Page taken from Focus on the Family web site
Is a Christian Illusionist Really a Wicked Magician?
Our congregation is interested in bringing a Christian illusionist to an event in our church.
Dear Dr. Bill:
We know some people who are interested in bringing a Christian illusionist to an event in our church. They say it’s alright because our families watch Disney movies, and we’ve even been to Disneyland. But I’m concerned about what the Bible says against witchcraft and the like, and I’m afraid something like this will cause people — especially our kids — to stumble. What’s your opinion?
— Joy
Dear Joy:
The bible speaks very clearly about witchcraft and sorcery in the Old Testament. In the book of Deuteronomy, we read “There shall not be found among you anyone who practices witchcraft, or a soothsayer, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, or one who conjures spells, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead” (Deuteronomy 18:10-11).
Satan is alive and well, and scripture tells us that he prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Not a pretty picture. That’s why it’s so critical for us to warn our kids about the dangers of modern day movements like Wicca. Teenage girls in particular are being drawn to Wicca in record numbers. As Christians, we need to boldly proclaim God’s truth about the dangers of witchcraft and dabbling in Satanism.
But I believe it’s important to differentiate this type of very real evil from a sleight of hand performance by a Christian illusionist. Card tricks and disappearing rabbits aren’t sorcery. Many Christian magicians actually condemn witchcraft in their performances and use illusion to illustrate scriptural principles and teach kids object lessons about God’s truth. I’d encourage you not to throw the baby out with the bathwater until you learn more about this particular performer and what type of “magic” he performs.
By the way, to learn more about how a famous Christian author used concepts like magic to illustrate the very real cosmic battle between good and evil, I’d recommend that you read the book Finding God in the Lord of the Rings by Jim Ware and Kurt Bruner. You can order it in our online Resource Center or by calling our ministry’s toll free number, 1/800/A-FAMILY (1/800/232-6459).