On Magic & Miracles

From classic fantasy like The Lord of the Rings and The Chronicles of Narnia to modern stories like Harry Potter, Christians have been debating the issue of fictional magic for decades. Some believers read and write fantasy as an expression of their God-given creativity while others feel this is dangerous and ignorant of the growing threat of the occult. Deuteronomy 18 says spells and other forms of magic are an abomination, but how does that apply to fantasy magic? Is there a difference between the “Deep Magic” of Aslan at the Stone Table and the spells in Harry Potter? Is it possible for fictional magic to lead someone into the occult? Adults and children alike have wrestled with these questions as the fantasy genre exploded into one of the most popular book and film genres on the market.

In this guidebook, Marian A. Jacobs explores the theology of magic, gleaning contextual clues surrounding supernatural events in the Bible. These scriptural principles can assist readers, movie-lovers, gamers, and parents in discerning how fantasy can both edify and honor God.

On Magic and Miracles aims to answer the following questions:

What is the difference between magic and miracles in the Bible? Is magic real? And if so, does it pose a genuine threat? Could books like Harry Potter lead someone into the occult? What is the importance of fantasy for Christians? How can I discern fantasy books, films, and games for myself and my children?

1. Opening Credits
2. Dedication
3. Introduction
4. Part 1: A Theological Foundation of Magic & Miracles | Chapter 1: Magic or Miracle?
5. Chapter 2: Visible and Invisible
6. Chapter 3: Is It All an Illusion?
7. Chapter 4: The Pagan Occult
8. Chapter 5: The Source of Mirrored Magic
9. Chapter 6: Ends and Means
10. Part 2: Discerning Fictional Magic through Scripture | Chapter 7: Why Does the Church Need Fantasy?
11. Chapter 8: The Dangers of Overcorrection
12. Chapter 9: Your Parenting Superpower
13. Chapter 10: Literary Considerations
14. Chapter 11: Discerning Stories
15. Chapter 12: What about Harry Potter?
16. Chapter 13: Final Thoughts
17. Appendix: Further Resources
18. Closing Credits