcraft. Increasingly, towns in the heartland of America, once known for their strong Christian heritage, are becoming hotbeds for Wicca, a pagan religion that emphasizes the worship of nature.

Why does it appeal to teens?
Four key words – freedom, control, power, and experience. It’s the “whatever” religion that works perfectly in our relative truth culture. Teens like the freedom that Wicca offers to worship whomever they choose. They also like the idea of being able to control everything about their life – including their destiny. Then comes the issue of power – a lot of teens are looking for it. They want the power to help them feel special, power over their circumstances, and sometimes power to get vengeance over those who’ve hurt them. Wicca is also a very experiential religion.

There is much information out there but it’s good to have a starting point. Their rule contradicts the Golden Rule in Luke 6:31. Wicca Rule: “Do as you will and harm none.” So basically, you can do whatever you want as long as you don’t hurt anyone else or yourself.

 

 

*Suggested ways parents can respond when their teens express curiosity?

1. Understand the key differences between Wicca and Christianity?

If you start closely examining the beliefs you will see that their essential concepts – God, truth, reality, the basic problem of humanity and the solution – are very different. By looking at the following brief comparison, you will see why this type of spirituality is so dangerous to believers. That’s why God warns us in His Word to stay away from Wicca and witchcraft.

• Most Wiccans believe in some form of reincarnation. Instead of an endless ‘karma’ witches view reincarnation as something positive that takes the soul upward in its advancement towards godhood. The Bible is very clear when it says we die only once and then we are judged (Hebrews 9:26-28; 2 Peter 2:9).

• The Wiccan view of salvation can be summed up with this statement: “We can open new eyes and see that there is nothing to be saved from; no struggle of life against the universe, no God outside the world to be feared and obeyed.” Christians believe that we are all born with a spiritual terminal disease called sin that causes us to disobey God and go our own willful way. The remedy was Christ’s death on the cross (Romans 3:23, 6:23; Isaiah 59:2; 1 Timothy 2:5; 1 Peter 3:18).

• Wiccans believe that experience is a more important revelation than any code of belief. Christians believe that the most important revelation of truth is the Bible (Psalm 119:47, 72, 97; 2 Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 4:12).

• Wiccans worship the Earth and creation. Christians believe in worshipping the Creator, not the creation (Deuteronomy 4:39; Romans 1:25; Jude 25).

• Wiccans do not believe that Jesus was God in the flesh or creator of the universe. They view Jesus as “a great white witch who knew the Coven of Thirteen.” The key principle that sets Christianity apart from any other religion is the belief that Jesus is God. (Matthew 1:21-23; John 1:1, 14, 18, 8:24; Philippians 2:5,6).

2. Engage in the conversation

Christian parents may have a limited understanding concerning the world of witchcraft. But a growing familiarity among teenagers begs for parents to engage in the conversation and to study and research to understand.

3. Listen, really listen

Don’t be afraid of questions that need answers. Answer your teen’s questions without condemning her curiosity. When you don’t know the answer to a question, help her search for it.

4. Engage culture

Some parents have no clue what’s on their kids’ iPods or iPhones. Carefully research the books, movies, music and religions, such as Wicca, that define your teen’s generation.

5. Talk about the why

Ask your teen why he’s interested in certain books, movies, music, and so on. Have him write out a list of the possible benefits and harmful effects. Encourage him to find Scripture that supports his point of view. Many teens will figure things out on their own if you show them how to reason.

An ongoing line of communication will also help you gauge the influence of peers and social gatherings. Watch to see which friends and activities may encourage your teen to play with a Ouija board or participate in a séance. Talk with your teen to determine how others are influencing her. Keeping the dialogue open is important. It’s equally important not to downplay the serious consequences of dabbling with witchcraft, Alupoaicei says. “If parents see warning signs or discover that their child possesses witchcraft-related paraphernalia (such as Wicca books, spell books, tarot cards, crystals, etc.), they need to discuss the matter with their son or daughter right away.”

Christian parents need to talk with their teens about witchcraft and culture. But they don’t need to fear it. The Bible reminds us, “The one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world”,1 John 4:4. As the parent, you still have the privilege and responsibility of praying for protection and understanding in your teen’s life.

*Focus on the Family, “Why Teens are Attracted to Wicca”

Understanding Mental Health

And the Path to Restoration

To really face mental health issues, you have to dig deep into what’s causing pain, fear, or anxiety. For example, anxiety isn’t a thing. It’s the symptom of a thing and so we have to go a little deeper and ask a question, ‘What is making you anxious?” Many times, too much credit is given just to anxiety. What was happening is something or someone was making you anxious. We must go beneath the surface to ask, ‘What is it that you’re afraid of? Who is it that you’re afraid of? What was said that you wish you could now manage the way it was said? You cannot manage every outcome all the time but you can take steps to healing and freedom.

1. Love and value who God made you to be:
To value is to love. Loving yourself is being thankful for being who God created you to be, “I will give thanks to you because I have been so amazingly and miraculously made,” Psalm 139:14. Treat yourself with kindness and respect, and avoid self-criticism. Make time for your hobbies and favorite projects, or broaden your horizons. Do plant a garden, take tennis lessons, learn to play an instrument, volunteer at church, or join a club.

2.Take care of your body, it belongs to God:
Caring for your body glorifies God, it demonstrates a good testimony to others and it gives you the energy that you need to do God’s will. We are told, “Whatever we do, we do to the glory of God,” I Corinthians 10:31. Our primary purpose in life is to glorify God. Taking care of yourself physically can also improve your mental health. For example, by:

• • Eating nutritious meals
  • Avoiding bad habits
  • Drinking plenty of water
  • Exercising regularly
  • Getting enough sleep
  • Praying and reading the Bible

 

3. Surround yourself with good people:
People with strong family or social connections can inspire you to work toward your goals. “Continuing with one mind and breaking bread from house to house they were taking meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart,” Acts 2:46. Make plans with family members and friends, or seek out activities where you can meet new people; such as in church, a class or support group.

4. Give of yourself to serve others:
We are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus. “Every Believer has received grace gifts, so use them to serve one another,” I Peter 4:10. Volunteer your time and energy to help someone else. You’ll feel good about doing something tangible to help someone in need — and it’s a great way to meet new people.

5. Learn how to deal with stress:
The best part about having God on your side is that He is always guiding you. “Trouble and distress have come upon me, but your commands give me delight,” Psalm 119:143. Practice good coping skills: pray, exercise, take a nature walk, play with your pet or journal Bible promises. Also, remember to smile and to see the goodness of God. Research shows that laughter can boost your immune system, ease pain, relax your body and reduce stress.

6. Quiet your mind:
Try meditating and praying God’s Word. “Keep the Word always on your lips; meditate on it day and night…then you will be prosperous and successful,” Joshua 1:8. Take time to relax in His Presence. Meditation and prayer can improve your state of mind and outlook on life. In fact, research shows that meditation may help you feel calm and enhance the effects of healing.

7. Set realistic goals:
Decide what you want to achieve spiritually, professionally and personally, and write down the steps you need to realize your goals. Aim high, but be realistic and don’t over-schedule. You’ll enjoy a tremendous sense of accomplishment and self-worth as you progress toward your goal. “Write the revelation and make it plain on tablets so you can run with it. The revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false,” Habakkuk 2:2-3. Goals should be specific and concrete so you have a clear idea of what actions you need to take.

8. Break up the monotony:
Although our routines make us more efficient and enhance our feelings of security and safety, a little change of pace can be energizing and exciting. Alter your walking route, plan a road-trip, hang some new pictures or try a new restaurant. Those physical changes can bring spiritual changes. You grow and learn new things every time something changes. “I’ve done the former, a new thing will I do..,” Isaiah 42:9 God wants to grow your spiritual realm. As you become flexible and adapt to change in the physical realm, your spiritual realm will also increase.

9. Avoid overeating, alcohol and other drugs:
Keep all things to a minimum and avoid bad habits. Sometimes people use food, alcohol and other drugs to “self-medicate” but in reality, these only aggravate problems. One must admit that it is a bad habit and you need to stop. “Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery, instead, be filled with the Spirt,“ Ephesians 5:18. Bad habits will continue if one tries to justify in their minds, “It’s okay if I don’t hurt anyone else.” If one feels they can justify, their sin nature will take that opportunity and keep them stuck.

10. Get help when you need it:
Seeking help is a sign of strength — not a weakness. And it is important to remember that treatment is effective. People who get appropriate care can recover from mental illness and addiction and lead full, rewarding lives. “Get all the advice and instruction you can, so you will be wise the rest of your life,” Proverbs 19:20-NLT

*Adapted from the National Mental Health Association/National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare