Can You Be Christian and Practice Magic? Historical Perspectives

By NICOLE LAU

Introduction: An Ancient Tension

"Can you be Christian and practice magic?" This question has sparked debate for two millennia. The relationship between Christianity and magic is complex, contradictory, and far more nuanced than simple prohibition or permission.

Throughout history, Christians have both condemned magic as demonic and practiced it extensively. The Bible contains both prohibitions against sorcery and accounts of miraculous acts that look remarkably like magic. Christian saints performed wonders, Christian grimoires detailed elaborate rituals, and Christian folk magic flourished alongside official doctrine.

This guide explores the historical relationship between Christianity and magic, examining biblical texts, theological arguments, Christian magical traditions, and the ongoing debate about whether the two can coexist.

Biblical Prohibitions: The Case Against

Old Testament Prohibitions

Key Passages

• Exodus 22:18: "Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live" (KJV)
• Leviticus 19:26: "Do not practice divination or seek omens"
• Leviticus 20:27: Death penalty for mediums and spiritists
• Deuteronomy 18:10-12: Comprehensive list of prohibited practices including divination, sorcery, interpreting omens, witchcraft, casting spells, mediumship, and necromancy
• 1 Samuel 28: Saul consulting the Witch of Endor (presented negatively)

What Was Being Prohibited?

Context matters:

• These laws were written for ancient Israel in a polytheistic context
• "Magic" often meant worship of other gods or spirits
• Divination was associated with pagan religious practices
• The concern was idolatry and spiritual adultery, not magic per se
• Some scholars argue these prohibitions targeted specific Canaanite practices

New Testament References

Key Passages

• Acts 19:19: New converts burning their books of magic
• Galatians 5:19-21: "Witchcraft" (pharmakeia) listed among "works of the flesh"
• Revelation 21:8: Sorcerers among those excluded from the kingdom
• Acts 8:9-24: Simon the Sorcerer rebuked for trying to buy spiritual power

Translation Issues

• Pharmakeia: Greek word often translated as "witchcraft" or "sorcery"
• Literally means "drug use" or "poisoning"
• May have referred to drug-induced religious experiences or literal poisoning
• Not clearly equivalent to modern magical practice

The Traditional Christian Position

Based on these texts, traditional Christianity generally holds:

• Magic is forbidden as it seeks power from sources other than God
• It violates the First Commandment (no other gods)
• Magical power comes from demons, not God
• It demonstrates lack of faith in God's providence
• It's prideful—attempting to control rather than submit to God's will

Biblical Magic: The Case For

Miracles vs. Magic: A Blurry Line

The Bible is full of acts that look remarkably like magic:

Old Testament "Magic"

• Moses' staff: Turns into a serpent, parts the Red Sea (Exodus 7-14)
• Aaron's rod: Buds and produces almonds (Numbers 17)
• Elijah: Calls down fire, raises the dead, multiplies food (1 Kings 17-18)
• Elisha: Purifies water, curses children (who are mauled by bears), raises the dead (2 Kings 2-4)
• The Urim and Thummim: Divination tools used by priests (Exodus 28:30)
• Joseph: Interprets dreams, uses a divination cup (Genesis 40-44)

New Testament "Magic"

• Jesus: Heals with touch, spit, and mud; casts out demons; walks on water; multiplies food; raises the dead
• Apostles: Heal the sick, cast out demons, raise the dead, speak in tongues
• Peter's shadow: Heals people (Acts 5:15)
• Paul's handkerchiefs: Carry healing power (Acts 19:12)

The Distinction: Source of Power

Traditional theology distinguishes miracles from magic:

• Miracles: Power comes from God, performed through faith and prayer
• Magic: Power comes from demons, human will, or natural forces
• Miracles: Glorify God and serve His purposes
• Magic: Serve human desires and glorify the practitioner

The problem: This distinction is often subjective and based on who's doing it, not what's being done.

Christian Magical Traditions Throughout History

Early Christianity (1st-4th Centuries)

Magical Papyri

• Greek Magical Papyri include Christian elements alongside pagan ones
• Early Christians used Jesus' name in magical formulas
• Amulets and talismans with Christian symbols and prayers
• Blending of Christian and pagan magical practices

Gnosticism

• Christian Gnostic sects practiced elaborate magical rituals
• Emphasized secret knowledge and mystical practices
• Used magical names, symbols, and invocations
• Eventually declared heretical by orthodox Christianity

Medieval Christianity (5th-15th Centuries)

Grimoire Tradition

Medieval grimoires (magical textbooks) were explicitly Christian:

• Key of Solomon: Invokes God, angels, and biblical names
• Lesser Key of Solomon (Goetia): Summoning demons in God's name
• Sworn Book of Honorius: Attributed to a pope (falsely)
• Picatrix: Astrological magic with Christian elements

These texts:

• Assumed the practitioner was Christian
• Required prayer, fasting, and confession
• Invoked God, Jesus, Mary, and angels
• Used biblical psalms and prayers in rituals

Clerical Magic

• Priests and monks were often the magical practitioners
• Literacy and access to texts made clergy natural magicians
• Church tried to distinguish "licit" (acceptable) from "illicit" magic
• Blessing, exorcism, and sacraments were seen as different from sorcery

Folk Magic

• Christian peasants practiced magic extensively
• Used prayers, psalms, and saints' names in spells
• Blessed objects, holy water, and relics as magical tools
• Blended pre-Christian practices with Christian elements

Renaissance and Early Modern Period (15th-17th Centuries)

Christian Kabbalah

• Christian scholars adapted Jewish Kabbalah
• Saw it as revealing Christian truths hidden in Hebrew
• Pico della Mirandola, Johannes Reuchlin, and others
• Blended Kabbalah with Christian theology and magic

Ceremonial Magic

• Elaborate systems of angelic magic
• John Dee's Enochian magic (angelic communication)
• Assumed Christian framework and divine authority
• Sought knowledge and communion with angels

Cunning Folk

• Village healers and magical practitioners
• Operated within Christian framework
• Used prayers, charms, and Christian symbols
• Served Christian communities despite church disapproval

Modern Era (18th Century-Present)

Christian Mysticism

• Contemplative prayer and mystical experiences
• Visions, miracles, and supernatural gifts
• Saints like Teresa of Avila, John of the Cross
• Charismatic Christianity and speaking in tongues

Hoodoo and Rootwork

• African-American folk magic tradition
• Deeply Christian in framework and practice
• Uses psalms, prayers, and biblical figures
• Practitioners are often devout Christians

Contemporary Christian Witches

• Small but growing movement
• Attempt to reconcile Christianity and witchcraft
• Emphasize Jesus as a magical practitioner
• View magic as a natural gift from God
• Highly controversial in both Christian and pagan communities

Theological Arguments For Compatibility

1. Magic as Natural Skill

• Magic is a natural ability, like music or art
• God created the natural world with magical properties
• Using herbs, crystals, or energy is using God's creation
• The skill itself is morally neutral; intention matters

2. Jesus as Magician

• Jesus performed acts that look like magic
• He used material components (spit, mud, touch)
• He spoke words of power and commanded spirits
• If Jesus did it, it can't be inherently wrong

3. All Power Comes from God

• There is no power except from God (Romans 13:1)
• Therefore, magical power must ultimately come from God
• The question is how you use it, not whether you have it
• Directing magic through Christ makes it Christian

4. Biblical Prohibitions Were Contextual

• Prohibitions targeted specific pagan practices
• The concern was idolatry, not magic itself
• Modern magic directed to the Christian God is different
• We don't follow all Old Testament laws (dietary, clothing, etc.)

5. Christian Magical Tradition Exists

• Christians have practiced magic for 2000 years
• Grimoires, folk magic, and mysticism are part of Christian history
• The tradition is there if you look for it
• Reclaiming this heritage is legitimate

Theological Arguments Against Compatibility

1. Biblical Prohibition Is Clear

• Scripture consistently condemns sorcery and witchcraft
• The prohibitions are not merely cultural or contextual
• God's word doesn't change with time or culture
• Obedience to Scripture requires rejecting magic

2. Miracles ≠ Magic

• Miracles are God's sovereign acts, not human manipulation
• Magic attempts to control or command spiritual forces
• Miracles glorify God; magic glorifies the practitioner
• The distinction is real and important

3. The Source Is Demonic

• Magical power comes from demons, not God
• Satan disguises himself as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14)
• Even if it seems to work, the source is evil
• You cannot serve both God and demons

4. It Demonstrates Lack of Faith

• Relying on magic shows you don't trust God's providence
• Prayer and faith should be sufficient
• Magic is trying to control rather than submit to God's will
• It's prideful and self-reliant rather than God-dependent

5. It Opens Doors to Deception

• Engaging with spiritual forces outside God's authority is dangerous
• You may think you're in control, but you're being deceived
• It can lead away from true faith
• Better to avoid it entirely than risk spiritual harm

Different Christian Perspectives

Catholic and Orthodox Views

• Official position: Magic is generally forbidden
• But: Rich tradition of sacramentals, blessings, exorcisms, and relics
• Distinction: Sacraments work ex opere operato (by the work worked), not by human power
• Saints and miracles: Supernatural events are part of the tradition
• Mysticism: Contemplative practices and mystical experiences are accepted
• In practice: Folk Catholicism often includes magical elements

Protestant Views

• Conservative/Evangelical: Generally strongly opposed to all magic
• Mainline: Varies; some open to mysticism and contemplative practice
• Charismatic/Pentecostal: Emphasize spiritual gifts (healing, prophecy, tongues) but reject "witchcraft"
• Progressive: Some open to integrating magical practices

Folk Christianity

• Blends official doctrine with folk practices
• Uses prayers, psalms, and saints in magical ways
• Amulets, charms, and protective magic
• Often operates outside official church approval

Practical Considerations for Christian Practitioners

If You Want to Practice Both

Approaches

1. Christian Witchcraft: Explicitly Christian magical practice
   • All magic directed through Christ
   • Use Christian prayers, psalms, and symbols
   • Avoid invoking other deities or spirits
   • Frame magic as using God-given gifts
2. Christian Mysticism: Focus on contemplative and mystical practices
   • Centering prayer and meditation
   • Mystical experiences and visions
   • Spiritual gifts (healing, prophecy)
   • Stays within traditional Christian framework
3. Folk Magic: Traditional Christian folk practices
   • Hoodoo, rootwork, or European folk magic
   • Uses psalms, prayers, and biblical figures
   • Historical precedent in Christian communities
4. Syncretism: Blending Christianity with other traditions
   • Acknowledge multiple influences
   • Create personal synthesis
   • May not be accepted by orthodox Christians

Challenges You'll Face

• Rejection from Christians: Many will say you can't be both
• Rejection from pagans: Some will see you as appropriating or not "really" pagan
• Internal conflict: Reconciling potentially contradictory beliefs
• Theological complexity: Navigating difficult scriptural and doctrinal issues
• Community: Finding others who share your path

Questions to Consider

1. How do you interpret biblical prohibitions against magic?
2. What is the source of magical power in your understanding?
3. How do you distinguish your practice from what the Bible condemns?
4. Can you reconcile this with your understanding of Christian theology?
5. Are you comfortable with the tension and controversy?
6. Have you studied both Christianity and magic deeply enough to integrate them?

Historical Lessons

What History Shows Us

• Christians have always practiced magic—despite official prohibitions
• The line between miracle and magic is often political—who has authority matters
• Folk practice differs from official doctrine—what people do vs. what the church says
• Context matters—what was condemned in one era was accepted in another
• Syncretism is normal—Christianity has always blended with local practices

The Complexity of History

• Christianity and magic have a complicated, intertwined history
• Simple answers ("yes" or "no") don't capture the reality
• Different Christians have reached different conclusions
• The debate has continued for 2000 years and won't be resolved easily

Conclusion: A Personal Decision

Can you be Christian and practice magic? History shows that many Christians have, despite official prohibitions. Theology offers arguments both for and against. The answer ultimately depends on:

• How you interpret Scripture
• Which Christian tradition you follow
• How you understand the nature of magic
• What you believe about the source of magical power
• Your personal relationship with God and faith

Key considerations:

• Study deeply: Understand both Christianity and magic thoroughly
• Be honest: Don't ignore difficult scriptures or theological issues
• Seek guidance: From Scripture, prayer, and trusted mentors
• Accept tension: This path will involve controversy and complexity
• Respect others: Both Christians who reject magic and pagans who reject Christianity
• Follow your conscience: Ultimately, this is between you and God

The relationship between Christianity and magic is not simple. It never has been. And that complexity is part of what makes it such a rich, fascinating, and deeply personal question.

NICOLE LAU is a researcher and writer specializing in Western esotericism, Jungian psychology, and comparative mysticism. She is the author of the Western Esoteric Classics series and New Age Spirituality series.