Okay everyone, thank you for all the input. If I do go, I'll add my experiences to this post or start a new one. BTW - I head out to India with a team of other magicians for 2 weeks of shows with Campus Crusade. I'd appreciate prayers.
Thanks again... Al

Al, You have my prayers, and I am sure the prayers of others. I pray safe travels, wisdom, courage, srrength, and the Hand of God upon you all.

That has to be a great experience, and I am sure that you be as blessed as the folks to whom you minister with your magic.

God Bless!

BroDavid

You bet...good for you!

Craig

Spiritualism is very helpful and isn't bad. He's not going to throw you out just because you believe differently. You can always talk about it

Eat the fish and discard the bones!
FM

I actually hosted two lectures, shows and master classes with Jeff and Abbi. I had some concern on that point but I found them to be totaly pro. While they are who they are...there was never an issue or a single uncomfortable moment. I would recommend Jeff as an outstanding teacher of magic and performance skill to everyone serious about the craft.

-Ed

Having been a facilitator for Mystery School and a participant in McBride's Mysterium allow me to comment on the nature of the "rituals."

What we presented were examples of interactive theater possesing a large symbolic content combined with "magical" staging techniques. The "rituals" were designed to deomonstrate how powerful magic in context can be, at the same time allow the participants to experience first hand the efficacy of the power of these symbols.

Symbols are the tool of the artist. The Artist combines these symbols to produce a feelingful response in the particpant/viewer. (Langer, Philosphy in a New Key)

The interactive theater experiences at McBride's functions were demonstrations of the dynamics shared by all successful art. All theater stems from ritual, and to this day there are elements of ritual in theater. At McBride's events we were afforded the opportunity to feel just what these ancient theatrical events entailed.

We had, as attendees and facilitators, religious studies experts, Orthadox Jews, Catholic Priests, Pagans, Athiests, and I believe one Baptist minister.

Theater and art are not that which we should fear; only closed mindedness.

As to events at the Magic School, I think you will find them to be far more of the conventional sort. I'm sure the Bizarre magick event in question was designed to illustrate an essential concept behind that genre, the power of meaningful context.

Thank you, Truthteller. Well said.

One concern remains for me about this discussion. While spirituality and religion go hand and hand they are not always the same. Some people can be spiritual but not necessarily religious. And some can be religious but not necesaarily spiritual. There seems to be a concern and/or misperception that merely doing some other religious or spiritual ritual or ceremony. I myself am a Christian (which sect does not matter for this discussion since there are many sects of Christianity). My participation in some other ritual is not going to "bring me to the other side". Funny thing: many of these religions existed before Christianity. Some of the rituals performed and holidays celebrated within Christian sects had roots in some so-called pagan customs as well as Jewish traditions. Some words that Jesus spoke (as per the Gospels) are very similar to those in some Buddhist texts --- coincidence, perhaps. But Jesus did travel around for 3 years before beginning his ministry.

I guess I feel the bottom line is this: if one is firmly rooted in one's religion and spiritual life then one will be firm in the face of anything. And one can better share with others one's own customs as well as the customs of others as long as one is not violating one's sensibilities. This discussion is also interesting because in some ways it is reminding me of magicians accused of withcraft a few hundred years ago and being burned at the stake. Lack of understanding then. Perhaps some lack of understanding now.

Jimmy

If it makes you feel any better, I was told that McBride has great respect for the Laflin's and they may be a part of his teaching staff in the future.

Greetings, I just recently returned from Jeff McBrides master class. I am a Christian and I was also concerned about what would be going on while I was there. (For instance, with Max Mavnen being the guest would a room with homosexuals and "bizzare" magic disturb the holy spirit that lives inside us Christains.
I am glad to say that there was NO kind of thing that bothered me. I introduced myself as a Christian, and it was well known to all that he tried to keep it as secular as possible. Now by secular he meant that he tried very hard to NEVER interfere with anyones- pardon the expression - "religion". My advice from someone who has had recent experiance "Go ye therefore into the world and preach the gospel to ALL nations, baptizing them in the name of the FATHER SON and HOLY SPIRIT, teaching them to observe all things I have commanded and Lo I WILL BE WITH YOU ALWAYS even until the end of the age.
God will be there wherever you go. Yes, at times the HOly spirit poked at my heart at the acting of the other students and to be in the house of Jeff was an honor, though quite strange, but the LORD was with me and he'll be with you. Just like ACTS 1:8 says, "GO" this could be a great time to grow spiritually as well.
When I went I felt like I was the only Chrisitan in Vegas no one to talk to but of course GOD. (and who better to talk to amen? amen.) If you are living for Christ while you are there..........there from what I can remember, it will be the best trip of your life. HE will be with you anywhere you go. Learn all the magic you can. Do ALL for the glory for HIM.
RogerJ

Hey just to add a last note...........the entire time I was there, there was not one mention on his "spiritual" philosophies and rituals it was ALL magic. and as for that circle thing......all we do is get in a circle, talk about what we learned and Jeffs favorite story about some warriors who were all friends for life.
Sorry I took up so much space but I hoped this helps
RogerJ

I am a Christian, but I feel that people made to much of this.

As a Christian, I still like to learn and be exposed to other faiths and beliefs. We need to be accepting of others...