"Telepathic Power" magic box - harmful or innocent fun?

[Cam-masta]

I received this gift from my father for my 26th called “Telepathic Power - everything you always wanted to know about spoon bending, mind reading and more…” Basically it is a big box of magic tricks, and I suppose the mind reading and spoon bending are not really done by means of actual telepathy but optical illusions and ‘which card am I holding?’ tricks. Is this against Church teaching, or should I just go with it and stop being such a prude as my family insinuates?

 

[bilop]

I received this gift from my father for my 26th called “Telepathic Power - everything you always wanted to know about spoon bending, mind reading and more…” Basically it is a big box of magic tricks, and I suppose the mind reading and spoon bending are not really done by means of actual telepathy but optical illusions and ‘which card am I holding?’ tricks. Is this against Church teaching, or should I just go with it and stop being such a prude as my family insinuates?

As long as it is just slight of hand, I see nothing wrong with it.

If you actually believed in magic powers, or tried to call upon spirits (like with a ouija board) then it would be problematic.

God Bless

 

[Cam-masta]

Thanks for your perspective. Anyone with a varying thought is encouraged to post. Pax.

 

[LJN21]

Sounds like you might need to lighten up a bit. There is nothing wrong with slight of hand and that sort of thing.

If we were talking about speaking with the dead or really trying to move objects with your mind then there would be an issue.

 

[jmcrae]

I received this gift from my father for my 26th called “Telepathic Power - everything you always wanted to know about spoon bending, mind reading and more…” Basically it is a big box of magic tricks, and I suppose the mind reading and spoon bending are not really done by means of actual telepathy but optical illusions and ‘which card am I holding?’ tricks. Is this against Church teaching, or should I just go with it and stop being such a prude as my family insinuates?

It’s just a game. Lighten up! Everyone already knows it’s fake.

 

[TeachAg]

From what you say, I wouldn’t worry about it. If they are optical illusions and you are not trying to do actual “magic” then you should be ok. I have a “magic box” with a false bottom that I made that cell phones that I see in class disappear into… as far as I am concerned, this type of stuff is harmless fun.

Edit: I may be a bit over sensitive, but if there is any fortune telling type stuff in there, I would stay away from that.

 

[Thomas63116]

I agree that there is nothing wrong with optical illusions, sleight of hand etc. as entertainment. I think the same is probably true of “mind reading” (i.e. I’ll tell you what card you are thinking of, etc.) provided that you are only doing it for entertainment/
amusement and everyone involved understands it is a “trick.”

The only way I think you start to get into a problem area is if you use these types of “tricks” or illusions to try and convince people that you have some “special power” rather than that you have developed a skill that allows you to surprise and amuse them.