|
FORGET ABOUT USING
THE WORD "MAGIC" |
|||||
|
Much has been written about it being acceptable to illustrate the Gospel and evangelize using the art form of illusion commonly referred to as “magic tricks.” Probably the best known of these essays is one by Bob Hill, Ethical Issues for the Gospel Magician. And while that work certainly and plainly shows it is acceptable, and gives practical ways to explain to others that what we, as gospel illusionists, do is not the kind of magic forbidden in the Bible, that doesn’t change the fact that the word “magic” closes as many church doors to what you do, as the name Jesus closes doors to secular opportunities. Magic has received an even more unflattering name in recent years in the churches reaction to the J.K. Rowling series of Harry Potter novels and now movies. While it is my understanding that these books are filled with great lessons about friendship and working as a team, it still puts a “happy face” on the idea of witchcraft, something the church has been warned to distance itself from numerous times in the scriptures. Therefore to describe our art form as “magic” sadly associates it with things we wish it did not. For this reason, we tend to go with the word illusion – a concept that clearly says we are not drawing from mystical powers to accomplish what we are doing as in the occult, but what they are seeing is merely a perceived reality with a logical explanation…that we aren’t at liberty to share with them. As Christopher Priest puts it in his book The Prestige, “Magicians protect their secrets not because they are large and important, but because they are so small and trivial. The wonderful effects created on stage are often the result of a secret so absurd that the magician would be embarrassed to admit to anyone that was how it was done.” Related to this in his book Greater Gospel Magic, Duane Laflin shares, “More than a few well-intentioned Gospel Magicians have labeled a show `The Magic of Salvation,´ or used a similar title, without realizing the error in doing so. If magic is nothing but illusion and man-made effects, then to speak of the magic of the Gospel is to put it into the category of things that are not what they seem to be… There is all the difference in the world between magic and God’s love, and between magic and the gospel. The plain truth is, there is no magic in the gospel, nor is there any magic in God’s love. It is a dangerous thing to suggest that these terms can be used synonymously.” To keep from having to battle with this, be sure to avoid the words “magic” and “magician” in all of your advertisements. Furthermore, be careful of the fact you might be a member of the Fellowship of Christian Magicians and how that information is used. We do not want anyone to get the wrong idea about what we do and who we are. The counsel in Romans 14:21 is important to remember, “It is right not to…do anything that makes your brother stumble.” Several years ago I agreed to do a program with the puppet ministry and the church was excited that we were coming. I used illusions as object lessons to transition from one puppet presentation to another. When the church found out there was going to be MAGIC in the program they cancelled our presentation. Later they saw us do a presentation and they could not wait to have us come do a program for them. – Gene |
|||||