On Magic and Miracles

This is an excerpt from On Magic & Miracles: A Theological Guide to Discerning Fictional Magic by Marian A. Jacobs.

I grew up on a steady diet of science fiction and fantasy movies in the 1990s. From Disney princesses to Jim Henson’s Labyrinth to the original Star Wars trilogy—speculative films were the bread and butter of our home. I didn’t become a reader until well into middle school. Once I discovered fantasy literature, I slowly grew into both a reader and, eventually, a writer of speculative fiction. I was aware of the controversy surrounding Harry Potter at the time, but I didn’t think that it had anything to do with me. Other Christians seemed to think children would want to become a witch if they read about fictional magic. But nothing sounded more distasteful to me than real witchcraft. Saved at a very young age, I believe God protected me from any temptation toward the occult.

Whenever I saw a mixture of New Age and fantasy nicknacks displayed in shops, I felt simultaneously drawn to the dragon figurines as well as repulsed by the more spiritual items sitting next to them on the shelf. I would often walk away from those displays with lingering grief and even guilt. Although I knew almost nothing about the occult or alternative spirituality, the cool dragons somehow felt tainted by association with the “healing” crystals, sage bundles, and burning incense. As an adult, I’m able to discern the difference between individual products and not feel any guilt over purchasing something that was merely sitting next to occult items. Yet as a child, not purchasing any of it, including the dragons, was what made my developing conscience feel safe.

Children aren’t the only people who have a developing conscience. This is a process Christians go through all our lives as God sanctifies us in different ways. Even as adults, we continue to wrestle through how to best filter the content we watch or read. How can we tell if a certain book or film is more like a simple dragon figurine or an occultic Ouija board? Doesn’t the Bible say magic is an abomination in Deuteronomy 18:9-12? And yet many Christians love The Chronicles of Narnia and The Lord of the Rings—fantasies that contain magic. Even some of the most robust theologians are confused about the reason why Aslan’s Deep Magic is widely accepted in the Church when scripture uses strong language in opposition to magic. How can we teach our children to discern fantasy when we aren’t sure how to do it ourselves?

Most of the time, those who feel free to read and watch stories about fantasy magic use the reason that “It’s just a story. It’s not real.” This defense shows that they understand there’s often a difference between fantasy magic and occult magic even if they don’t always know why or where to draw the line. It also shows that even if they’re not fully aware of what they’re saying, the idea that something is “just a story” and not real life speaks to the intrinsic awareness we have that stories are usually filled with metaphors and layered meaning that reveals something about reality beyond the basic movements of the plot. For example, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is not just a story about four children and a lion who fight an evil queen in another world. It’s a story about forgiveness, the gospel, and the ultimate authority of Christ who defeats our Accuser through painful and humiliating self-sacrifice.

However, “it’s just a story” is also an insufficient answer to the question of whether depictions of occult-like magic in a fantasy book could pose a threat to a reader. Stories are not merely entertainment, but one of the most powerful ways mankind processes and accesses truth as well as lies. Studies show that through the fictional experiences of others, we grow in empathy and insight into the mind, joys, and sufferings of someone different from ourselves. That emotional connection can be used to turn our hearts and minds toward or away from truth depending on the story. “Guard your heart” (Prov. 4:23) is not only something to be aware of when interacting with others; it’s also essential when choosing which stories to invest in and which characters to empathize with.

Due to the empathy stories rouse in us, it’s not an insignificant question to ask if a book or a sympathetic character could influence someone into joining the occult. Yet despite some believers feeling confident in their answers that it either will or will not be a temptation, proof of either side has yet to be seen. And if there is a difference between fantasy magic and occult magic, what is it? How can the Bible help us answer this question when it doesn’t speak explicitly to how we should engage with fiction and media?

When I first set out to find the answers to these questions, I thought I would pull back a drape to expose a painting on the wall. Instead, I found a doorway to another world. I discovered the answers to my questions, but I also found something far better. As I explored this new-to-me realm of magic and miracles, I wanted nothing more than to belong there for eternity with the Ancient of Days. More than ever before, I desired to know Christ—to have the most profound intimacy with him this earthly realm could afford me.

Jesus is the ultimate Word of power and king over all things in both the heavenly and earthly realms.

Even in a study of supernaturalism and fiction, everything comes back to the authority and majesty of Christ.