Why are most Christians so accepting of magic

[tryphena rose]

Depends on what you define as magic. Harry Potter, based loosely on witchcraft. LotR, based on nothing, just fictional magic. Then you have magic as in illusions, tricks...etc.

Most people I have seen seem to be ok with all three. Which makes no sense because the first one is the kind we should avoid. The second one is a grey area given its not based on witchcraft but some would still question it.

Stuff like American Horror Story, Chucky, Harry Potter, Sabrina...etc christians shouldn't be into. Anything with occult things like a crystal ball, pentagrams...etc and I am out. Most horror movies are occult and dangerous.

In the end people tend to say they watch based on their own conviction. Which is fine. However we should forget that sometimes we confuse "what we want" with conviction.

I'd also add that technically your picture you are using tends to be associated with magic. Granted you may not know that. More so fictional magic. Which I am more or less ok with. I was playing a mobile game where you would have teams fight each other in a fictional fantasy world. The one character I had I never really paid attention to her ability. Then I noticed she shes uses it, she shines a pentagram symbol. I deleted the game and never looked back.

Then again it may have been a pentacle. Which some said is different.

I do agree that people should do what they are convicted by the Spirit to do and the closer we draw to God, the more I believe He'll convict us.

Which game was this? My avatar is from a small time artist on deviant art I found back in 2013 (I believe that was the year at least) and as far as I know, it's her own original artwork and not fan art of any sort. I know with anime-esqu characters, a lot of them can look alike lol. Thank you for informing me though! I really appreciate that because if that happens to be the same character, I'd certainly change my avatar.

 

[Jonathan Walkerin]

Some of that may be intentional, others are not.

Like the first piece of that Disney video was a US government ordered propaganda video from 1943.

Nothing strange about that. Bit of dehumanization of the enemy to make it easier for the troops to pull the trigger and kill the other side which apparantly is really hard for humans to do.

 

[Jonathan Walkerin]

It may be great by worldly standards, but not by Godly standards. Final Fantasy VII doesn't honor God in the slightest, and this is my point.

That is just silly. Does a loaf of bread honor the God ? Does a dog relieving itself on the lawn honor the God ? Does sand dune shifting to left honor the God ? Everything does not have to "honor the God" or you can just go with the philosophy that everything already honors the God.

You can see "spiritual truths" in just about everything and you can get yourself as twisted up inside with them as you choose. As previous poster pointed out your avatar looks suspiciously like an elf. So what.

Also the word avatar has connections to Hinduism so it would probably better to be avoided. Right ? Or is this just taking things too far ? Does it honor the God to use word "avatar" ? Am I just getting crazy thinking about all of this nonsense instead of actually going and doing some of God`s work ?

 

[Strathos]

If watching Disney movies makes someone actually want to convert to Wicca or learn witchcraft, I'd say that's primarily an issue with the person, not the movie. Since, you know, 99.999999% of people who watch those movies have no such inclinations.

 

[Mel333]

So those things aren't evil and counterfeits to the Truth of God?

This is interesting.

I haven't played this game or validated this video but it does look just a tad occulty with the names and some of the spells.

 

[Jonathan Walkerin]

I haven't played this game or validated this video but it does look just a tad occulty

You can look at a dog`s poo and after a while it will start to look "tad occulty". I imagine we have better things to do and discuss.

 

[devin553344]

In so much of our media and entertainment such as books, television shows, movies, video games and even music, magic is something that isn't used sparingly throughout the list of "creative" ideas to the world. In fact, it's getting harder to deter away from entertainment that doesn't contain some type of occult idea that defies the Truths of God.

When I first became a Christian, this was a big conviction for me as I wasn't into practicing anything occultic nor did I even believe it was true, however I was influenced by occult ideas based off of the media I was consuming, whether I had known it or not. As this was one of my very first convictions and I was strongly led by the Holy Spirit to turn from these things, I quickly saw how this wasn't the case for a majority of others. When things like Disney and Harry Potter are so popular, even among professing Christians, I'm left wondering how can this be so?

Talk to any born again believer who has come out of the new age movement and they understand how serious this is, because they've seen how far too real the deception of the enemy is to be lenient with these kinds of ideas, even at the expense of their own pleasure. In Revelation 21:8 the Bible says that sorcerers will have their part in the lake of fire. If this is taken seriously by God to include these kinds of people in the lake of fire, then why aren't the very ideas and practices that will put these people in the lake of fire, taken more seriously among Christians?

There's a difference between practicing magic and enjoying a daydream of a movie or video game.

I think the appeal comes from the ability to do something super human. God did super human things, like calming the tempest, walking on water, turning water into wine, multiplying food and such things. So when is it magic and when is it worshiping God? Probably if it says it's magic then it is just that. But still I can't be that judgmental because the lines are blurred somewhat by God's powers.

Even the tricks of Egypt when Moses freed the slaves were performed by, on one side, the magicians of Egypt, and then, on the other side, God.

 

[Carl Emerson]

I believe that most Christians are not aware of what is going on around then spiritually.

Satan disguises his activities and brings bondage from what appears to be innocent activity.

Those who have been genuinely delivered from dark ways, usually retain an ability to sense the spiritual, and have a healthy hatred for evil.

If they are called to exercise a ministry that deals with spiritual bondages, they will have to be squeaky clean, and will be more likely to see Harold P. and the like for what it is - a soft sell of the occult.

There have been a lot of frogs in warm water over the last 6 decades as society has become more tolerant of what are abominations to God.

God is Holy and detests evil practices, but the fear of Him and the Holy hatred of Evil is becoming more rare in this late hour.

 

[timewerx]

My question for you both then would be how do we draw a line in the sand on what we deem good fiction and bad fiction when it comes to the occult? Wouldn't this be a good instance of relying on our own understanding of things? Just because the world labels these things fictional, doesn't make them any less real. The world also calls God nothing but a fairy-tale, but again, it doesn't make Him any less real.

I actually said it's dangerous, even fiction. I think you didn't read the rest of my post.

 

[Kaon]

If you are ignorant of magick and the supernatural, you should consider yourself lucky, even blessed. Some of us wish we could be ignorant of this other side of life, and I personally get a bit jealous of people who can so easily claim the supernatural, and experiences of it are fiction or fake. I get it.

However is known that there are entities in powerful places that do believe in magick, and use it on those that are both cognizant and ignorant of its power.

But, you can't give proof that someone is under a spell if they don't believe in magick...

 

[BrotherD]

In so much of our media and entertainment such as books, television shows, movies, video games and even music, magic is something that isn't used sparingly throughout the list of "creative" ideas to the world. In fact, it's getting harder to deter away from entertainment that doesn't contain some type of occult idea that defies the Truths of God.

When I first became a Christian, this was a big conviction for me as I wasn't into practicing anything occultic nor did I even believe it was true, however I was influenced by occult ideas based off of the media I was consuming, whether I had known it or not. As this was one of my very first convictions and I was strongly led by the Holy Spirit to turn from these things, I quickly saw how this wasn't the case for a majority of others. When things like Disney and Harry Potter are so popular, even among professing Christians, I'm left wondering how can this be so?

Talk to any born again believer who has come out of the new age movement and they understand how serious this is, because they've seen how far too real the deception of the enemy is to be lenient with these kinds of ideas, even at the expense of their own pleasure. In Revelation 21:8 the Bible says that sorcerers will have their part in the lake of fire. If this is taken seriously by God to include these kinds of people in the lake of fire, then why aren't the very ideas and practices that will put these people in the lake of fire, taken more seriously among Christians?

You are absolutely right. Thus saith the Lord:

1 Thessalonians 5:22 KJV — Abstain from ALL appearance of evil.

Deuteronomy 18:10-12
10 There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch,
11 Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer.
12 For all that do these things are an abomination unto the Lord: and because of these abominations the Lord thy God doth drive them out from before thee.

Anything the Lord calls an abomination we need to flee from.

Psalm 101:3 KJV — I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.

 

[Strong in Him]

Why are most Christians so accepting of magic

I'm not quite sure what you mean by "magic".
If you mean white witches who use spells to cure an illness, put a 'jinx' on someone or something similar; I, personally, am not.
If you mean people who use illusions/sleight of hand to illustrate a Gospel message or make a point, and would call themselves Gospel magicians; I do that myself occasionally and there's nothing wrong with it. In fact, as most people remember what they see rather than what they hear, it can be most effective. There are dozens of people who use these types of illusions - and is even an organisation called the Fellowship of Christian Magicians. The word "magician" is unfortunate; but most people I know will readily explain that they are not doing "magic" but a simple illusion that can be bought from a shop or over the internet, and which anyone can perform.

When I first became a Christian, this was a big conviction for me as I wasn't into practicing anything occultic

I'm sure most Christians are the same.

In Revelation 21:8 the Bible says that sorcerers will have their part in the lake of fire. If this is taken seriously by God to include these kinds of people in the lake of fire, then why aren't the very ideas and practices that will put these people in the lake of fire, taken more seriously among Christians?

Like I said, it depends on what you mean by "magic".

 

[timewerx]

Because the 'magic' you see in fiction is... fictional. Imagine that.

Except for the fact these fiction often use symbols that are used in real life witchcraft.

These things are used to control spirits.

 

[devin553344]

Except for the fact these fiction often use symbols that are used in real life witchcraft.

These things are used to control spirits.

Question? Use of symbols to control spirits: I often see how in movies they use a cross to ward off evil. Is that something along those lines? Or is it OK because the symbol is associated with God?

 

[Gregory Thompson]

In so much of our media and entertainment such as books, television shows, movies, video games and even music, magic is something that isn't used sparingly throughout the list of "creative" ideas to the world. In fact, it's getting harder to deter away from entertainment that doesn't contain some type of occult idea that defies the Truths of God.

When I first became a Christian, this was a big conviction for me as I wasn't into practicing anything occultic nor did I even believe it was true, however I was influenced by occult ideas based off of the media I was consuming, whether I had known it or not. As this was one of my very first convictions and I was strongly led by the Holy Spirit to turn from these things, I quickly saw how this wasn't the case for a majority of others. When things like Disney and Harry Potter are so popular, even among professing Christians, I'm left wondering how can this be so?

Talk to any born again believer who has come out of the new age movement and they understand how serious this is, because they've seen how far too real the deception of the enemy is to be lenient with these kinds of ideas, even at the expense of their own pleasure. In Revelation 21:8 the Bible says that sorcerers will have their part in the lake of fire. If this is taken seriously by God to include these kinds of people in the lake of fire, then why aren't the very ideas and practices that will put these people in the lake of fire, taken more seriously among Christians?

Different christian traditions apply magical principles but consider it sanctified because "Christian" is stamped on it, how far did you want to talk about it?

When people pray but don't trust God to do it, so force their will into the idea in the prayer, that's witch craft.

When people use prayer as a form of mind control, pushing their own thoughts into the minds of others, that's witch craft.

When church becomes a breeding culture and the pushing of thoughts with repressed sexuality is an underlying theme, how is the resulting energy created different than wicca's grand rite?

What's happening in the world is a reflection of what's happening in the church, currently anyway.

 

[NothingIsImpossible]

I really enjoyed the two Hellboy movies back in the 90s. At the time I was also in my "angry at God" phase so didn't think much about them. After seeing the trailer for the new Hellboy that came out, it made me feel uncomfortable. Seeing his flaming horns, his obvious devil body...etc. He's painted as a good guy who doesn't want to accept his destiny to become ruler of the world as the devil (granted the word is never really used per say). But in the end we can't watch such movies and say "Well he's a good guy so it's fine to watch!".

If watching Disney movies makes someone actually want to convert to Wicca or learn witchcraft, I'd say that's primarily an issue with the person, not the movie. Since, you know, 99.999999% of people who watch those movies have no such inclinations.

True. It's just like those who say games make kids violent killers. When in reality 99.9% of kids are just fine. And most of them had issues way before the games. Whether being bullied or having mental issues.

Except for the fact these fiction often use symbols that are used in real life witchcraft.

These things are used to control spirits.

Indeed. Many games that are asian made (like from China or Japan) often have characters with witches hats, pentagrams, magic wands...etc. So it may seem like fantasy magic to some, but they are based on witchcraft designs and symbols.

 

[Jonathan Walkerin]

However is known that there are entities in powerful places that do believe in magick, and use it on those that are both cognizant and ignorant of its power.

How is this "known" Got a link ?

 

[devin553344]

In so much of our media and entertainment such as books, television shows, movies, video games and even music, magic is something that isn't used sparingly throughout the list of "creative" ideas to the world. In fact, it's getting harder to deter away from entertainment that doesn't contain some type of occult idea that defies the Truths of God.

When I first became a Christian, this was a big conviction for me as I wasn't into practicing anything occultic nor did I even believe it was true, however I was influenced by occult ideas based off of the media I was consuming, whether I had known it or not. As this was one of my very first convictions and I was strongly led by the Holy Spirit to turn from these things, I quickly saw how this wasn't the case for a majority of others. When things like Disney and Harry Potter are so popular, even among professing Christians, I'm left wondering how can this be so?

Talk to any born again believer who has come out of the new age movement and they understand how serious this is, because they've seen how far too real the deception of the enemy is to be lenient with these kinds of ideas, even at the expense of their own pleasure. In Revelation 21:8 the Bible says that sorcerers will have their part in the lake of fire. If this is taken seriously by God to include these kinds of people in the lake of fire, then why aren't the very ideas and practices that will put these people in the lake of fire, taken more seriously among Christians?

One thing I thought of while watching Harry Potter is that most of these movies and games are usually far from real witchcraft and sorcery. They are make believe because real witchcraft and sorcery probably wouldn't sell?

 

[section9+1]

Magic is kind of like a way to cheat. A way to circumvent normality. It is formula driven which means you mix up something, or say some words, or do something according to formula and then you get what you want. Christianity isn't that far off from that. Say the right prayer, love your neighbor, tithe, do this and then that will happen; follow some prescribed formula to accomplish your goals.
There is a wrongness to that. There is nothing wrong with seeking outcomes that you wish for, but to denigrate it to a magical formula or procedure is a little too presumptuous. To think that if I do such then God has to respond with such. I think that's a set up for failure and disillusionment. Life is a hard, hard thing and much good is missing and a lot of hurt prevails. It is very reasonable for Christians to seek rightness in all things. It just doesn't seem like magic is the answer.

 

[Jonathan Walkerin]

They are make believe because real witchcraft and sorcery probably wouldn't sell?

Can you link a few examples of "real" witchcraft and sorcery. You get extra points if the links do not point to Africa or Papua New Guinea.