Bewitched Catholics [when Dad is Catholic, but Mom's a Wiccan]

California Catholic Daily ^ | April 4, 2007

[Alex Murphy]

“I think there are like evil energies and entities out there. I'm concerned that if she opens herself up to those kinds of things that there is a potential of ..."

“I believe in one God, one Goddess, and in Jesus, who was a ‘great person.’”

Such might run a Catholic/Wiccan creed, if a six-year old boy, Sean’s, confession is representative.

Sean Nettleton of San Leandro is not entirely comfortable with his mother being a witch, said a March 28 East Bay Express article, though his younger sister, Lizzie, a “free thinker” and “wild girl” (according to their mother, Tina Nettleton, 37), is proud of her mother’s paganism. Sean, though, is apprehensive “to display his “Pagan side,” because of his father.

His father, Chris Nettleton, 38, is Catholic.

But Chris is supportive of his wife’s “religion.” For her witchly initiation two years ago, he bought her a ceremonial broom. The family home has several pagan altars, and, last year, Tina bought pentacle pendants for her children (crosses have since been added). Sean, though calling himself a “Catholic Witch," took his off before starting kindergarten at a Catholic school.

Wiccans, who form the largest Pagan group (claiming from 300,000 to 1.2 million members in the United States) can choose any gods or goddesses for their devotion. Tina goes for a Buddhist deity, Tara. Tina grew up Catholic.. Both she and Christ belonged to the youth group at St. Leander’s church in San Leandro, which Tina liked, because, under the musical direction of liturgical composer Bob Hurd, the parish had liturgical dancing.

But Saint Leander’s grew more “conservative,” and, besides, Catholicism never “empowered” Tina, in part, because of its belief in a “male God.” Finally, Tina spent a Sunday with a Goddess circle. "She came back really enthusiastic and really enjoyed it and it felt like she was in the right spot," her husband said. "That was neat to see."

Chris admits having felt “weirded out” by his wife’s religion. His Catholic experience was good --- he had been an altar boy, youth group counselor, and a Eucharistic Minister, though he now does not attend Mass regularly.

The Wiccan view of God “weirds” Chris “out.” God is not “benevolent” for them, he said. “I think they kind of embrace both, more like the Hindus do with Kali and there's destruction. So that's really difficult for me." His wife’s double-bladed, ritual knife (used for “cutting sacred space”), kept on the altar in their bedroom, “freaked” him out.

But Chris has gotten into the pagan groove, somewhat; he has, for instance, taught Sean to say, “in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Goddess.” But not everything is groovy with him. "Maybe it's my Catholic upbringing and watching The Exorcist one too many times," he told the Express. "I joke, but there's some seriousness because I think there are like evil energies and entities out there. I'm concerned that if she opens herself up to those kinds of things that there is a potential of ..."

Here he drifted off. But completing his thought, he said, "so I have to trust that she's going to take every means necessary to keep us safe."

[Always Right]

But Chris has gotten into the pagan groove, somewhat; he has, for instance, taught Sean to say, “in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Goddess.”

Well as long as he puts it like that, I guess it is OK

for the mentally retarted, that was sarcasm.

[pax_et_bonum]

There are hugh and series mental issues here.

[Richbee]

Here is an interesting counter-point and cause for further discussion:

Here are a few solid facts, about Wiccan and contrasted by Christian beliefs or odctyrines:

My Wiccan Friend (101) - By Greg Stier

Most witches (often called Wiccans) are part of the contemporary neo-pagan movement which is rooted in the ancient god and goddess worship of several pre-Christian cults and religions (Greek, Celtic, [Norse] Egyptian, Roman and Sumerian). While there is much diversity of beliefs among witches (because it, like the New Age movement, is not one centrally organized religion with a set creed or belief system) there are several common beliefs widely held among witches.

Some common beliefs among witches:

1. Rejection of absolute truth.

Witches believe that experience and mysticism are the final authority not some book or creed. Each person must find and define their own reality and belief system.

Biblical View:

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus...I give you this charge: Preach the Word, be prepared in season and out of season....For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.” 2 Timothy 3:16-4:4

2. Tolerance

Witches believe that acceptance of other belief systems and religions (as long as those religions and belief systems are tolerant of theirs) is a must. Diversity is a virtue, dogmatism a sin.

Biblical View:

There is right and wrong. “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil....” Isaiah 5:20

Some things should not be tolerated. “I will set before my eyes no vile thing. The deeds of faithless men I hate; they will not cling to me. Men of perverse heart shall be far from me; I will have nothing to do with evil.” Psalm 101:3,4

Most witches believe that they can cause changes in people and circumstances through invoking spirits, forces or gods in the unseen world. This is usually done through some prescribed ritual or incantation.

Various questions to ask witches:

* “How do you know that neo-paganism (witchcraft) is true?”

* “What if you are wrong?”

* “If there are such things as gods and goddesses why have they not revealed themselves physically like Jesus Christ has?”

More....

http://www.cbn.com/spirituallife/ChurchAndMinistry/Evangelism/My_Wiccan_Friend.aspx

[siunevada]

Both she and Christ belonged to the youth group at St. Leander’s church in San Leandro

Must have made for some interesting Q&A sessions.

[pillut48]

Dad is obviously a CINO.

[chickenNdumplings]

His wife’s double-bladed, ritual knife (used for “cutting sacred space”), kept on the altar in their bedroom, “freaked” him out. And with two young children in the house, she leaves this thing lying around on an "altar"? One child six and one under six?

[Richbee]

That should have read:

Here are a few solid facts about Wicca and contrasted by Christian beliefs or DOCTRINES:

[Alex Murphy]

Occultism is the belief that nature, and the various entities/personalities that inhabit it, can be successfully manipulated by humans into granting said humans some favor. In short, all of creation is humankind's personal vending machine, and the whole magic thing is just about learning how to use exact change to get something out of it.

Christianity isn't a religion of manipulation - it's a religion of ethics. Our relationship with God is based on our ethical standing before Him. No amount of relics, or icons, or potions, or incantations can change that. God is not some impersonal force that we can manipulate if we're skilled enough. The occultist's beef with Christianity is that it places humankind permanently subservient to a single deity, instead of allowing them to pick and choose their leaders (and allegiances), as if they were simply voting for their next senator.

[MarkBsnr]

Nicely put.

Dad’s putting his kids into danger. He doesn’t seem to fully grasp the situation.

[MarkBsnr]

Never mind the mother. She sounds like she has some serious issues.

[Esther Ruth]

I’m concerned that if she opens herself up to those kinds of things that there is a potential of ...”

***

If he read his Bible, knew it well, very well - he would not just wonder, sit around and wonder, be concerned and search for answers. He would already most certainly know without a shadow of a doubt what is right, what is wrong, what he should do. He would quickly consult God’s Word for instruction and go to his wife and the children God gave him with the answer from the Bible.

[bboop]

That man should run screaming and take his children.

[vladimir998]

Clearly the husband IS NOT Catholic. He merely pretends to be.

[Knitting A Conundrum]

—But Chris is supportive of his wife’s “religion.”—

Which says that his wife’s happiness is more important than HIS faith. This doesn’t let us know much his knowledge of his faith, but it says a huge amount of where his faith is in the importance of what matters in his life.

[Lee N. Field]

Most witches (often called Wiccans) are part of the contemporary neo-pagan movement which is rooted in the ancient god and goddess worship of several pre-Christian cults and religions (Greek, Celtic, [Norse] Egyptian, Roman and Sumerian).

Which likes to pretend it's rooted in something older than 1940. See one of their own on real history vs. the Wiccan version.

[Tax-chick]

... if a six-year old boy, Sean’s, ... ... younger sister, Lizzie, a “free thinker” and “wild girl”

A child younger than six is a "free thinker"?

Sounds like the mom's a total, unmitigated goofball.

[Alex Murphy]

total, unmitigated goofball

100 "posting style" bonus points awarded! I like the way you turn a phrase!

[Tax-chick]

Thank you. Please tip your server.

I knew a girl in Oklahoma City who was a former Wiccan. Aside from a ring in her nose, she’d turned into an ordinary suburban Catholic mom.

[Campion]

If he read his Bible, knew it well, very well

And if he read the Catholic Catechism, he'd see the same thing.

But that would be like, so, non-affirming and exclusive, y'know ...

But I'm glad to see that their parish came (at least partially) to its senses, even if it lost them in the process.

[onedoug]

So called “Wiccanism” is primarily the product of Gerald Gardner (1884-1964) who liked running around naked.

[Antoninus]

Chris admits having felt “weirded out” by his wife’s religion. His Catholic experience was good --- he had been an altar boy, youth group counselor, and a Eucharistic Minister, though he now does not attend Mass regularly.

Uh, then he's not a Catholic anymore, I'd say...

[Nihil Obstat]

His father, Chris Nettleton, 38, is Catholic.

No he isn't. Claiming to be Catholic doesn't make one Catholic.

Tina goes for a Buddhist deity, Tara. Tina grew up Catholic.. Both she and Christ belonged to the youth group at St. Leander’s church in San Leandro, which Tina liked, because, under the musical direction of liturgical composer Bob Hurd, the parish had liturgical dancing.

kind of surprising that Christ left that parish too, but that's what you get with liturgical dancing.

[Mr. Lucky]

OK?

[Tax-chick]

Oh, retch. I’d missed the Bob Hurd reference; probably my subconscious blocked it.

This world would be a better place today if Mr. Hurd had a stellar career as an actuary.

[Patriotic1]

His Catholic experience was good --- he had been an altar boy, youth group counselor, and a Eucharistic Minister, though he now does not attend Mass regularly.

Indeed, as a true Catholic, he should attempt to attend Mass regularly. Lukewarm is he, it would appear.

[Dominick]

Catholicism never “empowered” Tina, in part, because of its belief in a “male God.”

Poor thing.

They never gave the kid a chance, as the Mother seems to be poisoning the kids with her own vitriol.

The parochial school should expel them, as this open antipathy of the Church is a problem. Now non-Catholics are welcome at a parochial school, but anti-cathilcs should be rejected. I imagine they also get a parishioner discount on tuition as well.

[NYer]

Catholic Ping
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[rzeznikj at stout]

Poor kids...

Dad’s certainly not doing them any favors by not standing up to their mum.

Yes, the mum’s off the deep end—borderline screwball, IMHO...

[trisham]

What a bizarre couple. She’s mentally ill, and he’s an enabler. The children are going to have a tough time of it.

[B-Chan]

But Chris has gotten into the pagan groove, somewhat; he has, for instance, taught Sean to say, “in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Goddess.”

[Jaded]

True. They both have doubts or the son wouldn’t be at a Catholic school.

[ArrogantBustard]

One of these days, I just have to watch "Team America", if only to know why an animated Sean Penn is puking his guts out.

[Jaded]

He has some idea. He's just not that concerned. Evil that comes in with an open invitation is more Spiritual warfare than either of them are equipped to handle.

[Jaded]

He has some idea. He's just not that concerned. Evil that comes in with an open invitation is more Spiritual warfare than either of them are equipped to handle.

[Salvation]

yers for the father in this picture to become a staunch and upright Catholic — not allowing any children to accompany the mother to anything at all.

This WOULD be grounds for a divorce, I believe.

[B-Chan]

Actually, that’s “Gary”, the protagonist. He’s barfing due to excessive alcohol consumption. The Sean Penn puppet comes later.

[B-Chan]

Sa-a-a-am...

[bradthebuilder]

My thoughts, in order as I read this post:

1. I would have never married a witch
2. Their parish had liturgical dance
3. I can’t recall the exact chapter and verse but the Gospel that says “it would be better if you were dropped in the lake with a millstone around your neck than to lead a child astray”

[Alex Murphy]

I can’t recall the exact chapter and verse but the Gospel that says “it would be better if you were dropped in the lake with a millstone around your neck than to lead a child astray”

"Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea."

Matthew 18:6 / Mark 9:42 / Luke 17:12

[Miss Marple]

I must say the first thing I thought was, “Now I see what type of people are attracted to liturgical dance.”

[jjm2111]

As a devout Catholic, I believe in the Church’s teachings. But I know Catholics, who by outward appearances, are much more pious than I but in turn, showed themselves to be bad people. I also know Wiccans/pagans, while they do not share my Faith, to be, as far as I’m aware, good and decent people. I think Christ’s teachings of, “By their fruits, you shall know them” are important when dealing with people from other faiths. Peace to all.

[metmom]

But I'm glad to see that their parish came (at least partially) to its senses, even if it lost them in the process.

It's not like the parish really lost anyone. They were gone in spirit long before. They were never really a part of it and *losing* a witch is really no loss at all.

[madprof98]

I have the impression that this is par for the course for Catholicism in Kalifornia.

[Aquinasfan]

It sounds like "the California Catholic Daily" is bemused by this.

Real funny stuff.