I remember reading books decades ago about reincarnation and channeling, cases where people seemed to know things they couldn’t possibly know. The authors presented these as proof of past lives or communication with the dead. But as I thought about it more deeply, a simpler explanation emerged: if demons have been around for thousands of years, they would have known great-great-great-great-uncle So-and-So. They could easily feed that information to someone open to their influence.
That realization opened a bigger question for me about everything supernatural.
Two Sources, Not Three
According to Scripture, there are only two supernatural sources in this world: God and the kingdom of darkness (the devil and his demons). There’s no neutral third option, no “natural magic” that exists independently.
This means every supernatural occurrence falls into one of two categories:
- From God: Miraculous works that align with His character and point people toward Christ
- From the enemy: Everything else, including what appears helpful, entertaining, or harmless
If something supernatural doesn’t lead people to Jesus and glorify God, then by process of elimination, it comes from the other side.
The Problem with “White Magic”
This is where things get uncomfortable for many of us, because it means there’s no such thing as a “white witch” or “good magic.” A witch who uses her powers to heal or help is still drawing from the same dark well as one who issues curses. The intention doesn’t change the source.
Think about it in terms of electricity. You can use electrical power to light a hospital or harm someone. The morality of the use differs, but the source is the same. Similarly, magic – whether used for “good” or evil purposes – comes from the same spiritual source: demonic power.
The Fiction We Grew Up With
Now, before anyone thinks I’m about to burn my childhood memories, let me acknowledge something important: most of us grew up with fairy tales, talking animals, and magical stories. Cinderella had a fairy godmother. Snow White was saved by a magical kiss. We watched cartoons with wizards and enchanted objects.
As children, we understood these were just stories. We weren’t trying to contact fairy godmothers or learn actual spells. The magic was a storytelling device, and we enjoyed the adventure without giving weight to the supernatural elements. I doubt even a fraction of us ever thought, “Wait, where would Cinderella’s fairy godmother get her powers?”
The stories were harmless because we kept them firmly in the realm of make-believe.
When Fiction Becomes a Gateway
But something has shifted in recent decades.
When Harry Potter became a cultural phenomenon, some young readers didn’t just enjoy the story. They wanted to become wizards. They researched actual occult practices. They took seriously what previous generations would have left on the bookshelf.
Here’s what troubles me: Harry Potter’s magical powers come from the exact same source as Voldemort’s. The books distinguish between characters who use magic for good versus evil, but they don’t acknowledge that in a biblical worldview, all that power – whether wielded by heroes or villains – originates from the kingdom of darkness.
The same goes for vampires, werewolves, and shape-shifters that populate modern fiction. Young readers sometimes blur the line between fantasy and reality, not understanding the spiritual implications.
Beyond Fiction: The “Real” Supernatural
Then we move beyond entertainment into things people actually believe and practice:
- Ghosts and hauntings
- Psychics and palm readers
- Channelers who claim to contact the dead
- UFOs and alien encounters
- Poltergeists and paranormal activity
Could most of these have natural explanations? Absolutely. Are some outright frauds? Without question.
But some may involve actual demonic activity.
The person who visits a channeler hoping to contact a deceased grandmother doesn’t realize they might be opening themselves to demonic deception. A spirit could easily impersonate grandma, providing accurate details a demon would know from having observed her life. The comfort people receive from these encounters comes at a spiritual cost they don’t recognize.
Why Does This Matter?
I’m not suggesting we become paranoid or see demons behind every fantasy novel. But I do think Christians need discernment about the supernatural.
We should ask ourselves:
- Does this entertainment normalize occult practices?
- Am I (or are my children) treating fictional magic as something desirable or real?
- Does this practice or belief system point people toward Christ, or away from Him?
The enemy is subtle. He doesn’t usually announce himself with obviously evil imagery. Often he wraps spiritual poison in attractive, even innocent-looking packaging. A “good witch” is more appealing than an obviously dark sorcerer, but both operate under the same power.
Finding the Balance
I’m not calling for us to reject all fantasy literature or become cultural separatists. I grew up with these stories too, and I understand their appeal.
But we need wisdom. We need to recognize that while most fantasy is simply creative storytelling, the spiritual realities behind magic – when it’s real – are never neutral. We need to teach our children the difference between enjoying a fairy tale and seeking actual supernatural power outside of God.
And for those who dabble in “harmless” spiritual practices – horoscopes, tarot cards, mediums, energy healing – we need to lovingly point out that these aren’t neutral activities. They open doors we’re better off keeping closed.
The Only Safe Supernatural
There is supernatural power that’s safe, good, and life-giving: the power of God working through the Holy Spirit. Prayer, healing in Jesus’ name, prophetic words that glorify Christ, deliverance from evil – these are the supernatural experiences Christians can embrace without fear.
Everything else, no matter how it’s packaged, comes from the other side.
That’s not meant to frighten, but to clarify. Once we understand there are only two teams in the spiritual realm, our choices become simpler. We can enjoy stories for what they are, reject actual occult practices, and pursue the one supernatural source that truly brings light into darkness.
What’s been your experience navigating these questions as a Christian? Have you noticed the shift in how younger generations engage with magical fiction versus how previous generations did? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
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My Books, Workbooks, and Fun Books
Knowing the Unknowable One
Opening the Treasure Chest
Walking Heart-to-Heart with God
Walking Heart-to-Heart with Each Other
Fighting the Good Fight of Faith
Christian Mysteries: Why I Love Them!
List of Some Nonfiction Books You Don’t Want to Miss
Index of Assorted Topics