So i don't know how much i intend on writing in this daily but i really do think it might be beneficial.
SO today in Cultural and Global awareness class a very interesting question was discussed in class and i think it has alot to do with this cost of being a follower of Christ
Here it is, but be careful it just may offend you:
What is the difference between the use of magic to get things to happen and praying as a Christian to get things to happen?
To define this question better let me put it into a scenario. Lets say that there is a man that from his culture he believes that magic(as in supernatural powers that can be controlled). So when a drought accures in the land that he lives in he automatically turns to a witch doctor and asks for in to rain finally and help his dieing crops. The witch doctor then agrees and casts a spell that is to make the clouds release their water unto his crops. Then suddenly a few days later it rains and feeds the crops. Then soon after that the man comes to meet some missionaries who prayed regularly. In fact they are so fervent in prayer he learned they had been praying for rain all during the drought. This confused the man because he had seen his magic work the same way they claimed their God worked.
Who is right though?
And what is the answer? How do you prove that prayer is real and God does really work through it. Magic is used enough in other cultures that it looks like a legitmate power source just as prayer here works enough times to look legit.
I think it would be helpful to define both terms to answer this problem. Dictionary.com defines magic as the art of producing a desired effect or result through the use of incantation or various other techniques that presumably assure human control of supernatural agencies or the forces of nature. Prayer on the same site is defined as a fervent request or petition. So basically magic is human control over the supernatural while prayer is a request.
So Here is what i see: magic can look legit but it is completely human instigated while prayer on the other hand leaves no power in the user but to whom the prayer is too.
The answer I think that is vital to see is, although alot of the time we think that asking God means he will listen and do as we say because we really need whatever it is we are asking for. But clearly that can't be true, where in the bible does Christ say the more fervent you pray to God the more likely God is to hear and answer.
So in the end the answer is that the difference in a Christians prayer and using magic is that prayer doesn't accomplish things Our God does. You can't control God like you can magic, you can't influence God.
But i guess if you think i am wrong you can chew on this question for a while: If you could influence God who would hold the real power?
peace out ya'll
What is the difference between the use of magic to get things to happen and praying as a Christian to get things to happen?
To define this question better let me put it into a scenario. Lets say that there is a man that from his culture he believes that magic(as in supernatural powers that can be controlled). So when a drought accures in the land that he lives in he automatically turns to a witch doctor and asks for in to rain finally and help his dieing crops. The witch doctor then agrees and casts a spell that is to make the clouds release their water unto his crops. Then suddenly a few days later it rains and feeds the crops. Then soon after that the man comes to meet some missionaries who prayed regularly. In fact they are so fervent in prayer he learned they had been praying for rain all during the drought. This confused the man because he had seen his magic work the same way they claimed their God worked.
Who is right though?
And what is the answer? How do you prove that prayer is real and God does really work through it. Magic is used enough in other cultures that it looks like a legitmate power source just as prayer here works enough times to look legit.
I think it would be helpful to define both terms to answer this problem. Dictionary.com defines magic as the art of producing a desired effect or result through the use of incantation or various other techniques that presumably assure human control of supernatural agencies or the forces of nature. Prayer on the same site is defined as a fervent request or petition. So basically magic is human control over the supernatural while prayer is a request.
So Here is what i see: magic can look legit but it is completely human instigated while prayer on the other hand leaves no power in the user but to whom the prayer is too.
The answer I think that is vital to see is, although alot of the time we think that asking God means he will listen and do as we say because we really need whatever it is we are asking for. But clearly that can't be true, where in the bible does Christ say the more fervent you pray to God the more likely God is to hear and answer.
So in the end the answer is that the difference in a Christians prayer and using magic is that prayer doesn't accomplish things Our God does. You can't control God like you can magic, you can't influence God.
But i guess if you think i am wrong you can chew on this question for a while: If you could influence God who would hold the real power?
peace out ya'll
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