As a prelude, I will note that I am writing this blog from a table inside the Eagle and Child (the tavern Tolkien and Lewis frequented to discuss theology, philosophy, and literature). Just thought that would be a fun aside to the conversation. Also, if some of my points resemble some of Lewis’ arguments from Miracles, don’t be surprised. I’ll be borrowing a few things.
As I ended my last blog, there was a question as to the relationship between magic and miracles. At first, the distinction between the two seems to be analogous to the popular illustration “two sides to the same coin”. However, this may not be the case. Let me again define magic as, “The power of apparently influencing the course of events by using mysterious or supernatural forces.” Let’s unpack this definition.
The first thing that needs to be addressed is the assumption that supernatural forces exist. In other words, we must agree that something outside nature acts independently of natural law. The purpose of this particular post is not to prove the existence of supernatural forces, so, for the sake of time and space, I will simply say that I do believe a supernatural entity exists and that the existence of said entity can be supported by a reasonable amount of sound, logical evidence. So, with the presupposition of a supernatural entity, we must then ask three subsequent questions: Is this supernatural entity the only supernatural entity? Is the character of one or any of the entities good? And, do any of these entities possess any real power? Again, I must make a major leap from the general to the specific. My purpose in this post is not to represent all viewpoints. I am not qualified to represent everyone, nor do I wish to do so. I will simply presuppose the Christian Bible is the authority on the subject of all things supernatural. I will let Scripture answer these questions.
First, the supernatural entity I have been alluding to is the triune God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). According to Scripture, he is not alone outside of nature. He has created other supernatural beings called angels, given them varying levels of responsibility, power, and authority, and the privilege of serving Him. Some of these angels disobeyed Him. As a result, they were cast from his presence and given a level of power and authority over the world. What I have just stated briefly answers all the questions. 1) God is not alone as a supernatural being because He has created other supernatural beings to fellowship with Him. 2) God, through revelation, has told humanity that He is good. Not only did He tell us, He proves it by acting according to His word. Also, as the absolute standard, disobedience to Him is a rebellion from what is good toward what is evil. Just as the shadow proves the sunshine, so also, any object outside the sun will cause the sun to produce a shadow. In other terms, in a system of complexities and dichotomies, the existence of the one necessitates the existence of the other. Once God created, there was something apart from Him, not like Him. God is not the author of evil, but He is the creator of beings outside of Himself, and this creation presents an opportunity for a descent into all things opposed to His nature. Therefore, one of the supernatural beings (God) is intrinsically good, other supernatural beings are reflections of His goodness (angels), and still others are examples of disobedience to His goodness (Satan and his demons). 3) All of these supernatural beings possess some power. Only one is omnipotent (all powerful), but others are allowed power in the increments God allots them. Satan has been given the most power, but he only possesses what is given to Him by God, so God’s power exceeds Satan’s not just exponentially, but infinitely.
Allow me to recap. More than one supernatural force exists. One of these forces is intrinsically good. Others supernatural forces vehemently oppose the intrinsically good source that created them, and all of them possess some power, but none of them are as powerful as the intrinsically good source.
I realize I have spent a great deal of time meandering in presuppositions, but these are basic questions, which need to be answered. Now that they have been answered (admittedly with vast simplifications and assumptions), we can return to unpacking the definition.
Not only are dichotomous supernatural powers at work, according to the definition of magic, they can be influenced. This is an important distinction between magic and miracles. Miracles do not originate within natural beings. They originate with supernatural beings. In that sense, miracles, prayers, and faith cannot be considered magic, because they do not originate with natural beings, but with supernatural beings (If you disagree, please let me know). Remember before, I said that Satan was given a certain level of power. He uses this power to lead mankind astray. Satan’s limited power, teamed with mankind’s limitless greed for power, has created an entity (magic) through which Satan and mankind express their depravity. Conversely, miracles do not originate with the inherently wicked supernatural entity, but within the inherently good supernatural entity. Also, the purpose of miracles is to glorify God. The purpose of magic is to glorify man. To that end, they are not the same.
Miracles differ from magic in origin, practice, and purpose. Miracles come from God, through humble men, for the purpose of Glorifying God. Magic comes from Satan, through greedy men, for the purpose of Glorifying Satan or themselves. Therefore, Magic can never be said to be the same as Miracles. I started this entry with the analogy of magic and miracles being two sides of the same coin, but they are not. Though they look similar, their values are different. They are two different coins. At first glance, both coins are of like substance, but once examined, one of these (magic) is a two-headed coin. It is an illegitimate representation of the true source power. Magic is bankrupt and incapable of purchasing anything of real value.
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