LadyCatW asked this question on 2/26/2000:

I have had discussions - both on and offline - in regards to a crisis of faith within Wicca.

In my experience, it very much relates to what you believed as you grew up. One who was raised a Christian, but follows another path in adulthood may tend to "fear hell" - whereas someone raised as an athiest or agnostic will more "fear delusion."

What are your experiences? And how do you deal with them?

Choalayna gave this response on 3/24/2000:

hmmmm...I am not so sure, at least from my discussions. In some, the 'fear of hell' is a very real part and can sometimes become an almost guilty feeling to the practitioner. But most, almost embrace the direct opposite of what they were raised with. Perhaps a bit of the rebel? The Atheist finding Wicca seems to gobble up all they can, as they finally do acknowledge their "basic human need", for lack of a better phrase, and embrace the God(s) and Goddess(es) almost with a fanatical hook. The one's whom have truly "found" their path in the Wicca belief, I can only say, that it is done so with the entire person. Mind, body and soul. There is no "guilt", there is no "clinging", there is no fanatical rantings. It simply "is". A brand new feeling; a wide open look and feel to all within and around you. A feeling of peace, settelement and confidence in not only what you are, but who you are also. Quite a bit different from what the majority was raised and I think this is one of the MAJOR influences of the gaining popularity and acceptance of Wicca. Once all the 'secrets' are known or more properly understood, there is no going back! haha A simple truth. A simple belief. It simply "is".

Choalayna

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