Magic rituals in Christianity
For the purposes of this discussion, I loosely define magic as the mechanism that connects a real, doable action, with some intended effect that is in, or mediated by, the supernatural.
I’ve written elsewhere on this topic, but I would like to add additional considerations. Before I do so, I will briefly reiterate on the main thesis: that Paul proposed a belief system that , at its core, is a Pagan-esque system of blood magic. In Paul’s system, a blood sacrifice atones for the sins of all mankind, and he is the first chronologically to describe of a symbolic ritual of consuming divine flesh and blood (1 Co 11:23-25), which , at the minimum served as a way to mystically connect all believers (1 Co 10:16). Some forty years later, after Paul, John writes that consumption of the flesh and blood is necessary for salvation (John 6:54). It is not impossible that this was believed earlier, even by Paul, although John is the first to make this explicitly clear: consuming symbolic flesh and blood of Christ leads to eternal life. Wherever this belief originated, it is clear that it’s roots trace to Paul.
This is a strange curiosity, as the Hebrew Bible makes it explicitly clear that consumption of blood is forbidden: this is repeated multiple times, which indicates the importance of this taboo. Paul, in Gal 1:14, claims to have a better than average understanding of the Law: “I advanced in Judaism beyond many of my peers, because I was much more militant about the traditions of my ancestors.”
Baffling then, is why Paul, a self reported one time militant advocate of the Law, would not only later describe it as a curse, but also support a tradition of even symbolic consumption of blood, and human flesh. This suggests that he embraced Pagan tradition and beliefs over his native faith.
Central to Paul’s theology is that “Christ our Passover lamb has been sacrificed..” (1 Co 5:7). He argued that this sacrifice, of Christ’s spilled blood, serves as the means of universal atonement for sin. This explains the root of why Jesus' death was written to occur at Passover. What Paul meant as metaphorical, all of the Gospel authors wrote as literal: in each Gospel, the crucifixion is proximal to Passover. Again, the literary root from this is from Paul.
In writing the Gospels, the authors went even further than Paul, by writing strong parallels with Moses, such as danger in infancy (Matt 2:13), coming from Egypt ( Matt 2:15), performing miracles, water, and most importantly, the Passover narrative, which is central to the story of Christ’s death, and resurrection. Some Christian scholars believe that, indeed, Moses was a sort of prelude to Christ, which is exactly what the authors of the Gospels wanted to demonstrate.
Unique to Christianity, however, is the symbolic consumption of human flesh and blood, which is an anathema to Hebrew tradition and law. However, the symbolic consumption of a divine figure was Pagan tradition, most notably in the cult of Mithras. Accordingly, Paul fuses a pagan tradition with a Jewish legendary figure.
The concept of baptism is also introduced by Paul: while water was used in purification rituals, the words “baptism” or “baptize” occur only in the New Testament. This, being a form of water magic,in Christian tradition serves as a symbolic washing away of sin and a joining in faith.
The most important aspect of Christianity, according to Paul, is faith, which is the central virtue. This is, perhaps one of the few things the legion of Christian denominations tend to agree on: that the blood of Christ atones for sins, and belief in this concept, as well as that he resurrected from the dead, are required for salvation, which in turn ensures an afterlife of eternal bliss. To not believe in Christian theology will result in eternal suffering, or at least removed from God.
Christians argue about the importance of rituals, which helps explain the countless denominations. For example, a key water magic ritual, baptism, is nearly ubiquitous. How and when it is done varies greatly. Some believe that it isn’t necessary for salvation, others do. Catholics generally baptize infants. This ritual cleanses the newborn from original sin. Protestants may argue that only until one is at the age of accountability: where a youth can understand sin and its consequences, should baptism be completed. The age varies. Others disagree on whether baptism should be full immersion or should it be done thrice. With that said, the water magic ritual of baptism, as a ceremonial cleansing of sin, had pagan roots, most notably in Mithraic ritual.
Similarly, there is a disagreement in Christian practice of “communion”, the ceremonial consumption of bread and wine. Catholic belief is that the communion wafer and wine (or juice) is magically turned into Christs flesh and blood: this magic is called transubstantiation. Communion is done at every Catholic mass. Meanwhile, in Protestandom, communion is regarded as more of a ceremonial, symbolic ritual, less mystical, and more for remembrance.
What is more common in Protestandom is the notion of “accepting Jesus Christ as your personal savior.”” After an emotional sermon of sin and the consequences of hellfire, a Protestant preacher will announce an “ alter call”, inviting congregants to either accept Jesus or re-dedicate their life to him. In this instance, the preacher, along with helpers , guides the penitent to say the “sinners prayer”, which is a brief but powerful magic invocation that ensures eternal salvation. There is disagreement among Protestants if this ritual alone confers eternal salvation: “once saved always saved” , versus one can lose this salvation later on, perhaps by deeds and disbelief. Calvinists have a unique view that God, from the get-go, has preordained the “elect” for salvation; and for others-perhaps only hellfire awaits.
So far, we have looked at various rituals employed by Christian tradition: there is the water magic of baptism, the blood magic of salvation, the blood/flesh magic of communion, and invocation magic of confession of belief, and sin. Different denominations place different weights upon the relative importance of each ritual, what it means, and how it should be done. At the essence, however, there are disagreements of how ritual magic should be employed.
What is becoming increasingly popular is invocation magic: not just for salvation, but for health, wealth, and essentially anything one desires. Many Christians are attracted to the so-called “word of faith” movement, which is a form of magic that works by invoking the name of Jesus. This is based primarily on John 14:14 “When you ask me for anything in my name, I will do it.” Accordingly, word of faith Christians will claim healing, money, job promotions, in Jesus' name, as a magic incantation for personal desires.
This is closely tethered to the seed faith movement, which prosperity gospel preachers use to coax money from their audience. This is a magic ritual, where one is told to “sow a seed”, which universally means to give money, which will result in either God amplifying their investment, or giving benefits elsewhere in life, such as if not rich, health. This is a financial sacrifice, to which the donor believes that the magic of the sacrifice - especially if given cheerfully - will result in return. Many gullible Christians are coaxed to donate money to preachers, who assure that this magic ritual of financial sacrifice is a guaranteed payoff: in health, wealth, or at least rewards un heaven. It is ironic that the practice of selling indulgences was a cause of the Protestant split, who centuries later are doing the same thing, if not worse.
In summary, Christianity uses several forms of magic: blood, water, invocation, and sacrifice, as means to an end. The roots of blood and water magic are embedded in pagan tradition and were first championed by Paul. Indeed, many religions had employed blood magic rituals, Christianity maintains this tradition, but in the abstract.
