Thursday, July 19, 2012

The Bible and Magic

By Lisa Grace

The Holy Scriptures address magic and witchcraft as an abomination, being against God. Those that practice it are going against God’s wishes.

Why is practicing magic against God’s wishes? Because it ultimately hurts us. First, we can be mislead into thinking we are in control, making ourselves and our desires our own god. Second, communicating with the dead is impossible (they sleep) so those who think they are talking to the dead are talking to demons or some other type of supernatural creature.

Magic, tarot cards, ouija boards, crystals, etc. can all be controlled by demons to get humans to do things that are not in their best interest. Who ultimately is controlling your life when you use these tools? Not you, but creatures who do not have your best interests at heart.

Prayer and reading your Holy Scriptures are the only communication you need—a direct line to God. Why go anywhere else for answers?

One practice I find disturbing in Christian science fantasy is the use of magic by “good” characters. I find this practice an oxymoron. Since God says magic and its practice is an abomination, showing it as anything but evil, is against His word.

I think those of us who write fiction about the supernatural world from a Christian world-view have a responsibility to uphold (in any universe or world we create) to reflect the basic values of God that displeasing actions (such as using magic) have dire consequences.

I think both C. S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien handle this well in their fictional worlds.

When you need answers in life the best place they can be found is through reading your Holy Scriptures and then on your knees asking the King of the Universe yourself, in person.