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| © 2009 Kendra Vaughan Hovey. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction without permission prohibited. |
- What happened that caused you to leave Wicca and become Christian?
- Are your husband and children Christian now too?
- How do you feel about the Wiccan faith now?
- What pulled you in the direction of Christ after being a faithful Wiccan for so long?
- Were you Christian all along and only trying to blind side the Pagan community?
- Why did you wear a clergy collar when you were a Wiccan high priestess?
- Did you only change religions because you were not making enough money or because you were not
famous enough in the Wiccan community? - Do you intend to make Wiccans look bad now that you are Christian?
- Will you still be answering questions about Wicca?
- Will you still be practicing any of the Wiccan traditions?
- Do you still believe in the God and Goddess?
- Why do you think there is more unity in the divided Christian religions than you do in Wicca?
- Do you think Christianity is the ONLY way?
- How do you feel about homosexuals now that you are a Christian?
- Do you believe that all paths lead to God?
| Several people have emailed me after learning about my leaving the Wiccan faith and becoming Christian. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions that all of you asked me and I invite you to email me at Kendra.Hovey@yahoo.com if you have more. If I find that there are some commonly asked additional questions, I will add them to the bottom of this page. I hope that you find this page useful. Thank you! |
1) What happened that caused you to leave Wicca and become Christian?
In so many ways, the Wiccan faith was unable to fulfill my personal and spiritual needs. However, coming to Christ and leaving Wicca was
not simply a decision I made when I awoke one day. I had learned quite a bit about Christianity over the past several years and came to
realize that the beliefs, as they were being taught to me, were not all that far from what I already believed. But even this knowledge was
not enough to make me a Christian. The real turning point for me was when I was praying to Jesus in a fit of despair and hopelessness,
after having prayed to the God and Goddess for weeks with no relief. Jesus revealed himself to me and I knew in that moment that He
was God. He asked me to follow Him and I simply obeyed his command. “Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant
also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.” (John 12:26) TNIV [back to top]
In so many ways, the Wiccan faith was unable to fulfill my personal and spiritual needs. However, coming to Christ and leaving Wicca was
not simply a decision I made when I awoke one day. I had learned quite a bit about Christianity over the past several years and came to
realize that the beliefs, as they were being taught to me, were not all that far from what I already believed. But even this knowledge was
not enough to make me a Christian. The real turning point for me was when I was praying to Jesus in a fit of despair and hopelessness,
after having prayed to the God and Goddess for weeks with no relief. Jesus revealed himself to me and I knew in that moment that He
was God. He asked me to follow Him and I simply obeyed his command. “Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant
also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.” (John 12:26) TNIV [back to top]
2) Are your husband and children Christian now too?
My husband, Tim, is currently assisting in leading worship (music) at Journey Community of Faith in Duxbury. He was baptized on
September 7, 2009 with our daughter, Alana. My son, Alec, is learning in Journey’s Sunday school and enjoys it very much, but has not
made any decision to become a Christian and also does not participate in communion. . [back to top]
My husband, Tim, is currently assisting in leading worship (music) at Journey Community of Faith in Duxbury. He was baptized on
September 7, 2009 with our daughter, Alana. My son, Alec, is learning in Journey’s Sunday school and enjoys it very much, but has not
made any decision to become a Christian and also does not participate in communion. . [back to top]
3) How do you feel about the Wiccan faith now?
I simply feel that the Wiccan faith was not adequate for me. There are many things that it does not teach that I embrace in my spiritual life
and also, many things that Wicca is tolerant of that I do not want in my spiritual life. It was not enough for me to say that if I did not want
these things in my life, then I did not have to do them, or that it is the choice of each individual. I personally believe that there are things
in life that are of God and there are things in life that are not. Knowing this, I found it very confusing in Wicca to discern which was which
and ended up hurting myself and others amidst that confusion. Admittedly, as a Wiccan, I was lost and could not find my way and I am
deeply remorseful for those that I hurt or let down in the process of finding myself. [back to top]
I simply feel that the Wiccan faith was not adequate for me. There are many things that it does not teach that I embrace in my spiritual life
and also, many things that Wicca is tolerant of that I do not want in my spiritual life. It was not enough for me to say that if I did not want
these things in my life, then I did not have to do them, or that it is the choice of each individual. I personally believe that there are things
in life that are of God and there are things in life that are not. Knowing this, I found it very confusing in Wicca to discern which was which
and ended up hurting myself and others amidst that confusion. Admittedly, as a Wiccan, I was lost and could not find my way and I am
deeply remorseful for those that I hurt or let down in the process of finding myself. [back to top]
4) What pulled you in the direction of Christ after being a faithful Wiccan for so long?
Please refer to the “About Kendra” page for information on this question. [back to top]
Please refer to the “About Kendra” page for information on this question. [back to top]
5) Were you Christian all along and only trying to blind side the Pagan community?
I had never been exposed to the Christian faith until I started studying for my degree in metaphysics from the University of Sedona. At
that point, I only looked at the Bible’s metaphysical teachings which fell right in line with the tradition taught at the First Church of Wicca.
This question arose because some of you saw on the First Church of Wicca’s website, for example, that “some of us believe in
reincarnation, while others believe in resurrection” or that “we do not practice magick in our church,” etc. Those changes were not made
to our website until after my baptism in August of 2008, and were put there for two reasons. One, so that I could feel more comfortable
that my personal beliefs were being reflected by the church and two, so that no one would walk into our church and be shocked to find a
Wiccan minister with Christian beliefs. It was simply done in an effort to be honest and fair to everyone. My intention was to continue
ministering to the Wiccan community as best I could as a Christian, but I quickly found that I was unable to maintain my integrity while at
the same time helping Wiccans maintain theirs. [back to top]
I had never been exposed to the Christian faith until I started studying for my degree in metaphysics from the University of Sedona. At
that point, I only looked at the Bible’s metaphysical teachings which fell right in line with the tradition taught at the First Church of Wicca.
This question arose because some of you saw on the First Church of Wicca’s website, for example, that “some of us believe in
reincarnation, while others believe in resurrection” or that “we do not practice magick in our church,” etc. Those changes were not made
to our website until after my baptism in August of 2008, and were put there for two reasons. One, so that I could feel more comfortable
that my personal beliefs were being reflected by the church and two, so that no one would walk into our church and be shocked to find a
Wiccan minister with Christian beliefs. It was simply done in an effort to be honest and fair to everyone. My intention was to continue
ministering to the Wiccan community as best I could as a Christian, but I quickly found that I was unable to maintain my integrity while at
the same time helping Wiccans maintain theirs. [back to top]
6) Why did you wear a clergy collar when you were a Wiccan high priestess?
I felt that as Pagan clergy it was an important badge of service. It was important to me that as a Pagan minister people knew that I was
available to help them and to pray with them, even though I was a Pagan. In addition, I hoped that it might bring a level of respect for all
Pagan clergy in the community-at-large. [back to top]
I felt that as Pagan clergy it was an important badge of service. It was important to me that as a Pagan minister people knew that I was
available to help them and to pray with them, even though I was a Pagan. In addition, I hoped that it might bring a level of respect for all
Pagan clergy in the community-at-large. [back to top]
7) Did you only change religions because you were not making enough money or because you were not famous enough in
the Wiccan community?
My intention in opening the First Church of Wicca and my intention in continuing to walk in the Christian faith are the same – to serve
God! Money and fame were never my concern and they never will be. However, I will confess that I confused trusting God to provide, with
wanting to ensure financial security for the First Church of Wicca. In Christ, I will simply carry my own cross and follow God wherever He
leads me. "If anyone would come after me, they must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save
their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.” (Matt 16:24-26) TNIV [back to top]
the Wiccan community?
My intention in opening the First Church of Wicca and my intention in continuing to walk in the Christian faith are the same – to serve
God! Money and fame were never my concern and they never will be. However, I will confess that I confused trusting God to provide, with
wanting to ensure financial security for the First Church of Wicca. In Christ, I will simply carry my own cross and follow God wherever He
leads me. "If anyone would come after me, they must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save
their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.” (Matt 16:24-26) TNIV [back to top]
8) Do you intend to make Wiccans look bad now that you are Christian?
Well, let me first ask a question. How could I make the Wiccan community look bad? I would think that I made the Wiccan community look
worse when I was a Pagan and made wrong choices rather than now as a Christian making the right ones. There are definitely areas
where I felt the Wiccan faith failed me, but I do not reject the responsibility for being the one who ultimately made the bad choices. As
with all faiths - there are good apples and there are bad apples. “By their fruit you will recognize them.” (Matt 7:20) TNIV [back to top]
Well, let me first ask a question. How could I make the Wiccan community look bad? I would think that I made the Wiccan community look
worse when I was a Pagan and made wrong choices rather than now as a Christian making the right ones. There are definitely areas
where I felt the Wiccan faith failed me, but I do not reject the responsibility for being the one who ultimately made the bad choices. As
with all faiths - there are good apples and there are bad apples. “By their fruit you will recognize them.” (Matt 7:20) TNIV [back to top]
9) Will you still be answering questions about Wicca?
I will be happy to help answer any and all of your questions that I can about Wicca. I will answer you lovingly and with the same
compassion that I know Jesus Himself would give you. I have no intention of trying to force Christianity on anyone and hope that you will
use me as a resource. All I ask is the same respect in return. Please do not assume that you know me or my agenda, but come to me
with an open mind and heart and I will do the same. [back to top]
I will be happy to help answer any and all of your questions that I can about Wicca. I will answer you lovingly and with the same
compassion that I know Jesus Himself would give you. I have no intention of trying to force Christianity on anyone and hope that you will
use me as a resource. All I ask is the same respect in return. Please do not assume that you know me or my agenda, but come to me
with an open mind and heart and I will do the same. [back to top]
10) Will you still be practicing any of the Wiccan traditions?
No. I will not. I have found God and feel that practicing the Wiccan tradition is contradictory to what I believe. There are many rules in
ritual: Having to set up your altar just right, casting the circle, facing the right direction, etc. that resemble the very thing that Jesus
warned the Pharisees about. He saw that they were much too interested in following the laws to gain favor in God’s eyes, than they were
interested in living with the love of God in their heart for all people. I have chosen to give up the rules and regulations, and instead, will
concentrate on my relationship with God and serving others. [back to top]
No. I will not. I have found God and feel that practicing the Wiccan tradition is contradictory to what I believe. There are many rules in
ritual: Having to set up your altar just right, casting the circle, facing the right direction, etc. that resemble the very thing that Jesus
warned the Pharisees about. He saw that they were much too interested in following the laws to gain favor in God’s eyes, than they were
interested in living with the love of God in their heart for all people. I have chosen to give up the rules and regulations, and instead, will
concentrate on my relationship with God and serving others. [back to top]
11) Do you still believe in the God and Goddess?
The male/female spectrum is fully within the oneness of God as the "I Am." A dualistic separating of male and female is illogical and
theologically unnecessary. The one God created humankind as male and female, in God's own image, so all that is masculine or
feminine originates from within the totality of who God is. All language is an attempt to point meaningfully to help us communicate about
the mystery, nature and power of God but is always limited. That's why, ultimately, the meaning of who God is, is best and most
beautifully expressed in loving service, embodied in "the Word made flesh," in Jesus Christ. [back to top]
The male/female spectrum is fully within the oneness of God as the "I Am." A dualistic separating of male and female is illogical and
theologically unnecessary. The one God created humankind as male and female, in God's own image, so all that is masculine or
feminine originates from within the totality of who God is. All language is an attempt to point meaningfully to help us communicate about
the mystery, nature and power of God but is always limited. That's why, ultimately, the meaning of who God is, is best and most
beautifully expressed in loving service, embodied in "the Word made flesh," in Jesus Christ. [back to top]
12) Why do you think there is more unity in the divided Christian religions than you do in Wicca?
While it is true that there are several different denominations of Christianity and that this certainly causes divisions among them, a few
things hold true across the board. All Christians believe that there is One creator of the universe who is represented in three persons:
The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit. That Jesus Christ was God incarnate and came to earth to have relationship with us and then
died on the cross to pay for our sins. And also, that, three days after his death on the cross, Jesus was resurrected overcoming the
forces of evil to give us the promise of eternal life. In Wicca, if you asked 10 Wiccans what they believed in, they would give you 20
different answers. Beliefs in the Wiccan tradition are completely designed and adhered to according to the teachings of each coven or
group teaching them. [back to top]
While it is true that there are several different denominations of Christianity and that this certainly causes divisions among them, a few
things hold true across the board. All Christians believe that there is One creator of the universe who is represented in three persons:
The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit. That Jesus Christ was God incarnate and came to earth to have relationship with us and then
died on the cross to pay for our sins. And also, that, three days after his death on the cross, Jesus was resurrected overcoming the
forces of evil to give us the promise of eternal life. In Wicca, if you asked 10 Wiccans what they believed in, they would give you 20
different answers. Beliefs in the Wiccan tradition are completely designed and adhered to according to the teachings of each coven or
group teaching them. [back to top]
13) Do you think Christianity is the ONLY way?
I believe that the teachings of Jesus Christ as understood in the Bible are the only way. That is not to say that other religions do not
teach the same thing or that adherents of those religions do not practice the same thing. The most important being, “Love the Lord your
God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matt 22:37-40) TNIV
[back to top]
I believe that the teachings of Jesus Christ as understood in the Bible are the only way. That is not to say that other religions do not
teach the same thing or that adherents of those religions do not practice the same thing. The most important being, “Love the Lord your
God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matt 22:37-40) TNIV
[back to top]
14) How do you feel about homosexuals now that you are a Christian?
I love them, the same as I do anyone else. [back to top]
I love them, the same as I do anyone else. [back to top]
15) Do you believe that all paths lead to God?
I do not think that it would be fair for anyone to declare that all paths lead to God. It might be more accurate to say that all paths seek
God and that God Himself reaches down to all people. “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because the LORD your
God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." (Deut 31:6) TNIV. [back to top]
I do not think that it would be fair for anyone to declare that all paths lead to God. It might be more accurate to say that all paths seek
God and that God Himself reaches down to all people. “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because the LORD your
God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." (Deut 31:6) TNIV. [back to top]
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