On Magic and Miracles: A Theological Guide to Discerning Fictional Magic by Marian A. Jacobs
publisher’s synopsis
From classic fantasy like The Lord of the Rings and The Chronicles of Narnia to modern stories like Harry Potter, Christians have been debating the issue of fictional magic for decades. Some believers read and write fantasy as an expression of their God-given creativity while others feel this is dangerous and ignorant of the growing threat of the occult. Deuteronomy 18 says spells and other forms of magic are an abomination, but how does that apply to fantasy magic?
Is there a difference between the “Deep Magic” of Aslan at the Stone Table and the spells in Harry Potter? Is it possible for fictional magic to lead someone into the occult? Adults and children alike have wrestled with these questions as the fantasy genre exploded into one of the most popular book and film genres on the market.
In this guidebook, Marian A. Jacobs explores the theology of magic, gleaning contextual clues surrounding supernatural events in the Bible. These scriptural principles can assist readers, movie-lovers, gamers, and parents in discerning how fantasy can both edify and honor God.
On Magic and Miracles aims to answer the following What is the difference between magic and miracles in the Bible? Is magic real? And if so, does it pose a genuine threat? Could books like Harry Potter lead someone into the occult? What is the importance of fantasy for Christians? How can I discern fantasy books, films, and games for myself and my children?
Magic in fiction can be a tricky topic in Christian circles. Do you allow magic? If so, where do you draw the line about what magic isn’t okay? In On Magic and Miracles, Jacobs’s goal is to provide readers with a theologically informed framework for thinking through and about magic in stories.
Roughly the first half of the book is spent building a biblically informed basis for thinking about the supernatural in the Bible and the real world. While there were some points when I wished for Jacobs to move more onto the topic of “practically” discerning fictional magic sooner, I do appreciate the time and thoroughness she took working through a biblical theology of the supernatural.
Even if you already have a formed opinion on fictional magic, On Magic and Miracles can still be a worthwhile and thought-provoking read.
Thank you to the author and publisher for providing me with a review copy! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Hailey Huntington 
Leave a comment