Magic and the Christian Faith (with Joshua Ng) [Think Biblically Podcast]

Can the miracles of Jesus be explained as magic? Since magic is forbidden in the Bible, can a Christian be a magician? What are some principles we can learn from the practice of magic to help be more discerning in our age of fake news? These are just a few of the questions we explore with our guest, Joshua Ng, a practicing magician, member of the academy of magical arts, and student in the MA Apologetics program at Talbot School of Theology.
Learn more about Talbot's MA in Apologetics at www.biola.edu/talbot/academic...
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[@joshuang6896]

Hi everyone. I am Joshua Ng, the guest on this Think Biblically podcast episode. Thank you Dr. McDowell and Dr. Rae for having me on the podcast discussing magic and our Christian faith. I had a really great time recording this episode. If anyone here has questions about what I said or you would like to know more about my thoughts, please feel free to ask them here.

[@themagicman1986]

Love this interview. Appreciate your detailed responses. Been on a deep dive myself into the history of what “magic” was in New Testament times. Very interesting where moral lines can be drawn on this issue.

[@themagicman1986]

Also if you want a co-author on this book I know a few people that might be interested.

[@luigi3589]

Hi Joshua, I do have a question. When doing certain routines, the ambitious card for example, you say things and do others. The card you put in the middle of the deck is NOT the spectator's card, but the audience think it is. Do you think it could be compared to a drop shot in tennis ? When hitting a drop shot you have to fake a long and powerful shot, it is crucial. Your opponent thinks you are going to play long and you make him believe you are... And you play short. That is all part of the game yet one might argue you are lying with your body.... All the same, misdirection and story telling are all part of card magic... What are your thoughts about all this ?
Close-up card magic is entertainment and sharing a moment with friends. It is all about love.
God bless

[@joshuang6896]

@@luigi3589 Hi Luigi. That is an extremely important point you have brought up. Dr. McDowell in the video also mentioned deception is regularly used in sports, and sportsmen and it's fans knows this is part of the game and is allowed to be used to gain advantage over the opponent. In the case of magic, it's not about gaining an advantage for the performer so he can pose as if he is better than the audience, but to share a moment of wonder with them.
The Lord bless you as well.

[@themagicman1986]

What a great interview. As a magician I really appreciate the deep dove on this. Now we just need a deep dive on the history of what is meant by “magic” in the Bible.

[@jamesmauch8573]

What we call "magic" is not in any way supernatural. Just because we hide the secrets of the illusion's mechanics, doesn't make it real. Anyone who misrepresents their skill as supernatural is unethical. This modern-day performer is actually in an excellent position to expose those who would take advantage of folks that are mislead by nefarious means. I would love to discuss this more with you.

[@christopherskipp1525]

What is your definition of magic? And, in support of your claim the text prohibts practicing magic, what texts do you cite?

[@ajb7345]

Magic as illusion tricks(physically hidden secrets), not curses.

[@ariellarory8535]

❣️ *promo sm*

[@EthioUtube20]

Bible does not differentiate between entertainment and supernatural magic. Scripture doesn't distinguish whether the magic supposed to be used for good or bad. It's all forbidden because it appeals a source of power other than God.

[@themagicman1986]

Prestidigitation does not appeal to any power. Your comment is uninformed.

[@jennybenedetti7619]

Hypocrisy

[@jackjones6849]

What is hypocrisy?

[@MyFriendlyPup]

Indeed

[@themagicman1986]

What???