Discussion about this post

User's avatar
Steve Herrmann's avatar

There is something deeply true, and deeply dangerous, about our hunger for magic. You name it so well, Father. The craving for shortcuts, for signs, for “power” dressed in spiritual garb but untouched by the Cross. It’s no coincidence that Simon the magician believed but still clung to the shine of control. Magic is about manipulation, faith is about surrender. One speaks to the ego, the other crucifies it.

I recently posted an essay on my Substack Desert and Fire (https://steveherrmann.substack.com/p/the-veil-and-the-trespass), where I reflect on this very hunger. Not in terms of sorcery, but the temptation by many, even Christians, to experiment with psychedelics.

The deeper invitation, whether to Simon in Samaria or to us in our age of spectacle, is to let go of magic and meet the living God. To allow ourselves, as you always say, to be matured into “Normal Orthodox Christians,” which is to say cruciform people Grounded, obedient, lit by trust not trickery. Magic wants control. Faith walks blind.

There is no enchantment that can carry us through the desert. Only the cross, and the God who walks ahead of us, wounded. Thank you for this sharp, necessary reminder. It’s one we all need in this season of resurrection.

Expand full comment

No posts