Is this weird for an Atheist to consider converting to Wicca?
I'm really interested in the way Pagan religions work, especially Wicca. I've read about it for years and really have an interest in it. It's kind of funny for me to say this, because I'm currently a hardcore Atheist, but I'm considering converting to Wicca. Don't try and tell me how Wicca is evil or wrong, because they aren't evil and worship the Devil like people think. The Devil is a figure in Christianity, and Wicca has nothing to do with your God, Devil, or Jesus.
Has any other Atheist here converted to a religion?
Why did you decide to convert? Did something happen to you that made you convert?
Thanks to the people who are helpful.
I also read that Atheist do believe in the practice of Wicca, but don't believe in Gods or Goddesses as deities, but just principles of Wicca.
Currently i am not an atheist or Wicca, but i have always thought that everyone needs to have something other than themselves to depend on, good luck in your search for knowledge.
I think it's weird, but I'm not going to tell you that you can't do it just because you're an atheist.
You're going to practice Wicca because it's fun to pray to nature... right? Not because you believe nature is actually listening, I hope. Because nature and the elements of nature do not have ears...
It's weird. But I like the smell of gasoline at the station, and that's weird too, so who am I too seriously judge you.
I realized that it wasn't the idea of God I disliked, or actually didn't believe in. It was purely organized religion whose Gods are so illogical and flawed that they couldn't possibly be real.
I could never join a religion again without unprecedented evidence in support of it. I don't know a whole lot about vicunas and pagans, but to qualify as a religion, they must believe in some sort of supernatural. I'm extremely skeptical of anyone claiming to have knowledge of a supernatural outside the realm of physics.
I, too, find Wicca interesting, and enjoy discussing it with my pagan friends. The same is true of other mythology from times past. However, I still can't believe that there are real deities. The practices are peaceful and often soothing, but I still don't believe Cernunnos or Brigid will grant me wishes.
I have interests in theology in general and have read many books on Taoism, Buddhism, ancient religions, Christianity, Islam (read Quran). because u have an interest does not mean u should convert. why convert? why even label yourself. soon u will see the reality, it's not MY God it's just God. we all believe in God, well most of us. we just have different ways of going about it. go ahead, become a Wicca, or a Twinkies. in 5 years you'll grow and mature into new thought. but Alys, always educate yourself and reflect. spirituality is not about books or merely stories but community, faith, wisdom, helping others, no matter your faith or spiritual background.
In my experience, "hardcore" atheists are just dogmatic about being atheists. Basically, there is still a compulsion to seek "spiritual" superiority one way or another. So no, this is not weird.
That's why I distrust flaming atheists as much as do religious fundamentalists.
Theological noncognitivism is where it's at.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theological_noncognitivism
There is nothing in Wicca that requires belief of any kind. You can remain an Atheist and still be in Wicca. I know many people who are initiates who consider themselves Atheist. The God/Goddess are just considered archetypes, principles or whatever, instead of deity by these people. Practice, not belief is what is important. In fact, in classical Paganism, this was the case also. Religion was an active thing and belief was considered a private matter. At the time one was called an Atheist based on ones actions, not beliefs. It is only since the advent of Christianity, with its focus on faith over works, that ones belief has become so important in religious definition.
First of all, we are ALL Hard Agnostics. Any theological experiences we have (or the lack there of) are personal and subjective.
Second, Pagans are not necessarily Theists as it is commonly thought of. Pantheists and Universalists can be interpreted to include Atheism.
Also there ARE "Spiritual" Atheists who believe in souls and other such, while not believing in "gods".
Add to this that many people are turned off to theism my "my-way-only" monotheist (Christians and Muslims) and Paganism starts to look pretty nice. Pagans have all the social aspects of religions without all the hateful dogma.
Consider that Wicca can be organized or eclectic and you have many options to fashion your own personal spirituality.
The only reason you should convert to Wicca is if you believe in the gods of Wicca. Wicca is a polytheistic religion. At its core, that's what it's all about.
You can apply philosophies and such that you agree with from any religion to your life without converting to that religion.
I agree with Jesus' teaching that we reap what we sow, but that doesn't make me Christian.
I am an atheist. Before I was an atheist I was Wiccan, for about 13 years.
I'm not going to say that anything is *weird*. Whatever interests you interests you. But Wicca is not an atheistic religion. There are some Wiccans who view the gods as archetypes but, in my experience, they are not the majority, nor is this they way the gods are intended to be seen within Wicca.
There are a great many things within Wicca that I simply do not feel would be compatible with someone who describes themselves as a hardcore atheist. Worshiping the gods does not serve a minor role, it runs through nearly every aspect of the faith.
If you are genuinely interested in the religion, then certainly search it out. But I question what about it could possibly be attractive to you considering a lack of belief in deity.
The gods are the center of Wicca. Honestly, which "practices" are you taking about?
The one where we interact with the gods about the harvests?
The one where we interact with the gods about ourselves and our families?
The one where we interact with the gods to ask for their assistance?
I was an atheist until I was a young adult. What made me become Wiccan was interaction with the gods.
There are a few atheist Wiccans out there who see God and Goddess as archetypes rather than literal beings.
I personally believe religion, rite, ritual all work on the mind in positive ways, even if you don't believe in a Higher Power you can still celebrate the things you personally find important or "sacred" in life within the structure of religion.
Wicca isn't dogmatic or Orthodox... that means they dint' tell you what you have to believe. If you want to be atheist and a practicing Wiccan, it is possible, but if you intend on learning about Wicca and interacting with other Wiccans, you'll have to get comfortable with how they teach and talk about Deity.
Personally, I see how a number of religions that have "Gods" in them could be easily practiced by an atheist... it's all about how "God" is interpreted by the individual. If the atheists interprets "God" as a principle or concept and not as an independent entity, then yes, it's perfectly understandable to have a Wiccan atheist.
Also, there are plenty of pagan religions that are atheistic in nature to begin with, so you may come across other things n yoru search as well.
Blessigns and luck,
-Scarlet
It's no more or less weird that a person going from being religious to being atheist or than a person converting from one religion to another. If it's what seems right to you, it makes you happy, and you aren't hurting other people in the process, go for it.
That's exactly what happened to me... I was raised Catholic-sh (we only went to church a couple of times a year, but I was baptized and did my First Communion), but when we moved to California I started going to public school instead of parochial school. I decided that the whole thing with God just wasn't logical. so in fourth grade I became an atheist. When I was 12 I became very interested in Wicca, and I felt like I needed to belong to some type of belief system. (I'm not trying to say that all atheists feel like that, because it's definitely not true.) I'm 13 now and while I'm not an "official Wiccan" because I haven't been initiated or dedicated myself, my beliefs are definitely very pagan.
Is this weird for an Atheist to consider converting to Wicca?
