To ADKing: I appreciate your post. And to be honest, that resonates with me.

Do you think there is a place, whatsoever, for fantasy magic (be it magical weapons, special abilities or mages that can conjure up fireballs, etc.) that doesn't fall under the biblical category of sorcery, etc., and would therefore be something different and permissible?

Along these lines, might playing, say, Magic the Gathering, not prove to be fantasizing about things sinful? I know that my friends don’t consider the game or playing the game an engagement in the real thing, nor an engagement in fantasizing about doing real sorcery.

A few more questions. And please consider these honest and sincere questions. What about something like Lord of the Rings and the magic in that? Would it be wrong for a Christian to write in that manner or pretend to use such magic or magical weapons in a game?

Lastly, might a change in universe alter the circumstances of magic? By change in universe, I’m thinking of a fantasy realm created in literature or gaming environments. If the magic in those worlds aren’t tapping into satanic powers or engaging in what would be equivalent to our real world circumstances surrounding divination and witchcraft and the like, then would they be operating under a different system and not fall under the warning of Scripture? This may smack of 'trying to justify' and maybe it is. But it's a thought. Frankly, I enjoy fantasy. There's a part of me that would dislike chucking it all. But if it's wrong, I will. But if it's not, then I would like to spend my recreational time playing them.

Just some thoughts and questions.

Thank you,
Austin

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Austin Brown
Deacon in New Life Alliance Church (C&MA), Logansport, Indiana
Student: Whitefield Theological Seminary, M.Div program