Tuesday, July 14, 2009
You Never Know
You never know what will happen in this world, but you can know the Creator of this world.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Survey Reveals Americans’ Feelings about Wicca
As Americans make lifestyle transitions needed to restore the nation to stability, the nation’s adults are demonstrating their willingness to accept religious perspectives and groups that conflict with some of their core beliefs and lifestyle practices. A new national survey conducted by The Barna Group shows that while many adults are not familiar with Wicca, nearly half of the adult population has reserved having an opinion on that religious group even though its best-known practices directly contradict the religious faith that they personally embrace.This study hits so much of what my coauthored book Generation Hex discusses from both research and personal encounters with those involved in Wicca.
If you're one of the 55% of Americans who have never heard of Wicca or are among the many others who know little about it, check out Generation Hex. It's a short read that will challenge your faith in a whole new way.
Click for the full Barna update.
Friday, December 5, 2008
GENERATION HEX Nominated for Outreach Resource of the Year Award
This morning, I discovered that Outreach Magazine nominated my co-authored book Generation Hex (with Marla Alupoaicei) for an Outreach Resource Award in the area of Apologetics.
If you want to help make the difference from nomination to a possible award-winner, send a quick email here to tell Outreach magazine why you think it should win (It also helps if you say you really like Outreach magazine.).
And here's the 411 on Outreach for those of you unfamiliar. It's a really good how-to magazine on church outreach that is best-known for its annual lists of the top 100 largest and fastest growing churches in America. Plus, they are the same company that makes those really easy-to-use bulletin shells, banners, and mailers your church might be using.
About OUTREACH:
Award-winning OUTREACH magazine offers insights from nationally recognized church leaders, articles examining outreach trends and challenges churches are experiencing, profiles of innovative ideas in use, and practical guides for implementing new outreach efforts. Based in Vista, Calif., and published by Outreach, Inc., OUTREACH has a circulation of 30,000, and a readership of 80,000.
-from Outreach magazine
+++
DILLON BURROUGHS is a writer on issues of spirituality.
He also serves as an activist for World Vision.
Dillon lives with his wife, Debbie, and three children in Tennessee.
Monday, November 3, 2008
What's Next?
The level of buzz was terrific. Marla and I shared over 70 media interviews, including interviews in the UK, Canada, and New Zealand. We also traveled several parts of the country, including Tennessee, Indiana, Texas, Georgia, and Florida.
Our book was at one point one of the most talked-about books on the Internet according to Technorati.com. In a strange twist, Generation Hex became one of Amazon.com's top-selling books on Wicca. The book was even featured on WitchVox.com and WiccanWeb.ca, two of the most-popular Wiccan websites in North America.
So, again, thank you for making the Generation Hex movement possible. It would not have happened without God or without you.
Now...what's next?
To begin, I'm piecing together the final portions of a manuscript I'm collaborating on for the organization where I work. Complete with documentary and two other authors, it has been daunting to say the least. Fortunately, this book is nearing completion for its next-summer release.
Plus, I'm trying to find a new vehicle (but it's not becuase of all the money I made on Generation Hex; a common misconception about what writers get paid). My 1997 minivan with 217,000 miles on it was hit last month and I'm in the process of finding a replacement. Give me a shout out if you can help in the minivan department.
But in terms of the future, I'm now in a season of much prayer. There are many directions I could go, but only one God wants me to pursue. I'm attempting to pursue His plan rather than my own.
In the meantime, I'm not sitting around and chanting and lighting candles, though (No offense to those who like chanting and playing with matches.). I've written up a few project ideas and am pursuing the appropriate channels. But books aren't contracted in a day (even if I could write one in a single day), so I may have little to blog about for a couple of weeks.
I'm already taking a Twitter and Myspace Sabbatical. Facebook is also becoming a once in a while communication form.
I'm not avoiding you.
I'm not disappearing.
I'm just praying.
Please join me in praying for God's next project to pursue.
Generation Hex came about from a ton of prayer and a mountain-sized spiritual hike; yet it has changed more hearts than perhaps anything I have written to date. God is good.
I'll keep you posted as soon as I get a blog or text message from God or some other clear answer on what's next.
In the meantime, pray.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Generation Hex on American Family Radio TODAY
About American Family Radio:
American Family Radio has over 200 stations & 19 affiliates in 34 states and Canada. It is owned and operated by the American Family Association with Don Wildmon as President & Founder. Today’s Issues is a live call-in program aired each weekday at 10 am. central which deals with the moral, social, and political issues of the day. Today's Issues approaches these issues from a perspective of biblical, traditional, conservative values. Usually, each Today’s Issues program features an interview with a guest. In the past this list has included well-known authors, political figures and nationally known ministers. The program is hosted by American Family Association Vice-President and author, Tim Wildmon, and the General Manager of American Family Radio, Marvin Sanders. TI is produced by Cindy Barnett and engineered by JJ Jasper.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Chattanooga Times Free Press, Janet Parshall, and the Ugly Side of Wicca
Also on Saturday, my coauthor Marla and I had the opportunity to share an interview on Janet Parshall's radio program (www.jpamerica.com). One of radio's top talk show hosts, she had people calling and emailing in live from Alaska, Bermuda, Belgium, and everywhere else you could imagine. People dealing with witchcraft among their friends and family are really searching for answers. Hopefully, we were able to help some of the show's listeners along the way.
On the ugly side, I had the mixed blessing of having the Chattanooga Times Free Press article mentioned above being picked up at WitchVox.com. For those unaware, Witchvox.com is considered the leading social networking hub for all things Wiccan and pagan. Unfortunately, within 24 hours I found some very hateful and inaccurate comments thrown around. For example:
Yeah, these guys aren't really "tolerant". They use softer language than most, sure, but it becomes pretty apparent when you read their crap that they have the same goal as any foaming-at-the-mouth fundie; eliminate the competition and convert everyone to their particular brand of Christianity.
The tactics that both Cooper and Burroughs detail here look suspisciously like some of the trolling tactics I've seen in WitchVox; in fact, I wouldn't be at all surprised if Burroughs posted here under an alias.
Of course Wicca is still a "danger". It's competition.
I'm not sure what such comments are hoping to accomplish, but let me ask: Who is the one being intolerant and critical here? From what I've gathered, none of these commenters have read the book that notes my specific reasons for not signing up for participation on WitchVox. The "Cooper" they mentioned was the guy interviewing me. I had no say on what he wrote. I was just happy he mentioned my book. And I've yet to view Wicca as competition. I simply share my concern for Wiccans to experience the love of Jesus; a love much greater than the spirit of the above comments.
Fortunately, many Wiccans I have met do not share such an attitude. They simply crave a spirituality that helps them deal with the pressures of everyday life. My prayer is that more will find their fulfillment in Jesus.
[P.S. As of Sunday morning, less than a day from when the Times-Free Press article ran, my article has been viewed over 1600 times.]
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Listen to Generation Hex Interview on Chris Fabry Live! Archives
Link: http://www.moodyradio.org/brd_programarchive.aspx?id=18894.
About Chris Fabry Live!
Chris Fabry Live! is a live 54-minute call-in program designed to build up the spiritual immune system of the Christian man and woman. As you walk through the journey of faith called the Christian life, you meet new people, learn new things, laugh, cry, and most importantly, you grow in your understanding of God. With his sense of humor, sense of people, and no sense of direction, host Chris Fabry treks that journey with you each weekday. Current events and issues, caller interaction, special guests, and a few surprises all complement each other on this program. Chris Fabry Live! challenges and encourages listeners in his or her journey of faith.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Dillon Burroughs and Matt Mitchell on FamilyNet TV
Dillon Burroughs (coauthor of Generation Hex) and Matt Mitchell (director of Pray and Pray 2) will be interviewed on FamilyNet TV (www.familynet.com) Tuesday, October 14th, on the topic of Positive Christian Responses to Halloween.
Second only to Christmas in holiday spending, Halloween now dominates the culture's attention through films, costumes, books, and more. But how can Christians respond to a night often associated with a dark message?
"Halloween is historically and culturally a dark night that celebrates ideas inconsistent with the Christian faith," says Burroughs. "However, we are called to make the most of every opportunity, including Halloween. We have a unique night in which many are likely to stop by our homes or attend an event. It is a perfect time to build new friendships to share the light of Jesus."
Churches offering children's events, candy with Christian messages attached, and "trunk or treat" alternatives are only a few of the many ways people are responding to communicate Christ during Halloween.
One unique alternative is Matt Mitchell's latest film Pray 2: The Woods (praythemovie.com). Shown in select theaters and now available on DVD, this Cross Shadow Productions motion picture provides a Dove-approved, PG-rated alternative to the graphic content often highlighted during the Halloween Season.
"Ultimately, it's about pointing people of all backgrounds toward the light of Jesus," shares Burroughs. For more information, see www.readdB.com or www.praythemovie.com.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
‘Wicca Awareness Month’ Launched by Harvest House Authors
‘Wicca Awareness Month’ Launched by Harvest House Authors
EUGENE, OREGON—October 8, 2008—It may come as a surprise that the “Church of Wicca” was officially declared a religion by a US Federal appeals Court in 1986. Alarming, yes, but two Harvest House authors now provide answers to the facts surrounding Wicca and other Pagan religions.
Dillon Burroughs and Marla Alupoaicei, authors of Generation Hex—Understanding the Subtle Dangers of Wicca, have launched Wicca Awareness Month to help concerned Christians bring light and hope to those within the Wicca religion.
As part of their goal to raise awareness, the authors will discuss Christian perspectives on Wicca in numerous media interviews, including: Faith Broadcasting on October 8; Moody Radio’s Chris Fabry Live! October 22; and Janet Parshall’s America (Salem Radio) on October 30. The authors will also post new articles and information on marriageleap.com, including quotes and feedback from Wiccans and former Wiccans, throughout the month.
Wicca is America’s most popular form of witchcraft. Its attraction is skyrocketing, with membership doubling at least every 30 months. Yet many still don’t know what Wicca is or how to interact in meaningful spiritual dialogue with a person involved in the Wiccan, Pagan or New Age belief system.
Alupoaicei says that she and Burroughs were able to get firsthand information and testimonials from Wicca practitioners themselves, giving the project just that much more credibility and strength.
“We interviewed many Wiccans and pagans, and we include their powerful personal stories in the book,” says Alupoaicei. “We’ve received fantastic feedback from many Wiccans and pagans, and we know of several Wiccans who have already accepted Christ after hearing our radio interviews.”
The book provides a simple overview of what Wicca is, what Wiccans believe, how influential it has become, and more. Wiccan teachings are also compared and contrasted with Christian beliefs.
Generation Hex has been featured as one of the top Wicca books at Amazon, ranked as the top witchcraft book at Christianbook.com, noted as the third most–talked–about book on the web at Technorati.com, and featured in over 60 media interviews since its release in August.
The book has been featured in Christian and mainstream interviews in the U.S., Canada, U.K., and New Zealand, and it has also been reviewed on numerous Christian and Wiccan websites in the U.S., Canada, and in Europe.
Print quality images to accompany this press release are available in digital format. Available images are: cover art, author photo, Harvest House logo.
# # #
Friday, October 3, 2008
GENERATION HEX Continues to Touch Lives
“In serious desperation, I picked up a copy of your book this past weekend. I was happy to get it, as it was the only copy of its kind on the shelf. Words cannot express how much it has helped me, and I want to sincerely thank you both… I want to commend you for talking about this subject and encourage you to do more. I’d love to see another book about people who have come out of the craft… Bless you for having the love and courage to write the book Generation Hex.”Generation Hex also continues to receive significant news coverage. Recent mentions include The Dallas Morning News religion blog, The Christian Post, Prime Time America (Moody), Not Just Talking the Talk (mainstream radio), Bible.org, and more to come as Halloween approaches.
-former witchcraft practitioner, California
"I want you both to know that I loved the book. It was great to get the sense of compassion in your hearts for ALL of God's children!"
-Cheryl
Currently approximately 60 media outlets (not including bloggers) have interviewed Marla and I about Generation Hex. It has been an overwhelming response to a topic many publishers have been hesitant to touch.
I'm extremely thankful for the team at Harvest House supporting this project from the start and helping us provide awareness of Wicca's growth and encouragement in showing Christ's love to Wiccans in the lives of many.
As you walk through the candy-filled aisles at your local stores this October, please remember that the Halloween Season is not about candy and costumes; it is an opportunity to point people toward the light of Jesus on a dark night.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Chat Transcripts for Generation Hex Interview with Abunga.com
Thanks again for all of you who have encouraged Marla and I on Generation Hex in recent weeks. And if you're reading this and haven't had a chance to share your feedback on the book, please email me at dillon@dillonburroughs.org. I appreciate it!
Film and TV News...
In other news, the film The Imposter I appeared in starring Grammy-award winning Kevin Max (of DC Talk) will be released in theaters in Texas next month! If you live in the area, please check it out.
In addition, Matt Mitchell's latest film Pray 2: The Woods held its premiere release in Raleigh, NC last weekend to much acclaim. I mention this for two reasons: 1) I love his style of Christian filmmaking, and 2) I helped write the film's study guide. The DVD releases today. You can order a copy at ChristianCinema.com, my favorite Christian film website.
Plus, if you haven't heard about the film Fireproof (by the Facing the Giants guys), you have to see it. It comes out this weekend nationwide. I viewed an early edition of it this summer and highly recommend it.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Online Chat Today with Abunga.com on Generation Hex
To join the chat, just click on the link above and then click on “Authors@Abunga” under the heading “Cool Stuff” on the upper left-hand side of the page. Please join the conversation and ask questions! We’d love to hear your perspective on the issues related to Wicca, Christianity, and the dialogue between the two.
Friday, September 5, 2008
More Readers Who Get It
Generation Hex: Understanding the Subtle Dangers of Wiccaby Marla ... By ladystorm(ladystorm) Dillon Burroughs is the author or co-author of fifteen books, including What Can Be Found in LOST?; What’s the Big Deal About Other Religions?; and the revised Facts On series (with John Ankerberg and John Weldon). ... Mystery, Suspense, and God, Oh My! - http://writesthoughts.blogspot.com/ |
Genertion Hex: my thoughts.
By Mark
“Generation Hex” fits the bill quite refreshingly on both counts. I have to admit that I was somewhat skeptical when Generation Hex was brought to my attention, as many Christians who have tried to write such a work have fallen far ...
From the desk of the Flutecrafter - http://exwitch.ancientcrossroads.org/blog
Generation Hex By Kathi Generation Hex covers a lot of ground in a small, easy-to read book. While it’s written for laymen, it possesses the depth that pastors will appreciate. The authors elaborate greatly on one central point: Witchcraft is no longer taboo.1 ... iamhealed.net - http://iamhealed.net/ |
Generation Hex by Marla Alupoaicei and Dillon Burroughs By Jendi Where: Camy’s Loft What: Generation Hex by Marla Alupoaicei and Dillon Burroughs How To Enter: Leave a comment on the giveaway/contest post Deadline: September 11, 2008. Mom Giveaways - http://momgiveaways.com |
book review :: generation hex, understanding the subtle dangers of ... By Dan King The recently published Generation Hex: Understanding the Subtle Dangers of Wicca is, in my humble opinion, a very important piece of work about this belief system. Written by Marla Alupoaicei and Dillon Burroughs, this book answers the ... BibleDude.net - http://bibledude.net/WordPress |
Book giveaway – GENERATION HEX By Camy Tang(Camy Tang) In Generation Hex, Marla Alupoaicei and Dillon Burroughs explore the history, culture, and practices of Wicca. As part of their research, they interviewed travelers to historic Salem, Massachusetts, consulted practitioners of leading ... Camy's Loft - http://camys-loft.blogspot.com/ |
Book Review-Generation Hex By Angela @ Refresh My Soul Blog(Angela @ Refresh My Soul Blog) Generation Hex is a very informative book about the influence of Wicca in today's world. I found it surprising how popular this worldview is currently. This book is very important because it helps Christians see those who practice Wicca ... Refresh My Soul Blog - http://refreshmysoulblog.blogspot.com/ |
book review :: generation hex, understanding the subtle dangers of ... Written by Marla Alupoaicei and Dillon Burroughs, this book answers the questions, “W … I was excited to get the chance to review this bookbecause it offered an amazing glimpse into the world of Wicca and how Christian should respond… ... Books and Magazines Blog - http://www.pigmig.com/ |
By Mark
I have finished my initial reading of this work and will now go back through it with a high-lighter and pencil in hand. On the first overview though, it is a very nice read with some solid information in it. I look forward to it making ...
From the desk of the Flutecrafter - http://exwitch.ancientcrossroads.org/blog
END OF THE WEEK....
By Laurie J. Wood(Laurie J. Wood)
In the first week of September, I'll also be hosting another blog tour for co-authors Dillon Burroughs and Marla Alupoaicei on their new release GENERATION HEX - Understanding the Subtle Dangers of Wicca. In the meantime, keep writing!
WRITING ON THE EDGE - http://writingontheedge.blogspot.com/
Friday, August 29, 2008
A Reader Who Gets It
Dillon,Who can you encourage in a similar way today?
I've read several of your books, and the one thing that strikes me in ALL of them is your love and compassion for people, especially those who don't know Jesus Christ as Savior yet. I'm so impressed with your writing, and I am always eager to read and tour a book with your name on it, because I know it will encourage me as a believer to be what Jesus wants me to be...."It's Your kindness that leads us to repentance, O Lord".
Thanks for your interview responses. I can't wait to begin the tour with you and Marla! Many of God's richest blessings for You, my brother. May He anoint the work of your hands as you labor for Him.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Barna's Survey of Psychic and Witchcraft-Related Activity among Teens
New Research Explores Teenage Views and Behavior Regarding the Supernatural
http://www.barna.org/FlexPage.aspx?Page=BarnaUpdate&BarnaUpdateID=216Monday, August 25, 2008
Helping Christians Understand Wicca
A few issues I keep noticing from Christians when I mention Wicca or witchcraft are:
-What do you do if you find out someone you know is involved in Wicca?
-Why should we be concerned about Wicca?
-Wicca and Harry Potter, Stephanie Meyer, fortune telling, or any other paranormal experience Christians don't understand...
I don't claim to know all of the answers, but here are a few comments:
1. As a Christian, if you find out a friend or family member of yours is involved in Wicca, here's my advice:
-Pray.
-Ask them about their involvement: "How did you get involved in the Craft? Tell my your story." (As a parent of a child or teenager, you can be more direct in ending future participation if you choose to do so. This statement is for friends.)
-Share your story of faith in Christ as the person is willing to listen (In other words, if the person shuts down, that doesn't mean to push for a decision. It means to stop, and move to the next step.).
-Learn more about Wicca from a Christian perspective through Generation Hex or another Christian book on Wicca.
-Be a friend regardless of whether the other person ever chooses faith in Christ.
-Repeat.
Jesus called us to love our enemies, love our neighbors, love those who persecute us, love our spouses and children...your Wiccan friend should fall in at least one of these categories.
2. Why Should I Be Concerned about Wicca?
-It's growing--fast! Some say it will be America's third largest religion (following Christianity and Judaism) by 2012. The New York Times mentions it as America's fastest-growing religion (by percentage). Even if these stats aren't exact, the point is that it's on the rise.
Most Christians don't know about Wicca for two reasons: 1) They are disconnected from the surrounding culture and 2) Wiccans don't build church buildings and therefore its growth is less noticeable in our communities.
-As Christians, we should also be concerned about any religious movement that teaches there are other ways to know and worship God other than through faith in Jesus Christ. This is basic to all evangelism (Matthew 28:18-20).
3. Wicca and Harry Potter, Stephanie Meyer, fortune telling, or any other paranormal experience Christians don't understand...
Okay, so this last category is not really a question. However, the point is that Christians often lump anything paranormal into witchcraft. This is unhelpful on many accounts. What if non-Christians lumped anything with the label "Christian" on it as what Christianity is really like (Actually, many do!)? As Christians, we don't like such sweeping labels that include the Crusades, racist movements with Christian names, and other non-biblical extremes as part of Christianity.
Neither do Wiccans. Wiccans don't even believe in the existence of Satan, yet are often called Satan-worshippers by outsiders. The Pentagram or Pentacle is often called Satanic, yet is simply a religious symbol used by Wiccans that represents the five elements.
Harry Potter, The Twilight Series of books by Stephanie Meyers, TV's Supernatural, and other media are not Wiccan media. Fortune telling or psychic advisors are not practices of all Wiccans. Buffy the Vampire Slayer is not responsible for the growth of Wicca.
Media does influence thinking, no doubt. All this is to say that there is still much room to go in helping Christians (and many Americans in general) to understand Wicca is a specific religious movement rather than a catch-all category for all things paranormal.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Harry Potter film moved to Summer 2009
In other news...
Last night, my coauthor Marla and I enjoyed a great radio interview on M88, Albuquerque's hit Christian radio station regarding Generation Hex. You can hear the hour-long podcast starting later today, including some amazing questions from callers about their experiences concerning Wicca and witchcraft, at m88.org.
Also, Generation Hex was featured on the Debbie Chavez Show last week in addition to the shows from my previous post.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Generation Hex on radio and TV
Today I'm in Atlanta where I interviewed on Family Net TV and Sirius radio with some intense call-in's on Wicca. People chimed in from Ontario to Louisiana this morning with their questions about Wiccan symbols, how to discuss Christianity with Wiccans, and where the movement is most popular.
Later today, I share one live and two taped segments for WATC TV 57 in Atlanta on Generation Hex, What's the Big Deal about Other Religions?, and What's the Big Deal about Jesus?
I also received an email telling me Generation Hex cracked Amazon's Top 100 books last weekend in Religion and Spirituality. It's a little strange to see my book listed among Sylvia Brown, Chopra, and popular New Age writers, but that's the group of people we're trying to communicate with, so at least the book is connecting with it's target audience (Also, a big thanks to our first online review from armchairinterviews.com.).
Finally, I'll continue the media tour tomorrow with an interview on the Debbie Chavez Show in the Seattle area tomorrow. Listen in online if you can at 3pm EST.
If you have your own questions about Wicca and witchcraft, send them my way at dillon@dillonburroughs.org. I look forward to hearing from you.
Thanks!
Monday, August 11, 2008
Generation Hex Quoted on WiccanWeb.ca
If you haven't checked out Generation Hex yet, check out a sample chapter online. It's being carried at Books-A-Million starting this week nationwide.
Friday, August 8, 2008
Thank You for Supporting Generation Hex
And if you haven't ordered a copy yet, why not now?
We're looking forward to your feedback!
Thanks again. We couldn't do it without you!