Overview

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?

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Reviews

""Christians live in a world where naturalism threatens to rob the world of wonder. On Magic and Miracles paints a biblical picture of God's creation of things visible and invisible to reignite faith-filled wonder and to re-enchant souls starved for meaning and purpose. Jacobs faithfully upholds the value of fiction in soul formation rooted in theology to move believers past reactionary responses of fear toward biblical strategies of cultural engagement for the Gospel."" Adam Groza, president of Gateway Seminary ""As a mother to school-aged kids and an author of Christian fiction, I am so grateful for On Magic and Miracles. With sharp-eyed clarity and a high regard for gospel truth, Marian Jacobs dives deep into Scripture to equip readers with discernment about magic in literature. Her comprehensive and nuanced analysis provides a biblical framework for appraising the supernatural in stories, all the while upholding the value of God-given creativity. The result is a magnificently balanced book sure to guide generations of Christian readers and their families. Whether you're a concerned parent, a teacher, a writer, or simply a bibliophile, you'll want to read this book with a pen in hand and return to its insights again and again."" Kathryn Butler, author of The Dream Keeper Saga and The Storyteller's Bible ""No literary subject on the agenda of today's church is more pressing that the question of fantasy. On Magic and Miracles is an admirably written and reliable guide to the issues involved and to how Christians should resolve those issues. This book belongs to a rare circle of academic books that are both a triumph of scholarship and thoroughly readable. In fact, On Magic and Miracles is like a good fantasy story in being a book that offers illumination and pleasure in equal measure."" Leland Ryken, Professor Emeritus at Wheaton and author ""On Magic and Miracles is the kind of book I've been wanting to read and recommend for at least the past twenty years. Well-researched, deep, balanced, and nuanced, Jacobs provides an intelligent and incisive analysis of the issues surrounding fictional magic and one of the wisest defenses of fantasy literature I've ever come across. Careful not to turn too far to the right or to the left (Prov. 4:25-27), Jacobs provides a helpful set of questions to analyze fictional fantastical media that puts wisdom, discernment, and, most importantly, the state of a person's heart on center stage. If you read one nonfiction book this year, make it this one!"" J. J. Fischer, award-winning author of The Nightingale Trilogy and The Soul Mark Duology ""In On Magic and Miracles, Marian A. Jacobs renders a great service to Christians struggling to know how to think about the cultural tsunami of fantasy fiction. Refusing both the twitchy fearfulness of the Satanic panic and the blithe (and unscriptural) anti-supernaturalism that plagues so many evangelical responses, Jacobs helps us to see fictional magic through a carefully cut prism of biblical theology. On Magic and Miracles offers a wealth of learning and much practical wisdom. Christian parents in particular will benefit from the excellent tools and frameworks Jacobs provides to help them shepherd their children's judgments and imaginations."" Andrew Moody, Editorial Director of TGCA 2016-2023. Author of In Light of the Son, The Will of Him Who Sent Me and The Blood Miles ""Is fictional magic a gateway to the occult?"" Such a question can easily lead to knee-jerk reactions: ""Of course it is [isn't]!"" But On Magic and Miracles rejects automatic, unthinking attitudes in favor of a robustly Scriptural perspective. Marian A. Jacobs explains five key factors that separate the works of God (divine supernaturalism) from the works of Satan (demonic supernaturalism), and how those differences can help us discern between magic in fiction that is safe or suspect. For those who desire to honor God in their response to the fantasy genre, this book is a resource packed with biblical insight and practical wisdom. Cap Stewart, speaker and author of the curriculum ""Personal Purity Isn't Enough""

Author Information

Marian A. Jacobs is passionate about writing fantasy, science fiction, and Christian story ethics for the edification of the Church and the glory of God. She and her husband have three children. When not writing, Marian spends time serving on her church's worship team, watching movies, listening to audiobooks, and working on her seminary degree.

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