There are many Christians who believe that magic shows and magic tricks are sinister and satanic. Some allege demons are at work. Others, while acknowledging the make-believe and the sleight of hand, will nevertheless argue that people of faith should steer clear.
If you go on YouTube, you’ll find numerous videos that claim to “expose” popular magicians as conduits of demonic power. Many of these videos have hundreds of thousands of likes and hundreds of approving comments.
Let’s acknowledge that over the course of human history, many practitioners of “magic” have indeed consorted with dark forces – or tried to. Some have worshiped pagan gods.
This was certainly the case with Pharaoh’s magicians as recorded in the book of Exodus. Some, over the years, have dabbled with or immersed themselves in the occult or in Satanism outright. This is even the case in our time.
One of today’s magicians (who I won’t name) openly boasts of engaging in satanic rituals and communicating with demons. When I saw the video on YouTube, I thought it was a joke. Nope. It was no joke. This guy really is a Satanist and calls himself a practitioner of “black magic.”
Other magicians, while not outright Satanists, are very much into tarot card readings, spirit guides, and all kinds of other deeply troublesome practices and beliefs. As but one example, an America’s Got Talent contestant from a few seasons back spoke openly about his spirit guide named Desmond. Spirit guides are a fairly common element in New Age practice.
The Bible is clear that those of us who follow God should stay away from spirit guides, mediums, sorcery, the occult, demons, etc. That’s what the Mosaic Law forbids (Deuteronomy 18:10-13) and what Peter condemned when he confronted Simon the sorcerer in Samaria (Acts 8:14-25). It stands to reason then that any magician who associates himself or herself with (or endorses, in any way) these things (spirit guides, mediums, occult practices, etc) should be avoided. I’m 100% in agreement with Christians who say we should avoid those kinds of magicians. However…
The vast majority of entertainment magicians today are NOT actual sorcerers.
It’s sad that some need this assurance, but there it is. And it’s worth repeating: The overwhelming majority of magicians today are not sorcerers. They are simply entertainers.
There are indeed some entertainers we’re better off avoiding, while others are very worthwhile. But to assume all or most magicians today are either secret agents of or dupes of Satan is grossly unfair and utterly ridiculous.
There’s nothing sinister or supernatural going on when the vast majority of magicians work their magic tricks. Their tricks and illusions, while impressive and often mind-boggling, are a combination of design, misdirection, and technology.
Of course, some critics of magic shows and magicians – those in the faith community, that is – will acknowledge that most magicians and illusionists are simply sleight-of-hand entertainers, but they point to biblical admonitions that we should avoid even the “appearance of evil.” Thus, they say we should avoid anything that even hints at “magic” or supernatural feats of wonder.
Well, you might find this interesting, but many illusionists, mentalists, and magicians are openly Christian. There’s actually an organization for these folks. It’s called the Fellowship of Christian Magicians! And many of these magicians will go to churches, youth groups, Vacation Bible Schools, summer camps, and other events to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ!
However, Christian or not, very few professional magicians claim actual magical abilities or supernatural power. They know – and their audience knows – that it’s all trickery, sleight-of-hand, and artistic deception.
They are actors on stage. They are playing a role — in much the same way as a show on Broadway or the cast of the last show you binge-watched on Amazon Prime.
Do your homework, and if you find your magician talking about spirit guides or consorting with the devil… run!
But this is not the case with the vast majority of professional illusionists, magicians, and mentalists today. Most of them are entertainers. Nothing more.
What they do is make-believe. It’s entertainment. And, in just about every case, it’s harmless fun.
Yes, we should be careful when it comes to the world of entertainment (whether we’re talking about magic shows or TV shows). But let’s not become a knee-jerk critic either.
Don’t assume the worst about people or find yourself believing a demon lurks behind everything you don’t understand or which you find disconcerting. Instead…
Be informed. Be rational. Be discerning.
God bless you.
