Most Christians have a clear understanding of where the Bible stands on witchcraft and sorcery. These things are easily recognized and associated with Satan. On the other hand, the lines have become blurred for some when it comes to magic, magicians, and magic tricks. Television, books, and movies make frequent attempts to paint things such as magicians and even witches in a good light. Is there such a thing as good magic? Is it okay for a Christian to do magic tricks? Does the Bible have an answer for these questions?
Magic Defined
Magic is defined as the power of apparently influencing the course of events by using mysterious or supernatural forces. Some synonyms that are found alongside this definition are sorcery, witchcraft, enchantment, the occult, and voodoo. The definition and synonyms alone should cause anyone who believes magic can be innocent to rethink their position.
Good Magic And Christian Magicians
The claim is made that there is a difference between a magician who performs magic tricks and illusions, and someone who practices sorcery and witchcraft. Upfront this may sound reasonable. The problem with this argument is the Bible makes no exception for so-called good magicians or good magic.
Man has taken something that is only spoken of as evil in the Bible and tried to spin it in a positive light. It is said that tricks and illusions are used to entertain and as an attention getter that can help further the gospel. The excuse is often used that “Christian magicians” are not using special supernatural powers to perform their tricks. In most cases this is probably true. Even so, performing tricks and illusions to the point that someone calls themselves a magician is a problem.
While not directly relying on power from the dark side to perform their tricks, these people are associating themselves with something that has always been evil. Audiences who are exposed to these “innocent illusions” can often find themselves desensitized to the point where they don’t have a problem being entertained by what the Bible strongly condemns. This is particularly true for children, who can be easily influenced. It’s not hard to imagine kids walking away from one of these performances thinking magic is cool, awesome, and even fun, but certainly not bad.
The Bible Is Clear On The Matter
The Bible speaks very clearly against magic, and those who practice it.
(Revelation 21:8) But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars–they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.”
(Revelation 22:15) Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.
In (Exodus 8:18), Pharaoh’s magicians tried by their secret arts to imitate what God caused to happen when Aaron stretched out his staff and struck the ground. When they could not produce gnats with their magic, they told pharaoh it was the hand of God. These magicians were able to do some things, but even they could recognize their power was limited compared to God.
There is a power behind real magic that is not of God. Although it doesn’t compare to the all-powerful God, it is very real. A Christian should not be deceived into thinking it is okay to mess around with such things. Neither is it okay to lead others to believe it is harmless.
No Magic Tricks, Just A Neat Trick
To use the reasoning that you are not willingly or knowingly relying on power from Satan to perform your tricks is a weak argument when you are dealing with something the Bible only speaks of as evil. Good magic tricks are simply not found in the Scriptures. It’s one thing to have a neat trick you like to show so that people have a hard time trying to figure out how you did it. To call yourself a magician, that’s another. It is not something Christian’s should be associated with.
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im a christian and i believe that magic does not exist just illusions created by man i dont think practicing illusions or the slight of hand is bad unless you are doing it in the name of satan and his demons
Thanks for the comment, although we will obviously have to agree to disagree.
Why do they use magic, trick, or illusions to preach the gospel? We already have the word of God. It is complete and sufficient.
(2Thess. 5:22) Abstain from all appearance of evil.