The Bible condemns curses and spells as evil and detestable to God, as stated in Deuteronomy 18:10-12. Christians are warned not to engage in such practices, such as child sacrifice, divination, sorcery, or casting spells. These practices are compared to those who commit other acts detestable to the Lord, such as child sacrifice.
The Bible also warns against seeking supernatural powers other than God, as described in Deuteronomy 18:9-12 ESV. It emphasizes that God punishes and destroys those who seek supernatural powers other than Him. The Bible provides guidance on how to deal with these practices as Christians, highlighting the importance of being united with Christ and the Holy Spirit.
Several references to witchcraft in the Bible strongly condemn such practices, including Deuteronomy 18:11-12, which lists those who cast spells, are mediums, spiritists, or consult the dead. The Bible expressly condemns all forms of witchcraft, and the Church Fathers follow the biblical example by denouncing magic.
Christian magic is a staple in our ancestors’ interactions with God, especially when tools like the Bible are involved. The Bible addresses cursing and spells in several passages, emphasizing that such practices are generally condemned and considered sinful. Christians are encouraged not to turn to mediums or necromancers, as they make themselves unclean by them.
In conclusion, the Bible provides guidance on how to deal with curses and spells as Christians, emphasizing the importance of seeking the Lord over supernatural powers. By following the Bible’s teachings and avoiding practices that are considered sinful, Christians can better navigate their relationship with God and avoid the temptations of Satan.
📹 What does the Bible say about witchcraft / witches?
What does the Bible say about witchcraft / witches? Should a Christian fear witchcraft? Is there any true spiritual power in …
What does the Bible say about magic?
The Bible contains numerous references to witchcraft, condemning practices such as casting spells, being a medium, spiritist, or consulting the dead. These practices are considered detestable to the Lord, and the Lord will drive out those nations before you. The word “witch” may be a mistranslation of “poisoner”, and some believe there is a primitive idealist belief in a relation between bewitching and coveting. Some adherents of near-east religions acted as mediums, channeling messages from the dead or familiar spirits.
The Bible is sometimes translated as referring to “necromancer” and “neromancy”, but some lexicographers, like James Strong and Spiros Zodhiates, disagree. They believe that the Hebrew word “kashaph” (כשפ) in Exodus 22:18 and other places in the Tanakh comes from a root meaning “to whisper”, meaning “to whisper a spell, i. e. to incant or practice magic”. The Contemporary English Version translates Deuteronomy 18:11 as referring to “any kind of magic”.
Is cursing a sin in Christianity?
1 Peter 3:10 emphasizes the importance of keeping one’s tongue and lips clean from evil speech, lying, swearing, cursing, and other deceitful words. Christians should strive to be free from deceit and dishonor in their lives and words.
Cursing does not always lift one or others up, as people may perceive it as inappropriate or shameful. This is why some people may whisper their use of profanity in certain settings or avoid it around children or children at church or home. This is because it is not seen as a motivator for positivity and is often seen as uncouth and shameful. Therefore, it is crucial for Christians to maintain a clean and respectful language in their lives.
Is the f word in the Bible?
The Bible uses strong language in instances of cussing, but it is not undeniable that such language constitutes cussing. God is putting sobering situations or events in sobering terms, but this does not mean the Bible uses cussing or foul, profane language. The Bible never uses anything equivalent to the s-word, f-word, or any other such word. Some argue that it does, citing Philippians 3. 8 and Paul’s use of the Greek word skubalon as proof positive. However, the meaning of skubalon as provided in BDAG 1 A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature is the most authoritative Greek lexicon in the world.
The BDAG surveys not only how all words in the New Testament are used but also how all those words are used in the New Testament and the entire body of existing early Christian literature. It tells us all the ways a given word has been used anywhere, so if someone attempts to say that a Greek word means something but that meaning is not found in the BDAG, that word does not have that meaning and never did, full stop.
Skubalon, like most words, has a semantic range and not a fixed definition or inherent vulgarity. It could mean refuse generally, dung more specifically, or even have the crassness of something like “cr*p”. However, it never approaches the equivalent of a full-on profanity such as the s-word.
Is Christianity connected to paganism?
Early Christians incorporated elements of paganism into their culture, including ancient pagan funeral rituals and the ritual lament, which is one of the oldest art forms. The ritual begins with the “struggle of the soul” and prayer for the dying, with angels and demons competing for possession of the soul. The church attempted to moderate this behavior by singing Psalms, with two groups of singers chanting an antiphonal lament with rhythm, harmony, and order.
Christians decorated their burial chambers, creating the first Christian art in the catacombs beneath Rome. This art is symbolic, rising out of a reinterpretation of Jewish and pagan symbolism. Christian piety infused the symbols with its own fresh interpretation, giving visual expression to the belief that the human soul can be delivered from death to an everlasting life. This was a significant departure from Judaism and any pagan religion, which placed little emphasis on immortality and had vague, uncertain, and sometimes dismal beliefs about the afterlife.
In summary, early Christians adapted elements of paganism into their culture, including the ritual lament, which was one of the oldest art forms. This art form gave visual expression to the belief that the human soul can be delivered from death to an everlasting life, a claim that was not previously made by Judaism or any pagan religion.
What does God say about Wicca?
The Bible does not mention Wicca directly, but it does mention diviners, mediums, and necromancers, who were to be executed for their practices.
What does Bible say about using curse words?
Paul warns against using obscene or vulgar language that dehumanizes others, reflecting worldly motives or unfit for a redeemed way of life. Corrupting refers to slander, gossip, or any speech that tears someone down. Paul emphasizes the dangerous power of words when used to dehumanize another human being. Modern preachers and Christians who cuss or use vulgar terms to gain a rise from conservatives are not prophetic or biblical, but simply immature.
Calling someone a piece of skubula or blurting out shagel! after stubbing your toe is not being prophetic or biblical, but just undisciplined. If your Gospel presentation is causing moralistic crowds to sleep or if a pharisaic friend is more concerned about proper speech than grace, you may need to remind them that their Christ-less church attendance is nothing more than a bloody tampon until they cling to the Cross, as Isaiah did (Isaiah 64:6).
What are the effects of curses in the Bible?
The Bible describes the curse as a result of people seizing blessings on their own terms, leading to scarcity, isolation, and death. The story begins with God bringing life out of darkness and blessing all creatures. The first blessing is when God creates animals, urging them to be fruitful and multiply. God’s blessing is about flourishing and the multiplication of life, and he shares his life-producing ability with others, inviting them to participate in extending the blessing throughout creation.
What are the three sins God will not forgive?
Alma, a prominent figure in the Christian faith, had a profound teaching moment when he interviewed his son, Corianton, who had become involved with the harlot, Isabel. Alma warned Corianton that he was guilty of three abominable sins in the sight of God: denying the Holy Ghost, shedding innocent blood, and committing sexual sin. Adultery was third to murder and the sin against the Holy Ghost. To understand Corianton’s sin, he needed to understand its relationship to the two most abominable sins, enabling him to realize the possibilities of repentance and forgiveness.
Alma distinguished between unpardonable and pardonable sins. Unpardonable sins cannot be paid for through the atoning blood of Christ or personal suffering. The only sin that falls into this category is denying the Holy Ghost. All other sins are forgivable or pardonable because the demands of justice can be met through the atonement of Jesus Christ or personal payment by the sinner.
The Apostle John taught that there is a sin unto death, and there is a sin not unto death. Elder Bruce R. McConkie argued that the death John referred to meant “spiritual death”. There are sins for which repentance does not operate, sins that the atoning blood of Christ will not wash away, and sins for which the sinner must suffer and pay the full penalty personally.
Do Christians believe in witchcraft?
The Bible contains numerous references to witchcraft, condemning practices such as casting spells, being a medium, spiritist, or consulting the dead. These practices are considered detestable to the Lord, and the Lord will drive out those nations before you. The word “witch” may be a mistranslation of “poisoner”, and some believe there is a primitive idealist belief in a relation between bewitching and coveting. Some adherents of near-east religions acted as mediums, channeling messages from the dead or familiar spirits.
The Bible is sometimes translated as referring to “necromancer” and “neromancy”, but some lexicographers, like James Strong and Spiros Zodhiates, disagree. They believe that the Hebrew word “kashaph” (כשפ) in Exodus 22:18 and other places in the Tanakh comes from a root meaning “to whisper”, meaning “to whisper a spell, i. e. to incant or practice magic”. The Contemporary English Version translates Deuteronomy 18:11 as referring to “any kind of magic”.
What is the punishment for cursing God?
Blasphemy is a term used in Christian theology to describe an insult that shows contempt, disrespect, or lack of reverence towards a deity, sacred object, or something considered inviolable. Some religions consider blasphemy as a crime, including insulting the Islamic prophet Muhammad in Islam, speaking the sacred name in Judaism, and blasphemy of the Holy Spirit as an eternal sin in Christianity. Blasphemy was also a crime under English common law.
In the early history of the Church, blasphemy was considered to show active disrespect to God and involved profane cursing or mockery of his powers. By the 17th century, several historically Christian countries had legislation against blasphemy. Blasphemy was proscribed speech in the U. S. until well into the 20th century.
Blasphemy laws were abolished in England and Wales in 2008, Ireland in 2020, and Scotland in 2021. Many other countries have abolished blasphemy laws, including Denmark, the Netherlands, Iceland, Norway, and New Zealand. As of 2019, 40% of the world’s countries still had blasphemy laws on the books.
The word blasphemy comes from Middle English blasfemen, Old French blasfemer, and Late Latin blasphemare, which comes from Greek βλασφημέω. It denotes speaking ill, impious speech, slander, and speaking evil of God. The term is found in Psalms 74:18, Isa. 52:5, Rom. 2:24, Rev. 13:1, 6; 16:9, 11, 21.
What is the sin of witchcraft in the Bible?
Exodus 22:18, Leviticus 19:26, Leviticus 20:27, and Deuteronomy 18:10-11 all prohibit the practice of necromancy, divination, and soothsaying. These laws are portrayed as foreign and are the only part of the Hebrew Bible to mention such practices. The presence of laws forbidding necromancy proves that it was practiced throughout Israel’s history.
The exact difference between the three forbidden forms of necromancy mentioned in Deuteronomy 18:11 is uncertain, as yidde’oni (“wizard”) is always used together with ob (“consulter with familiar spirits”) and its semantic similarity to doresh el ha-metim (“necromancer” or “one who directs inquiries to the dead”) raises the question of why all three are mentioned in the same verse. The Jewish tractate Sanhedrin distinguishes between a doresh el ha-metim, a person who would sleep in a cemetery after starving himself, to become possessed, and a yidde’oni, a wizard.
In summary, the prohibition of necromancy in the Hebrew Bible is a significant aspect of Jewish history.
📹 Christians & Magic|What Does the Bible Say?
The “sin” of magic is that either you’re making an idol out of yourself or idol of principalities. The difference between prayer and magical incantations is who you believe the Source is. If you believe it is Zeus interceding for you or egoic you changing “fate,” you are in sin. If you have faith in God in You interceding on your behalf, than that is the Biblical magic of prayer.
To be completely honest, this is something I, at times, struggle with. Some books with magical elements don’t bother me at all, while others do. For me it’s kind of like you said, a book by book, or movie by movie basis that I decide. But it’s something I’m still figuring out because I’m just not sure. I really appreciate all the Bible studying you did to try and get an answer on this though! ❤️
So glad I found your website, this is a great article, very important. I personally know in my heart that God wouldn’t want me reading things like this. I went through my movies, and my books and disposed of many. I searched his word and was convicted. I am reading only Christian fiction now and I have peace. My soul is more important than being entertained here on Earth. God bless you, ask him for discernment 🙏🙏❤️
As someone who’s a Christian and is writing a story based off the super natural, I completely agree with your point of view. It really all depends on how the magic is used in the story for me. If it’s realistic and or used in an evil practice, then I would feel uncomfortable reading or perusal whatever the entertainment is portraying. But if it’s not realistic and doesn’t portray anything that’s too dark, then I’ll find myself okay reading it. I think Magic is 2 sides of the same coin for what people intent to use it for in terms of literature, movies, cartoons, and anime. So I’m quite neutral with it, but can never see myself actually practice such acts irl. Because Ik that will be a great sin to the Lord
I respect you for this article, and wondering about the rights and wrongs of fantasy reading. I have my own personal boundaries for content in books. Some content I think is subjective to the person and what they feel Holy Spirit telling them about it. I also think that there are some clearly objective content that no one should read, Christian or not. Personally, I rely on my gut and Jesus to steer me away from books with content that would be harmful to read. I do think we need to be careful, but also God protects us from so much we never know about and we don’t have to worry about him holding our reading against us.
Thank you so much for doing this article! I am experiencing the same struggle in my life. In my family, Harry Potter was not allowed. However, as we got older, my parents allowed us to try it if we continued to remember it is just a story. However, I felt convicted after a while so I haven’t picked it back up again. I read lots of fantasy, and I have wondered also what the line is. Romanov by Nadine Brandes is something I chose not to read because it is spoiler about a spell or charm that saves a person from death. Right now, I mainly avoid all spells/charms and all dark magic. Something I have heard is to not worry about what the line is, where it is, or how gray it is. Instead, where are you seeking to be? If you trying to get as close as possible to the line, aren’t your desires rooted in what lays across it? But if your desires are righteousness, you would be doing everything you can to stay as far away from the line as possible. I have yet to see what this would look like in my own life, but you have encouraged me to spend more time in prayer and to do my own study on this matter! Thank you, Holly, and I will be praying for you!
I have thought about this a lot in the last few years, especially as my kids are reading more and more. I grew up in a home where I remember my dad going through and getting rid of any book with the word magic in them – including my favorite; Rainy Day Magic. I don’t know how they would have felt about me reading fantasy and/or Harry Potter because it was not something I was interested in so it never came up. Now, as an adult I am quite enjoying the fantasy genre and it’s nearly impossible to have fantasy without some sort of magical element. I think the idea of magic is our poor human way of trying to put into words the unexplainable. Many fantasy books I’ve read, whether they are Christian or not, surprise me at how much they follow biblical themes. I do read fantasy but feel it is very important to determine if a book is celebrating dark magic (if it is, it’s not a book I’ll read) OR if the overall theme is LIGHT triumphing over the dark. I can’t wait to read everyone else’s thoughts!
Hey! I hear you. And I feel you. (No, I don’t think Veggie Tales is bad per se. But I can see how some may want to stay away from it and I respect their opinion on it. I could easily have a long discussion on Veggie Tales alone. Hahaha!) I, too, struggle with this. I’ve gotten closer to Jesus recently and now all the books that I used to read and shows I used to enjoy have changed drastically. Like, wow, how did I not see how bad some of the content was and I just didn’t see it. I loved fantasy. Perhapsit was the promise of fun adventure that fantasy always had that drew me to it, but also the world that’s different than my own that was always intriguing. (I’m not condemning anyone who chooses to read fantasy. It’s my journey with Jesus and I feel very convicted about reading and perusal better content.) Always seek Jesus. He will show you what is right. I pray we all figure out what’s right! I still struggle a bit with this topic. Though I’ve gotten rid of my Harry Potter and other books that have magic in it, but I still kept my Chronicles of Narnia. I didn’t feel convicted to get rid of Chronicles of Narnia. I wonder the same thing you did: because the main characters didn’t do the magic and it’s an allegory – maybe that’s why? And I was very curious as to why Mark of the Raven was considered Christian. I just received it for my birthday (granted I mentioned to my husband that I was curious about it) yet I’m still nervous to read it because of the possibility of magic being involved.
This is a great question. I think it’s all about your personal conviction from the Holy Spirit. We all know what’s right and wrong, but some aren’t convicted. The Bible tells us in Romans 14:1-23 not to judge or condemn others based on our own personal convictions. Each relationship is personal. I know for me I enjoy fantasy books but I can’t watch many supernatural shows because I’m convicted in perusal them especially the show Lucifer. The Holy Spirit told me stop perusal cause I was enjoying it too much. So it’s all personal. Also seek God if you are unsure about certain books. He will tell you whether you can or can’t. Great discussion article & question!!!!
Great article and discussion…..this has been something on my heart lately. In 2017, I bought so many fantasy books and got heavily into booktube and book reviews and picking up what was “most popular”. I was so involved in those “fantasy worlds/content” that it took away from my time with God. I was so convicted when I realized how certain media, whether books, movies, tv shows, or even content creators on youtube/social media can consume so much of your time and sometimes you can allow it to be an “idol” (fixated on something so much more than God) in your life. With that said, this week actually, I got rid of half the books I bought back then that I felt were either too “evil” or dark for my personal preference and decided to read anything with fantasy themes only in moderation and make sure I am still dedicating time to the Lord and not losing sight of his plan for me and my life. I also unfollowed many popular general booktubers due to the large amount of books promoted that have themes/content I don’t want to see/hear about or recommended to me. It’s hard because for many general popular booktubers – you never see anything Christian related and I felt like I was spending too much time involved in that content. It’s something I prayed about for sure. I think it’s important to have biblical discernment and always be aware of any content you are reading/watching/listening to and let the holy spirit guide you so you are not lead away from God or put any of those things above / more important to your time with God. Maybe it’s all about balance? I’m not sure – there are certainly things I would never read/watch because its too violent/graphic/evil for me, but then I enjoyed Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter. I think it’s all personal for each person like many of the comments have said but for me, it is important to have biblical guidelines for general content. I think there is a fine line sometimes too. Many times I ask the Lord to let me see/understand if its something I need to steer clear of. Thanks for this article. Nice to see this discussion and see everyones thoughts. <3
You’re personality is so pure, I see your point, magic is fascinating,now you see me now you don’t, let’s turn a frog into a rabbit or casting spells as a human aspect we’re born to engage in learning and exploring, but when we realize that something is not clean or 9:58 wholesome good or bad, we have a conscience to say or see the difference of what is righteous as a Christian we read the Holy Bible and we become changed inside knowing the truth! Jesus Christ my savior Died for us Because he knew the evil in the world, all have come short of the glory of GOD we are changed and born again of the remission of sin Jesus wiped it all away! Are we gonna mess up? Yes absolutely We can go to Him in prayer n Guidance with HolySpirit. Lord be with you!
Read Romans 14. Here’s a bit : “2 One person’s faith allows them to eat anything, but another, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables. 3 The one who eats everything must not treat with contempt the one who does not, and the one who does not eat everything must not judge the one who does, for God has accepted them.” What effects one person may not effect another. for ex. romance novels. One may start lusting at the wrong things and looking at their spouse with unrealistic comparisons; or another may just like the light happy ending type stories. The first one should probably stop reading those, whereas the other would be fine. Same with magic. If one’s tempted with new agey type beliefs and wanting unGodly magical powers ect, then one might be better to avoid such stories. If however, one just likes the adventure of it all and doesn’t really take it seriously, then they’d be fine. Or if one finds it distasteful, like broccoli, then spit it out and avoid the like, but try not to judge others for liking broccoli 🙂 As far as the authors go, verse 20 says “Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a person to eat anything that causes someone else to stumble. 21 It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother or sister to fall.” That’s pretty strong. However, I can’t imagine anyone leaving the faith because they read Lord of the Rings. I find that the tone of such books is usually quite different in those written by Christians to those written by nonChristians.
This a really important topic to address. I have been struggling with it myself a lot as a christian. I used to play games like world of warcraft, but God has put it on my heart to stay away from it. So, I stopped playing. I think nowadays christians tolerate too much of things that we shouldn’t be practicing. It’s like every christian has their own truth. What my truth is doesn’t have to be your truth, but I don’t think it should be like that. There is God’s truth. Look at what happened to the Canaanites, God was so against magic and occultism He destroyed them and for a reason. It’s no joke. A game like world of warcraft has a lot of occultism in it and the characters in the game worship other gods. I did not realize much that they worship other gods and I used to think it’s just a game and none of it is real. But why should I play something entertaining that God is so much against it? A lot of it was also inspired by LOTR, which I also used to like a lot. There are a lot of different opinions on it by christians, but I think nowadays we don’t set much clear boundaries. And it sounds like “it’s ok, go ahead and sin, you are forgiven anyways”
SN: Locke & Key is absolutely dark! I read 2 of the graphic novels and had to stop. Just was too much. Graphic novel was really graphic so I know the show is over the top. Also I think when we read we go into with a certain mindset so always think about “what am I going into this book to gain or learn?” That helps me decide on books to read. VeggieTales is awesome in my book!!!!!! Lol. I loved it as a kid and still as an adult. I let my son watch it and he learns so much.
Great question! I think about this quite often. Before I was a Christian, I was a big Harry Potter fan. However, as I continued growing in my faith, I felt convicted about it and got rid of all my merchandise. One thing I consider often is that magic is used even today and has led many people away from God. It makes me wonder if God would be pleased with me reading and enjoying books about it (even if fictional). However, I still struggle with navigating this! The books you mentioned like Narnia and Lord of the Rings have biblical themes and so I’m not entirely sure how to feel about that. Definitely open to other thoughts about this issue. Thank you for bringing the topic up for discussion! 🙂
This is such an interesting question! I’ve never thought too deeply about it although I wasn’t allowed to watch things like Harry Potter growing up either. The dark magic you were mentioning I think is a lot more dangerous, just because you’re opening yourself up to that world, and spirits and demons aren’t just held in by a tv screen or pages on a book and I think when you’re actively letting your mind and your thoughts go there, you’re in a sense allowing yourself to influenced by the powers of darkness. It’s scary. This is a good question and thing to be thinking about. Magic in general like in Disney movies and stuff hasn’t convicted me but dark magic definitely has so it’s interesting the difference in that.
I know in the New Testament, it talks about Study to Show yourself approved. But, I think it’s ok to a point. Because, we are curious about the world (spiritual and the non spiritual). The Bible talks a lot about magic and witchcraft. And tells us how to deal with it. So the more we read about magic and witchcraft, the more we can deal with it in our own lives. Not saying we practice. Because we don’t. The Bible also talks about how rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft. So, when we sin, we rebel against God. So when we read about magic and witchcraft, we learn how to deal with it. How to stop it. That’s a great question.
It’s complicated isn’t it. I read the first two books of Harry Potter as an adult to see what I thought and I wasn’t comfortable with it. But I enjoy Tolkien and C.S. Lewis. I don’t always agree with everything in them, for instance, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader has Lucy saying a spell to release some invisible creatures, which I’m not so happy about. In Lord of the Rings I don’t like the “Seeing stones” as they remind me of crystal balls. I draw the line at any magic that promotes occult practices like witchcraft or tarot card reading, divining or speaking to the dead. I am usually more okay with superpowers like super heroes. I tend to see Gandalf’s power as a superpower and more metaphorical of the Holy Spirit’s supernatural power, but it could also be seen as sorcery. I think there are definite no-go areas for me and then some grey areas where I just have to pray and these days if I ever feel uncomfortable reading something I would DNF it.
My mother told me that demons tormented her all night because I watched Harry Potter. But she believes that her house is haunted anyways. And to be fair after they just moved into it, I was helping my mother move stuff from her old house into her new house. I was downstairs exhausted and I thought that I saw my mother enter into the laundry room. I followed her into the laundry room and no one was there. She was upstairs. Over four years later, there was an invisible poltergeist cat kneading my bed. And last Thanksgiving, there was a weird bowl shadow on the ceiling. So maybe she is right.
The Armor of God …11Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13Therefore take up the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you will be able to stand your ground, and having done everything, to stand
Holly, I loved this article. At 50, I can always learn from others. Although I think I already know your answer, my question is this: How bad or sinful is Disney, MARVEL (Cinematic Universe) or MCU Movies? I’ve really struggled letting them go. But as a christian I just know they’re wrong for me. Am I wrong on this? Please give me your thoughts or opinion. Thanks. God bless you and yours.☺🙏👍
For me i believe on magic. I mean 65% of land is still unexplored! And 5% of the ocean is explored. And the garden of eden. Maybe just maybe the garden of eden is where there is different kinds of species of humanlike creatures or people with magic. And beasts lives … but only us normal human beings cant enter. Idk its just my fantasy as a kid. Who knows? Theres still many discoveries yet to know.
I was hoping you would have some answers for me 😉 It sounds like many people struggle with this. My girls are 10 and so far we have not read fantasy type books with them because I honestly can’t decide what I think about them. However we have watched most of the Disney movies and read old fairy tales and I’m asking myself, “Isn’t that the same thing?” I want to draw a line somewhere but don’t know how? I homeschool and last year we studied ancient Greek and touched on some Greek mythology. I kept thinking why are we studying this and why is it in Christian curriculum. It is history but do we need to know all these dark and untrue stories? I’m and avid reader but I think the only fantasy/magic book I’ve read is the Night Circus which you I know you recently DNFed. I’m so bad at stopping books once I start especially if they are highly recommended! I kept thinking it was going to get better and was disappointed. Can I also add that I can’t stand veggie tales although not for that reason 🙂 I’m hoping you make a part 2 of this article and let us know what info you have gathered!
Please help me I am really in love and Jesus is my true groom but I am so helpless and I am tempted into love spells but I am scared to lose my salvation if I investigate I have done everything humanly possible to get rid of my love for this person but I cannot let them go trying to love others however sweet and Noble,I want that individual no matter how I try to love someone else I am in a relationship with someone wonderful but the love and attraction that should be there just is not no matter how much I try to convince myself that my current relationship is good and true and wonderful am angel told me that the love of my life feels the same about me but would never give me a chance because even though it’s not they believe our relationship is blasformis. The Lord had saved me from suicide three times because I feel like a fraud the Lord wants me to testify to my fellow Christians but I am scared of judgment. I know I don’t know but you are a child of God like me please can you help me my sister in Christ even though I don’t even know your name but you have a voice can you try to help me and others like me please before our King returns and He does not come for me please help for the groom of grooms is coming soon and I want to have enough oil in my lamp to join the bridal party.I thank you gppd night and God bless
HI! i would like to ask if Throne of glass series is something not okay for us Christians? I am already on the fifth book. its becoming more exciting, adventurous, kind of darker and all that. but i also had depression. so i came into reading this year. i had panic attack one night and my mom thought itsbecause of what i read when i know to myself its my overthinking and depression. she thought its an access of the enemy to mind. i enjoyed TOG and i dont think its really about that but then it’s stories about wyrdmarks and a little bit of spells and all that but i dont know
Great article! In my opinion being a Christian is another level of magic that requires humble intentions! I believe all magic could be used properly to heal people, however using prayer through Christianity takes away any risk factor! Also Jesus was very much gifted, but notice how his intentions were pure? GOD knows we want to use are powers he just wants to make sure they are purified before we pray(cast spells)!
It’s only when you are neck deep in LOTR that you might then start to look around and see that Gandalf is not a wizard but a spiritual being (called the Valar I think), and Middle Earth did not just pop up as a place for battles against good and evil to be raised. But Middle Earth had a beginning (see the Silmarillion), and that beginning oddly parallels Genesis in interesting ways … And perhaps, just perhaps, someone might have their interests peeked regarding this greatest beginning of them all.
What instigates the question? My prayers. Why aren’t they answered? If they are answered but not in my favor, why must I suffer? Doesn’t have to become demonolatry or doing really dark stuff like necromancy, cannibalism, vampirism or whatever. I just want to be happy really. Don’t wanna hear “wait” or “it will come” or “trust”. Every day is just suffering without this one thing I need. Then I look at what some people in the Bible did, like Elisha healing Naaman, describe to me how he did that and what we would call ritual bathing to heal people today. What is it called? What do you call spitting on dust and putting it on a blind man’s eyelids to make him see again? What is it called? What do you call prophetic interpretation of dreams today? What domain of human activities is that? Who did Saul call on to speak to the dead prophet Samuel? Was he reprimanded by God for it? What are the Umim and Thummim and why did God allow these tools? How did Jacob change the genders of the sheep? What would we call that? There are plenty more things. All these can of course be attributed to strictly being theurgy, so it’s miracles then, instead of magic, but as long as it is ritual involved, and a spiritual element connected to it, it is still in that general domain. At least academically. And if there ever was a science of miracles among the prophets, where is it now? Where is that tradition? Because I need it badly. Then look at Church people like Albertus Magnus or some of the popes. It all feels like “one rule for thee, another for me” throughout this whole subject.
I am a believer in god and i am facinated by all gods creatures and if i would do magic or white magic then i would not worship a diety for that but maybe use candles to heighten the sences and invorment around me, but the focus and glory is to god because magic happens by gods permission only whether its good or evil! And evil magic only happens because god gives permission to the devils or spirits to make it work and its because we have our own free will to choose and learn whats good and ad and maybe take the consequences of our actions and learn from mistakes… it happens because of god allows it! Not bacause he wants us to suffer but because it will bring the result to the practitioner so to walk this path it reveals soon how actions can be and do to people…. But any kind of so called good magic wich can lead you wrong if you are easy influenced to fall…. But its by the power of god that magic happens and its time to speak by gods name and glorify god in every way and repent and ask to be led to the right path
Best advice is yes follow the holy spirit pray n ask for wisdom discernment etc ask and you shall receive. But the other thing that I find helps me get a better understanding of thr word when I have questions is the order 1sr pray on it then seek man council from those I think it was family then the world so God family then man. But other than that is to use the bible 1st as well but in Every translation language u can find &we tend to see thr most true meaning from context in most cases it’s not hard to understand when we read it like that it all fits its been made into a puzzle it seemed. I want to blame the phoenicians since they created thr concept of an alphabet and for every major language around 15th century n they twisted it the word made up others that don’t explain it well n English is like tje worst language anyway hope that helps its all I got that’s all I do and then research it online to find the etymology to find thr best meaning.
There were only a few forbidden sorcery practices in the old testament, though even at the time of Moses, even then, the meaning of some terms had been lost. I am a Christian and I’m curious about Kabala and etc too, but I honestly delve into Hermetic Magic, though some of it may well be ok, like creating Golem seems to be ok, but as casting lots is forbidden and certain other divination practices are strictly prohibited for Christians and Jews, I won’t personally delve into any actual Magik practices as in the time of King Sol, there were certain things that were allowed and a reward which were prohibited, and a few which were great areas, unfortunately, we no longer fully understand what practices are forbidden. I personally won’t engage in Magik, Kaballa, Masonic Rutuals or etc. I can separate fantasy from reality and I enjoyed the first 2 Harry Potter movies. I have no kids, but if I did, I’d carefully council them, but probably let them read the books or watch theories as they are purely fantasy. If however, I experience a feeling of conviction or repulsion when reading or perusal a fantasy series that seems a bit too close to something actually evil, I’d just stop perusal or reading it. The word of God is written on our hearts before we’re born. We’re not all equally yoked, nor equally knowledgeable about God and his character, but if you feel something is wrong for you to read and that you probably shouldn’t go there, don’t. Maybe in the future you will have more context and knowledge and understand what about it made you feel like you shouldn’t have read or watched it, but in that future time you may be ready to watch or read it, understanding what it is and what you’re to take from it.
I’ve read fantasy all my life and decided not to read it anymore because ist drives me apart of god. I think it is just more difficult to see god though a world created by a humen, where he played god in a way. God created the world for us to live in this world. Not to live in a high fantasy world created by another humen and later become sad that it is not reality. That it is a Illusion. This are my – I know heavy – thoughts on this topic. I really thought a lot about fantasy and decided to distance myself from it. I want to read more christian fiction books without fantasy in the future. To honor god while reading too and not distance my heart from him by falling for an Illusion…
The phrases translated to magic aren’t even all the same and, pending on the translation, might have more translated into magic or less. So the word is more to give an idea of a supernatural something to what is being conducted. Magic in a lot of fantasy is simply something someone can do. They’re born with it or can train to feel it and use it like the Force. So it can often fall into the same camp as superheroes. Though, admittedly, some take issue with those too. But, what it all usually boils down to, is that there are these extra talents people have available to them and so, when that’s the case, they’re not really any different from any other talent someone might have. And as a Christian I do believe that all our natural talents and gifts are given by God. It’s how we use them that is important. Are we giving credit to God or taking it ourselves? So, if a person enjoys a romance or an adventure story where the characters attribute nothing to God; not the finding of a wonderful partner, not their survival, not the daring swing across a pit of crocodiles then, arguably, the same could be said for stories that have these other sorts of talents (magic). With that said, if you do feel convicted then obviously stop. Even if it isn’t sinful in and off itself, obviously it would be sinful to continue to do something that you feel is sinful (Romans 14 and 1 Corinthians 8 touch on this). But if course, the opposite can be true abs so we must listen to the Holy Spirits prompts.
I think I should stop doing magic even though I’m just using with my tricks i never make myself associate with evil not at all i hate snake and evil so much when I saw the snakes in the forest i often killed them n never leave them alive n run away I’m a Christian so probably I should quit practicing n performing magic tricks Sister I’m actually doing magic tricks just to entertain with my classmates in college just to make them laugh but didn’t take it seriously as my passion or my career. I’m from northeast India Meghalaya Sister where r u from?
It’s fantasy, sweetheart … no one is going to think you’re a witch because you read a Harry Potter book or watched the Hobbit. Reading a story about a serial killer doesn’t mean you comitted the horrible sin of murder, does it? And reading a fictional fantasy story about monsters and wizards is not the same as practicing witchcraft. The Bible does NOT say reading fantasy books is wicked, nor that the books are … maybe people at an extremist church told you that, but it’s not in the Bible, whatsoever. As I said in my other comment, Jesus and other prominent figures in the Bible (such as Moses) used a magic wand to work their magical miracles. In the Bible when they mention “sorcery” or “witchcraft” they’re referencing non-Jewish ancient folk magic practices that were picked up from other religions and tribes of people, telling you not to get involved in those particular things, because Jewish society was uniting under the patronage of the god Yahweh. Modern churches have a very distorted and twisted set of doctrines that in no way resemble the original, authentic beliefs. After all, most Protestant churches in America teach things like Dispensationalism, the doctrine of the “rapture”, which wasn’t invented until around the early 1800s. John Nelson Darby is the “Father of Dispensationalism”, and published the book on it. It spread like wildfire, and now modern Christians believe it’s an authentic part of Christianity and that it’s in the Bible, but it’s not … it’s from modern times, which is a documented historical fact .
King James Version leaves out a lot. And was told by the Pope to rewrite the Bible. The where part of the nights templar. That’s why it’s called King James “version.” Another thing King James used scientist and atheist to rewrite the Bible. King James also wrote Daemonologie. Look up Gnostic Christians. There should be some truth you seek.
People who practice Christianity are not going to like what I have to say, but it’s true. Christians are using magic the entire time but they don’t want you to call it that. The Bible gives you an example of how to pray: The Lord’s Prayer… You are invoking 3 main spirit’s in the name of father/son/holy ghost You give him power in the words “hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. And at the end “for thine is the kingdom the power and the glory forever”” You make a simple request for them to intercede for you to not go hungry, then ask again to intercede for your misdeeds because it invokes symbology for the blood sacrifice where the son spirit intercedes for your debt, and you ask because you created a blood oath through blood ties at baptism, refreshed repeatedly by reapplying prayer/words/meditation/invocation that you should forgive those who trespass against you as well. Because of these things also intercede so that I’m not tempted by the enemy or captured. At the very end, it ends with an “amen” instead of “so mote it be”.
Here’s the thing Christians and catholics don’t even know that they also too are performing magik through rituals like singing, drinking the blood of Jesus Christ, eating the body. Reading the Bible is also an invocation of God and the angels in heaven. I think there’s a misconception that magik is evil and in reality it’s not different than catholism or Christianity. I don’t practice magik or occultism however I’ve done a lot of research and it’s definitely not what you think once you really look into it.
Galatians 5:20 New King James Version 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, Magic is the same as sorcery, and that’s why we should stay away from it There’s a saying curiosity killed the cat It the curiosity that want to do magic, but magic is not really, but the witchcraft is, not of God
You should watch this article: youtube.com/watch?v=y741QbT1YEo The bible talks about black magic in this particular context. If you could shoot lighting you would be a super hero. King Salomon was guilty of using runes and other forms of forbidden magic that involved demons. The problem with church is that you only get a narrow secular view without the knowledge of the Hebrew language or culture. Its important to understand others, because Kabalism comes from the same culture the bible was written by. In other words, staying strong is great but paranoia, fear, and ignorance is the biggest problem with American churches. If you studied history and culture, you clearly would find that the shift from magic to science takes place over a long period of time. The devil is an extremely illusive enemy, one in which cannot be sensed with human senses yet is very much alive. In conclusion, my thoughts about magic are neutral as long as the intent does not involve malice or evil worship of something else. Religion has a tribal intent, so what intent do you think the people who write the bible had besides bettering ones self? The Pharisees and Sadducees where in a ideological struggle for their future of their kingdom during the time period of Jesus. Jesus was part of the Sadducees. After Jesus death the Jews are taken into captivity in Rome but many die for their faith in Christ by Julius Cesar. By the time period the Maccabees rebellion occurred, Emperor Titus was in-charge and it would change the course of Roman history for ever.
Jesus carried a wand and performed magic. The oldest Christian artwork shows Jesus wielding a wand to change water into wine, feed the multitudes and raise Lazarus from death. Moses was a wizard who carried a wand. He tapped the stone with his wand and water flowed out of it. Moses and Aaron had a magic battle with Egyptian wizards, and Aaron changes his wand into a serpent. Moses used a wand to part the Red Sea, and by holding his wand up high he helped the Hebrews win the Battle of Refidem against the Amalekites. Wand is sometimes translated as “stick”, “staff” or “rod”, depending on who translated it. But a wand is the same thing: a stick, rod, staff, etc … wands and magic are important to Christianity and Judaism, and the Bible is full of magic. The people in charge, in positions of both church and government authority, have changed Christianity over time to suit their purposes. The real, original Christianity is nothing like what we have today …
Tolkien and Lewis were not Christians. They are Catholics and they both had a lust for the occult. LOTR, Narnia and Harry Potter I know of and they are full of witchcraft and sorcery. Even if people try to say that LOTR and Narnia are Christian allegories. The Bible says we should have nothing to do with these works of darkness. I think many Christians think as long as it’s fantasy it’s okay, but I don’t think that’s what the Bible teaches. White magic isn’t any better than black magic.
Tolkien and CS Lewis had occult connections. Tolkien was Catholic, not Christian. Lawhead’s series ‘The Pendragon Cycle’ (of which ‘Merlin’ is the 2nd book) is about Arthurian legend which is Gnostic, not Christian. These books may seem to contain Christian themes of “good vs evil”, but these 3 men are or were cunning writers, they have deceived millions of Christians. These books are about lesser evil vs greater evil, there is no good in them. Aslan is a false Christ. ‘For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.’ 2 Timothy 4:3-4 (KJV) Earlier this year, I left the Tolkien cult upon conviction by the Holy Spirit. And I also got rid of any CS Lewis books, not just his fiction, but anything he ever wrote. Lewis’ theology is flawed, he has written blasphemous things about the Lord Jesus Christ and the Bible. I don’t think he ever stopped flirting with the occult, he made love with the occult. I suggest perusal Spencer Smith’s ‘Third Adam’ series if you want to learn more about how the New Age/occult is gradually creeping into the Christian church. ‘Harry Potter’ is blatantly evil.
Child you sound so sweet and innocent. I know that the subject may interest you but I must tell you in one to step back and stay away from them. You have not lived your life yet and don’t take this as being rude you have no idea what you’re dealing with. You do not have the knowledge or the experience even comprehend. It normally takes a master decades of study self-control physical and mental before they can even begin to start dabbling in educating themselves in the dark arts simply as a reference not for practical application. Hollywood makes this all sounds so fun and interesting but in reality you’re just not ready for it for your own soul stay away from it please