What is the problem with magic if it is not evil magic?

[Zaccheus]

@0Scarlett_nidiyilii

I can’t mix herbs and say a collection of words and get my own way.

True: but the attempt may attract the attention of a demon, and if they respond then you may “get” their way.

The mixture of herbs and the chanting of words has no power, but demons may use our belief in such things to tempt and deceive us. A demon may set itself to convince you that you can do magic, in order to drag you away from God.

I think the biggest problem is that magic isn’t real.

One of the best tricks the Devil ever managed was to convince people he doesn’t exist.

But some self-styled witch or voodoo practitioner can’t sit over there and call demonic forces and make them harm me.

The witch could not, but the demon could. Do you really think a demon wouldn’t harm someone because a human called upon it, if that might tempt the human to commit worse sins?

 

[kainosktisis]

We can make anything in our lives more important than God - be it money, beauty, sex, material possessions, etc.

But Moses & St. Paul both seemed to indicate that the “gods” people worship (idols) can in fact be demons, & we are not to be in communion with them.

 

[Zaccheus]

But Moses & St. Paul both seemed to indicate that the “gods” people worship (idols) can in fact be demons, & we are not to be in communion with them.

Just so. The idols were only lifeless stone or wood, but demons could use people’s belief in them; and today they can use people’s belief in ‘white magic’ and ‘psychic power’ and other forms of superstition.

 

[2towers]

I wanted to add that we as Catholics worship the Holy Trinity, God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit in one.

Wicca is diverse in it’s sects and practices so it is difficult to put things in anything other than general terms, but I will try. Many followers of Wicca worship "the horned god, the goddess, and use tools, implements, charms, symbols and practices that we recognize aspects of the occult. Catholicism, as you have seen is diametrically opposed to all of this.

I have personally known a few Wiccan practitioners one of which was a good friend. We respected each other and did not discuss who was right etc. You are welcome here, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

I do have some questions for you though. I get the impression that this not the first time you have brought up this thread before. Have you gotten any new answers or insights on this thread? Are you hoping to accomplish anything other than getting those answers here that we can address? Are you still a seeker, or are you happy your choices so far?

pax
2t

 

[kill051]

"Zaccheus:

The mixture of herbs and the chanting of words has no power, but demons may use our belief in such things to tempt and deceive us. A demon may set itself to convince you that you can do magic, in order to drag you away from God.

Indeed. I feel this is what is happening with people who go to mediums to contact deceased loved ones, and have an experience of the dead person ‘coming through’. When this happens, the person is convinced beyond a doubt that they have spoken to the dead, when in reality they have spoken with a devil who is impersonating the dead individual, in order to fool the person and, as you say, drag them away from God.

 

[2towers]

" holy water " would supposedly burn demons and vampires or some such nonsense.

You think the use of holy water by exorcists is nonsense? Do you think the Saints, Priests throughout the ages, the Popes including Benedict, JPII, and Francis would agree with that? You don’t believe there is such a thing as demons? Gone away have they?

 

[Hodos]

Well, first I would think that we would not be on common ground on who decides what constitutes “evil”, what constitutes “evil”, or maybe even what constitutes magic. So the discussion would need to lay those out from the Christian perspective first.

 

[Fauken]

Have you gotten any new answers or insights on this thread? Are you hoping to accomplish anything other than getting those answers here that we can address? Are you still a seeker, or are you happy your choices so far?

The OP has been suspended until the end of August.

 

[Zaccheus]

Like believing that because a priest blesses some organic oils, or salt that all of sudden these organic items have some kind of actual " mystical " or " magical properties " or like " holy water " would supposedly burn demons and vampires or some such nonsense.

Holy Water is neither mystical nor magical. It doesn’t burn demons, among other reasons because demons have no bodies to burn. Properly used it can repel them. Not because “magic powers” but because God allows us this protection through His blessing.

Vampires do not exist.

 

[2towers]

The OP has been suspended until the end of August.

Yeah thanks, just saw that. I should delete my nice diplomatic post after seeing the other thread she wrote.