Is it possible to be Wiccan and a Christian?

Yes... and no. It's tricky to accomplish.

Christianity is a variable thing with a myriad of different doctrines and creeds, many of which conflict with one another when compared against ideas from different sects. One of the only threads that they all have in common is the belief that Jesus is a savior to mankind, in some capacity. Do you believe you need Jesus Christ's salvation? Do you accept it & live your life with that idea? If yes, then you are some form of Christian.

Problem, though, Christianity(s) have long established traditions and theologies, etc. If you don't at least upkeep some basic traditions, and hold certain dogma, you're unlikely to be accepted by most traditional churches and denied of being a real Christian. Which may not be a problem for you.

Wicca, being an initiatory fertility cult (I use cult in it's traditional sense, a modal of worship specific to a certain tradition), is not exclusive in most cases. You can be Hindu and Wiccan. Buddhist, and Wiccan. Shinto and Wiccan. But some religions are unfriendly towards sharing their ground with others. Abrahamic religions are some of these. If you want to be Wiccan and Christian, you're going to have to do a lot of theological foot-work. It would be easier to be a Christian witch (which - hehe "which witch" - has it's own set of problems, but the witchy part doesn't have the weight of an established religious tradition on it's back, so you'd be able to mould your magical practice to a Christian outlook; whilst ignoring all of the Biblical condemnations of magic and divination).

tl;dr: It's possible but it's also a lot of work to synthesize into something that makes sense. But of course, if you don't give two hoots about what any one thinks of your religious choices, rock on!

My advice? Learn and read about both paths, if you're interested in syncretizing them. There's also one book about ancient Christian magic in 1st & 2nd century Egypt. That might be a good point to work off of, in terms of reconciling Christianity with some form of magical practice.

Originally Posted by EmergingPath

So, I'd skip the lables and find what resonates with you. That requires some reading and questions to get clarity... then go be who you want to be

This fella seems to know what he his talking about Can I add though, If I may and if I am worth listening to.

http://paganwiccan.about.com/gi/o.ht.../paths/cw.html

Originally Posted by Neville

Can I add though, If I may and if I am worth listening to.

http://paganwiccan.about.com/gi/o.ht.../paths/cw.html

As always spot on Neville!

[innerlight]

Originally Posted by EmergingPath

So, I'd skip the lables and find what resonates with you. That requires some reading and questions to get clarity... then go be who you want to be

I agree it's best to drop the labels and not be anything instead of trying to call oneself a New Age, Hindu, Christian, Buddhist, Wiccan. For at that point one starts to contradict the core philosophies of the belief system.

[norseman]

Animus - "in terms of reconciling Christianity with some form of magical practice"

You mean as in Roman Catholicism, for example. High Mass is a fine example of High Ritual Magic. Now add on the idolatry and the Triple God.
There you are, perfect synthesis especially since christianity has little to do with Christ.
Imagine if there were a second coming. All the "princes" of the church would line up in condemnation !

[Lightspirit]

Personally being a christian, I feel there might be a conflict of interests, If you feel yuo area Christian run it by Jesus for an answer. He has the final say.

Hope that helps.

How do you know he has the final say?

Originally Posted by Sindy

How do you know he has the final say?

Well. let's run it past him and see what he says;

Hey Jesus, is it cool to be a Christian and a Wiccan at the same time?

"It's cool with me man, I'm easy."

Well, there you have it...

[Adrienne]

Wow, you have a direct connection ! no more wondering then ... question answered.

Originally Posted by norseman

Animus - "in terms of reconciling Christianity with some form of magical practice"

You mean as in Roman Catholicism, for example. High Mass is a fine example of High Ritual Magic. Now add on the idolatry and the Triple God.
There you are, perfect synthesis especially since christianity has little to do with Christ.
Imagine if there were a second coming. All the "princes" of the church would line up in condemnation !

Eh. I'm leery of imposing terms onto someone else's religious practice. I can see the magical thinking involved in the Eucharist, etc. But commonalities aren't grounds for insisting someone's religious practice is something they'd abhor.

Although, I do agree that many Church officials would be in a bad way, if/when Christ comes back around.