By Mark Shortland2024-07-09T15:15:00
Source: Mark Shortland
Magic and magicians have often been misunderstood in Christian contexts, says Mark Shortland. He explains how he uses it for the gospel
Like many children, I was given a magic set when I was a young boy. I thrived on the excitement that it brought, learning sleight of hand and leaving people guessing how I’d managed to do the impossible.
I grew up in a Christian home and made my own commitment to Christ while at college in St Albans, studying for a degree in design. During this time, inspired by the Duke of Edinburgh’s award scheme, I developed a love for outdoor pursuits and, after leaving college, spent ten years working at various Christian outdoor pursuit centres.
My boyhood love for magic had become a dormant memory but, one day, after watching an American magician on TV, something reignited. I immediately and enthusiastically began to practice new magic tricks; magic that would not only amaze my audiences, but help to spark conversations about faith.
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