Magic, Illusion and Deception

Q: Is doing sleight of hand magic a sin ? because some christian consider it as a sin, the sleight of hand im talking is not black magic its illusion (sic).

A: Thank you for your question. According to Dictionary.com, the first two definitions given for magic are as follows. One, magic is defined as "the art of producing illusions as entertainment by the use of sleight of hand, deceptive devices, etc." The second definition of magic is "the art of producing a desired effect or result through the use of incantation or various other techniques that presumably assure human control of supernatural agencies or the forces of nature." If we accept these definitions it would seem that there is no difference between magic and illusion. Plus, it could involve the use of supernatural agencies or the forces of nature. There is nothing in the Bible that supports the use of magic or illusion. It is a deceptive practice as well. The ultimate question to ask is not whether or not it is a sin, but why would any Christian want to be involved in deceptive practices that may involve the supernatural? While it may seem to be fun and result in you getting a lot of attention, engaging in such activity is not of the Lord nor does it glorify Him to any degree. The Bible has much to say on this topic.

The use of magic or illusion in the Old Testament is seen in a negative light (Leviticus 19:26, 31, 20:6; 1 Samuel 28:9; Isaiah 8:19; 44:25; 57:3; Jeremiah 27:9; Ezekiel 22:28; Micah 5:12; Nahum 3:4; Malachi 3:5). Magic was banned under the penalty of death (Exodus 22:18; Leviticus 20:27; Deuteronomy 18:10-11). According to the Baker Theological Dictionary, "many Canaanite magical practices were later widespread in the divided monarchy; Jezebel practiced sorcery (2 Kings 9:22); Manasseh encouraged divination (2 Kings 21:6; 2 Chronicles 33:6); Hebrew seers and diviners practiced the magic arts (Micah 3:7); and Isaiah condemned women who wore charms (Isaiah 3: 18-23). The multiplicity of terminology used in the bans testifies that magic was a pervasive problem in the Israelite world." Therefore, it is clear that magic has been a corrupting influence, dare I say a tool of Satan, to lead God's people away from trust and dependence on Him. That is why God was so intolerant of the practice because it so easily led people astray and into beliefs and actions that ultimately would lead to their destruction.

The New Testament does not speak on magic quite as often as the Old Testament, but the authors of the New Testament were in agreement with their Old Testament counterparts. There are warnings against such things as sorcery, which is a form of magic (Galatians 5:20; Revelation 9:21; 18:23; 21:8; 22;15). Simon the Sorcerer was considered dangerous and was criticized by the Apostle Peter (Acts 8:9-24). The differences between Jesus Christ and magic are seen in the encounter that Paul and Barnabas had with a Jewish sorcerer and false prophet named Bar-Jesus (Acts 13:4-12). Paul, in particular, had some harsh things to say about the sorcerer in Acts 4:10 when he says, "“You are a child of the devil and an enemy of everything that is right! You are full of all kinds of deceit and trickery. Will you never stop perverting the right ways of the Lord?" I believe it is pretty clear what the Bible, in general, and Paul, specifically, feel about the use of magic, illusion, sorcery or whatever word we might use to describe it. 

Now, I am assuming that your interest in magic is not as "evil" as the examples given in this article. However, the examples were given to make it clear how the use of deceptive practices like magic must be treated seriously. The Lord made it clear in His Word about His feelings toward these practices because those that engaged in them were primarily unbelievers. And believers who allowed for the practices to be accepted into their culture soon found themselves led away from the Lord. Thankfully, because of the forgiveness we have through faith in Jesus Christ, we will not be punished for engaging in these practices like we deserve. However, I do not see the wisdom or merit in doing "slight of hand" magic or illusions, regardless of how harmless we may believe it to be. It can only lead a Christian further away from the knowledge of their God and be used by the devil to keep an unbeliever trapped in their unbelief. Ultimately, you must decide if what you are doing is consistent with the attitudes and actions of a Christian. That is a decision only you can make and one to pray to the Lord about how to make. I trust He will lead you in the direction He wants you to go.