WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT WITCHCRAFT

Is Some Magic Good?

Magic, of course, has always been associated with the occult.  Many people in both ancient and modern times believe that the magic practiced by witches is performed to bring harm to others.  Witches are credited with the power to inflict severe pain and even death by means of magic.  Traditionally, witches have been blamed for an almost limitless array of misfortunes, including illness,death and crop failure.

Witches today strongly deny such charges. While acknowledging the existence of the occasional rogue witch who pursues evil, most maintain that their magic is used to being benefits, not harm.  Wiccans teach that the effects of magic will return threefold to the person practicing it and say that this is a major deterrent to the pronouncing of curses.  Examples of this so-called benevolent magic include spells to protect yourself, to purify your home from negative energy left behind by former tenants, to make a person fall in love with you, to promote healing and health, to prevent the loss of your job, and to acquire money.  (If  you are one of God's servants, you don't need this magic) With such sweeping powers being attributed  to witchcraft, it is  not surprising that it has become so popular.

The Bible, however, makes no distinction between magic that is good and magic that is evil.  In the Law given to Moses, God made his position quite clear.  He said:  "You must not practice magic."  (Leviticus 19:26) We also read:  "There should be not found in  you . . . a practicer of magic or anyone who looks for omens or a sorcerer, or one who binds others with a spell or anyone who consults with medium." -Deuteronomy 18:10, 11.

Why did God say that?  Is it not because  he intends to deny us what is beneficial.  Jehovah gave these laws to  his people because he loved them and did not want them to become enslaved by fear and superstition.  Instead, he invites his servants  to approach him for the things they need.  He is the Giver of "every good gift and every perfect present."  (James 1:17)  The apostle John assured fellow believers:  "Whatever we ask we receive from [God], because we are observing his commandments and are doing the things that are pleasing in  his eyes." -1 John 3:22.

Next time: What About Evil Spirits?

Watchtower, 2000