Christian Wicca: The Trinitarian Tradition [Paperback]

Nancy Chandler Pittman (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback: 216 pages
• Publisher: 1st Book Library (July 17, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1410753476
• ISBN-13: 978-1410753472
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.9 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (44 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #280,102 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

56 of 61 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Poorly written, but interesting., January 15, 2006

By 

Stephen Triesch (Shoreline/Seattle USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Christian Wicca: The Trinitarian Tradition (Paperback)

Despite its poor grammar, bad spelling, and numerous factual errors, I give this book three stars simply because it is a rare look at an unusual and controversial subject - Christian Wicca. (The author's most egregious error is perhaps her confusion of the Nag Hammadi Gnostic Christian texts with the Dead Sea Scrolls, which are entirely Jewish and pre-Christian.)

The first third of the book consists of a defense and explanation of the concept of Christian Wicca, with answers to commonly raised questions and objections; the remainder of the book, called the "Book of Light," contains prayers, spells, liturgies, and rituals designed for the practitioner of Christian Wicca. In keeping with Wicca's reputation as a nature-based religion, these rituals follow the pattern of the seasons, much like the traditional Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox liturgies.

Pittman incorporates ideas from the Jewish Kabbalah and Christian Gnostic writings into her understanding of Christian Wicca. Some may object that these systems have no historical connection to Wicca, but this - true as it may be - implies the existence of an "orthodox" Wicca, which seems equally questionable. As a form of folk religion, Wicca is intrinsically eclectic and protean, and attempts by some reviewers to assert that there can be no Christian Wicca seem to be elevating their own anti-Christian biases to the level of a dogma.

I have no idea how many Christian Wiccans there are, but if there are indeed many - as the author claims - there will perhaps someday be a better presentation of the philosophy of Christian Wicca than Pittman has given us. But, for now, "Christian Wicca" will have to do. Despite its many flaws, this book fills an apparent need.

50 of 55 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Imperfect but very much appreciated, December 14, 2004

By 

Christopher H. (Ohio) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Christian Wicca: The Trinitarian Tradition (Paperback)

There are many of us. Interfaithed, multifaithed, whatever you want to call it...there are many who walk blended paths...Christian Native Americans, Buddhist Jews, Jewish Christians, and yes...Christian Wiccans.

Christianity is just as varied as Wicca...fundamentalism isn't the only path. Wicca has many traditions...and all are valid if they adhere to the basic parameters. Both paths share similar spiritual truths, the teachings of Jesus and the Redes of Wicca harmoniously coexist.

Christian Wicca is no more a choice than your eye color. You believe what you believe. There is no choice to be made, and that is what this book is about. The two paths that come together as one, they are acknowledged and celebrated, and are definately nothing new.

Nancy Chandler Pittman has stepped out with a brave heart. For mainstream, fundamental Christianity undoubtedly shuns this (but would Jesus? No!). And traditional, fundamental Wicca vehemently disregards the Judeo-Christian pantheon based on its so-called followers' disregard for Christ's teachings (But did Gerald Gardner? No!). And what of the practitioners of Voodoo...are their practices somehow invalid because they incorporate Catholicism/Christianity into their worship?

This book is a wake-up call...particularly for the Wiccan community. Wicca is a religion of many Gods...you choose the pantheon you wish to work with. So why are the "Children of the Goddess" who embrace the Judeo-Christian pantheon shunned by their own brethren?

This book is about faith. Faith in people and faith in Wicca. That nothing again can make it hide or disintegrate. Wicca is forever, resilient and ever-moving. Like the seasons themselves.

"Christian Wicca" was a breath of fresh air...though many respected authors have mentioned Christian Wicca (Laurie Cabot, Christopher Penczak, A. J. Drew, Janet and Stewart Farrar, and Gerald Gardner himself, to name a few) this is the first book I've seen that tackled it head on.

No reservations, a relaxed, free-flowing writing style and not alot of filler here. Right to the point and focused on the subject. Not terribly indepth and a table of contents and index would have been nice. Also, alot of typographical errors. A few on every single page! The annoying errors aside...bravo Nancy! This is highly appreciated and groundbreaking.

Blessed Be,
Chris

46 of 52 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Tackling a tricky faith issue., April 12, 2005

By 

Sibella - See all my reviews

This review is from: Christian Wicca: The Trinitarian Tradition (Paperback)

I am a Christian, bought and paid for by the blood of Jesus. I am created in His image. I am spirit. I also have a magical nature; something I tried to deny all my life. But now I am searching and learning how to incorporate earth based magic into my Christian life. I am not a Wiccan, but I think more and more people are getting hung up on labels. Ms. Pittman has addressed an issue that a lot of us are trying to sort out ourselves. I know reading the book has helped me further clarify my regard in the Holy Spirit as feminine. That has been a sticky issue with me; being raised protestant. Bravo for having the gumption to research and write this book! As a writer I know how much effort it takes to bring your thoughts into written form. I think anyone who is openminded and is intelligently searching to find a balance between their Christian and magical sides will enjoy this book. Any typos are proof the author IS human. I'm sure adults can get beyond those, and grasp the heart of the material. Isn't there a saying that we should take what speaks to us and leave the rest? As readers, we are free to do just that. Good job, Nancy! Keep Writing!