![]() ![]() ![]() In dealing with right and wrong, one must always be careful of appearances, but it is not the appearance that makes something right or wrong. In fact, a better translation of I Thessalonians 5:22 is "avoid every form of evil" (NASB) or "avoid every kind of evil" (NIV). Doesn't the Bible warn us to "avoid all appearance of evil"? (I Thessalonians 5:22, KJV) Couldn't innocent parlor magic be easily confused with forbidden activity? One could raise the objection that it is wrong for the Christian to do any performance that could so easily be misinterpreted as sinful by someone who doesn't know. The first thing we must be sure of when dealing with Biblical prohibitions is that we understand what the Bible is in fact saying, so that we do not misapply the truth because of a confusion in vocabulary. Obviously the Bible is talking about the first of these meanings and not the second. "Magic" has the meaning of witchcraft or sorcery, but the word also means sleight of hand and illusion, the surprising, fascinating and entertaining performance. There may be confusion due to the fact that certain words have two meanings. Let it be emphasized that no true Christian Illusionist is in any way involved in the use of supernatural powers. The Christian has no business playing with these, since they open the door to demonic influence. Today's manifestations of these forbidden activities are such things as ouija boards, tarot cards, the occult and horoscopes. The context of the Bible prohibitions makes it clear that God does not want people to dabble in games with the devil. Revelation 22:15, Isaiah 47:12, NIV, Acts 19:19, NASB) or “magician” (Genesis 41:8, KJV) or “witch” (Exodus 22:18 KJV) or "sorcery" (Leviticus 19:26, NIV, Deuteronomy 18:11, NIV), it is clearly dealing with a person's involvement in the supernatural, usually with the collaboration of evil spirits. When the Bible (especially certain translations) uses the term "magic" (e.g. Is it right for a Christian to use sleight of hand and illusion-aren't these instruments dishonest and deceptive? Doesn't the Bible forbid magic?įirst, let's get our terms defined. ![]() I came across this interesting, thought provoking article about the Christian Illusionist at the Fellowship of Christian Magician's web site. ![]()
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