The Deities of Wicca vs. the God of the Bible

[Sgt. Pepper]

As far as I'm aware as a new Wiccan, the deities of Wicca aren't psychopathic monsters as the Christian God has proven himself to be in the Bible. The deities of Wicca aren't jealous and vindictive gods, and they don't threaten you with torture and suffering in an eternal hell for the mistakes you make in your life. There is no guilt, shame and fearmongering in Wicca and there are no threats of judgment and punishment. I can't express how deeply relieved I am to finally be free of my former religion. It took me years to free myself from its heavy shackles, and I never want to be imprisoned by it again. I only wish I had found Wicca years ago rather than waste thirty years of my life being hoodwinked by a religion that caused me such immense heartache, guilt and sadness. I realize that I have much more to learn and experience in Wicca, and I'm looking forward to the spiritual journey. If the Wiccans on this forum have any advice for me, please feel free to share it with me. I would be truly grateful for the friendly advice and guidance.

☮ and ❤
Sgt. Pepper

 

[Hildeburh]

I'm glad you've freed yourself from the constraints of Abrahamic religion but if you read mythology the old gods could also be just as fickle and vengeful.

I'm assuming your not Traditional Wicca so which deities have you choosen for your god and goddess?

 

[Ashoka]

I am so happy to hear that you feel free! Yes, the deities of Wicca are more understanding and kind than the Abrahamic deity.

 

[Sgt. Pepper]

I'm glad you've freed yourself from the constraints of Abrahamic religion but if you read mythology the old gods could also be just as fickle and vengeful.

I'm assuming your not Traditional Wicca so which deities have you choosen for your god and goddess?

I haven't chosen a god and goddess yet. I'm still relatively new to Wicca, and I'm still learning.

 

[Hildeburh]

That's fine, many new converts to paganism start with generalised concepts of the god/esses. As knowledge builds and we become more in tune with those who call us, more specific deities are chosen for our worship.

 

[Callisto]

I haven't chosen a god and goddess yet. I'm still relatively new to Wicca, and I'm still learning.

IMO, when it comes to all Pagan religions it's best to start by becoming acquainted with the traditional forms before choosing whether to go in the direction of eclecticism (i.e., picking deities, mixing influences from different practices, etc.). Doing so gives you a solid foundation to build from regardless of what style of practice you ultimately pursue.

Traditionally, Wicca is a religious order with no laity rather than a mass religion. It's an initiatory pagan priesthood and modern mystery cult with two tutelary deities that is conveyed intact from one initiate to the next. Whereas Eclectic/Solitary practices are a religion of laity with no priesthood and based on individual choices. Each form begins and ends with the individual and varies in what aspects are borrowed from Trad Wicca and to what extent and blend with any other influences of the person's choosing. Subsequently, they differ from one another and from Trad Wicca. So adding to the confusion of finding info is that often "Wicca" is addressed as a single religion when it's really two very different practices (Trad, Eclectic) using the same label. But often what is true of one doesn't apply to the other.

By reading up on traditional Wicca first, it gives you an idea of what's inherent to the religion. That allows you to better evaluate sources geared toward eclectic/solitary practices. You can see what's inherent vs. the author's interpretations and how well they understand the concepts covered.

Wicca's view of deity is not universal to Paganism and not all deities mesh with it. Two books that are helpful are "The Witches God" and "The Witches Goddess" both by Janet and Stewart Farrar. This will clarify Wicca's concept of deity and the purpose of Wiccan rituals as well as if other gods you're drawn to can be reconciled with a Wiccan format. It's common for people to venerate other deities per the polytheistic traditions associated with them, outside of/separate from their Wiccan practices.

 

[Sgt. Pepper]

Thank you for your reply, @Callisto, and I appreciate you posting this information for me. Thank you.

 

[The Hammer]

My advice would be to not worry about the Gods at first.

I didn't really "belong" to any one pantheon or set of deities at first. I focused on bettering and improving myself, and situation, and in doing so the Gods revealed themselves to me, piece by piece. Until I was able to eventually realize that there was a God calling me, and a pantheon I could call Home.