Hi I've read in the Bible that all spell craft is evil.Yet I have also heard that it can still work. Should I choose one or the other ? Or is this a matter of opinion? I have wondered for a while now but I have put it off.
I would say it's entirely a matter of opinion. It's not just "spell craft" that various verses within the old and new testament speak of as being evil, or even being worthy crimes to kill somebody for, but things such as necromancy, medium-ship, fortune-telling, divination, and various other beliefs and practices.
In the end, your ideas on this will ultimately depend upon whatever religious influence you have, if any.
In my opinion, the writings of the bible are, for the most part at least, fictitious. If somebody says that you should put a witch to death, I believe that is the writer's own thoughts and opinions, and is not an objective law of which all readers should follow. If the writer says that seeking out a medium will make you "unclean", then I believe that is not objectively true, and is a subjective opinion on a fairly subjective matter.
In the end, it's not up for me, or anybody else to say "You should believe this or that", it's up to you to decide. Even if you do still wish to believe in the Judeo-Christian God, and follow the Bible, you can do what most Christians do; not follow all of it down to the very letter. ;-)
The decision is all yours, and the same goes for whether or not magick works; some people will say it does, some will say it doesn't. It's down to you to see for yourself.
The original rendering of the passage "Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live" would more accurately translate as "Thou shalt not suffer a NECROMANCER to live."
This makes for a very significant difference in meaning, as a witch might mean any number of things, but a necromancer very specifically refers to one who practices magic focusing on the dead.
I've known a pretty small number of Christian Mages, but they do exist and have very real power. It's my opinion that Jesus was himself a very powerful mage, and that a REAL Christian trying to follow in his icon's footsteps should embrace that aspect of him. It's a hard path to follow, because of the rampant corruption in the various sects of the Church these days, but it's a perfectly valid one.
The Golden Dawn, B.O.T.A., the Fraternity of Hidden Light and the Rosicrucians are all Christian oriented mystery schools that produce excellent magicians. The Jesuit Order does a lot of magical work, and they are the magicians of the Catholic church. I completely agree with your observation about the Christ. Christian magical practices are more popular than you realize. Like I've said before, you don't have to be pagan, or anything else for that matter, to practice magic.
I agree with tiredofgaggs, the Jesuits are magicians, hence why they are called "gods marines"
Although I'm curious because, I am a member of a golden dawn order and the "outer order" is more secular, rather then the inner order which is deeply Rosicrusian hence R.R. & A.C.
Also, many magicians are christian and one of the well known ones had Christian in their name "Christian Rozenkrutz" one of my favorite after Dr. John Dee, S.L. Mac gregors and William Wynn wescott.
Pentecostal Christians also use oils, chants, herbs, symbols, meditation, and other various aspects of magick. They talk about commanding spirits and do exorcisms. I was 12 when I did my first exorcism on someone. I had to make a mixture of several herbs and oils and touch it to the possessed man's head. Basically I made and used a Christian potion. So you see? Magick is not the opposite of any religion. Magick is everywhere if you know what to look for.
These fine people are all correct; I don't know why I didn't mention the Christian-based Occult orders. *facedesk*
As for magick basically being integral in religion, just think of prayer; what is it? It seems to be an attempt at communication with a spirit (God, Angels, etc.) through some sort of mental power. I don't know if you would necessarily classify that as "magick", but it certainly seems to border on it. As said, if there are passages that speak against any form of occult or magickal practice, then I take the view that it is the writers own opinion, rather than an objective stance from the point of view of "God", "Jesus", or anybody else.
Magick is everywhere; if you just know where to look. My dad was a Pentacostal preacher, and though it was not called Magick I have heard the prayers, the use of oils, the beliefs, and seen the power. Unfortunately, you can still be criticized for proclaiming that you practice magick, especially from those who don't understand - we all have the capability within us. My dad died several years ago, and my family is not happy with my chosen path. I just recently came out of the "broom closet". I have been told that I am going to hell and they are praying for my soul. Only God knows where I go after this life. I don't judge, so I prefer not be judged regardless of the religion or non-religion. I do what I feel is right...and I harm none.
Let me tell you what I know (learned, heard of). The translation of the word "witch" is "wise one" or "wise woman". I've heard both , we will talk of the later. The days before modern medicine, it was the women; the mothers, mid-wives, etc; were the ones that knew certain plants and herbs can help people health wise. Men found that money could be earned from this, gained the knowledge, and called the "wise women" evil. And isn't it a coincidence and convenient to have it in the Bible? The Bible was written by MEN, even leaving out books to keep the men in control The only evil here is the love of money over humans.
I could go on, but ultimately, it will come down to you making the choice of your beliefs. It's all quite personal. Blessed Be...
