Witchcraft
and New Age Beliefs
The 2001 census showed a huge increase in those saying
that they were Wiccans or pagans or followed witchcraft. In fact, newspaper
reports said that "witchcraft was the
fastest growing religion
in Australia" (Herald
Sun
1/7/2002)
In percentage terms this was true
- the number of people following Wicca grew by about 450% since the previous
census, held in 1996. However, we need to look at actual figures
to see the true picture. The number of people following Wicca in
Australia is now about 9000, up from less than 2000 in 1996. The total number of
people following "what might be termed earth
and nature-based religions such as Wicca, Druidism and paganism
doubled since the last census to 0.21% or 39,382." [The Age,
18/6/2002]
In comparison, over 12 million
people said their religion was Christianity.
Interest in witchcraft and the New Age has been growing,
fueled by TV programs such as Buffy and Charmed
and the Harry Potter books.
As we consider these matters, we state that we hold to
the Christian belief in one God (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) and that Jesus is
the only way to Him (John 14:6).
In the Bible God warns us to avoid occult
practices and follow His commands
as revealed in the Bible.
Choose from the tabs at the left of
this box to explore particular topics. Author: Jenny Stokes | Modified: 10 February 2005 |
