Magic & the Bible
Is theatrical illusion biblical?
A fair question — and one worth settling with your leadership before the event. The Bible condemns occult practice. It does not condemn the honest art of illusion, which claims no supernatural power at all.
What Scripture condemns
"The pretended art of producing effects or controlling events by charms, spells, and rituals supposed to govern certain natural or supernatural forces; sorcery; witchcraft." These practices are condemned by God — an abomination — whether claimed for good or not.
What we actually do
"The art of producing baffling effects or illusions by sleight of hand, concealed apparatus," and the like. This is theatrical magic — entertainment and instruction by natural means, claiming no supernatural power whatsoever.
Scriptures worth studying
Old Testament
- Ezekiel 21:21–22
- Exodus 7:11
- Daniel 2
- 1 Samuel 28
New Testament
- Acts 8:19–24
- Acts 13:4–12
- Acts 19:19
- 1 Timothy 5:13
- Galatians 5:20
- 2 Timothy 3:13
We do not tell the future, commune with the dead, or claim supernatural power. Everything is done by natural means — a great deal of work and long hours of practice. As Mike says: any eight-year-old can do what he does — with fifteen years of practice.
The ask today is small
Pencil a date, and give me ten minutes with your congregation. If after that it doesn't fit, we part as friends.
Mike Lawrence · “… to seek and to save that which is lost.” — Luke 19:10