Can Catholics read about witches

Answer 1

It depends. Catholics can read about witches and magic providing it is in a specific context. Fairy Tales and moral fables have been read for hundreds of years and involve witches. Fantasy magic like in Harry Potter or portrayed in Disney movies is sometimes frowned; such books and movies familiarize viewers with the occult in a fun and inviting atmosphere.

The practice of witchcraft is forbidden and is classified as a sin. The Church's reason for this is that practitioners of occult magic can only gain their powers from two sources; evil or good. Witches do not contain power themselves but channel it. Since God has declared Himself opposed to witchcraft and other curious arts any real power a witch draws, whether it is used for apparent good or evil, is from a illegitimate source, a demonic source. For this reason the Church respects witchcraft as something real and not to be toyed with, nor to be made light of as in many modern movies and books and thus reading about witchcraft because of curiosity, amusement or desire to engage in it is forbidden by the Church. == Yes. Catholics and other people can read about this stuff with no worries. They can also study witch craft and stuff without worrying and are invited to do so. So many of the practices of witches, pagans, wiccans and etc. are actually already used in their (Catholic) services (ex. burning incense, using cakes and ale or communion wafers and wine, and etc.). Unlike many religious leaders I have met who claim so, you wont burst into flames, get hit by lightning or go to hell for reading a book on the subject of Witch Craft. (Or practicing witch craft for the matter, but like every other subject, feel free to believe whatever you want.)

Answer 2

Catholics can read about witches in a historical or literary context, but it is important to remember that witchcraft is considered a form of occult practice that goes against Catholic teachings. In reading about witches, Catholics should be discerning and mindful of their faith.