This man, faithful as he is, feels the need to teach others about Jesus 'n Stuff. That alone is a topic to be covered somewhere else. The method to teach is to use magic. And this is where I draw the line. I absolutely don't like Gospel magic. And all because my beloved magic is abused like little catholic choir boys.
On his website he clearly states his mission.
We believe that God is not boring. Church shouldn't be either. We like going to church. You should too. And so should your kids.If that is true, why does he use magic to do that? It feels like some sort of giant misdirection. Like luring the kids into church with the promise of a magic show, but then hitting them with dogmatism. And that is misuse of magic.
But that's not all... watch this:
So does this man live what he teaches? Well I can't tell, but he is exposing magic. All of the "performances" are by YouTube user "magicforjesus". But then I stumbles upon YouTube user "quintlox" who is clearly the same guy. And then he goes one explaining the TT and "Equal Unequal Ropes".
Interestingly "quintlox" gives great thumbs up to "magicforjesus" pushing the ratings of the video in a really pathetic and obvious way. Wasn't there something in the teachings of Jesus that refer to being humble? I could be mistaken.
Anyway: There is no name given at the Magic for Jesus website. What kind of Christian behaviour is that? Hiding the name?
Anyways I learned something about Jesus after watching our unnamed preacher. Jesus died for me. Like seriously. On that cross, bleeding and in pain. He died for all of us. He took one for the team. That means that I don't have to make any effort to get into heaven. Because he loves me. Even though he doesn't know me. Wow a platonic bromance. Nope, I'll pass.
I rather be good, because it makes sense to be good. Not because somebody tells me to.
8 comments:
Oh my fucking god, this is ... arrrgh, a monumental disrespect for magic.
And where's the magic ? He should teach chemistry instead ^^
Right on the money. Brainwash them early in life when they don't know any better...with magic!??
The irony of the bible warning against false wizards and sorcerers...then bringing it into church. Fucking moderate borg.
Sorry pal,
This time you failed yourself. You can attack someone on their presentation, on their skill or on their exposure, but this time you let your dislike for Gospel magic cloud your judgment.
Sure, his exposure is bad; his magic may be. I don't know. Haven't watched yet. But his religion has no relevant connection to magic as a whole.
Yes you are right, completely right. his religion SHOULD not have any relevant connection to his magic. But it does. Sadly it does.
I don't think the true problem is about the mix of magic and religion: magic has been traditionally used for centuries (probably millenia) to illustrate tales, legends, or philosophical parables.
I only judge magic by its entertaining value, which in this case is close to nil - hence the problem. This guy is talentless as a magician AND as a teacher (religious or otherwise); I see no redeeming element whatsoever in what he does.
I'm not fundamentally opposed to so-called "gospel magic", but I must admit I still have to see any that doesn't suck.
The brilliant Eugene Burger does pretty much the same thing all the time (using magic to illustrate a philosophical principle, or using a philosophical principle as patter for his magic, depending on which way you look at it), but does it with talent, which makes all the difference. I'm pretty sure he could perform the exact same trick, use the exact same Bible quote as a base for his patter, and yet come up with a little jewel of a magic piece.
This guy clearly can't, which is more than enough to justify the legitimacy of his WMF status (reinforced by his inexcusable exposure). Pretension to spiritual depth is one of those things that can turn excellent entertainment into sublime art when actually achieved, but will soil it with ridicule when failed.
This man does the latter.
Basically, this guy is shit. And he is being shit in the name of the Lord, whichever way you cross-dress it.
BS
Gotta admit though, Jesus' original busking act was killer.
You hardly ever see anyone doing a loaves and fishes nowadays that can compare. And I haven't even seen a "cure the leper" effect in forever.
This:-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KN-8G0HCD5U
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