Defending the Craft
by Michael Samhein

If you are new to Wicca, you may not have had this experience yet. A friend, relative, co-worker, or even casual acquaintance hears "through the grapevine" that you are "into Witchcraft." The next thing you know, you are being harassed. Weird little tracts show up uninvited in your work cubicle; snide jokes about broomsticks hover at the water cooler; or, even worse, you get flat-out buttonholed in a public place and confronted by a hostile religious aggressor. Attempts to show us the "error of our ways" can take many forms. While some may politely try to persuade us, others take a more aggressive approach. Either way, their intentions can frustrate us to the point of anger, and if we're not careful, we can come off as just as self-righteous and dogmatic as those trying to convert us.

When confronted with any type of attempt to debate or convert you, remembering a few simple guidelines can help you control your anger, get your point across, and represent the Wiccan community in a positive light.

1. Don't make it personal
Remember that even the most obnoxious religious aggressor undoubtedly believes that he or she is doing you a favor. It is certain that they believe their faith to be the only one that is legitimate and that all others are either incorrect or outright blasphemous. Right or wrong, this is how they believe - or they wouldn't be breaking many of the unspoken rules of modern etiquette by confronting you in this way. Their attempts to "save" you are rarely a personal attack - they would react this way to anyone who differs from them.
Your first response to unwanted evangelism should be to politely and patiently remind the aggressor of the strength of your beliefs and inform your assailant that you chose to practice Wicca after careful and diligent soul-searching, not as a whim or fashion statement. It is also quite acceptable to simply say that your religious beliefs are private and you don't wish to discuss them. Some religionists may be deterred by a quiet, dignified response, especially if what they really want is a big, public battle.

2. Teach, don't screech
For a variety of reasons, the general public lacks basic knowledge concerning Wicca and other Pagan religions. If you do decide to discuss your beliefs, it is important to respect the belief system of your audience in the way that you want them to respect yours. In simplest terms: Explain, don't preach.
Do not assume that your opponent understands the concepts of the Goddess and the God. Do not assume that they have had exposure to your belief system outside of Hollywood or television (or for some, outside of their church or religious establishment). You can safely assume that they have not read nearly as much on the topic as you have, and therefore you are placed in a unique position to shed positive light on your faith.

If you feel comfortable, use this opportunity to explain exactly what you believe and maybe even why you believe it. If you believe in the Wiccan Rede, it is important to remember it in these situations: "An ye harm none, do what ye will." Very few outside the Wiccan community have heard this before, so take the time to explain it. The Rule of Three or the concepts of karma are also good places to start, if they are among your beliefs. These simple tenets go a long way towards dispelling many of the myths that surround Wicca, and an understanding of them will help the general public's perception of our path.

3. Defend without aggression
Don't be tempted to exploit weaknesses in your opponent's arguments just to win a debate. Take the high ground; accusing someone of hypocrisy or trying to score debate points and prove them wrong will do nothing to open their mind. Many believers who aggressively evangelize are worried, not only about you, but about pleasing their demanding deity, and making them feel "under attack" is sure to shut down any exchange of ideas that could have taken place.

4. Keep firm boundaries
On the other hand, some folks don't know how to listen, and some don't want to. If you are in a situation where it is obvious that your opponent has no intention of listening to your side, withdraw from the confrontation. Just because you're Wiccan doesn't mean you have to suffer through the sermons, homilies, and little pat religious diatribes of every self-appointed evangelist you happen across. Politely thank them for their concern and walk away. (Editor's note: if you are in a workplace situation and feel harassed, find out about your rights; see "Workplace Wicca 101" in newWitch #1).

Remember - you may be the only Wiccan this person will ever know. A firm but compassionate response to evangelism can bear important fruit, even if you never see it personally.

Michael Samhain is a freelance writer living in the St. Louis metro area. He can be contacted at: samhain@worldnet.att.net.