KNOXVILLE, Tenn., Sept. 17 /Christian Newswire/ -- Abunga.com, the family- friendly online bookstore, hosted an online chat today with Marla Alupoaicei and Dillon Burroughs about the growing religion of Wicca and how Christians can respond. Alupoaicei and Burroughs are co-authors of the new book, "Generation Hex: Understanding the Subtle Dangers of Wicca."
"[Wicca] is very prevalent, yet somehow this growth has managed to happen 'under the radar' of most Christians," said Alupoaicei. "Wicca is the fastest- growing religion in America, set to be the third largest religion by 2012. The numbers of adherents are doubling every 30 months."
During the Abunga.com chat, the authors explained that Wicca is the most popular form of witchcraft. Founded on a pagan earth-based belief system, Wiccans hold two major tenets - the Wiccan Rede which states, "An ye harm none, do as ye will," and the Rule of Three, which says that any action or spell a person does, whether positive or negative, will return to that person three times.
"Many Christians simply avoid Wiccans," said Burroughs. "People tend to avoid stuff they don't understand. This is why part of our goal with 'Generation Hex' is awareness. If you know what Wicca is, maybe you won't be so scared to strike up a conversation with someone wearing a pentacle or pentagram." According to Burroughs, the idea of experiencing spiritual power or the supernatural is a big incentive for many to embrace the religion.
"I think there are many draws [to Wicca], especially for women," Alupoaicei said. "About two-thirds of Wiccans are women. First of all, Wicca is a very community- oriented religion. As our culture becomes more and more isolated and busy, and as real relationships are replaced by texting, IM, etc., young people are starving for real relationships and true community, as well as for a powerful experience of faith. People want a supernatural experience.
"The Christian life is an abundant, supernatural life in which we experience the power of God," continued Alupoaicei. "Yet, we are not communicating that very well to the world. In addition, the cafeteria-style spirituality of Wicca and the 'comfortableness' of it - little challenge, little accountability, an acceptance of homosexuality and other lifestyles - draw people in, as well."
In addition to answering many questions about the growing religious movement during the one-hour Abunga.com chat, the co-authors also provided practical information for Christians who want to reach out to Wiccan followers.
"First, emphasize how Christ can help Wiccans now," Burroughs said. "Since there is no agreement on the afterlife, appeal to how Jesus can change them today. Second, the focus is on Christ rather than a religion. Most Wiccans are pretty eclectic and even anti- institutional in some cases. If they smell membership or formal religion, they will run. Third, appeal to their interests in the environment, for spiritual power, and for friendship. Some Wiccans left Christianity because they did not experience these things in their churches. If they see Christians who care about the earth, live a vibrant Christianity, and offer real friendship, you can be very effective in influencing that person for Christ. Finally, pray. We fail to mention it sometimes, but without God's Spirit at work, nothing happens."
The informational discussion was part of the weekly "Authors at Abunga" online chats held every Wednesday from 2-3 p.m. EDT at Abunga.com/AuthorsAtAbunga. Next week's chat on Sept. 24 will feature Dr. Robert A. Emmons to discuss the psychology of gratitude and how it can make a difference in one's life, a subject he has extensively researched and writes about in "Thanks! How the New Science of Gratitude Can Make You Happier." Authors scheduled for future chats also include William P. Young of "The Shack" on Oct. 22 and Kay Warren, AIDS advocate and author of "Dangerous Surrender," on Oct. 29.
Abunga.com is an online bookstore founded to provide families a protected shopping environment. Headquartered in Knoxville, Tenn., Abunga.com offers more than 1.8 million family-friendly books, savings through distributor-direct prices and support to nonprofit organizations by donating 5 percent of each transaction to a customer-selected charity. For more information, visit www.Abunga.com.
Note to Editors: For more information about Abunga.com, please visit www.Abunga.com/media.
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