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Mike Ince Inner circle 2041 Posts |
Is it good to be entertained by someone who even reiterates that his magic isn't real?
Eve's temptation was to be like God. It tickles us to see someone doing things that only God can do. Even if we know magic isn't real, are we tapping into an improper desire to be like God when we suspend disbelief to enjoy the idea of performers with godlike abilities? Example: I've performed simple yet believable telepathy effects a thousand times. Scripture tells the truth, though, that aside from God no one knows a man's thoughts but his own spirit within him. Clearly, telepathy belongs to God alone. All others are fakers or are deceived into believing they have power within themselves to know the secret thoughts of others. Audiences love feeling awe at demonstrations that seem supernatural. Even if after the show they return to belief in reality, should they be entertained for 45 minutes by a seductive lie? I hope my point is coming across but am concerned it could be misconstrued. Even if you use a disclaimer and call it entertainment, are you stealing glory from God, the only One who can cause things to vanish, transport, restore, change, etc., Who calls into being substantial things out of nothing?
The secret of deception is in making the truth seem ridiculous.
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harris Inner circle Harris Deutsch 8812 Posts |
Last month I shared my testimony at an area church.
Usually I include vent and a few magic illustrations. When I was bringing in my props, I decided not to bring in the puppets or larger props. I still included music (harmonica and ukulele) During the sharing I felt a bit uncomfortable about missing laugh or applause moments. Afterwards, I noticed more people (than usual at these events) came up to me and shared or asked questions. Sometimes less of me is more....... Harris still 2 old to know it all
Harris Deutsch aka dr laugh
drlaugh4u@gmail.com music, magic and marvelous toys http://magician.org/member/drlaugh4u |
Dougini Inner circle The Beautiful State Of Maine 7130 Posts |
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On Aug 19, 2015, Mike Ince wrote: No. That's the problem with religion. We get a guilt complex. Sca-REW it! Just have FUN! God gets the glory! Don't worry about things you have no control over. The basic message is: "Love one another, as I have loved YOU!" Does your entertainment performance make people HAPPY? There is your answer. The most IMPORTANT thing to remember, is HOW we treat EACH OTHER! We sometimes complicate things too much. Such is humanity! LOL! Doug |
Steve_Mollett Inner circle Eh, so I've made 3006 Posts |
If it worries you, don't do it.
Rationalization will just exacerbate the issue.
Author of: GARROTE ESCAPES
The absurd is the essential concept and the first truth. - Albert Camus |
themagiciansapprentice Inner circle Essex, UK 1381 Posts |
Quote:
On Aug 19, 2015, Steve_Mollett wrote: totally agree and if you need help understanding that then log on to Andre Cole's Gospel Magic website and read the two page booklet about Gospel Magic and the Bible. I print this out and give it to all Ministers when I work in a Church for the first time. Otherwise what illusions would we have in Church - or drama etc
Have wand will travel! Performing children's magic in the UK for Winter 2014 and Spring 2015.
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Vlad_77 Inner circle The Netherlands 5829 Posts |
God gave us talents and gifts. We glorify Him by USING those talents and gifts. And as a side note, there is a patron saint of magicians, St. John Bosco.
I do not think that ANY believer would even entertain the thought that we magicians could even APPROACH the glory of God. After all Mike He created an entire universe, became Incarnate, died for us and rose again defeating death. :) +In Him, Vlad |
Stephon Johnson Special user Razorback Country 544 Posts |
Mike,
I always love your posts question our motives that drive us! I think about it too. Sometimes I think about magic and the importance we put on it in this life. Do you think the next life will need to do tricks, sleights, illusions? If I'm honest, I have to answer "no"... The only real use I have for it is to show people that you can't trust your senses to "feel" what is true. I ever never perform that something a miraculous thing is happening. Sometimes my comedy patter has to do with "if I really had power...why would I waste time changing a playing card or a coin vanish" You can have fun, and make them to think. We should already point to God and truth...not hold onto a counterfeit. I applaud your honesty and sincerity to hold things loosely. We should examine ourselves. If we find ourselves UNaligned with God and His Word...what do you do? Submit? or make weak arguments to keep doing (hint: because you like it). Great spiritual food for thought. Thanks Mike, amen!
WHAT IF you wake up tomorrow with ONLY the things that you THANK GOD for today?
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harris Inner circle Harris Deutsch 8812 Posts |
I was invited back to share at the church I wrote about above.
Along with Praise and Worship music, I shared a humorous look at my Christianity and the Bible. I take my faith and the Bible very seriously and my self lightly. An example was talking about the prayer of Jabez and my expanding waistline. Music and Ventriloquism was used more than the first time. May my work be pleasing to Him. love and prayers Harris still falling short of the glory of God.
Harris Deutsch aka dr laugh
drlaugh4u@gmail.com music, magic and marvelous toys http://magician.org/member/drlaugh4u |
magicshowprod Regular user Seattle, WA 109 Posts |
Giving Dougini a standing ovation for his answer. I couldn't agree more. Just the fact that you are sharing the word makes it a good thing
Don Shock
The Magical World of Don Shock |
Russo Inner circle So.California / Centl.Florida / retired Florida 1165 Posts |
Came up with this 'thought' when doing a performance and you thought you did well-though no comment from audience - its like eating CAKE - if someone comments (positive- or thundrus applause) its FROSTING - cake is GOOD- FROSTING is OK -just remember, TOO MUCH FROSTING is Fattining(sp?)--HEAD??.
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Craig Logan Special user Michigan 541 Posts |
I think this self-examination is beneficial, as pride is a sin many performers of all the arts can fall into rather easily. I think it boils down to intentions.
"A wizard is not to be made in a day." -Professor Hoffmann (Modern Magic)
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harris Inner circle Harris Deutsch 8812 Posts |
In my early days, my ego was a big as the large top hat I wore.
EGO, can mean Edging God Out I was all wrapped up in me, which made for a small package.
Harris Deutsch aka dr laugh
drlaugh4u@gmail.com music, magic and marvelous toys http://magician.org/member/drlaugh4u |
Ed_Millis Inner circle Yuma, AZ 2292 Posts |
I applaud Mike for daring to "work out his own salvation with fear and trembling", rather than toss off some canned answer. Sometimes I think we all need to look at our path with a healthy and proper fear of God. Our relationship with Him is (or should be!) so very individual and personal, and what is good and permitted for one son may be out of the Father's will for another.
My personal conclusion is that I have to leave the audience to their own conclusions. If it's clear that what I'm doing is for pure entertainment, and I make an honest effort to let the audience know that I am just an entertainer, I can't help what goes on their minds. Should I flash a sponge ball or a center p*** just so they know "it's not real"? That's bad theater and bad entertainment, on top of being bad magic, in my opinion. In this current entertainment-junkie society, they so willingly suspend their disbelief for a movie or a game. Yes, live theater is a different experience - at least to us. I'm not so sure everyone in the audience makes that distinction. The other aspect, of course, is that this current generation thinks they know everything, and is loathe to admit someone might just be smart enough to fool them! The only other alternative they have is "you have supernatural powers!" Again, I can only make sure I'm satisfied with my end of the performance - they have to deal with what's going on in their own minds and hearts. As I said, these are my own conclusions. I wish you well on your journey, Mike. Ed |
Vlad_77 Inner circle The Netherlands 5829 Posts |
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On Sep 3, 2015, Ed_Millis wrote: Simply spot on brilliant post Ed!! |
Rodney Palmer Inner circle 1317 Posts |
GOD knows my hear and HE knows that I trust in HIM and in HIM alone. GOD knows my performance are true to my heart and not meant to be decitful but entertaining. However, if you ever feel in your heart what you are doing is wrong then do not do it. But please make sure that YOU are NOT making the decision and that the DEVIL is not influencing you. Make sure that if you have this feeling not to do it that it comes from that still small voice inside (GOD) that is telling you not to. In my most humble opinion since GOD knows our hearts He will certainly know if we have pure thoughts or they are to do evil.
GOD know all, plain and simple. What is good for one person might not be right for another person. However that is between you and GOD and You and GOD alone. Rodney
"Creating Memories That Last A Lifetime"
In order to keep "MAGIC ALIVE" Please become a Mentor to a Young Person. |
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