‘On Magic and Miracles’ from Marian Jacobs Reveals Cover, Sets July 2025 Release

“Marian A. Jacobs explores the theology of magic, gleaning contextual clues surrounding supernatural events in the Bible.”

E. Stephen Burnett on Feb 3, 2025 · Share a reply

“All magic is unbiblical. Yes, even imaginary magic.”

“Books like the Harry Potter series have deceived many readers.”

“Enjoying stories with fictional magic is one step away from Satan’s occult.”

Have you ever heard these beliefs? Thought them yourself? Or still suspect they’re true?

Then you will be greatly blessed by Marian A. Jacob’s debut nonfiction-about-fiction book On Magic and Miracles.

Today we’re able to reveal the cover and announce that this paperback Theological Guide to Discerning Fictional Magic will release this July from B&H Books.

“I’d been aware of the controversy surrounding fictional magic since I was a kid,” Marian says. “Even back then, I found it puzzling and felt sympathy for people who felt so much fear of literature even though I didn’t really understand why I felt safe reading it. Now that I’m in my late thirties and I have a deeper understanding of real and fictional magic, I still feel a lot of sympathy for people who are genuinely confused about magic and willing to dialogue about it in good faith.”

Marian A. Jacobs

I have seen early versions of this material, and have worked with Marian for years now for Lorehaven and other nonfiction projects. (My full endorsement is forthcoming.)

Any exploration of fictional magic must, of course, reckon seriously with the Bible’s warnings against real-world demons and occult practices. That’s exactly what On Magic and Miracles does.

“Even believers who have been reading fantasy for years don’t always understand the depth of supernatural events in the Bible and how that should or shouldn’t be applied to literature,” Marian says. “It’s my hope that a deeper understanding of the theology of magic and literary conventions will give them the tools they need to approach fantasy with more clarity and discernment.”

Studying these issues will help Christians, families, and churches find freedom in this area—by digging deeper into God’s word and the purpose of its warnings against spiritual darkness.

“I honestly can’t wait to see and hear the stories of people released from their lifelong fear of fictional magic,” she said. “Some of them may only be confused and wary of the fantasy genre, but others are terrified that they will invite demonic oppression into their lives and the lives of their children if they bring the wrong book into their home. And it’s my prayer that they learn how to think deeper and more proactively about spiritual warfare and how that may or may not interact with fiction.”

Conjuring the back cover

From classic fantasy like The Lord of the Rings and The Chronicles of Narnia to modern stories like Harry Potter, Christians have been debating the issue of fictional magic for decades. Some believers read and write fantasy as an expression of their God-given creativity while others feel this is dangerous and ignorant of the growing threat of the occult. Deuteronomy 18 says spells and other forms of magic are an abomination, but how does that apply to fantasy magic? Is there a difference between the “Deep Magic” of Aslan at the Stone Table and the spells in Harry Potter? Is it possible for fictional magic to lead someone into the occult? Adults and children alike have wrestled with these questions as the fantasy genre exploded into one of the most popular book and film genres on the market.

In this guidebook, Marian A. Jacobs explores the theology of magic, gleaning contextual clues surrounding supernatural events in the Bible. These scriptural principles can assist readers, movie-lovers, gamers, and parents in discerning how fantasy can both edify and honor God.

On Magic and Miracles aims to answer the following questions:

What is the difference between magic and miracles in the Bible?

Is magic real? And if so, does it pose a genuine threat?

Could books like Harry Potter lead someone into the occult?

What is the importance of fantasy for Christians?

How can I discern fantasy books, films, and games for myself and my children?