Was God or Jesus a magician or a sorcerer?
The bible is against magic and sorcery, right? It seems to me a lot of things said to be done by God and Jesus were of that nature. And if you are going to say that these things were miracles and not acts of magic or sorcery than what divides the two?
2007-10-08 08:39:42 · 21 answers · asked by Jenae, TV (tempter of the vile) 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
God is the Creator, so anything He does is not magic/sorcery, but part of the Creation.
Jesus is God's Son, authorized to do miracles by God, so again, not magic/sorcery.
Miracle = Act of God that is contrary to the typical "laws of nature" according to His will. (Self-giving)
Magic/Sorcery = Act of a human being that is an attempt to manipulate the typical "laws of nature" according to that person's will/desire. (Self-serving)
Another litmus test is the "fruit" of the actions. If it drives people to worship God, it's a miracle. If it encourages people to worship/rely on themselves, it's not.
2007-10-08 08:53:47 · answer #1 · answered by sparki777 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
I say they were miracles and as far as what divides the two, magic and sorcery creates a false picture for those around to see so magic is just an illusion
2007-10-08 15:50:25 · answer #2 · answered by Eye of Innocence 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
God is against magic, because humans have no supernatural powers. In order to achieve supernatural powers, it either comes from him, or from his nemesis Satan and his demons. For the most part, it is the latter.
As for Jesus, if you look closely, he completed all his miracles with simplicity. No fancy robes, no wands, no incense, no relics and intricate chants...just a touch or a word of comfort and that was that. This is what separates him from the charlantan priests these days, who use all these. His power derived from God himself, so he was allowed to perform miracles, as well as his closest apostles. The Bible states that after the death of the last apostle, it is the end of miracles.
Now, can I have my cookie?
2007-10-08 15:51:42 · answer #3 · answered by Starjumper the R&S Cow 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
God is the Creator, so He doesn't need "magic". Magic and sorcery are the use of illusion or of evil spirits to bring things about temporarily. Miracles are supernatural things that happen through God permanently.
Some of the so-called miracles that you see on TV or hear about are actually sorcery.
2007-10-08 15:45:40 · answer #4 · answered by Gal from Yellow Flat 5 · 3⤊ 3⤋
It is easy to say that Jesus was a magician or sorcerer, but he was neither, he was a miracle worker. Since Jesus was/is the Son of God, he was able to control the elements and create something from what appeared to be nothing. He was able to change water to wine. He was able to walk on water. He was able to calm the storm. These were all miracles, not magic or sorcery.
It's hard to say what divides magic from miracle. I guess, to me, what marks the difference is that Jesus did his miracles through his own power, not through the power of any spirits. And, Jesus did not perform miracles to gain attention and popularity. He did his miracles quietly, without bragging. Most of the time he told the people he healed to say nothing. He never drew attention to himself.
2007-10-08 15:47:48 · answer #5 · answered by nymormon 4 · 3⤊ 3⤋
God is neither a magician or sorcerer. He does everything by His powerful word. "He speaks and it is done! He commands and it stands fast." Psalm 33:9.
Just think of what that means for us who read His word in the Bible and receive it as the Voice of God. In the beginning there was darkness on the face of the deep and God said, "Let there be light! And there was light."
The Bible also says that because of the fall of Adam and Eve, there is spiritual darkness in our hearts. Now on account of the merits of Chrits's sacrifice for us, God speaks to us saying, "Let the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ shine into the darkened void of your heart." 2 Cor.4:6.
If you believe, it is so. "You were once darkness but now you are light in the Lord." Eph.5:8.
And the light--life--which is thus received is in like manner sustained, by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God! Matt.4:4.
2007-10-08 15:49:54 · answer #6 · answered by sky 3 · 1⤊ 2⤋
God's power (and that of Jesus) is the limitless power of the original Creator, the Most High. People such as psychics, witches, spirit mediums, etc., irk Him when they try to make *themselves* great by tapping into powers that rightly belong to Him alone. In effect, they are saying to God, "I'm not satisfied with the way You made me; I can do a better job myself." But since God doesn't allow us to access or use any power beyond our nature (that's what "supernatural" means), anyone who seeks such power can only look to Satan to get it.
2007-10-08 16:06:26 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
The power of Christ had nothing to do with magic. In the book of Acts there was a sorcerer named Simon who wanted to join and offered money to learn about the the power. Peter rebuked him. The power of the priesthood can not be used for gain.
2007-10-08 15:53:59 · answer #8 · answered by Isolde 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
The bible is interpreted many different ways. Some say if it not from God it is from Satan. My mother who is a Strong Catholic and reads a lot of literature and the Bible daily says that God says we could look to the stars for answers and you can ask the saints for favors and they will ask God for us. Kinda weird.
2007-10-08 15:49:45 · answer #9 · answered by Jay bird 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Sorcery takes its power from the devil and is done to satisfy the selfish nature of man. The miracles Jesus performed came from God and were done to glorify Him.
2007-10-08 15:45:26 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 4⤋