Craig Hawkins - Witchcraft: Exploring The World Of Wicca

1996 by Craig S. Hawkins

Published by Baker Books
a division of Baker Publishing Group
P.O. Box 6287, Grand Rapids, MI 49516-6287
www.bakerbooks.com

Ebook edition created 2013

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any meansfor example, electronic, photocopy, recordingwithout the prior written permission of the publisher. The only exception is brief quotations in printed reviews.

ISBN 978-1-4412-3670-8

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is on file at the Library of Congress, Washington, DC

Unless otherwise marked, Scripture quotations are from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION . NIV . Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked NASB are from the New American Standard Bible, the Lockman Foundation 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995. Used by permission.

Scripture quotations marked KJV are from the King James Version of the Bible.

To Dr. Walter Martin,

Your legacy lives on in the lives
of those you, like our L ORD , invested
in for the futureeternity.
Soli Deo gloria!

F or some time now, Craig Hawkins has earned a reputation of being a fair-minded, clear-thinking, solidly evangelical apologist who knows how to take the fruit of his research and make it available to a wide audience.

Witchcraft: Exploring the World of Wicca is an excellent illustration that this reputation is well deserved. Occult phenomena in general, and witchcraft in particular, are on the rise in our culture as a wave of neopaganism crashes on the shores of contemporary Western thought and life. What is needed from Christians is an accurate description of these phenomena coupled with a thoughtful critique. Hawkinss book meets this need.

The real strength of Witchcraft lies in three features of the book that make it unique: First, the book stands out in the careful, thoughtful way that Hawkins presents the contemporary versions of witchcraft. He is careful not to caricature the craft or principles that constitute its variegated texture. Second, it is refreshing to see both biblical studies and philosophical argument brought to bear on the task of assessing witchcraft. This sets a good example for cult and occult apologetics in general. Third, the book is accessible in its style and pregnant with content. I, for one, am glad to have this book available. It is a timely, well-researched contribution to the ongoing struggle about religious ideas currently being waged in our society.

J. P. Moreland

Professor of Philosophy

Talbot School of Theology

Biola University

T here are many individuals who deserve recognition for their support and contribution to the writing of this book. However, I can mention only a few. In no particular order, other than the first, the following deserve mention for their contributions.

First, I wish to thank the Lord for the privilege of writing this book.

Second, my family deserves credit for their love and support for me while writing this work.

Third, I would like to greatly thank my prayer supporters. I am especially grateful to Leona Ross and Elaine Stankis, who spiritually (and otherwise) well understand whats entailed in a project of this nature.

Fourth, I would like to thank my pastor, colleague, and friend, Charles Pearson, for among other things weekly times of dialogue, encouragement, fellowship, prayer, and spiritual counsel.

Fifth, I am very appreciative of Dr. J. P. Moreland for writing the forward, and even more so for his example of excellence in scholarship and commitment to the truth. I have great respect for Dr. Moreland, his work, and his influence upon our generation.

Sixth, I would like to thank all the individuals at Baker Book House who made this book possible. In particular, the following merit special recognition and a heartfelt thank-you. Kin Millen deserves special recognition for his encouragement and for getting the book into print, as does Dan Vant Kerkhoff for his editorial counsel and skills. A special thank-you to Lois Stck for her work in editing the manuscript. Also, a special thank-you to Brian Phipps for his diligent work on a difficult project, fine editing skills, enthusiasm for the book, grasp of the subject, and vision for what is being attempted in the pages of this work.

Seventh, as already mentioned, numerous others have contributed in significant ways to seeing this work become a reality. Thank you. Of course, I alone assume responsibility for the contents of this work.

Witchcraft?

A storm is intensifying on the religious horizon as the winds of occultism blow increasingly stronger across the land. In the last three decades America and much of Western Europe have seen a resurgence of the kingdom of the occult, including witchcraft and other forms of neopaganism. Paganism is attempting a resurrection from the dead. It is a revival of the old gods and goddesses of pre-Christian paleopagan polytheistic nature religions, mythologies, and mystery cults, such as Celtic, Norse, Greek, Egyptian, Roman, and other traditions of the Western world. In addition, Sumerian mythologies, existing tribal religions (e.g., Native American religions and shamanism), new ones inspired by science fiction and fantasy works, and combinations of diverse occultic traditions and sources join the list as well. Astaroth, Diana, Hecate, Cernunnos, Osiris, Pan, and others are being invoked anew, fueling an intoxicating discovery and journey into a universe inhabited with gods and goddesses.

Many of these individuals and groups proudly proclaim themselves as pagans or neopagans, although their practices and beliefs diverge distinctly at points. Some claim to belong to ancient pre-Christian religions, which have supposedly survived until today, or to be simply returning to, revitalizing, or reconstructing various nature and Paleolithic polytheistic pagan and/or matriarchal religions (e.g., the worship of the Mother Goddess that supposedly predated Christianity). For this reason, many neopagans identify with the religious and social perspectives of some ancient civilizations. Among them can be found a diverse group of people who style themselves as witches or wiccans: followers of the Old Religion, the craft of the great Mother Goddess and her male consort, the Horned God.

Pagan PR: The Pagan Next Door

Some of todays witches want to remove their traditional cloaks of secrecy, dispel the confusion that often surrounds their religion, and address the hostility and suspicion they perceive as directed toward themselves and their religion. They desire that their views and practices be considered as an alternative religiona sensible worldview. At the very least, they seek the right to follow their chosen path without being hindered, harmed, or harassedto live and let others live in accord with their conscience.