Why I’m a Christian, Not a Witch
If you’ve been following my blog for very long, you might know that I’m writing a book on goddess worship. Here’s the working title: Unmasking the Goddess: What Every Woman Should Know About Goddess Spirituality.
As part of the research process, I’ve talked to practicing witches, former witches, and wannabe witches. I’ve met Christians who have dabbled in paganism, or who freely mix paganism right into their spiritual worldview. I’ve read tons of books, magazines, brochures, blogs, online bulletin boards, and websites dedicated to goddess worship. I’ve looked at goddess art, heard chanting, and held hands with a group of Wiccans at a goddess fair as the leader prayed in Hebrew to the four elemental spirits. I have a friend who calls the goddess her fairy godmother, and an acquaintance who worships three goddesses and four "angels." Not long ago I had a long conversation at my garage sale with a neighbor about Mary Magdalene and whether she was the true spiritual head of the early church (she wasn’t).
Bits and pieces from this research finds its way into my blog, along with interviews and news bites, and most of the time I try to interject my own Christ-centered thoughts, analysis, and beliefs. But I think something is lacking–I don’t think I’ve ever explained why I worship Jesus, not the goddess.
First I acknowledge, though, that I have something in common with those who worship the goddess. We are both spiritual seekers. But my search ends in Christ. Here’s why I’m a Christian, not a witch:
- Creation: It reflects a Creator. I remember when my son first heard about evolution. "Mom," he said, "They think the world made itself!" He couldn’t get his mind around such a ridiculous concept. Nor can I.
- Music: Philip Yancey once wrote that the beauty of music healed him when his fundamentalist religion had torn him apart. Most historical musical masterpieces were inspired by God, and composed to glorify God. Great music points me to a God of both function and form, reason and emotion, order and delight.
- Scripture: The Bible is a miracle. Written over thousands of years by dozens of authors, its carefully preserved message spells out God’s love for the world and His plan to save us from ourselves. It’s a living book, and God speaks through it.
- Evil: Reading the news is an exercise in plumbing the depths of the depravity of the human race. There must be a solution, because I can’t be good on my own. I’ve tried.
- Jesus: He’s different than anyone who’s ever lived. The son of God, he lived a perfect life, died in my place, and came back from the dead. Hundreds saw him alive. Within a generation, hundreds of thousands carried his name as part of the early church. I want to follow him, too.
- Women: Jesus was friends with women when that was socially unacceptable. Women served in the early church alongside men. Christianity revolutionized the role of women; there is "no male or
female, for you are all one in Christ" (Gal. 3:28). - Transformation: When people begin to follow Jesus, they are changed. Literally, they become new. I’ve seen it.
- Light: Churches and missions are light bearers in spiritually dark places around the world. A friend, Dr. David Thompson, runs a missionary hospital in a poor part of Gabon, Africa. Part of his job involves training African surgeons to carry on the work he’s begun in that part of the world. He’s traveled all over the continent, and says that in a place burdened with generations of superstition, shamanism, and spiritism, churches
are bright beacons of light where the poor are fed, the sick are cared for, the young are educated, and hope comes to the hopeless. Dr. Thompson is a brilliant surgeon, amazing writer, and humble servant. In the U.S., he would’ve been a wealthy and powerful man. He and his wife, Becki, gave it all up to serve the Gabonese in the name of Christ. I want to be like them. - Atheists: They’re often angry. They attack and accuse and belittle. They don’t want anyone telling them what to do. They include people like Hitler, Stalin, and Christopher Hitchens. I don’t want to be like them.
- Dad: My father was a godly man. He was loving, kind, humble, and lived a life of integrity. He always did what was right, even when no one was looking. He showed me how Christianity works in real life …. Oh God, help me to show my children, my neighbors, my friends, my coworkers, how Christianity works in real life.
Those are some of the reasons why I’m a Christian. What about you?
(Note: This post was inspired by a Christianity Today article by Stan Guthrie called "Answering the Atheists: A Reader’s Digest version of why I am a Christian." It’s in the November, 2007 issue. I don’t think it’s online yet.)
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SUSY FLORY is a New York Times best selling author, speaker, and journalist who searches out big stories with happy endings. She's I'm always looking for true stories that inspire and challenge her readers to embrace a life of passion, boldness, & adventure. 
Oh Susy, I love this.
I would have to say that I am a Christian because He has made Himself known to me in so many ways. He has flooded me with peace as I cried out to Him in times of turmoil. He has filled me with joy as I worship Him with a grateful or even broken heart.
I don’t know how to articlulate all the ways He has made Himself known to me…but He has.
Sue
Fascinating. I am also a Christian. In the last year or so I have been questioning my beliefs and belief system. I have been reading a lot about Goddess worship and find myself drawn to it but….it’s still too vague and confusing.
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SUSY RESPONDS:
I can see why you would be drawn to it. I can definitely see the appeal–I think that’s why I’m writing and blogging about it (that, and because I know people into it and that makes me curious, too). I’m kind of an investigative person, and the word that most characterizes my life is “WHY?” However, (and that’s a big however), I’m checking out goddess worship more as an observer, because I belong to Jesus. I can’t imagine serving any other. He is faithful and true. Hang tight, Simone!
Great list. Thanks!!!
I stummbled across your site and find it pretty interesting. I am looking forward to reading more and getting a better feel for where you are coming from. When your new book is ready, let me know. As a Christian bookstore owner and pastor, I would be interested in reading it. Blessings!