-
Christian Chat is a moderated online Christian community allowing Christians around the world to fellowship with each other in real time chat via webcam, voice, and text, with the Christian Chat app. You can also start or participate in a Bible-based discussion here in the Christian Chat Forums, where members can also share with each other their own videos, pictures, or favorite Christian music.
If you are a Christian and need encouragement and fellowship, we're here for you! If you are not a Christian but interested in knowing more about Jesus our Lord, you're also welcome! Want to know what the Bible says, and how you can apply it to your life? Join us!
To make new Christian friends now around the world, click here to join Christian Chat.
Revelation 22:12-15, "And behold, I come quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give every man according as his work will be. I am the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. Blessed are those who keep His Laws, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. For outside are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and worshipers of gods and everyone who professes to love, yet practices falsehood."
In all fairness, some things are simply optical illusions, and the people who expose those things to show how the mind works is more of a "case study" for the purpose of understanding. There is a very thin line where crossing over that becomes very dangerous, and to me is really not worth the effort.
That's the thing, the OP started off talking about cards and coins, and conversation went to " just optical illusions ". Tricky with tricks that devil is... There's many forms of magic, I would advise to not play with the devils tool box.
Stage Magic=
Magic (sometimes referred to as stage magic to distinguish it from paranormal or ritual magic) is a performing art that entertains audiences by staging tricks or creating illusions of seemingly impossible[1] or supernatural[2] feats using natural means. These feats are called magic tricks, effects or illusions. A professional who performs such illusions is called a stage magician or an illusionist. Some performers may also be referred to by names reflecting the type of magical effects they present, such as prestidigitators, conjurors, hypnotists, mentalists, or escapologists.
Stage Magic=
Magic (sometimes referred to as stage magic to distinguish it from paranormal or ritual magic) is a performing art that entertains audiences by staging tricks or creating illusions of seemingly impossible[1] or supernatural[2] feats using natural means. These feats are called magic tricks, effects or illusions. A professional who performs such illusions is called a stage magician or an illusionist. Some performers may also be referred to by names reflecting the type of magical effects they present, such as prestidigitators, conjurors, hypnotists, mentalists, or escapologists.
T
I really don't see the fuss here. I love a good mystery, something that gets me thinking. I have never felt lied to/deceived while watching a magic show (for real or in TV). It's more like - that's a clever or complex illusion, or it just can't be that easy. Nothing more. I think some people are looking for demons behind everything. If stage magic bothers you, don't watch it. But please realise you don't need to warn people to stay away from it. To reiterate, stage magic is very different to the occult practices/lifestyles portrayed as forbidden in the Bible.
Hey everybody, glad to talk to you! 
I need some Bible advice straight up on a personal conundrum, so I'll get right to the point.
I believe very firmly that anything/everything of the occult is evil according to the Bible (astrology, palm reading, tarot cards, pentigrams, wicca, the list goes on...) At the same time, though, my hobby just happens to be performing little "illusions" to impress my friends and family. By illusions, I mean stuff like card tricks, slight of hand, disappearing coins, and etc. I love doing it for the fun of it, because I like to entertain people see.
I don't really think of my "magic" tricks in the same way as I think of the occult. To me, what I'm doing is just that... tricks. There is of course no "real" magic or demonic content (or something like that) involved. I hate the occult, I just love illusions.
Anyway, to get to the point, when I need to stock up on "magical" supplies, there is only one shop in town that sells them. Unfortunately for me, the business is very pagan run, and the people are very into the occult. Many occult things are sold there, and I don't want to be guilty before God of supporting the occult, because I stand strongly against it. I don't want to buy from a store that sells magic tricks for my performance if I know that the money I pay will be going to funding an obviously satanist business. It's the only magic shop in town, though, so I don't know what to do. Where should I buy my supplies? Online? Should I make them? Is it wrong to buy the non-occult tricks from this shop knowing I will fund the occult-ish ones?
Help me out here, if you would.
Also, please understand that by me being a "Magician," I am not being an occultist. I am a bona-fide Christian, I attend church weekly, I know that I am a sinner, and I was saved by Grace through Faith in Jesus Christ alone. I don't need anyone to tell me (again and again as before) that my "magic" tricks are summoning demons and hurting my soul. I swear to you now, I have never used "real" (hem hem occult) "magic" in my life. There is a difference between occult magic and entertaining illusions. I am both a true Christian and a magician...
In God's Love
And thanks for your support...
I need some Bible advice straight up on a personal conundrum, so I'll get right to the point.
I believe very firmly that anything/everything of the occult is evil according to the Bible (astrology, palm reading, tarot cards, pentigrams, wicca, the list goes on...) At the same time, though, my hobby just happens to be performing little "illusions" to impress my friends and family. By illusions, I mean stuff like card tricks, slight of hand, disappearing coins, and etc. I love doing it for the fun of it, because I like to entertain people see.
I don't really think of my "magic" tricks in the same way as I think of the occult. To me, what I'm doing is just that... tricks. There is of course no "real" magic or demonic content (or something like that) involved. I hate the occult, I just love illusions.
Anyway, to get to the point, when I need to stock up on "magical" supplies, there is only one shop in town that sells them. Unfortunately for me, the business is very pagan run, and the people are very into the occult. Many occult things are sold there, and I don't want to be guilty before God of supporting the occult, because I stand strongly against it. I don't want to buy from a store that sells magic tricks for my performance if I know that the money I pay will be going to funding an obviously satanist business. It's the only magic shop in town, though, so I don't know what to do. Where should I buy my supplies? Online? Should I make them? Is it wrong to buy the non-occult tricks from this shop knowing I will fund the occult-ish ones?
Help me out here, if you would.
Also, please understand that by me being a "Magician," I am not being an occultist. I am a bona-fide Christian, I attend church weekly, I know that I am a sinner, and I was saved by Grace through Faith in Jesus Christ alone. I don't need anyone to tell me (again and again as before) that my "magic" tricks are summoning demons and hurting my soul. I swear to you now, I have never used "real" (hem hem occult) "magic" in my life. There is a difference between occult magic and entertaining illusions. I am both a true Christian and a magician...
In God's Love
And thanks for your support...
God bless you brother.
E
I apologize for the question about lying. It was stated in such a morally misleading way. My first prayer would be that it doesn't mislead anyone. Someone on here (kaylagrl) pointed out, though, that illusion isn't actually a lie since it's just altered perception brought on by our own imagination. As I said before, my question about lying was wrongfully worded. I understand your concern for my soul, and I heartily thank you for your loving concern in Christ. I truly feel that you care and wish to help in your advice. But what I do on stage doesn't actually qualify as the Bible's definition of magic (which was basically just calling on demons). It's just a mind game for fun.
I heard of a magician once (famous in new york) who used his escape artist act to bring people to Christ by telling them that only Jesus of the Bible was the true escape from worldly wickedness and sin. He even got some people coming forward.
I heard of a magician once (famous in new york) who used his escape artist act to bring people to Christ by telling them that only Jesus of the Bible was the true escape from worldly wickedness and sin. He even got some people coming forward.
illusionist is what your looking for ... How about let's look at " a pro " ..
David Blaine (born David Blaine White; April 4, 1973) is an American magician, illusionist and endurance artist. He is best known for his high-profile feats of endurance, and has made his name as a performer of street and close-up magic.[1] He has performed all over the world and has set and broken several world records.
"Magician Blaine to recreate Jesus' miracles for Easter
20 Apr 2003
Magician David Blaine will tonight attempt to mark Easter Sunday by recreating as many of Jesus' miracles as he can in 45 minutes. He will begin his act inside a sealed metal box, suspended from a crane 100ft in the air, where he intends to turn his own urine into wine, bake bread using only the power of his mind and produce 5,000 fish out of a box of fish fingers.
Blaine's publicist, Douglas Ramsbottom, says he will then be dropped to the ground, landing on a pile of cardboard boxes. "This is the highlight of David's act," he told DeadBrain. "The descent will be rapid and he may bounce at the end. It's going to be very exciting."
Once M. Blaine has reached the ground he will climb out of what is expected to be a small crater, in a pastiche of Jesus' raising from the dead. Finally, after serving fish and chips to the audience, the magician will perform his "grand finale". Details are being kept under wraps, but it is believed to involve a pack of cards, a bunch of flowers, a rabbit, a hat and his sleeve.
The show's producers hope to publicize the story in book format and in a six-part television series entitled "Jesus' Secrets - REVEALED". A friend of Mr. Blaine denied that he was trying to outdo Jesus. "Jesus had the whole Bible thing, David has his book, but somehow I don't think it will be such a big seller," said Gregory T Mullet. "Besides, Jesus had the son of God thing going for him. David's not quite at that stage yet."
BEYOND RIDICULOUS
"And the magicians of Egypt did so with their enchantments: and Pharaoh's heart was hardened, neither did he hearken unto them; as the YAHWEH had said." —Exodus 7:22
Is this who we want to be like ? ... Then go tell everybody about God after doing " magic " ... This is utter nonsense...
David Blaine (born David Blaine White; April 4, 1973) is an American magician, illusionist and endurance artist. He is best known for his high-profile feats of endurance, and has made his name as a performer of street and close-up magic.[1] He has performed all over the world and has set and broken several world records.
"Magician Blaine to recreate Jesus' miracles for Easter
20 Apr 2003
Magician David Blaine will tonight attempt to mark Easter Sunday by recreating as many of Jesus' miracles as he can in 45 minutes. He will begin his act inside a sealed metal box, suspended from a crane 100ft in the air, where he intends to turn his own urine into wine, bake bread using only the power of his mind and produce 5,000 fish out of a box of fish fingers.
Blaine's publicist, Douglas Ramsbottom, says he will then be dropped to the ground, landing on a pile of cardboard boxes. "This is the highlight of David's act," he told DeadBrain. "The descent will be rapid and he may bounce at the end. It's going to be very exciting."
Once M. Blaine has reached the ground he will climb out of what is expected to be a small crater, in a pastiche of Jesus' raising from the dead. Finally, after serving fish and chips to the audience, the magician will perform his "grand finale". Details are being kept under wraps, but it is believed to involve a pack of cards, a bunch of flowers, a rabbit, a hat and his sleeve.
The show's producers hope to publicize the story in book format and in a six-part television series entitled "Jesus' Secrets - REVEALED". A friend of Mr. Blaine denied that he was trying to outdo Jesus. "Jesus had the whole Bible thing, David has his book, but somehow I don't think it will be such a big seller," said Gregory T Mullet. "Besides, Jesus had the son of God thing going for him. David's not quite at that stage yet."
BEYOND RIDICULOUS
"And the magicians of Egypt did so with their enchantments: and Pharaoh's heart was hardened, neither did he hearken unto them; as the YAHWEH had said." —Exodus 7:22
Is this who we want to be like ? ... Then go tell everybody about God after doing " magic " ... This is utter nonsense...
Last edited: