I have been booked to perform at a church fair this coming weekend. Now, over here in the U.K., church fairs are often visited by the whole community.

My problem is that I know the church is in a predominantly Asian area and I do not want to offend those of other persuasions. In particular, I know that Muslims can get offended by gospel magic (I have the scars to prove it...) and I wanted to make sure that I put across my Message without angering anybody. Of course, their God is no different from our God - the same being in a different guise, but many people do not see it that way.

Although I have no wish to offend these honest people who truly believe they know the Way, my calling demands of me that I put across my own view of the Truth in as forceful a way as possible.

I am sorry for the length of this post, I would appreciate any thoughts/comments you might have on this sensitive topic - How can we spread the good news whilst being sensitive to the beliefs of other, good, God-fearing people with whom we do not see eye-to-eye?

Peace be with you all,

Jake

Actually their God is not the same as our God as they say their God had no son. If our God is the same and had no son, then our whole belief as Christians is groundless. I do respect your decision to not offend anyone, but just be sure you are not erring on the side of political correctness either. If you feel a calling, then I'm sure God will give you the right words to use.

Kevin
http://www.livingillusions.com

You must of course do what you feel is the right thing, and be willing to face the consequences of your actions. It is a fair and no one is being forced to watch your performance or listen to your message.

Unless you are going out of your way to try and forcibly convert others to your viewpoint or offend them by saying their belief’s are false because they don’t coincide with yours then I say go for it.

If they are offended or don’t like the message then they are free to move on.

I had a similar situation occur this year. I was asked to do my Medieval show for a church fundraiser. I have been doing this show for over twenty years and even performed for this same church before with never a complaint. However this year after each performance a “concerned” parent approached me and questioned my choice of material as they felt it was offensive and in questionable taste. I politely told them that this was the first time anyone had ever complained and that I couldn’t make everyone happy and was sorry they didn’t enjoy my performance.

The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few.

As friend Kevin rightly pointed out, there are more than a few differences between the god they worship and God.

It is quite easy to get caught up in that
"all roads lead to God", warm, fuzzy, "can't we all just be friends" politically correct, spocially acceptable liberalism.

But when it comes to doing magic, if you have a messge to go with it, be sure that you understand truth and error, do your magic and deliver your message.

As Payne pointed out, somebody is likely to be offended - no matter what you say! So you may as well speak the truth in Love, entertain and educate through your magic, and be content that you have done what is right!

If you stand to be beaten by Muslims (and if I read your post correctly, you already have scars to evidence the risk.) then I would definitely be prayed up, and proceed in the Power of the Holy Spirit.

But what YOU should do, is between you and God. So look to God for the answer. The God of the Bible! The one true God!

BroDavid

I got the idea a couple years ago for those warm and fuzzy effects and political correctness, but had a hard time putting together a patter for these so I gave up. It's just too hard to come up with effects for some of these.

Quotes from the Koran.

• Good women are obedient.... As for those you fear disobedience, admonish them and send them to beds apart and beat them... WOMEN 4:34.
• Allah forbid that He Himself should beget a son!... MARY 19:29-39.
•... and admonish those who say that Allah has begotten a son.... a monstrous
blasphemy is that which they utter. THE CAVE 18:1-6.

• Allah is the enemy of the unbelievers. THE COW 2:98-100.

It's just too Tough for me, unless I had one of the ShopSmith things that goes from lathe to saw to drillpress to sander.

To help you make your descision you could out yourself in their shoes for a moment. How would you feel if you went to a fair hosted by a mosque and they had a magician performing magic with a strong Muslim message. Would you rather see someone presenting the glory of their faith through the medium of magic or would you like to see someone use magic to belittle your beliefs and show that you are going to suffer eternal ***ation for worshiping a false God?
It has nothing to do with political correctness, it's just good manners to accept and respect the beliefs of others.

Payne you are correct. However I'm glad I live in a country where one does not have the right to never be offended. This country is based on freedom, and that means freedom for everyone - not just liberals. One may leave the room, turn the channel, express a different opinion, etc., We have the right, at least for now, to speak as we wish. Should I be respectful of others, yes, should I be concerned about the salvation of those I come into contact with, YES. I do believe there is a right and a wrong way to approach people. Obviously the best way is with love and to meet them on their ground.

Kevin
http://www.livingillusions.com

Everything exposed by the Light becomes visible. EPH 5:13

I don't think it would be right to belittle their faith through magic, or any other way.

On the other hand, I can not see how telling the Truth, and providing a message based on your beliefs - belittles anyone else.

Respect for the rights of others to believe as they choose, does not imply that you have to fully accept their beliefs as true.

Jacob is saying that he believes he is called to perform magic in a way that offers his view of the Truth. Why should he avoid his view of the Truth, just because others subscribe to a different view of truth.

I would hope that no Bible believing Christian would ever belittle or try to force his beliefs on anyone. But speaking the Truth through magic, simply puts the Truth on the table. If folks are offended they can simply walk away.

There is no question that some people WILL be offended by the Truth. (you know the verse, or PM me if you don't) But whether through a message in a magic effect, or any other way, if you are called to tell the Truth, you should. On the other hand, if you do not feel called to tell the Truth, then that is your decision.

Magic is a great medium to entertain, educate, and iluminate. Perform in a way that you feel honors your beliefs. Whatever they may be.

BroDavid