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Gary Barker New user Tampa, FL 70 Posts |
I was reading through some threads regarding articles for the CC to include application/performance ideas for cuurent effects. As a dealer (and Christian) I have begun to add Gospel applications or performance options for many of the items we sell. I would be interested in hearing your thoughts on creating patter for standard effects on the market.
For example, 'Cell Out' is a good effect in which a jumbo playing card is passed over a deck of cards which will transform into another object (cell phone, etc.)One of our Gospel applications for this effect is how many times people in life feel if they just play their cards right everything will turn out to be fine, as if by some stroke of luck or 'magic.' The real truth of the matter is life isn't about playing your cards right, it is about living right (perform effect) and applying God's wisdom in your life. (The deck has changed to a small testament) and the effect finishes with the card in one hand and the Testament raised in the other. (I will demo this at FCM) I think one of the dangers (as a religion major in college) is to proof text. I would suggest asking a couple of key questions when trying to write your patter for any effect. I start by asking, "what is the magic doing? Is this appearing, vanishing, changing and transforming, etc... Secondly, I ask, "What spiritual truth can be paralleled with this effect?" Then I begin to narrow down a passage of scripture that conveys this same truth. Here is the hard part for some. I would not always suggest using a concordance and just trying to lift out a verse that seemingly reinforces your point if it strays from the point of the scripture as a whole. What are some of the steps you take in writing your patter, especially for standard effects? Share your ideas... PS- Perhaps you should also consider things that may be seen in a skewed manner. For example, when they take your love offering perhaps not a good time for your change bag routine with zipper, stating we will pass the bag around until it is full as you continue to manipulate the prop as money is being collected... Wait, maybe that one is a keeper |
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themagiciansapprentice Inner circle Essex, UK 1381 Posts |
I look at it from the other direction. I start with the set readings and see what tricks will fit (that haven't beem seen recently.).
I also look at available literature from David Ginn, Duane Laflin and Andrew David to see if some-one else has already presented this Scripture. Sometimes I'll like the way it's done, others I'll look for different tricks.
Have wand will travel! Performing children's magic in the UK for Winter 2014 and Spring 2015.
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Terry Owens Inner circle Ft. Wayne, Indiana 1707 Posts |
God has gifted me with the ability to take about any effect and put a solid gospel message to it, but when developing for myself, I think first of what I'm wanting to teach or preach and then what effect could I use to illustrate that.
My newest item is aerial fishing - and I've gotten a great routine that will go good with that. |
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BCS Inner circle 1083 Posts |
Sort of along your topic… I have never realized that there were so many Gospel type magicians until I joined TMC. Have any of you ever got in trouble with hard core fundamentalists tying magic tricks into Christian beliefs? I thought that I once read that Muhammad Ali was a Christian and into magic. Because of his beliefs, after his performances he would always espouse how his tricks were done. He did not want to take away from the miracles of Christ.
Thanks, Bruce |
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GlenD Inner circle LosAngeles, Ca 1293 Posts |
Wow! I mean if people were confusing his magic with the miracles that were done by Christ the Lord Himself then ol' M. Ali must have been pulling off some truly astounding feats of magic!
GlenD
"A miracle is something that seems impossible but happens anyway" - Griffin
"Any future where you succeed, is one where you tell the truth." - Griffin (Griffin rocks!) |
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REV BILL Special user Glen Burnie Maryland 795 Posts |
Speaking as a "hard core fundamentalist" it is always best to explain right from the start that what you are doing is sleight of hand and natural illusions and only God can perform supernatural miracles. .See Duane Laflin's excellent book, "Greater Gospel Magic".Exposure is definately not needed.
Specializing in Family Entertainment,Gospel,Comedy and Educational programs for over 30 years.(Order of Merlin)
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BCS Inner circle 1083 Posts |
Thanks for your comments, I am not associated with any religion, I am trying to become familiar with all aspects of TMC. How long has “Gospel Magic” been around? Is this a 19th or 20th century phenomenon? From what magic books that I have read, the Tarbell books are the earliest ones I have read referencing “Gospel Magic.” Are there non-Christian religions that use magic to spread their message?
Again thanks… sorry if I am hijacking this post, Bruce |
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REV BILL Special user Glen Burnie Maryland 795 Posts |
Hi Bruce, The book, "Greater Gospel Magic" has a very interesting chapter on the first Object lessons by Rev. C.H. Woolston in the early 1900's. --Rev Bill
Specializing in Family Entertainment,Gospel,Comedy and Educational programs for over 30 years.(Order of Merlin)
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Dan Bernier Inner circle Canada 2298 Posts |
Actually Ali was a member of the Nation of Islam, hence the name change from Cassius Clay to Muhammad Ali when he fully converted in 1964. He also refused to fight in the war due to his religious beliefs. He was sent to jail and stripped of his title for refusing to fight in the Vietnam war.
I loved watching him when I was young.
"If you're going to walk in the rain, don't complain about getting wet!"
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GlenD Inner circle LosAngeles, Ca 1293 Posts |
I remember that stuff about him, Dan and his abilities as a boxer are unquestionable. I never heard about him being a magician though. You learn something everyday.
GlenD
"A miracle is something that seems impossible but happens anyway" - Griffin
"Any future where you succeed, is one where you tell the truth." - Griffin (Griffin rocks!) |
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Amazing Binky Loyal user Lancaster,OH 223 Posts |
For Andrew Mayne's "GutBuster", you could talk about how you have Jesus inside of you...oh wait... that might not go over so good.
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Dan Bernier Inner circle Canada 2298 Posts |
Hi Gary,
I hope I'm not off base with this question, but are you looking for us to share Gospel patter for mainstream tricks so you can add them to the products you sell?
"If you're going to walk in the rain, don't complain about getting wet!"
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Gary Barker New user Tampa, FL 70 Posts |
Gospel Dan,
Oh no, not at all...I was just reading a lot of posts late one night about "gospel patter" and "secular" effects...I was intending to stimulate some thoughts on how others could begin to explore some secular effects they have laying around that could make strong spiritual parallels if they had some direction in writing them out...was more for general discussion. Ummm, I hope I am not off base but taking your idea for example without giving proper credit and recognition, assuming permission was granted in the first place, would be stealing...at least that is how I was raised. |
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Terry Owens Inner circle Ft. Wayne, Indiana 1707 Posts |
99 percent of all I do are professional level effects that I put a Gospel message to...I think most "Gospel effects" created are poorly produced and as performers we should be able to think in terms of what effect would demonstrate this message or look at an effect and think of a scriptural message to go with it in performance.
The reason I say this, when sharing God's word, it's got to come from within if you want it to ring true...if you're just repeating words without feeling the conviction of what you're sharing, then one shouldn't be doing Gospel magic. |
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Bryan Drake Show Regular user Alabama 125 Posts |
I use Hospitality to great avail I talk about the miracles of Christ.
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gbradburn New user Raleigh, NC 75 Posts |
I'm not sure a "secular" effect necessarily needs to present some spiritual truth or element of the gospel. They make great ice-breakers or attention grabbers that can provide an opportunity to seque into a sharing opportunity. Ray Comfort of Living Waters Ministries is a great example of this. He even sells several secular magic props at his web store for this very purpose.
There are 10 types of people in the world. Those who understand binary, and those who don't.
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Terry Owens Inner circle Ft. Wayne, Indiana 1707 Posts |
It all depends on the type of presentation you're doing...an Andre' Kole style of show where it's for entertainment with a Gospel segment at the end (of course with the ultimate goal of those who need Christ will attend to see the show so Andre' can share the Gospel), or my style of Gospel magic where I use it to teach a truth like what's seen in my television spots. I do both type of shows depending on my clients needs.
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Kif Anderson FCM forum Staff 1961 - 2012 386 Posts |
If you are an evangelist who stands up and presents the gospel, effects added here and there are nice to help with the illustration much like a story or a joke might. Where as a gospel illusionist depends on the effects to convey the message and may add stories along the way. It is really angle of attack.
As for adding a gospel routine to an effect...I think that's great. One...because it gives folks a way to see another way of presenting it...and therefore hopefully will generate creative thinking...but two...because you are sharing the gospel/biblical truths with folks... So I see your heart to share the gospel where you are...and that's great. I agree with the notion that "Gospel effects" created are poorly produced...so demand better.
We are not cisterns made for hoarding, we are channels made for sharing. - Billy Graham
<BR> <BR>Sharing the gospel with Comedy & Illusion www.ozandwilde.com |
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revmike Special user Annville, PA 646 Posts |
I agree that many of the marketed "gospel effects" are poorly designed, many times poorly crafted, but I hate to say that this is true of all. Many secular magic effects suffer from the same syndrome. I have purchased a few "Gospel" effects that I feel are very well done - others have been poor.
Like many have already stated, I normally just use an effect I have and put a message to it. I normally start message first, then look at the effect and how it can be used to illustrate the message. However, as Daune Laflin states in his writings and on his DVDs, even when I am doing a core religious show with a message such as "God's Gifts to Us" I will still throw in a few effects that are just for fun. Peace, Rev. M. Reist
The magic is not in our sleights and illusions, but instead in our ability to bring love and joy.
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Kif Anderson FCM forum Staff 1961 - 2012 386 Posts |
Rev. Mike Reist - Welcome to the discussions...it is always great to have new perspectives here.
Your comment from Duane Laflin works about throwing things in "just for fun" is a sensitive concept to me. First off, I am both fan and acquaintance of Duane Laflin (having shared the stage with him numerous times over the years) and truly respect his body of work both as a performer and teacher. He has been very inspirational to me over the years. That said, I've always had trouble with something he often says at lectures and that is when putting a show together, "Do something fun...do something gospel...do something fun...do something gospel..." My problem with this statement is it kind of suggests that the gospel part is what? Not fun? I'm a huge believer in making programs fun and enjoyable for the audience. I would suggest you try to find ways to make the gospel/biblical portions of your presentation "fun and enjoyable" as well. Even in the last moments of our outreach show...when everything is very serious (well as serious as Oz and Wilde get)...when we are about to say the closing prayer to invite folks to let Jesus in their hearts, there is a moment when the audience laughs at something said...but it happens because something about the effect we are doing demands a moment of honesty...and explanation causes a laugh...and at the same time makes the moment very real. We close our show with an effect called "MY LIFE" which has been talked about in the Christian Conjurer recently and in our lectures. It uses the stamp album/coloring book principle and the book has on the front cover the words "MY LIFE"...and I explain that while I though I always lived a pretty colorful life...in fact it was just filled with sin. I then flip through the book and show all the pages saying "SIN" several times in many different colors. Then I explain about realizing I was a sinner...saying a prayer (which we are about to do) and accepting Jesus in my life and that when I stand before God one day...the sin in my life will be...gone...pages are flipped to show pages blank. Then I explain that the best part is another book...called the "Book of Life" and I flip over the book to show the other cover to say "Book of Life" and I explain that it contains the names of everyone who are going to Heaven...and I stop and point out that mine is in there. Now the gospel has been explained already in the show...this is just personalizing the message and it is a rather serious moment...but the moment of honesty comes now when I say..."Well it's in this book because I made it on my computer..." And the audience laughs...And then I bring it back to the serious with, "...but I mean the real one. And the only way you will know for sure your name is in that book is if you say a prayer and let Jesus into your heart..." And we go to prayer. The moment makes the message a "fun" effect...while never losing sight of truth. In other words...make the whole show, the best you can, a FUN one. Because people learn when they are having fun. So make sure those teaching moments are revealed in the fun...even thread it through the needed serious moments when appropriate. ><> J Kif
We are not cisterns made for hoarding, we are channels made for sharing. - Billy Graham
<BR> <BR>Sharing the gospel with Comedy & Illusion www.ozandwilde.com |
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