Exodus 22:18

[KeilanS]

I have a feeling this will spark some sort of debate, but oh well, I need an answer here before my friend asks me about this verse.

Basically, I'd like to know a suitable response to someone asking if Christian's really approve of burning witches (or by extension, those who call themselves Wiccan). What is this verse saying to us?

[nebula]

Quick response -

Ancient Israel was a theocracy, and as such, was given judicial law to follow. Part of judicial law is how to punish criminals. In our society, criminals would be murderers, thieves, and the like. In Ancient Israel, the Lord considered worshipers of false gods as ciminals, along with adulterers and other such actions which our society considers "moral issues."

Putting to death of witches was a part of the judicial law given to Israel.

Does that help?

[Fiosh]

Here's a possibly crazy thought.

Witches were seen as working for Satan against God. In a theocracy, that would be treason.

Treason is still punishable by death today.

[MorningGlory]

Here's a possibly crazy thought.

Witches were seen as working for Satan against God. In a theocracy, that would be treason.

Treason is still punishable by death today.

This is true, right here in the U.S, treason IS punishable by death. However, since we aren't a theocracy, the wiccans are probably safe. But we should attempt to coax them away from their pagan beliefs because there is more than one kind of 'death penalty'; worshipping pagan gods will get them there. Very disturbing to think about. I don't know any wiccans personally. Do any of you??

[patricia1]

Here's a possibly crazy thought.

Witches were seen as working for Satan against God. In a theocracy, that would be treason.

Treason is still punishable by death today.

This is true, right here in the U.S, treason IS punishable by death. However, since we aren't a theocracy, the wiccans are probably safe. But we should attempt to coax them away from their pagan beliefs because there is more than one kind of 'death penalty'; worshipping pagan gods will get them there. Very disturbing to think about. I don't know any wiccans personally. Do any of you??

Yes I do... they are first decieved into thinking it is another religion. Some remain at 1st level but if they are in a real coven, they do not call it that, they can get as high as the enemy is on their throne. Many stay within their own group and it takes a long time to show them they are witches, "but I am a good witch...sorry there is no such thing..pantheism branches out as well. They do cast spells , will use bat blood which is easy to buy and such

Around here we find animals and a few people with their blood drained completely.

[KeilanS]

I also know a wicca and she often throws this verse in my face. It's hard telling somebody that you would be okay with a law making it legal to execute them.

[nebula]

We were all enemies of God before we came to Christ, and so we all deserved death.

Would that help in answering her, Keilan?

[TM75]

Here's a possibly crazy thought.

Witches were seen as working for Satan against God. In a theocracy, that would be treason.

Treason is still punishable by death today.

This is true, right here in the U.S, treason IS punishable by death. However, since we aren't a theocracy, the wiccans are probably safe. But we should attempt to coax them away from their pagan beliefs because there is more than one kind of 'death penalty'; worshipping pagan gods will get them there. Very disturbing to think about. I don't know any wiccans personally. Do any of you??

Answering you requires good amount of reading of the prophets, understanding Acts when Paul called out against the child of the devil, these were traitors, o yes. By Suffer not a witch to live, is just like when Jesus came to the woman caught in adultery, for it was Mose's righteousness by the law which was against us (not God's laws in the same book), some witches go by the name brother or Sister, they are just men with ungodly hearts, deceaved and being deceaved. Such craft is control and bondage, your will totally given to Sathan, whose i.d is the dragon. Babylon is a mistress itself of witchcraft along with it's gods (images) and deceaved the nations through it's enchantments.

Isaiah 41 (Matthew's Trc 1537)

[EricH]

Quick response -

Ancient Israel was a theocracy, and as such, was given judicial law to follow. Part of judicial law is how to punish criminals. In our society, criminals would be murderers, thieves, and the like. In Ancient Israel, the Lord considered worshipers of false gods as ciminals, along with adulterers and other such actions which our society considers "moral issues."

Putting to death of witches was a part of the judicial law given to Israel.

Does that help?

Good answer

[patricia1]

Quick response -

Ancient Israel was a theocracy, and as such, was given judicial law to follow. Part of judicial law is how to punish criminals. In our society, criminals would be murderers, thieves, and the like. In Ancient Israel, the Lord considered worshipers of false gods as ciminals, along with adulterers and other such actions which our society considers "moral issues."

Putting to death of witches was a part of the judicial law given to Israel.

Does that help?

Good answer

I have a idea, I do not know if it is a good one, When one knows someone is in sin...we seperate that person from the sin..knowing that God loves that sinner but hates the sin...witches who practice witchcraft are in as much rebellion as anybody else who is not saved and rejecting the Truth. I wonder as I have been praying about this, if we look at the person and witness to the heart of the person and let the Lord do the convicting if it may be better. I did that with my sister who calls herself wiccan, she has also been out on a limb with shirley mcClain, any every wher else youcan imagine, God use her to teach me. The more I prayed for her and the less I came against her beliefs the easier it was for Jesus to work on her. She will say she is wiccan.. I know she is not practicing, has left her wiccan friends behind. Now she is into something else. Now she praise goddess as well as Jesus...I laugh each time she follows a non truth and then it doesn't satisfy.

So maybe just show her the Love of God and stay friendly. That verse to me just to mean do not let a witch to operate.

this may be of some help..... maybe not.. but that is a excellent question you pose, and I am still talking to God about it. I like the other answers above as well... Peace and wisdom to you all