Catholicism and "magick"

[ReaderT]

I think you need to be a bit more specific…
#1 Could be a description of the Eucharist
#2 Could be a description of prayer

Is the only difference if it’s done in God’s name?

I do need to be more specific, you’re right. I’d say:

#1 isn’t a good description of the Holy Eucharist because God is doing the change (“Send down Thy Holy Spirit … And make this Bread the precious Body of Thy Christ”). Also, God commanded us to do this - whereas occultists use magick to bend reality around their will, not God’s.

#2 isn’t exactly a definition of prayer because the powers we petition (Saints, angels, etc.) can’t bring about change that God doesn’t allow. We only ask things that are in accord with God’s will (“Thy will be done”), but magicians fulfill their own desires/wills.

So it’s not just a matter of doing things in God’s name, but also according to God’s will.

 

[Pattylt]

I do need to be more specific, you’re right. I’d say:

Yes because from a non Catholic view, these descriptions fit the Eucharist and prayer. The distinction needs to be specified to be clear. Just to clarify, I understand what you meant but most would not!