Of Magic, Spirtuality and the Like

I have come to realize that somewhere in history the Church (that is to say organized religion) has made an error. Growing up I was taught that all things magic are evil, and all things spiritual are good. The more I've lived and the more I've read, both in the Bible, and throughout literature, I see this as a horrible misconception.

Now I am not claiming to be an expert on this subject, and I am open to hearing any opposing views or opinions. I feel that magic, and the spiritual are two words to describe the same thing. A force or power out side of human experience or understanding. Something beyond what can be scientifically proven. Jesus turned water into wine, that was his first magic trick (or miracle, whichever you prefer). He did something which could not be scientifically explained. He did it because he operated on the spiritual plain, rather than the physical. The evil spirits that inhabited the man and were later cast be Jesus into the swine were using magic to control the man. Jesus used stronger magic to cast them out. These were spiritual things, and magic, one in the same.

You see what I'm getting at I hope. That Magic, or the spiritual world, can be used as a force of good, or a force of evil. Jesus could heal people just by touching them, he could raise the dead. I don't know how you can see that as anything but magic. Jesus, since he was God, and therefore fully spiritual he was/is the greatest worker of Magic ever. But he gave his followers the ability to do magic too. They could heal people, and cast out demons. I think a lot of the reason we do not see a lot of miracles within the Church in general today is that to many Christians are afraid of magic, afraid of the unknown.

God has given us a world full of wonders, both physical and spiritual. And throw Christ and the Holy Spirit He has given us the power to unlock the spiritual (magical) part of the universe. We just need to have faith in the power he has given us, and give up the fear of the unknown. Yes there is also evil magic, evil spirits that can lead you away from Christ and from God. We must call on the Holy Spirit to give us discernment to tell evil from good. But let's embrace the magic God has given us, and try and make the world a better place.

I think C.S. Lewis in his writings, in particular, the Chronicles of Narnia, expertly shows the good and evil of the magical/spiritual world. He shows that God created magic, and Satan twisted it to evil ends, but the good magic, the deeper magic was still in control, still more powerful. So lets embrace the deeper magic from before the dawn of time.

Steve's iPod Playlist (Vol.1)

If you spend a lot of time on iTunes, or love music a lot, you may have heard of the iTunes Celebrity Playlist podcast, where different celebrities (usually in pairs) sit down and talk about their favorite songs. Sometimes these lists center on a theme.

In my continuing effort to NOT grow old, and to be young and hip, I'm going tostart blogging some of my playlists. With the anniversary of 9-11, I thought i'd share a playlist of patriotic country music songs....I'm not sure if I can add audio to a blog, so you'll just have to look these songs up if you want to hear them.

1.) Have you Forgotten-- Darryl Woorley. This song was written and released I believe for the second Anniversary of 9-11. It is a wake up call for anyone who says we don't have to worry about terrorist, they aren't that bad. It says basically, remember those crack pots who flew into our towers...let's NOT let them get away wit hit again.

2.) Where were You when the World stopped turning-- Alan Jackson. This is an even more moving tridute to 9-11, written just a fw days after the attacks. A beautiful reminder to hold life dear.

3.) There's a Star Spangled Banner --Ray Stevens. Best known for his goofy spoof songs, Ray Stevens here takes a serious look at the Flag, and the service our troops have given around the world...If you haven't heard this song, look it up.

4.) Til The Last Shots Fired --Trace Adkins. One of the best Memorial Day songs about the commitment of the American soldier. A beautiful tune, with a chorus from West Point joining on the final chorus.

5.) If You're Reading This-- Tim McGraw. A real tear jerker in the form of a letter home from a soldier killed in duty. Originally performed live at one of the counry music award shows, with Tim flying in the widows and families of 20 or more soldiers who had been killed in action in Iraq and Afgahnistan, search for the video on YouTube.

6.) In America-- Charlie Daniels. This is a no holds barred, America kicks but song, originally released after the Irianian hostage situation in the late 70's or early 80's. It was rediscovered after 9-11 and is still a good rocker to this day.

7.) God Bless the USA -- Kristy Lee Crook. Not quite the Lee Greenwood original, but a very respectable cover by the American Idol Alumni. This song is a beautyiful classic.

8.) Our America-- Big & Rich. A classic reworking of the National Anthem and a few other patriotic songs. This wraps up a short playlist. More lists will be forth coming. But look up these tunes and give them a listen this September 11.