Our Daughter's Bewitched

Q. I discovered some books on Wicca under my 14-year-old daughter's bed, and she's admitted she doesn't believe what she hears in church anymore. Though she made a commitment to Christ as a young child, she's no longer interested in attending church and complains that her youth group is "cliquey." What can we do about this fascination she's developed?

A. Wicca, the worship of the Mother Goddess, is a dangerous religious practice. Although Wicca, which forbids spells that bring harm to others, appears to be a form of "good magic," its source of power is evil. God is a jealous God who forbids worship of anything or anyone besides himself. Any supernatural power that originates from a source other than God is from Satan.

You must take authoritative action. Remember, you have the right to decide what's allowed in your home. After thoroughly explaining your concerns and reasons to your daughter, make it clear any Wiccan literature or articles of worship will not be tolerated under your roof. Talk frankly with her about the dangers of dabbling in any supernatural power other than the Holy Spirit. Be careful to communicate that these strict measures are because of your deep love for her, not your desire to control her life.

Listen to your daughter's complaints about her church youth group. My husband and I decided that if our children weren't growing in our church youth group, then we'd pray about it and consider moving to another church where they could grow. The teenage years are critical—and worth taking drastic measures to establish your teen's personal relationship with Jesus.

Above all, pray, pray, and pray some more. Second Corinthians 10:4-5 (NLT) reads: "We use God's mighty weapons, not mere worldly weapons, to knock down the devil's strongholds. With these weapons we break down every proud argument that keeps people from knowing God. With these weapons we conquer their rebellious ideas, and we teach them to obey Christ." Search through your daughter's room for any Wiccan materials when she's in school. Lay hands on her and pray for her when she's sleeping. Pray boldly. Wicca is nothing compared to the power of a loving, praying parent—and an all-powerful God.

LISA WHELCHEL is the author of "Creative Correction (Focus on the Family), "So You're Thinking About Homeschooling (Multnomah), and the founder of MomTime Get-A-Ways. She and her husband, Steve, have three children. E-mail your parenting questions for Lisa to parentingfeedback@christianitytoday.com.

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