Customer Reviews

Generation Hex: Understanding the Subtle Dangers of Wicca

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(16)

 

 

I have been interacting quite a bit with the Pagan community over the Internet in promotion of Beyond the Burning Times: A Pagan and Christian in Dialogue (Lion Hudson, 2008), and as a result, one of my Pagan contacts asked me if I was aware of a new book by Dillon Burroughs and Marla Alupoaicei titled Generation Hex: Understanding the Subtle Dangers of Wicca (Harvest House, 2008). I had not heard of the book previously, and after contacting Marla and the publisher they graciously sent a review copy.

Generation Hex is a volume addressed to an evangelical Christian audience, and it is divided into two main sections, the first addresses "What is Wicca?", and the second moves to a response with "What Should I Do About Wicca?". The first section of the book involves nine chapters that address why evangelicals should be concerned about Wicca, its popularity, its origins, teachings and practices, its concept of the divine, female involvement in Wicca, the story of a former Wiccan turned Christian, and its concern for the environment. The second part of the book includes six chapters and a frequently asked questions section.

This book incorporates several positive features, including the authors' interviews with Wiccans as part of the research process for the preparation of the book, a recognition that many Wiccans and other Pagans have had negative experiences with Christians and churches to which Christians should be sensitive and self-critical, and a desire to move beyond and correct stereotypes of Wicca perpetuated by Christians. Yet despite these commendable aspects I found several elements in the book problematic.

Sensationalistic marketing
The marketing for the book, as reflected on the back cover, presents the volume as "an eye-opening expose of Wicca," a sensationalistic way to describe a treatment of a spiritual pathway that is open to examination by anyone interested in talking to its practitioners, reading their books, or consulting the growing body of academic literature on the topic. Since an expose is unnecessary, this sensationalistic tone used by the publisher fuels the tabloid-nature of evangelical treatment of new religious movements and detracts from the credibility of the volume.

Problematic use of demographic data
As Generation Hex sets forth its initial case as to why Christians should care about Wicca it does so by pointing to Wicca's increasing popularity. The book states that, "Studies confirm that Wicca is the fastest-growing religion in America. By some estimates, it will become America's third-largest religion by 2012 (after Christianity and Judaism)." In order to substantiate this claim the authors cite Wiccan author Phyillis Curott to the effect that there were "between three and five million Wiccans [living] in the United States by the end of 1999." The authors' use of demographic data is is fraught with difficulties in that the claim that Wicca is the fastest-growing religion, poised to be the third largest in the U.S. by 2012, can be traced to a press release by evangelical writer Steve Wohlberg. I have addressed this topic previously, but Wohlberg's press release makes the case for Wiccan growth by mere assertion, with no demographic studies cited to support the claim. In addition, Burroughs and Alupoaiccei include an endnote reference to this sidebar that points readers to the 2001 American Religious Identification Survey which estimates the Wiccan population at 307,000. Even if this statistic is on the conservative side, it comes nowhere near the number need to justify Wohlberg or Curott's claims as to the numbers of Wiccans in the United States. Unfortunately, Burroughs and Alupoaicei have engaged in a poor use of demographic data and whether it is intended or not, it will paint an inaccurate and alarming picture for evangelical readers.

Misinterpretation of popular culture
As the authors continue their discussion of Wicca's popularity, like many evangelical writers touching on the topic, they devote an entire chapter to the alleged role of the Harry Potter novels and films in the rising interest in Wicca. (Elsewhere in the book they share similar concerns over television programs like Angel, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, and even the Disney film Hocus Pocus.) One of the chief concerns for these authors is the "disturbing witchcraft-related spiritual themes". Unfortunately, Burroughs and Alupoaicei repeat the hermeneutical error of many evangelicals writing on Potter which results in a misinterpretation of Rowling's works. As C. S. Lewis noted, a writer draws upon diverse sources in the non-fictional world in order to create a fantasy world. These sources may include folklore, myth, legend, and even religious elements. However, these elements take their meaning from within the story in the context of the fantasy world as defined by the author, not with reference to their external sources. With this interpretive principle in mind, turning to the Potter stories it is clear that Rowling has created a contemporary fantasy story involving a myth of witchcraft similar to the fairytale depictions of the witch from times past, an archetypal figure with no connection to real Wiccans in our neighborhoods. If evangelicals want to be taken seriously beyond their subculture they will have to exercise more caution in their engagement with fantasy media, and they will have to exercise even greater caution in their attempts at connecting the dots to new religious movements.

Wiccan Ritual and Belief
As the authors consider Wiccan teachings, much like their concern over Potter-mania, they also mention their concern over Halloween and its allegedly dangerous influences on American society. More careful reflection on the historical and cultural development of Halloween, and its present expressions in American culture, would have revealed the secular nature of this increasingly popular holiday, and its lack of connection in any serious way to the teachings and practice of Wicca. This misinterpretation of Halloween represents another hermeneutical error in properly interpreting an aspect of popular culture.

Also in this section of the book the authors present a "quick-reference guide" on Wicca's "core beliefs," which are then presented in summary form in relation to the categories of God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, the Bible, sin, salvation, angels, and the afterlife. Burroughs and Alupoaicei would have assisted their evangelical readers in this section by noting that Wicca is more properly construed as a spirituality involving ritual rather than belief at its core, and this is not mentioned in relation to the quick-reference guide, or in the later chapter on Wiccan belief. In addition, when discussing some of the beliefs found among Wiccans, in order to understand Wicca from an empathetic perspective of a Wiccan practitioner, it would have been helpful for the authors to discuss Wiccan beliefs using their terminology and priorities for belief rather than those of the evangelical. Granted, this book is written for evangelicals, however, it must find a way to accurately communicate the essence of Wicca in ways recognizable by Wiccans for evangelical outsiders.

Completely overcoming stereotypes
One final concern I had about this volume was its hesitancy to move completely beyond stereotypes of Wicca. As noted above, the authors do point out many of the stereotypes associated with Wicca and they seek to provide a corrective, but they don't accomplish this completely. For example, in a chapter where the authors discuss the surprises they encountered in their research for the book, one of the authors (Burroughs) addresses one of the surprises he encountered in terms of alleged links between Wicca, Satanism, sexual promiscuity, and child abuse: "I've found these assertions to be unfounded (at least in mainstream Wicca)." I italicized the last portion of the quote to draw attention to the issue I'm raising here. While Burroughs was pleased to discover that Wicca does not engage in the worst of its stereotypical associations, nevertheless, for Burroughs this appears to be the case with "mainstream Wicca," which appears to leave room for non-mainstream or underground Wicca, whatever those may be. A similar hesitancy to move beyond stereotypes occurs earlier in the book when the authors dispel the myth that Wiccans worship Satan. The authors correctly assure us this is not the case, and yet they include the additional notation that "Most Wiccans don't believe in the existence of Satan." My emphasis, again, but most? I have yet to encounter a Wiccan who does, and to leave this door open a crack represents yet another example of a hesitancy to completely dismiss the stereotypes about Wicca that evangelicals all-too-frequently frequently perpetuate, apparently even in books designed in part to do just that.

I really wanted to find this book more helpful for evangelical readers in its presentation of Wicca, especially with Ron Rhodes describing it as "a true jewel of a book" in the Foreword. In my view, while this book represents an improvement over many evangelical treatments of Wicca, Paganism, and other new religions, its shortcomings overshadow any positive elements, and for these reasons I encourage evangelicals to consider other materials for their understanding of Wicca and interactions with its adherents.

This book presents a particular viewpoint of Wicca from a particular segment -those who would like their particular religion to take over the world.

The good thing is that that segment is opening up their blinders a bit to actually learn about that which they condemn.

However, I would suggest that to truly learn about the views of Wiccans, a more reliable source would be books about the subject by actual Wiccan authors. Then you learn what the religion is about from someone who practices it, rather then hearing a second hand account that comes from someone who would like to eradicate it.

What you might gain from this book is helpful tactics in conversing with Pagans and Wiccans, if you happen to be of an evangelical faith. But to be taken seriously in discussion with Wiccans, you must actually learn what their beliefs are, at least a bit more in-depth than just the standard "They don't believe in Satan" stuff.

Wicca for Beginners: Fundamentals of Philosophy & Practice (For Beginners (Llewellyn's))

Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner (Includes Author's Book of Shadows)

Celebrating the Great Mother: A Handbook of Earth-Honoring Activities for Parents and Children

I guess I'm still shaking my head over the authors' attack on Kristin Madden (Pagan Parenting and Pagan Homeschooling, both available here on Amazon). I really had to wonder if they read anything of these books or about the author of them beyond the cover blurbs.

Wicca, not to mention paganism, is such a big subject with so many viewpoints within it that I don't understand how Generation Hex can be considered well-researched when such a narrow view is presented. Other reviewers are correct--it misses the mark. And they probably don't even know how badly it's missed.

If you want to know what a particular religion believes and practices, go to the people who practice that religion, not to those who want to stamp out that religion. I would recommend to good Christians who want to know what Wiccans believe and do, read a few good books written by Wiccans and spend some time visiting with some actual Wiccans, maybe go to a Pagan Pride Day event and just hang out. I doubt that a person who is highly committed to Christianity will become converted or subverted in the process. There will be things you disagree with and things that turn you off but in the process you will see that Wiccans are just people like you who would make pretty good next door neighbors. We are not a threat to anyone.Drawing Down the Moon: Witches, Druids, Goddess-Worshippers, and Other Pagans in AmericaThe Spiral Dance: A Rebirth of the Ancient Religion of the Goddess: 20th Anniversary Edition Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner (Includes Author's Book of Shadows)

I have read other books of this type ("dangers" of Wicca, etc.) and I must say this is the most "gentle" for lack of a better word.

Little more than criticizing another faith. They speak throughout the book of why their own faith is more legitimate than their subject's. After explaining it to be so popular, they try to dismiss its popularity. A short-sighted and bigoted work.

This book is intended as fear-mongering for conservative Evangelicals and treats Wicca as though it were some sinister force creeping up to snatch your kids' minds. Hogwash. Wicca is a legitimate religion, one among many in America. It shares precepts with other world religions, but is less belligerent and chauvanistic than right-wing Evangelicalism, which has never been the "official" sect of the USA, or even a majority, despite what they like to imagine about themselves.

Welcome to the 21st century, where the Western nations are home to many religions, not just one. This book will teach you nothing about what Wicca and Paganism really are.

I am not a Wiccan, I'm actually an occultist of a "scarier" (to Christians anyway) variety, but I was given this book as a gift from a very Evangelical friend. I actually know a great deal about Wicca because a lot of my friends are Wiccan. All I have to say is - wow. The fact that within the first 10 pages or so the authors felt the need to point out that the bible says witches should die - I mean that really says it all right there. While I do give the authors kudos for at least doing some research, their interpretation of the research is unique. IMNSHO, Wicca holds a lot of stock in "goodness". Perhaps even moreso than some branches of Christianity. Wiccans are some of the nicest people I've ever met. Quite frankly I think the authors are fighting the wrong beast with this one. If they really think Wicca is a threat... I just find that laughable.

I think the real "threat" is zealotry of all forms in *all* religions. But then that's me. I also like how they think being nice to Wiccans will bring them back to God. And how they refer to Pagans as "potential buyers". I don't know about other non-Christians, but I'm non-Christian for a reason. That means I started in Christianity and left - for a reason. If a Christian is nice to me I don't think, "Oh, I want to be more like them!" I am a nice person already, thank you very much! I have a live and let live philosophy. You do what's right for you, I'll do what's right for me. Be nice to me, I'll be nice to you. I think the phrase in the bible for that is "An eye for an eye." Kickin' it old testament.

So anyway, I think the book is terribly naive in its methods to convert because the only people that would work on are people who weren't serious about their practice of Wicca (or who didn't come to Wicca after a lot of soul searching) to begin with. I mean seriously -- most Evangelicals don't even know that Catholics (church of Peter and all that) are Christians and without them - Christianity wouldn't exist. So I guess it really shouldn't surprise me that they don't really understand Wicca. I did catch a lot of the subtle suggestions that there possibly were Wiccans who practiced sacrifice (there aren't, trust me). Or that Wiccan (most anyway) don't worship the devil knowingly -- um, there aren't ANY Wiccans who worship the devil. Sorry. Oh - and I LOVED the whole Harry Potter ---> Witchcraft connection. That was hysterical! Ha! The cover was very dramatic.

If anything I was mildly entertained for a few hours. I wonder if I should have given it two stars for the entertainment factor?

This book is written by hateful Christians trying to be clever and manipulative. The book was so bad, I couldn't finish it, it is misinformed and very bias. This book is about converting Wiccans (saving them) and scaring parents. They constantly pointed toward Wiccans being Devil worshipers, which is completely untrue. When will people get it through their head, the Devil is a Christian figure not a Pagan one. Even the title is offending, Wiccans don't cast Hexes, that's biblical Witches and fairy tail witches that cast hexes. So much for any real research. I would give a 0 stars if I could. If you want to read about hate and manipulation, read this book. If you want to know about Wicca, real Wicca, read a book written by a Wiccan.

Horribly biased book. don't read it don't buy it don't give it a second glance it's amazing only 5 or 6 positive reviews.

OK 1. Wicca IS NOT an easy religion.. I suggest that anyone who is interested in learning about this religion study up on something called The Wiccan REDE, a Poem by Adriana Porter. In it are the things that govern the acts of a Wiccan much like the 10 commandments. Also you should research for yourself the Three Fold Law. What I don't understand is why there is no christian writing about Wicca that contains the ENTIRE rede and it's explanation. I also suggest researching Karma, as it is very much like the Christian book in heaven. Remember when you do a sin an ink blot is placed on your page and god remembers it, do unto others as you would have them do unto you.. also the old saying of you reap what you sew.. if you plant seeds of destruction then chaos is what you will reap.. That's Karma. If you do bad it comes back to you times 3. So for example if an individual 'Gossips' about another and in their spin of words there are lies that individual is Harming the subject of the gossip. And by harming I mean they are making that person look bad, that person the subject of the gossip has worked hard to EARN their reputation and therefore do not deserve nor ask the 3rd party to go and cause trouble.. I have seen many many many churches destroyed by this very act. Remember YOU are defined by your acts. This book talks of hexing, Research Hexing google ' wiccan hex' the first thing i see is a link on Voodoo which is totally separate religion from Wicca. Every religion I have studied, read about, researched etc etc has a good side and a bad side. Jehovah / Satan.. Ying/yang. In Christianity humans can sin then go and ask for forgiveness and bam slate clean. In Wicca if you do something bad it hits your karma. So you may be trying to right a wrong (aka sin) for the next 10 lifetimes that you are on Earth. I believe in reincarnation.
So let's say in one lifetime you kill someone well the next lifetime you are stricken with poverty..In another life you may be so sick in body or mind that you are disabled. Those are punishments. either now or later it comes back to you.
I have had to work very hard at viewing the world, people and the earth with an open mind. I was raised christian
and often witnessed sins within the church as a child i saw it and knew it was wrong. Today I am an adult and I am a better person because of Wicca's teachings.I done extensive research on Wicca. Yes you can be PAGAN (you wanna research that too) without the witchcraft.(You can be a Christian and practice paganism too.There is also Christian Wicca..) So when I look at my sister in law who has multiple children each has a different father, I see a loving mother who is fighting to raise her children right, who is compassionate, nurturing and strong role model for her children.She is now married. Where use to all i saw was a slut. And to remember how i was when i looked at people judging them because of their color, gender, race, religion, sexuality, I want to Vomit. I was raised in a Pentecostal Church of God to be that way! I use to be quick to anger and had a very 'i will get you back ' attitude. Now I love people, I love helping people, talking to old people. I am reiki 1 attuned ( you should research that too) Many wiccans are reiki attuned.

So I say to any and everyone. DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH.
Yes there are Wiccans who do bad things just like there are Christians who sin. If you really want some good info get a book called Complete Idiots Guide to Wicca and Witchcraft. Every Wiccan book I have read no matter the author is firm in the teaching of being good, mind your karmic output. Use common sense before magick sense.
They teach that no matter how mean, spiteful, ugly someone is to you, you be good to them. That is a hard lesson to learn. Wiccan's live the example. They are not the type to say 'Do as I say and not as I do'
Speak ye little and listen much...

I challenge all to live the example. You do not realize how much the children see, hear, and repeat.

O also research the 1st & 14th amendments. Wicca is protected by these as well as Christianity.
Don't be afraid to read that book because it has a pentacle (star with in a circle) on it. Don't be afraid of it because it says witchcraft on it. The best Wiccan Authors are Scott Cunningham, Silver Raven Wolf, gosh there are so many good ones too many to list.

This is not the day and age to be racist in any form. This is the enlightened age, Be open minded, BE the example.