A question often posed to Wiccans is aren't we afraid of burning in hell? And do we worship the devil? Hell and the devil are conventions of the Christian religion. Wicca does not incorporate hell or the devil. We have no need for an entity to fear torturing our souls nor do we need an entity to push blame onto for our misdeeds. In Wicca we don't get the free pass "the devil made me do it." Although I can't speak for every single Wiccan out there, as a general practice, Wiccans believe in personal accountability for our choices so we don't get to blame anything on a devil. Likewise, we don't get tempted by the devil -- instead, it is much more likely our ego or carnal self that is tempted. So, if there is no devil to hold us in check through fearing his consequences of roasting in hell, what keeps us in line? Conscience. Amazing isn't it? That people can decide all by themselves to do the right thing because its the right thing to do. Stop and think about this, if we are living our lives by laws or religious trappings that define what we can and can't do, what would happen if all that broke down for some reason? Would everyone suddenly run amok because the rules were lifted? Would they do anything and everything just because there was no law against it?
Look at this way -- don't you think it is a shame that we have to have laws making murder illegal? You would think as a decent human being we would know that isn't the right thing to do. Likewise, we shouldn't have to have a religion scare us out of doing things for fear of hell fire and brimstone and a devil at the ready to torture us for eternity. Sadly, when it comes down to it, laws can really only punish someone after the deed is done -- so if the person does not fear the consequences, what is to stop them?
I have always said that you know who a person *really* is when there are no laws to govern them. When they think no one is watching or no one will tell on them, will they behave and do the right thing because it is the right thing to do? Or will they take advantage of the situation and do as they please even if it is morally wrong? For example, how many spouses are faithful spouses while in their regular world but if they suddenly found themselves far removed from family and friends and amongst strangers where they were certain no word could ever get back to their spouse, would they remain faithful? Or have an affair?
Something else to consider is sometimes there is not a law against doing something but that doesn't mean you should do it. Legalities and moralities can be totally different things. For instance, you can *legally* buy someone's house for back taxes owed and then boot them out of it if you follow the proper protocol in the area you live in. But is it moral and ethical? I personally do not think so. To me, it might be legal but it is theft. You are kicking someone while they are down. But now I am talking personal mores -- everyone does not see things the same. And for many, therein lies the rub with Wicca. It is very frightening to many to think that there is no over arcing rules and regulations in Wicca to control the Wiccan masses. It is inconceivable to many that it is permissible for each Wiccan to determine what *harm none* means to them and follow it. In short, in Wicca, we live by our conscience. We reach inside ourselves and define our personal code of ethics by which we live. True, it may change over time and refine as we accumulate life experiences but doesn't the law change over time as well?
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