The Search for Truth

The Catholic church has a long history of dealing with witchcraft-most notably during the Middle Ages and the Inquisition. During that time the Catholic church put to death anyone they assumed to be a witch or who practiced witchcraft. Now, instead of killing those who practice witchcraft, the Catholic church is now focused on converting those who practice the Wiccan faith. According to an article from aol news, a former Wiccan named Elizabeth Dodd published a pamphlet (which is currently sold out on Amazon.com) on how to start up a conversation with a Wiccan and how to convert her. Dodd explains in her pamphlet that, "Wiccans are on a general spiritual quest." She also explained that 70 percent of those who practice the Wiccan religion are young women who are seeking spiritual truth. The article on AOL explains that the reason the Catholic church has shifted its focus back on witches and witchcraft is because of society's interest in the occult, which can be seen with the rise in popularity of movies such as Harry Potter. Dodd also comments that, "The use of magic, the practice of witchcraft, offends God because it is rooted in our sinful and fallen nature. It attempts to usurp God."

My first thought after I read this article is that we all are on a 'spiritual quest' and are searching for 'spiritual truth.' God has put in us a sense of wonder about things of a spiritual nature and He He uses that curiosity and wonder to bring us closer to Him. In Romans 1: 19-20, Paul wrote about how God uses nature to help us to see Him and to seek Him: "...since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities-his eternal power and divine nature-have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made that all men are without excuse."

Those who come to faith in God and Jesus Christ find the purpose of the spiritual quest and the know what happens at the end of the quest. We know the ultimate Truth and through seeking Him he reveals Himself to us.

My second thought after reading this article was that it seems like the main reason for 'converting the witches' is because it is evil in the sight of God. While I agree that witchcraft is wrong in the eyes of God, I believe that the real reason for reaching this group should be out of love and out of concern for their spiritual well being and not because it 'offends God.' It is not our place to play God and to cast judgment on them. As Christians, at times we may do things whether accidental or willingly that God will find offensive. God is a loving and forgiving God and we need to love them and share the love of our Savior with them.