What is the deal with magic?

[bbboy21]

For all the years of my realazation (SP) of this I could never figure out why fellow Christians would be so afraid of it. First off my dad was a Christian and he was infact a HUGE FANTASY FAN, I mean most of his books were in fact fantasys.... I mean....what is teh deal of this if it doesnt magic exist in fiction? Serously I dont get it.....its just entertainment..something to get away from reality for a while (I'm speaking of this in a entertainment form as in storys, video games, movies, etc.) But we all know it doesnt exist. If you have any comments thats fan because I really dont know the deal here.

[Nate]

Short answer:

There are verses in the Bible that condemn witchcraft. It is a sin.

Though most of the magic in fantasy could not be done in real life, it is still uncomfortable for some Christians, and as such they stay away from it.

That said, series that contain magic aren't sinful, and it's merely a matter of personal preference as to whether you want to watch it or not.

But please don't bash people who don't like magic. ^^

[bbboy21]

Short answer:

There are verses in the Bible that condemn witchcraft. It is a sin.

Though most of the magic in fantasy could not be done in real life, it is still uncomfortable for some Christians, and as such they stay away from it.

That said, series that contain magic aren't sinful, and it's merely a matter of personal preference as to whether you want to watch it or not.

But please don't bash people who don't like magic. ^^

oh...sorry wasnt trying to bash anybody just was confused.......swrrry brothers and sisters

[Arnobius]

Well, it is a controversial issue. In parts of my life, I have been to both extremes: Thinking it's OK and thinking that even fantasy novels were evil. I've come to be at peace with the use of magic in the proper content in novels. I think the main thing is avoiding material where evil is portrayed as good. Everyone has to form their own conscience though and follow it.

[Roy Mustang]

I think both AnimeHeretic and kaemmerite hit the mark on this.

I just add to this, one thing that I would be worried about is, a story that makes or trys to force you into trying or really beleiving in magic stuff.

Or something like that. I'm not very good with words when things like this come up.


Wingzero22

[bbboy21]

HHmm....I think I would know if they were trying to tell me that magic is real.

or maybe they dont know it is a gift from God

[Steeltemplar]

My parents are like that. Funny thing is, it's okay when it's C.S. Lewis. LOL. Mind you, I love C.S. Lewis' writings.

From time to time my father got on the anti-Star Wars thing too.

It doesn't matter anymore. I'm 23. But I'm sure they'd shake their head at what I read/watch.

As Kaemmerite said, there are prohibitions against witchcraft in the Bible. I guess it partially depends on if you think that magic in fiction can lead you down the dark path. I can respect that. You can't fault a person for trying to stay clear of sin

Heh. Unless I start being able to cast Magic Missile, though, I doubt I'll be getting into "real" magic anytime soon.

Say....if I become a mage, do I get to have a girl like Asuna as my Minister Magi?

[enishi]

^ negima reference! great anime.

i've been on both sides of the fence on this issue. i agree with anime heritic that we should do as our conscience leads us, as well as what wingzero said that its a good bet to stay away from themes that are built out of total reliance/belief in magic. for myself, its not a big deal to me, but if they start some huge anti-God rant or theme, that sucker gets thrown from my dvdplayer/videogame system on put in the trashcan.

[Roy Mustang]

To, I like to point out so that I sound hypocritical in the matter.

I'm a fan of Witch Hunter Robin, but when I see it. I don't see it in anyway as making you want to join witchcraft. One is, the story makes out as the witches that they call are people that have a power that is hiding in them. That is why I see the anime more as like X-men meets X-files. Two, some use their power for good and others for evil just like in X-men and the other is, Robin was christian and even as people question her as who she was or what she was, she still believe in her faith as a christian.

Anyway, I know some feel that they can't watch this anime and I respect that and understand. But we shouldn't point our fingers at each other just because we may like something that deals in magic as within a story.

The only time that I worry or think others should worry is, if something does or make you think its okay to harm or really believe in the stuff that is in the book, movie, anime or TV show.


Wingzero22

[WhiteKnight23]

You all must also remember, Satan has power in this world. He can perform many actions, or feats that would be considered... supernatural or magical. Be weary of anything dealing with magic. Believe it or not God doesn't make suggestions becasue he thinks we might pretend that we can perform magic... some food for thought.

[Hitokiri]

Dealing with anime, it's the same factor for dealing with violence and fan service. You have to know your boundaries where it can affect you. When you start trying to cast spells or even try and find a book at the Library called Magicians for Dummies. I'd take some time out, breathe deep, and get ahold of reality.

[termyt]

Magic, as in witchcraft, is most certainly real. There may not be magic missile or fireball spells, but don't dismiss it out of hand. It's obviously real enough for our Lord to condemn it.

That said, fantasy worlds are creations of their writers and do not need to conform to the laws of our universe. God would be present in any world, but He may be manifest in different ways. That said, it is far more important to know what the story is saying instead of how it is saying it.

You can change physics, but you can’t change morality. As long as the story presents the truth (or at least doesn’t pervert it), it should be OK to watch.

[Steeltemplar]

I was really just being facetious

I would not be quick, however, to believe that there is any real power in witchcraft. God condemned idol-worship too and that never helped anyone.

I suppose it's possible that witchcraft might have some kind of power, bestowed by some demon or by Satan. I've never seen evidence of such, but I wouldn't rule it out. I do believe demonic posession is possible (that's why the Church has exorcists), so why not witchcraft?

Still, my point was that the leap from anime/manga/RPG's/fantasy to "real" magic is an awfully wide one.

[Nate]

Still, my point was that the leap from anime/manga/RPG's/fantasy to "real" magic is an awfully wide one.

*nods*

I'm not sure what thread it's in, but I said this before, and it's a quote from Volt regarding magic.

Magic in fantasy games/anime can't be done in the real world. It's fantasy. Like elves or gnomes, it doesn't exist. It is completely, totally, 1,000% impossible to chant words and do gestures and shoot a fireball from your hand.

Magic as it exists in the REAL world that we live in, or witchcraft, if you must, is merely summoning. You summon a demon/spirit to do...well, whatever it is that you want to do, I guess. That's it. That's all witchcraft/magic is in the real world.

So when I see good old Slayn cast Fireball in Record of Lodoss War, doesn't bother me a bit. It's fantasy. Just like that goblin they just killed, it doesn't exist.

However, like I said before. Some people don't want anything to do with it, and even fantasy magic is a bit too much for them to handle. It's like, I wouldn't suggest Mahoromatic to anyone that was having problems with lust, you know? It just isn't wise for some people to tread down that path, and I respect that.

I'm going to PARAPHRASE Romans 14:1-4. PARAPHRASE, so don't jump on my case and say, "Hey, Paul never mentioned anime in the Bible!"

Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgement on disputable matters. 2 One man's faith allows him to watch fantasy anime, but another man, whose faith is weak, does not. 3 The man who watches fantasy anime must not look down on him who does not, and the man who does not watch fantasy anime must not condemn the man who does, for God has accepted him. 4 Who are you to judge someone else's servant? To his own master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand.

[Nickychris3]

We shouldn't really feed too much on any such magic, real or pretend. It's faith hindering, and we could put more useful energy into talking to God, or praying in the spirit.Also, I think the Bible is the coolest book I've ever read. In my opinion, nothing can compete. I have more fun in preteen church that I do watching Yu-Gi-Oh.

[Nickychris3]

[quote="Steeltemplar"]I was really just being facetious ]

The Bible says we have power in our words. This means that we can curse someone without even realising it. Like, saying "You're gonna die!" is a curse, because we have power over what we say. Satan only has the power we give him. He's really just a coward, and wants us to gine him power with our words. I'm not neccesarily saying that it will all happen instantaniously, but it will eventually come to pass one way or another if we don't rebuke it and repent. You could say something like, "I repent in the name of Jesus." Also we have power in our words positively too. Like speaking protection over yourself right before you go to sleep. "No weapon formed against me (you) shall prosper," is a good thing to say every mornig before you get in yor car, or got o work. This is all stuff that my family and I do on a regular basis. It's really very fun to do, and you feel stronger in the Lord every time you do this. It's cool.

[Jeikobu]

I'm definitely against witchcraft, even in fiction, however it depends on how it's presented. If only the villains use it, that seems to portray it as evil, which it obviously is. And of course, it's only fiction, however you need to set limits. What it all really comes down to is how you feel about it on a spiritual level. I love things like Spirited Away and InuYasha which have a moderate level of witchcraft, but I guess the thing with those is it's not excessive. I would never even consider something like Harry Potter. All I have to do is take one look at it and I know. And on the subject of anime, I will probably never see Cardcaptor Sakura or even more so Escaflowne, because they seem to involve alot of witchcraft, even on the protagonists' part. Bottom line, if you want to see something involving witchcraft, think about it, pray about it, and especially listen carefully for the Holy Spirit. God knows alot better than we do.

[CDLviking]

If magic is presented as simply a natural ability (Witch Hunter Robin) or science (Full Metal Alchemist, FF7) then I have no problem with it. I begin to feel uneasy when it involves agreements with other magical beings or borrowing their powers (FF6 and 8, Slayers). I've never stopped watching something because of magic, but I might be warry about showing the latter type to my younger cousins.

[Arnobius]

If magic is presented as simply a natural ability (Witch Hunter Robin) or science (Full Metal Alchemist, FF7) then I have no problem with it. I begin to feel uneasy when it involves agreements with other magical beings or borrowing their powers (FF6 and 8, Slayers). I've never stopped watching something because of magic, but I might be warry about showing the latter type to my younger cousins.

Sort of the magic found in Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell? The magic presented there felt unwholesome, even when done for good purposes. Of course, I think this was the intent of the author...

[termyt]

I own Slayers and I enjoyed Slayers, but Lina Inverse's incantations definitely creep me out and fall into the "wrong" category.

[Nickychris3]

Well, there is a distinct difference between Magic and Witchcraft.
My mom told me, and all I have ever seen, that Magic is only illusion and tricks to the eye. Witchcraft is stupid, for one, and it's REAL, and happens suddly, people can't see it. And it is the work of the [color=Red]Devil. Magic is only the work of geniuses who have a lot of time on their hands.[/color]

[Arnobius]

Well, there is a distinct difference between Magic and Witchcraft.
My mom told me, and all I have ever seen, that Magic is only illusion and tricks to the eye. Witchcraft is stupid, for one, and it's REAL, and happens suddly, people can't see it. And it is the work of the [color=Red]Devil. Magic is only the work of geniuses who have a lot of time on their hands.[/color]

Well, the actions forbidden by the Bible have many synonyms: Magic, Sorcery, Wizardry. Witchcraft, and many others, all indicating some sort of supernatural art.

[nightblade]

Actually, we had a discussion of this in my youth group. If you look at original (Greek) texts, the word for witchcraft is pharmecia and if recognize Pharmecy from that you see that relates to drug-use. In that day, witches and warlocks and such often had visions or talked with spirits. Chances are they used opium to make it seem like they were speaking to the spirits (or perhaps they believed they were). But that's just something to think about.

[Steeltemplar]

Again, though, it's just fiction. And I think that's the bottom line. Though if one finds oneself headed down the wrong path because of it, then by all means, keep away. I don't think that it is particularly prone to lead the faithful astray, though.

I have to say that I do not place so much power in "real" witchcraft. Perhaps occasionally a person who practices it might receive supernatural aid from a demonic/satanic source, but I believe that's the exception rather than the rule. Satan does not practice his evil so overtly very often, I think, preferring to prey upon our already present sinfulness and weakness. Pride and despair being the foremost of these in their usefulness to the enemy.

Read C.S. Lewis' "The Screwtape Letters". I think it may be one of the best books ever written about the workings of the enemy.

Really, much more subtle and thereby dangerous are the ideals of modernism, relativism, and humanism (all interrelated). These things did more damage to Christian society then any number of witches or other practitioners of the occult. Even now they infiltrate our very churches and quietly corrupt the faithful.

But I digress from the subject. My apologies

[Fsiphskilm]

For some