Why are most Christians so accepting of magic

[Shiloh Raven]

Guilty as charged! I enjoy science fiction, horror flicks, zombie stuff etc however, it is just mindless entertainment. I also have no conviction when watching these shows. So now what? Am I no longer a Christian? I think not.

QFT. Well said.

 

[devin553344]

I didn't say Harry Potter is out and out Satanism. It's just that when I evaluate the qualities of a piece of art, literature or a movie, I do analyze the background input which the authors/writers/directors had in the construction and production process of creating that particular work. Obviously, Harry Potter, as well as Doctor Strange, are miles apart from something earnestly promoting Witchcraft (i.e. 'real' forms of modern or ancient sorcery).

Yeah I agree Harry Potter is strange to witchcraft. Not like the real witchcraft shows I've watched, some of which are filmed on Church grounds. https://www.laweekly.com/revisiting-the-l-a-filming-locations-of-the-craft-20-years-later/

 

[Bible Highlighter]

With all due respect, you can take your lecture elsewhere because I'm not going to be lectured and preached to by some stranger on the internet. My life choices are honestly none of your business.

They are my business if you promote your ideas to others openly. If a person cares about the Bible as a part of their faith, then they will take heed to what it says.

 

[Bible Highlighter]

Yeah I agree Harry Potter is strange to witchcraft. Not like the real witchcraft shows I've watched, some of which are filmed on Church grounds. https://www.laweekly.com/revisiting-the-l-a-filming-locations-of-the-craft-20-years-later/

It doesn’t have to be an exact match to know that it is still witchcraft. They even say that they are witches. They cast spells, etc.

A person can say the same thing about a cartoon porn movie. A person can say it is just a cartoon and not real porn or sexual immorality and it is not an exact representation of the real thing so it is okay.

But we know it would not be okay.

 

[Monk Brendan]

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?

When I was growing up, I knew that stories of magic, such as fairy tales, were just "let's pretend."

 

[Bible Highlighter]

When I was growing up, I knew that stories of magic, such as fairy tales, were just "let's pretend."

But there are others who attempt to do real magic because of their make believe play acting. I used to be one of them. So I know.

 

[FireDragon76]

Why be afraid of something that isn't real?

 

[PaulCyp1]

There is a big difference between accepting occult magic as a reality, vs. reading a book or watching a movie that is obviously fiction. In fact, the "magic" portrayed in such make-believe productions has virtually no similarity to actual occult magic

 

[Kaon]

There is a big difference between accepting occult magic as a reality, vs. reading a book or watching a movie that is obviously fiction. In fact, the "magic" portrayed in such make-believe productions has virtually no similarity to actual occult magic

You can certainly be a passive participant.

Magical rituals and spells also depend on energy directed and exploited - of which, say, an avid book reader would devote large sums. You may not believe in it, but others do, and practice it with favorable results.

 

[devin553344]

It doesn’t have to be an exact match to know that it is still witchcraft. They even say that they are witches. They cast spells, etc.

A person can say the same thing about a cartoon porn movie. A person can say it is just a cartoon and not real porn or sexual immorality and it is not an exact representation of the real thing so it is okay.

But we know it would not be okay.

This is a new concept for me, but: Porn involves usually the exploiting of humans who are beings. Not sure how cartoon porn relates to the real thing. But you see a connection, can you explain your position please. I don't understand.

 

[2PhiloVoid]

Yeah I agree Harry Potter is strange to witchcraft. Not like the real witchcraft shows I've watched, some of which are filmed on Church grounds. https://www.laweekly.com/revisiting-the-l-a-filming-locations-of-the-craft-20-years-later/

I've seen the Craft, but even that seemed to express an embedded moral tension, setting apart some notion of good versus evil.

However, this was definitely not the case with ........ewwww........my viewing of The Witch.......which was a bit discomfiting. Let's just say that my viewing experience of that film was just, "Bahhh, Baahh!!" (duh), and had absolutely nothing in common with my very enjoyable viewing (or three) of Doctor Strange!

 

[devin553344]

I've seen the Craft, but even that seemed to express an embedded moral tension, setting apart some notion of good versus evil.

However, this was definitely not the case with ........ewwww........my viewing of The Witch.......which was a bit discomfiting. Let's just say that my viewing experience of that film was just, "Bahhh, Baahh!!" (duh), and had absolutely nothing in common with my very enjoyable viewing (or three) of Doctor Strange!

I didn't see that movie, sorry!

 

[2PhiloVoid]

I didn't see that movie, sorry!

Lol! Witch one did you not see, since i mentioned 3?

 

[Bible Highlighter]

This is a new concept for me, but: Porn involves usually the exploiting of humans who are beings. Not sure how cartoon porn relates to the real thing. But you see a connection, can you explain your position please. I don't understand.

Well, trust me, friend. You don't want to know about it. Such things can destroy a person's life. However, if you really have no idea and you simply want to know where I am coming from (because you are still clueless): Cartoon porn is exactly what it means. The format of the film is cartoon, but the content is porn in the sense like every other form of porn out there in that it depicts people having sex. Anyways, my point is that cartoon porn is something that men watch so as to touch (Which is the same purpose behind live action porn). It is all about lusting in one's heart sexually (Which is described as adultery by Jesus) (See: Matthew 5:28-30). In this passage, Jesus said, "And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee." (Matthew 5:30). Why did Jesus say to cut off the hand in relation to looking at woman? Because obviously it is talking about masturbation. Jesus is saying that it would be better if you cut off your hand if it would make you stop then to be cast bodily into hell fire over the sin of lusting after a woman. It is the same with any other sin that is promoted in a film, book, comic, etc. Granted, some sins are not as influentual as say porn involving men, but they can and do effect people more than you realize.

As I said before, I wanted to cast a real spell because of my influence in playing Dungeons and Dragons when I was a kid back in the 80's. I am not alone in my testimony, either. There are others who have been influenced to do those sinful things that are being pushed upon them in sinful secular films, books, comics, role playing games, etc.

Side Note:

My point here is that if folks say that the sin that is promoted in their secular sinful movie watching does not effect them, then that is like saying that a person who watches cartoon porn is not effected by the sex being depicted in front of them using cartoon characters. They would be lying in most cases because men generally watch that kind of junk so as to touch. It is fantasy, but it is a real sin being pushed upon them that makes them sin. While other sins are not as influentual when it comes to men, they can and do effect a person more than most people realize. That's the whole point that you are ignoring. The reality of sin does not go away just because some movie director or book author says that such a sin does not exist in their universe. The reality of sin does not go away just because their fans say it does not exist, either.

Then there is the silent acceptance of such sins when you watch these films, read these books, comics, etc. If you were strongly against witchcraft, you are not going to watch witchcraft. Most Satanists turned Christian do not watch movies, read books depicting witchcraft because they know these are horrible sins to God.

1 John 2:15-17 says,

15 "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever."

 

[Bible Highlighter]

Why be afraid of something that isn't real?

The sin being displayed in play acting is very real to the viewer because they don't watch a movie and keep saying, "It's fake, it's fake, it's fake," etc. They generally like to escape into this fantasy world and play make believe like it is real. Thus the sins being pushed upon them are real. Otherwise, if it was all fake, then they would not cry or laugh, or be effected emotionally. They have to pretend it is real on some level to be effected by the movie on some emotional level.

Let me ask you. What sin do you hate the most? Is it the abuse of children or is it sexual immorality? Whatever sin you hate the most, I want you to picture a movie or book that is filled with that sin being pushed upon you repeatedly over, and over, and over again. That is what I am talking about. You would not want to read such a book or watch such a movie because such a sin repulses you. Now, how do you think God feels when Christians watch sinful things that He hates? God hates sin, and yet many here act as if it is no big deal to watch sinful things and to be silent and cold and indifferent to sin being displayed before your eyes or in your mind.

 

[JacksBratt]

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?

My best guess....

Christians are so used to not seeing things like talking snakes, donkeys, water turned to wine, the sun standing still and other such miracles... that we are numb to the power of the other dimensions.

Magicians have always played the "eerie" card... You know, black cape, symbols other than Christian based symbols. Magic has always been "portrayed" as being supernatural and linked to palm reading and other occult events.

So, now, in 2019 when a Christian sees a magician do amazing things they just assume that it is a trick, a prop, a set up.

It's intriguing to try and figure it out.. How'd they do that? No... don't tell me, it will ruin the "trick".

Fact is, magicians have been getting better and better. To the point that, if they didn't do it before, the most certainly are using demonic entities to aid them in their craft...

Look at Dynamo, Shin Lim, and others... They do unbelievable stuff but with the help of demons, it is easy. Watch Sacred Riana.

Yes, they are entertaining, but they are using demons. It's dangerous. One even admits to having a spiritual helper, Desmond. David Copperfield also does impossible things.

You can look into it but be wary... it is demonic.

 

[Shiloh Raven]

Lol! Witch one did you not see, since i mentioned 3?

 

[Cis.jd]

I have made this same argument with others before. They think that because it is in a fantasy setting, that the sin of magic or sorcery does not exist as being bad like it is bad in our world. I have tried to compare it to them watching porn (Which are the sins of adultery and fornication) and they say that it is not the same thing because the sin is actually being recorded. But I said what if it was a cartoon? Would it make it any better? It would still be promoting the sins of fornication and adultery. They really did not have an answer or a good response in reply (as far as I can recall).

I believe we live in a culture that worships entertainment, and so it is hard for them to break away from such things. I accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior in 1992. I was on fire for the Lord and told everyone I could about Him and wanted to live for him. I was a young teenager at the time, but the idea of putting away watching all movies, etc. was too much for me to grasp. Granted, I did throw away my comic books out on the street because of the many sinful things within them. I was on fire for preaching God's Word, but I did not give up entirely everything like movie watching. The world of entertainment was still ingrained within me. In time, I started to think I could be rich and also serve the Lord, but this led me towards more worldly thinking and less towards the thinking of the ways of God. I always believed in Jesus as my Savior and wanted to lead others to Him, but I was caught up in the things of the world. When I rededicated my life to following Christ in 2010, and I started to really study my Bible and to always discuss it with other believers. This was the time within my faith where God started to prune out some of the bad things in my life. After I rededicated my life to Christ, I could not watch things like Harry Potter, Doctor Strange, and or horror films, etc. But I still watched secular sinful movies (Including the Avengers). In October 2016 (after I watched Luke Cage the TV Series), I put away all sinful secular movie watching like Star Trek, Marvel comics films, etc. altogether. I could not take all the sinful things that was being pushed upon me anymore. It was becoming too much for my soul to bare. Once I put away my secular sinful movie watching, I was able to see them for what they were. For many years of my life I remember enjoying to read about a character named "Daredevil" in Marvel comics. I even enjoyed the TV series a lot (back when it came out). But when I put away all sinful movies out of my life (Which was not easy), I was able to see that I was watching a show about a guy who dresses up as the devil. At the time, I could not see it. But after putting away the junk, I could then see.

I now only watch Christian films that inspire a person to want to follow the Lord, and educational nature documentaries. But a Christian still has to be careful. My wife and I watched a TV show called "When Calls the Heart" (that is labeled as Christian) and it started off in a good way with them quoting Scripture and them having a minister character, etc., but now on the show that has stopped and they have promoted magic very subtly in one of their episodes, and they promoted that the sin of lying is okay. So I told my wife, I am not watching that show anymore, and she agreed that it was not good to watch it, as well. So we have to remain ever vigilant on what we watch as believers.

Anyways, there are good Christian films to watch as an alternative. If you are interested, here are a list of Christian films that are my top favorite that I believe inspire a person to follow the Lord.

What Christian Movies Do You Find To Be The Most Rewatchable?

I included trailers and poster artwork, and where to rent these films in post #2 and post #3.

I hope that what I said here helps;
May the Lord Jesus Christ bless you today.

Your views are completely extreme and the examples you pin on it (porn) is completely disconnected. Porn is real. It is a vile form of media where 2 or more people actually engage in sexual acts. It is a career that the majority of people who came from broken homes or whatever negative upbringing end up deciding for themselves.

This is not the same as comics, video games, fantasy books, etc. These forms of media are art based off the imagination and not "demonic influences". Your phobia towards these being developed after "reading the bible" is just you going a bit overboard with your interpretations.

 

[Shiloh Raven]

Why be afraid of something that isn't real?

Apparently there are some people who can't seem to differentiate between reality and fantasy.

 

[JacksBratt]

I think it is reassuring to note that even though these modern magicians can teleport objects, make items disappear, make fruit show up inside another fruit, levitate objects, move things around without touching them... even walk on the water of the River Thames..... these are great things for a human.. not for a demon.. and... what God can do is infinitely greater.