Controversial uses of Magic

[Guest]

Although many of the fine magicians who practice what I see below, are personally very good people and well meaning, I wonder if their use of magic may not eventually be a threat to the art.

I speak of the use of performance magic to evangelize for Christian religions in nations with other, often much more diverse cultures and religions.

Nakul Shenoy posts to this forum -- and I believe is one of the few scholars of communications and magic with advanced degrees in the area. He lives in India -- and works his magic to impart messages -- such as those for public health.

Of course sponsorship of various magical personalities to promote commercial entities has been a way to make a living for many of us across the world. But I wonder about the efficacy of luring people into a venue in India, Thailand or Bangladesh on the premise of "entertainment" and then turning to prosceletizing them.

Tucson, Arizona, USA -- is headquarters for a number of these evangelists. Good magicians, and as I said good people if you believe and adhere to their doctrine of professing their god as root of all good, want to be evangelized, or treated as if you are pitied because you are going to hell.

I believe that hijacking magic (for eons fought by many Christian faiths as evil -- and of the devil) to present a message in this manner is dangerous. Several of these fellows jocularly tell of being chased down the streets by gangs who have been offended by their shows -- or pa systems broadcasting the show's Christian messages to the street outside a theater.

I would compare this method of gathering an audience to that of a person standing half draped in the window of Amsterdam's red light district -- except when you go into the bordello -- you get ONLY what you pay for.

Now, our evangelizing compeers are sincere magicians -- keep our secrets well and know the craft of entertaining. But in using it in the context of other culturtes -- where magic is alive -- do they not demean that culture's forms of magic entertainment? Do they not say the jadru (spelling Nakul) or Go-Man is a fraud because their magic "is from a better god?" and can be explained?

A danger, to me, lurks there because the person of another culture can feel attacked by our mysteries of entertinment and even message magic -- if it is sprung on them in the guize of entertainment.

In my opinion -- Fr. Daniel Roland (see the Mystery School book) has a better take. He keeps his "Spiritual Magic of Fr. Daniel" both magical and teaching, in the bounds of his faith and philosophy -- for Catholics and their invited guests -- intertwining every "trick" with a ife principle as part of the effect -- not as a cover to tell a bible story with the object of converting someone of another belief.

[Guest]

I think that Gospel Magicians are really no threat to us. What they should be more aware of is that they risk cheapening their own messages by using magic to force-feed them to specs. Then again, I've never heard anyone say Dean Dill isn't entertaining or proficient, and his website contains several religiously themed effects. To each their own, I suppose.

[Bill Palmer]

My chief objection to Gospel magicians in general is that quite often they have far less respect for magic than they should. There is a school of performance in churches that is applied to choir members as well as other "artists," that says, "Well, they are doing it for God, so they don't have to be all that good." And these people hurt any art that they inflict upon their audience.

I don't mind Andre Kole. He does very nice illusion work. But I feel that the IBM was really way off when they hired him last year. About once every 5-10 years or so, some benighted individual on a booking committee says, "We need a big, inexpensive illusion show to close out our week. Let's book Andre. We'll just tell him not to do any of that Gospel stuff."

Telling Andre Kole not to do his "Gospel stuff" is like telling Richard Belzer to work clean. It's not going to happen. Andre's definition of Gospel magic and the definition of most other people is different. Many people feel that if you even mention the Deity or his offspring during a routine, that you are doing Gospel magic. Andre doesn't feel this way.

So when you hear people reacting the way some of them did in KC after the last show last year, you can only think of the fable of the scorpion and the fox. "Of course I stung you. I'm a scorpion. That's my nature."

[Guest]

I've always felt that using magic or any other medium to inflict the gospel upon the unsuspecting cheapens the message.
If the message is so strong why do you need to trick people into hearing it?

[Jonathan Townsend]

Using magic to illustrate ideas seems a good idea. There is a general caution about matters of faith being diminished by demonstrations.

Likewise, when the illustration becomes confused with the subject illustrated... we will have problems. The map is not the terrain.

As to involving god in the conjuring... well, which god are you involving? Was that YHVH who linked the rings? Jesus who restored the paper? Is that the Prophet Mohamed who permits the assistant to survive the sword basket? Is that really a snowstorm in China or are you just spreading spores from Yuggoth? Is the Easter Bunny hiding in your egg bag? Are the goldfish in your act an offering to Chtulhu? Is Houdini's Metamorphosis really a reminder that the old ones are almost ready to take back the world when the stars align properly?

Not to worry this night. The stars have faded again. I'm watching the sky change colors here as the sun starts to rise, and enjoying it. All of the colors, from the deep violet in the clouds to the pale blue of the open sky look just fine together, and seem to change from minute to minute.

[David Nethery]

Originally posted by Bill Palmer:
My chief objection to Gospel magicians in general is that quite often they have far less respect for magic than they should. There is a school of performance in churches that is applied to choir members as well as other "artists," that says, "Well, they are doing it for God, so they don't have to be all that good." And these people hurt any art that they inflict upon their audience.

Yes, but that school of performance is alive and well in many of the local magic clubs as well, although without the religious veneer. I hear what you're saying, Bill, and I cringe when I hear that "doing it for God , so if their heart is in the right place it doesn't matter that the performance is lousy" line of thought , but I don't think that lowering of standards is peculiar to "Gospel magicians" . Just replace "doing it for God" with
"he pays his dues and has given a lot of time to the organization" or "he's such a nice guy" and since his "heart is in the right place" his lousy performances are winked at and no one ever says : "hey , you might want to think about doing some serious work on your performance " .

[Guest]

Hello,

I am of the opinion that if you want magic cheapened, watered down, and weeded with no respect, that you will not have to go to the Gospel magicians before you find eveidence of that.

There are myriads of David Blaine/Shaman wannabes that can't hold a candle to the presentational caliber of Felix Snipes.

Danny Korem has, I think done the best job of fusing these two things, but I also tend to agree that any message can be lost if oversaturated in a magic routine. It reminds me of a television commercial that is so hilarious, that when it's over, I have no idea what company, product or cause was being put forth anyway.

This is also why corprate magic can be a bit tricky as well--are the people there to see you, or are they there thinking you're the focal point when in reality they are being softened for a sales pitch?

[Guest]

Consider these thoughts by not thinking I or anyone has to chose/agree with any "side".
I find it interesting when some question the use of performing magic,(or other forms of entertainment) to present,(some would say "force-fed", others would say "share") the Gospel or other religious message, when I have yet to hear anyone take issue with the fine performers/people, who use magic, to present/promote, (financed by the corporations that make them) beer, liquor, tobacco, and other corporations, whose products, do nothing but hurt and kill people. Much of showbusiness is to sell something...Just as Mark Wilson's show was to sell Kellogs, and Doug Henning's sold Mobile Oil.
Reality is that the reason the finest people we know in this business, are paid to appear in hotel/casinos, is attract,(lure?) people to lose their money in "games" that are really swindles that people used to go to jail for running...sometimes money they cannot afford to lose...the money going to the "Goodfellas", and their criminal enterprises, for decades.
Again these performers, some who I know, are fine people and performers.
If there is thought about respect of other's beliefs/cultures, it may say something about those in other countries, who would attack someone for advocating their beliefs, with mob violence.
It is true that one would be surprised to hear Andre Kole, NOT share his beliefs,(although at different events/venues, he has not.) But the last thing that gentleman would intend to do, is offend people...even though he felt, how could he NOT talk about God & country, on the 4th of July weekend. Regardless he apologized,even though he had never intended any offense...UNLIKE Penn & Teller, who have yet to offer any concern for those, they might have offended, at a convention.
(THIS IS A LONG POST)
The idea that some, because they "are doing it for God, don't try to be good", is sometimes true, but I have more often seen criticism within churches of choirs/preachers/performers, who are TOO good, or TOO professional.
The reason some who do Gospel magic are not that good is because they are preachers or Sunday school teachers first, performers second. Their goal is to have the message, not the messenger be the focus. When Gospel music began to expand and develop in the 1970's,(and become a commercial industry) there was increasing concern of not letting the music, overshadow the message. More times, I have seen churches pay professional musicians/singers, because while their members may be more devout, the paid singers will be there on time and yes, sing on-key! Likewise there are those like Kole, who can present their show and their message well.
For those of you who have not seen Kole perform his regular show, when concluding the performance part of his show, he explains that after a break, he will talk about how the Gospel became relevant to him and how it can be for others, and those who would not be interested or possibly offended, can use the intermission to leave without embarrassment...he says that 2-3 times. Some stayed to hear what he had to say, others do leave, without feeling forced/tricked to do anything. That is a fair deal.
What are my beliefs? What do I feel about any of this? I don't think it matters. As Gandhi said,(and this includes Gospel magicians) "There is room for all of us."

[Guest]

I have absolutely no problem with Andre Kole's announcement of a message when he is performing in a church -- that is his job. But when a Gospel Magician -- sells a magic performance in a public theater -- charges admission of any type for the show -- but also makes the public (often unsuspecting) sit through the prosceletizing message -- I find that deceptive.

Recently, in the US, several major theater chains have had to pull commercials off the screen -- because to make the audience pay for admission for the entertainment product -- then make them sit through commercials -- was considered deceptive advertising for the movie.

In a recent USA swing Sorcar Junior from India did an amazing almost 2 hour show -- it revealed the culture of India -- without pushing a doctrine or dogma. It was a relish tray from which you could pick and choose -- and not be force fed. I was introduced briefly to him by his good friend in the craft Andre Kole.

I also wonder how the image of the USA as an open and accepting nation is affected by our Christian evangelists going out and basically saying -- your god is wrong -- ours is right -- our magic is the only "real" magic because we admit it is tricks -- your culture's magic is deceptive and evil because it is not "approved" by our god.

There is much more to the rituals of belief than the staging of magic tricks. These are at the root of many cultures.

In my opinion -- demoting magic to "harmless entertainment" by evangelicals -- does a disservice to the various branches of the art.

I subscribe -- more and more -- to the story telling side of magic. This is often labeled bizarre because some people think Dracula and Lovecraft are the types of stories that work for them in their "scarey" magic. But look at Carl Heron's work -- his stories of the "Trail of Tears" and the cruelty to the American Indian, Punx work with fairy tales and Fr. Daniel Roland's rags to riches miser's dream. These are moral tales -- without religion.

GC

[Guest]

Andre Kole doesn't need to give a disclaimer, when performing in a church, religiousity of some sort, is to be expected there.
Again, when Kole performs as,(as he does) as a representive of a evangelical organization,(Campus Crusade for Christ) in a college/school auditorium, it is not deceptive when he says, "thank you for coming, if you wish to stay after the break to hear my religious message,(commercial if you wish) but if you don't, this is your opportunity to leave", is very upfront.
Imagine what movie theaters would run those commercials after the movie! Or in church the preacher saying, "I'm glad you enjoyed our Gospel music group, lets take a break and if you want to hear my sermon, stick around afterwards."
Clearly this shows Kole is a very devout, sincere person, gentleman who can still work with the biggest names in magic, who obviously have very different beliefs and lifestyles.
Remember there are now Christian evangelicals in their own countries preaching to their own citizens, there are Christians and those of other religions, who have COME to the U.S., to save us from our pagan, secular, worldly ways...and unlike other countries, I don't see mobs chasing them...put them on "Jerry Springer" sure, attack them, no.
"Demoting" magic to "harmless entertainment"?
You prefer when magic is harmful entertainment?!?!
Whether a message is "moral" or "religious" can be a matter of personal labeling.
Relax and enjoy.

[Guest]

Diego -- It is very hard for me to "relax and enjoy" when doing that is exactly what has gotten our nation into the pickle it is in.

As do Penn and Teller -- I have a very hard time accepting a mixture of magic, magick and the "magick of religious belief" that leads way too many people into thinking that personal responsibility AND reactions to science and advances must be dogmaticly fought by bible quotation, scriptural proscription and prescription that in no way excites thought and creative action in areas that will indeed move mankind into a "kinder gentler world."

It was not magick or prayer that extended life and removed many illnesses from those who could afford to pay for it.

The use of publicity -- and yes -- even performance magic (could be movies are magical in their inception, no?) to spread the news of scientific and creative discovery that has increased lifespan and even removed women from the daily grind of washing clothes by hand -- cooking only after the wood was split or coal oil hauled to the kitchen -- and even the burden of unwanted children.

In my library I have a volume -- it shows a skull in three dimensions on the cover -- and is inscribed "MAGIC" in bold letters. I ask visitors to open it to discover the real magic in life. It contains three wonderful shots of far galaxies from the Hubble and a mirror.

When I run a seance -- the guests leaving receive an arcane scroll, sealed in wax. It contains a reformation of Carl Sagan's BS detectors they might have wanted to ask during the performance -- leaving little doubt I do not want to expose the performance magic tricks -- but do want my audiences to think on several levels.

That's their choice -- much like Andre would bve doing -- IF he did not only offer "The Big Illusion" to follow the sermon. That means I did not get a complete show if I leave.

Nuf said -- on that.

Maybe we can get Nakul to comment on how show magic is being used in his culture to bring messages to people -=- outside of a religious framework.

GC

[Guest]

Whew, stop racing your engines....I never realized there was "trouble in river city", and we were in such a pickle!
Read the first 4 paragraphs and the statements you have made, are only your own...no one on this board, (and most in and out of the pews) has said those things or refutes the benefits of scientific advancement.
Yes, there are those out there that do not have your views, and be careful of stereotyping others who don't. (who is the most intolerant here?)
There has been concern over "cultural imperialism" by other countries, but that cuts both ways. What a contrast where the different,(even Gospel magicians)the weird, and others can exercise the wonderful right to be wrong, here in the U.S....try that in many middle-east countries.

You seem to have your agenda and focus, so do they...it's OK.

[Bill Palmer]

Possibly the most controversial use of magic during the past century was the documented use of props purchased at Douglas Magicland by James Jones for him to use during his sermons to the flock that was eventually to become the population of Jonestown. According to a friend of mine, whose brother was in the congregation, he used those tricks, mostly products of U.F. Grant, to prove his supernatural powers.

I once told my friend that I had often thought that perhaps debunking Jones might have prevented the Jonestown massacre. He said that he had often tried to do just that, but it didn't matter. His brother would not have believed it, anyway.

[Bill Palmer]

Re: Andre Kole:

Please, do not misunderstand me. I know what I am going to see when I go to one of his shows. I really like his magic. And I do not find his message offensive in the least. However, there are those who consider ANY reference to the Deity to be proselytizing, as I mentioned in my first post about this. And Andre doesn't. People who book him need to understand this. And they should not expect him to change his show.

Re: Felix Snipes and Danny Korem:

Both of these gentlemen are friends of mine. They are top-notch performers. They are obviously not the people I had in mind.

Re: Choirs sounding "too professional"

My father was the choir director at Memorial Lutheran Church for many years. He regularly hired two sopranos, two altos, two tenors and two basses, as well as other musicians to fill out the sound of the group for special performances. He staged many special "festival" performances. They were ALWAYS well-received. I never once heard anyone criticize his choir or ensemble for sounding "too professional." He sold many of the recordings of the choirs he directed. He paid for the recordings, and all proceeds went to the church.

[Joe M. Turner]

I had written a longer response but I decided to erase it. Those who object to religious evangelism will find a reason to object to it in any form. Those who believe they are divinely commanded to share their faith with others will do so and be labeled proselytizers, or they will fail to do so and be labeled hypocrites... often by the same people.

Also, Christianity is as "diverse" as any other faith, and particularly so when introduced into an area where it is not practiced.

I definitely agree that there are too many "Gospel magicians" who are lazy with regard to technique and performance, resting on an idea that "anything" they do for God is good enough. That is a valid objection. Such laziness is not limited to Christian magicians, at any rate, although they are an easily identified subset.

Notably, Andre Kole is not a member of that subset.

Best,
JMT

[Guest]

Is there a difference between evangelizing and propagandizing when performing magic? I think it boils down to notice to the audience of what to expect.

When I go to see Penn & Teller, I expect to see an irreverant but patriotic show. When they made a religious statement in a magical forum -- where it had been announced that it would be rife with adult and irreverant material -- some Christian magicians who had chosen to attend even though forwarned -- tried to make a much bigger deal of their being insulted ( a few, very few, even walked out) because of the, what they called "blasphemous content " and did not reference the fact they were forewarned. The P&T may have been in bad taste for general consumption -- but the general consumer at the event was forwarned.

Let me be clear -- I have no objection to any degree of evangelizing particularly for morals, human compassion understanding, ideas, patriotism and even products if I am forwarned it will happen. I expect such in a trade show and I love a good dramatic piece such as P&T on flag burning -- McBrides water bowlswith its moral of watching what you ask the gods for --- and after 9/11 I was quickly putting together a rally point mismade flag routine with Pete Seeger's version of "This Land is Your Land..." a wonderful Woody Guthrie protest/and/or/folk song. I am sure I was not the only one. I did not feel, for myh show "God Bless America" was right -- since I was playinmg near a college where many atheists and patriots attended my show.

I do find it strange, however, that many faiths used to persecute magicians. Now I see some have embraced the John Edwards types as a proof and bridge into life after death. And I see other - more fundamentalist Christian groups exposing Edwards as a "dangerous spiritual fraud." And how plaintif are the cries many of our other Christian magicians in their exposure of him -- because he did not announce his intention to use cold reading deceptions until the end of his program -- and then only in small print too long to read in the time it was on the screen.

James Randi's exposure of Uri Geller comes to mind. Confrontational and changing no ones mind -- demeaning to magic at best. James Randi is a hell of a stand-up guy when it comes to his beliefs -- but his rational and confrontive style probably wins fewer "converts" than other means -- means at present seemingly used by evangelizing minister magicians.

There is an interesting article on communication between the new age/magical world and skeptics (and there are a lot of skeptical but religious magicians too). It indicates that by direct affront, verbal assault or contradiction on a base religious belief -- or even by verbal inuendo -- one group shuts out the other. This is probably because it feels that even considering the possibilities of contradiction presents a threat to the system of belief. A true skeptic never feels that way. I firmly believe in numinous experience.

To me, a true magician -- skeptic, Christian, Muslim, Atheist, Jewish, Hindu, Bhuddist, or a worshipper of Cthulu-- MUST be an exceptional communicator, an exceptional listener and a very good performer. The major problem with this -- is that too few magicians actually consider what they are communicating. Even fewer listen. I will not comment on the level of performance I have seen -- and I do not consider myself a great performer. Good much of the time -- but not great.

An admirable part of Andre Kole's wonderfukl and most magical presentations are that he makes sure you know the tricks are tricks devised by men -- and are only used to animate an example of his principles -- when he is in the sermon mode using a trick. Otherwise his tricks are mostly solid stage magic without evangelism. I have never seen him use a silk trick to tell a Gospel story when the context of the trick has nothing to do with the story, such as using a blendo to tell the Joseph story. When I saw another evangelizing magician put this very routine on in the middle of a commercial show-- unannounced in publicity or entrance to the show -- it became one of the few times my distaste overcame my manners and saw me walking out in mid-show. I hope he never books a Bar-Mitzvah. (And Andre was happy to do Barry Shore's son's Bar Mitzvah as I understand it...without evangelizing.)

It is my understanding -- and I may be wrong in this -- that some of these ministers, of whom I originally spoke in my first post, go to these non-christian nations -- advertise a magic show -- then weave this type of silk gospel trick into the show -- in addition to a sermon.

That to me is propagandizing -- not evangelizing. It also robs the audience of its money -- spent for entertainment, not a church service.

Again, I must point to the Spiritual Magic of Father Daniel. In his show -- held for Catholic Audiences -- he teaches moral principles. Avoiding confrontational direct references to the bible -- he uses allegory to get his point across. His cut and restored rope is a story of friendship and forgiveness -- and is not preachy, but magical on SEVERAL levels at once. It does teach a universal principal in all religions, without thumping.

So -- does everyone know that Franz Harrary walks through that jet engine as a trick -- or does it have to be put down to a miracle of a god???????

Frankly -- as long as I am aware of what I am buying - and it is my decision to attend or not -- or even walk out AND get my money back if I have not seen a complete show -- I feel each performer has the right to perform what he or she will in the manner they choose.

Then --and let me think again about how to say this -- too many religions for too long persecuted ALL manner of magic. Now some have tried to pre-empt the magic craft to draw the heathen and non believer into their fold. That is their right.

But is it not also the right of magicians to question what harm the former persecutor may do to the craft or art of magic -- by pre-empting what they formerly labeled as "sin." Will this not eventually lead to exposure of our secrets -- or will it lead to a change in their beliefs???

[Guest]

On a different note, at a magic history conference, I had discussions about the those who seem to have been forgotten, dismissed, or ignored in and from magic history.(but of course, everyone feels THEY are most slighted) Those included mindreaders/mentalists, childrens magicians, women, minorities, and Gospel magicians
because of who they are, or genre they work in.

[Guest]

"Maybe it isn't that you are against clergy being involved with politics, but you are against conservative clergy involved as well." (Paraphrase of Ronald Reagon to Walter Mondale, during debate)
As Mr. Turner has brought up, if the concern is about the rightness/correctness of sharing/promoting/forcing,(pick your choice) the Gospel or other beliefs to others of different beliefs and cultures, than that is an issue than cannot be resolved, and would be wasteful to try, in a magic-focus forum. (some will say, "how can you include your belief/message in your shows", and others will say, "how can you not use the opportunity to include this important message in my shows?!"

Mr. Mara prefers those whose messages agree with him, in their performances, and others feel the opposite.
Most of Kole's performance are in church-related venues, or on a campus, under the auspices of Campus Crusade for Christ. And despite all his disclaimers, if anyone asked for their money back, I can see Kole immediately refunding their money, knowing that sends a positive message as well.

I wonder if you would have walked out of a (fellow?) magician's show, if he used a blendo to show how the Joseph/Gospel stories are not valid and more rational thinking is needed in this world?
Some members, of some religions have persecuted magicians, but again that title can mean many things...may be why some went under the label of "jugglers" instead...but again, that may not have a lot to do with today, centuries later.
As Mr. Palmer notes, there is a wide diversity of beliefs within all beliefs.
There is a decreasing minority of those who feel playing cards are "the devils playthings", and others who have bridge/canasta card nights as pleasant recreation in their church social halls.

Times/things change....Talk of "former prosecuters/persecuters, later pre-empting magic" or better performance magic to promote their beliefs, reminds me of a prominent, conservative,
minister , recalled how he was almost kicked out of seminary, for the sinful practice of watching a baseball game, and a generation later, his churches have their own baseball teams, and how some top players, have joined the ball team that Campus Crusade for Christ, has touring-playing local teams, so they can later share their message to those who wish to listen.(Like the runner in "Chariots of Fire" did)
Again, we are in different worlds in a different time, and it is only too easy to make strident generalizations.
I've seen Kole and P&T and enjoyed both shows.
Agreement with their beliefs, format, or premise is not a requirement with me.

[Guest]

Hi All,

To address Greg's primary question, magicians in India seem to be using magic primarily for four types of communication (in addition to its primary function of entertainment):

1: Magic for (& of) the Gospel -- This is at best a rarity when it comes to Indian magicians, as most of the gospel magic we see in India, comes from the "Western" magicians who are visiting us. We are more or less used to the fact that ANY (sorry about that!) Western magician who is visiting and performing here, MUST be performing Gospel. This is true of many "award-winning magicians" who have visited India, under the auspices of Campus Crusade, and other like-minded organisations, who perform both for schools (mostly christian convent, but also for others) and colleges, and for the public. I will address this issue in greater detail in my next post.

2: Magic for product promotion -- which are mainly commercial in nature, and use magic as a marketing tool to promote and market products and services, or a people gathering mechanism... all the while brandishing the products/brands of a company.

3: Magic for social education & awareness -- where magic is used as a tool to highlight the nuances of health (AIDS awareness, pulse polio campaign, et al.), family planning, promotion/propagation of governmental (& non-governmental) welfare schemes, election awareness, national integration, and more...

4: Magic for Promotion of Rational Thought -- Closely related to the above, but drastically opposite to the concept of Gospel Magic. Here magic is used as a tool to "explain" to the people the 'reality' of long-held superstitions, religious and traditional beliefs. The performance is most of the times demonstrational in nature, and 'exposes' some of the secrets of the art, to convey the message that it has nothing to with the supernatural, but essentially trickery.

As most of us understand the first two issues clearly, let me provide hyperlinks to two news articles, to serve as examples for Point 3 and 4, respectively:
(3) - http://www1.timesofindia.indiatimes.com ... d=35003944
(4) - http://www.deccanherald.com/deccanheral ... 004/c7.asp

Hope this serves to further the discussion on this topic ;-)

Nakul

PS: Greg, Sorry for the immense delay in posting a reply. Was way too tied up at work. You have started a very interesting thread! More in my next post...

[Guest]

Hi All,

As I said before this thread has made more than a very interesting read. I too have had the occasion to watch Andre Kole's show when he visited India last, and--while time & opportunity did not allow meeting Andre in person--I have been in touch with Andre ever since through email. He continues to provide much valued input to my research on the communication potential of magic.

The above goes to say that I am not trying to hold Andre in contempt, but only trying to use his shows (which I have seen) to illustrate my views.

Diego mentioned how Andre "explains that after a break, he will talk about how the Gospel became relevant to him and how it can be for others, and those who would not be interested or possibly offended, can use the intermission to leave without embarrassment..."

While I agree, I do have some reservations with this. At least in both the public (ticketed) shows where I saw Andre perform, he said: Later on in the show I will share with you something that I have found of immense value to my life. I have found the truth in it... This Truth that I found, have changed my life greately. I wish to share with you this Truth, so that you too may find your Truth. (This is a recollection, I will try to trace my notes from the show, and post the actual words tomorrow...)

But this I am sure. Nowhere did he mention "God," "Religion," "Christ," and the like. He kept saying that he was going to share some personal feelings with the audience, which some of them may not like... That he was going to give a break, for the benefit of those who did not want to experience this, so that they may leave.

And when the actual moment came, he announced that a break of ONE MINUTE was being given for people who wanted to leave, as he was now going to share his Truth with the audience.... After which (and this is VERY important) the magic show would continue.

And then followed the 20 minute sermon, for the better part of which Andre was doing just that... delivering a sermon.

I was in the audience... I did not see many people leave. I will guess why... Most people did not know it was to be a religious sermon. Most of the rest, wanted to watch the full show... the show for which theyt had paid. Again, it would not really be "Indian culture" to get up and leave like that... We are a pretty "conscious" lot... always wondering what the others might think ;-)

And then when the gospel presentation began... I saw people shift in their seats, felt them feel squeamish, et al. Cause this was not what they expected... not a sermon. Not a religious one at least!

And what happened at the end of the sermon took the cake! The audience was asked to stand up and take part in a prayer... A prayer, may I add, was entirely "Christian" in nature. And VERY out of place, and queer, (to say the least) for an audience comprised of Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, Buddhists, Muslims, Christians, and more...

And then followed a distribution of small chits of paper, where the audience was expected to write in their contact information, and state their thoughts on the "one and only real" Truth.

Having said all that, I must say that Andre is a good performer, and understands totally the impact his shows have on his audience. Andre understands the potential of his art and craft to communicate his message effectively to audiences worldwide.

Although the one problem (?) I see in his "message" per se is that throughout the show he talks about all magic being scientific; that he has not found evidence of ANY supernatural occurrence; that ALL the people who claim paranormal powers and the rest are actually performing magic tricks... And then he starts to talk about his Lord, & Christ, who was the ONLY ONE bestowed with the Powers.

Again, full credit to Andre, as he does put in immense effort in his "disclaimers" to "warn people" to leave, lest their sentiments be hurt.

For in ALL THE OTHER gospel magic performances I witnessed of visiting western magicians in India: there was no disclaimer, no warning, nothing.

Just the message about the only Truth, and the ONLY way to God! And in a country, where the 80 per cent of the people bow in reverence to at least 10,000,000 Gods... ;-)

Nakul

[Guest]

Interesting reading the above recollections. I can only say when I've seen Kole perform, (over 3 decades)the intermission here in the U.S. was longer and relaxed...long enough to do whatever while Andre stood by the souvenir stand and talked to people. My recollection is that Andre made it clear the content and focus of the next part...that most of the "show" was now done, although the last time I saw him, he did say his final (big) illusion would conclude his program, for those who wishes to stay.
I remember the prayer, but remember staying in our seats...but things may have changed with time or venues.
Interesting that a "problem" is Andre's debunking of the (occult/pagan) supernatural, while different than P&T and other skeptics, he is trying to have others use "see what is false, and find what is real."(to him)
Keep in mind, contrary to perceptions of some Christians being close-minded and heavy-handed...those in other religions in India and otherwise, can demonstrate far more bigotry and intorance...witness the constant wars between different (non-Christian) religions.

[Guest]

Thank you for the information Nakul.

All - consider this -- there is a culturally and religiously sensitive world in many places that put magic in a different regard than an American or British mindset of performance cabaret. misic hall, Las Vegas stage or Uncle Harry's darned double lift at Thanksgiving,

This is another reason why I feel using magic for ANY religions' evangelizing is dangerous to the entertainment performance craft.

I think Nakul has only hinted at the fact that ALL USA magicians tend to be branded with the "Christian Missionary" stripe in many portions of India --- by the common man.

So -- let me ask then -- would it be OK for an Ossama Bin Laden missionary to perform a magic carpet illusion and preach the doctrine that the west is evil in Boise without warning????

I spent a week in January asking Jay Marshal, Penn, Teller, Eugene Burger, Obie Obrien, Joe Stevens,Kevin James, Nick Rugierro, Andy Greget, James Randi, Ian Rowland, Tejani, Jerry Andress, Larry Becker, Jamie Ian Swiss, Tommy Wonder, Jim Riser, and quite a few other compeers if they had ever seen or heard of a "political" magician along the lines of Will Rogers, Dennis Miller, Dick Gregory or even Mort Sahl.

While all thought -- most indicated only one piece -- P&Ts flag burning. Other than that most assented that "political magic is too dangerous -- and probably will not get booked."

So the message of magic in politics is dangerous (at least economically) and might even get some people horned off at magicians doing a political head chopper?

Now consider the Indian, Thai and Bangladeshi view of American Magic. Ya gotta be a Christian to come here perform it -- and give a Christian message. If we want to see magic -- we do not have to put up with this,

I agree bookers in major cities in these nations -- can cut through the problems in some venues, (particularly western tourist hotels) for the educated and wealthy --- but if we entertain PEOPLE of these nations, not just the wealthy and western tourist-- what is the people's perception of what we perform and why we perform it.

Penn has a great phrase in his CBC show with Teller while in India -- "I am not a god man" . In this context "God Man" one who does magic so you will follow him (or his religion) as a god. Only after that statement was interpreted to people in some crowds did the PEOPLE seem to relax and enjoy the show.

I apologize to those reading this thread who may think I am anti-religious. While no longer a member of any organized sect (I am a democrat, however, a disorganozed sect) I strongly subscribe to the principle that each person has the right to worship who, what when and where they may > Also believe that they must show me the same respect as a matter of human respect.

Unannounced evangelizing in a magic show offers me no respect for my beliefs -- and realizing that lack of respect I am proud, not shamed\, to walk out.

BTW -- in Andre's last two shows I attended as a paying admission -- I knew the message was coming -- and stayed as my choice to see the complete show.

I have purchased and read Andre's books and disagree with some of what he says for me -- but it works for him. He is an admirable, sterling individual, one of the prolific inventors of good solid performance magic in the vast wasteland of rip-offs we see daily. He is, in person, a respectful gentleman, not a raviong thumper.

Now -- reflect a recent setg incidents here in Tucson. One individual started booking a series of birthday parties. Not a bad magician -- but he always would include Christian propaganda tricks in the shows,k at first an unannounced surprise to the adult party hosts. He performed a bit -- and the Christian hosts though nothing of it. At first, the Jewish and Muslim kidsi were taken by surprise -- and finally their parents -- for good reason I think -- would not let their children attend parties thrown by their classmates if this individual was to appear. (And in fact -- a few, because they did not know this guy's name -- any magic show or party.)

That separated -- even segregated these kids of other religions as from their peerrs as "other." And I do not think second and third graders need to be subjected to evangelizing at a magic performance without the host or parents of attendees knowing what was coming. Christian homes having thjs guy in did not understand why such cute bible stories would be offensive to their child's classmates.

To me -- that is a form of reprehensible cultural and religious imperialism by an adult magician who should have known better.

He is now a full time Christian Magic minister traveling the world -- and a few American citizen Jewish and Muslim kids feel a little more allienated -- from peers and magic.

And that is just one of the reasons I feel this practice of preempting magic performance to push any religion can be a danger to the whole of the craft.

I am sorry if my tolerance of other people's beliefs and honoring who they are and choose to be offends anyone. I know that prosceletizing magicians feel their belief demands they continue. But I prefer they not put the art of what I practice or believe down -- or minimze my beliefs -- or attack my brand of magic throuigh discounting my belief of what they may be doing to the art.

Saying that -- I know that Paul Albestat has had some conversations on what he does on occassions that people start believing 100 per cent in his cold reading skills and magic. His approach seems, mostly, well thought out and humanely applied. Paul knows he is talented -- but like Penn -- he knows he is not a "God Man."

GC

[Guest]

Originally posted by payne:
I've always felt that using magic or any other medium to inflict the gospel upon the unsuspecting cheapens the message.
If the message is so strong why do you need to trick people into hearing it?

Payne,

While I agree with your thought, my fears are in the opposite...

I have found Magic to be so powerful a medium of communication that--when used in an effective way--it can make the message overpowering, and literally "force-feed" its way into a person's mind.

The fear is that using magic as the medium might just make the "message" (whether right/wrong) so strong that it might NOT be not-accepted!

Nakul

[Guest]

Originally posted by Jonathan Townsend:
Using magic to illustrate ideas seems a good idea. There is a general caution about matters of faith being diminished by demonstrations.

Likewise, when the illustration becomes confused with the subject illustrated... we will have problems. The map is not the terrain.

Exactly. "When effectively used" it is too powerful a medium. So much so that it might prevent the audience from being able to refuse the message communicated.

The two primary (interconnected) reasons for this are:

ONE : Association
An effective and efficient performance of magic may ensure that the audience (mis)associates you with a psychic or godman, or a person with (genuine) powers.

TWO : Perception
The above (mis)association automatically takes the message to another level. Your thought / communication may be perceived to be Truism.

Most of us have got into many a (un)pleasant situations where after an hours performance of performing magic, members of the audience have approached us to "find utility" in our "powers".

Notwithstanding the fact that we "made known" during the performance what we presented was accomplished using science at various levels, or at times more clearly as owing to sleight of hand and misdirection.

But the people still come, as they KNOW, what we are doing is GENUINE powers. What is to prevent them from (mis)understanding our communication as being the one and only truth?

Nakul

[Guest]

Originally posted by Ron Giesecke:
Danny Korem has, I think done the best job of fusing these two things, but I also tend to agree that any message can be lost if oversaturated in a magic routine. It reminds me of a television commercial that is so hilarious, that when it's over, I have no idea what company, product or cause was being put forth anyway.

Well put, Ron. That's the whole issue: To be able to communicate the message effectively and efficiently.

The entertainment value of the commercial may have been so great, that the message was forgotten. In using magic the dangers are manifold, as here it may not only be the entertainment value, or the story, but the effect per se that might be so powerful that the message might be lost.

Using a non-magical example, the right mix may lie in the difference between Public Relations and Advertisement. To communicate the message effectively, Magic too needs to be subtle like PR, and not as blatant as advertising.

Originally posted by Diego Domingo:
I find it interesting when some question the use of performing magic,(or other forms of entertainment) to present,(some would say "force-fed", others would say "share") the Gospel or other religious message, when I have yet to hear anyone take issue with the fine performers/people, who use magic, to present/promote, (financed by the corporations that make them) beer, liquor, tobacco, and other corporations, whose products, do nothing but hurt and kill people.

Diego, I loved this point, and I agree totally.

The hindrance is that most of us do not really understand the impact of a "magical communication". And that is why the morality aspect is seldom discussed.

I guess once we realise that the medium is so powerful that it has the potential to communicate like no other, we will sit down and bring the morality and ethicality into question.

Nakul

[Guest]

Yes, Diego. "One minute" was what was announced, and the show resumed in less than that time period. Again, for a show held in an open school playground, for a mixed audience of 5,000 plus, even a five minute break to "leave" would cause too much confusion and unrest... Bearing that in mind, I guess the "continue with the Big Illusion" bit may be a tool to dissuade people from leaving... After all, he wouldn't really want the audience to leave.

Like you said, the show and content must surely depend on the organisers and the venue. Again, I wonder if Andre knew if what his audience comprised of. It might be interesting to know, if he indeed knew that the audience was a mix-bag, and comprised of people from all faiths and religions.

This would also impact my perception of the other western magicians that I witnessed in various schools and colleges, and in public shows, who were essentially funded and brought to India by the various evangelistic organisations. Did they know who their audience was?

Coming back to the prayer: Most public functions in India begin with a prayer (invocation). So while it is quite a common sight for the audience to stand up in reverence (faith no bar) at a public gathering for the invocation, the prayer... your must be knowing the words by now ;-)... was not very well received, as the words denoted accepting and inviting a God into the person's life.

I mentioned in one of my earlier posts that gospel magic was seldom seen in India through the hands of Indian magicians. But what is equally interesting (?) is the fact that most of the magicians who do perform gospel magic are associated with the Church, as in are either a Rev. Father, or a Brother.

In this context, it is indeed interesting when the said individuals in their sermons admonish all "magic" to be the work of Satan, and later on use "magic" to propagate the gospel.

Nakul

PS: Hope I am not making too many a post ;-)

[Guest]

Remember when some knock "magic", they are referring to (presumed)"occult/psychic" magic, not entertainment. Be careful of blurring the lines, while in India and other places, those lines are blurred already.
Kole probably DID know the make-up of the audience,(he's in India, not Memphis) and most important, Andre and most Gospel magicians, would WANT the opportunity to give their message to the non/other believers, so they can hopefully become believers...he is interested in evangelizing others, he doesn't want to just, "preach to the choir".
Also, as noted in other threads, remember their are those who will be impacted by what they see and hear, (even it is a poor presentation) and those who, (while watching even the best presentation) will shrug their shoulders and say, "It was an alright show, where are we going for dinner?", and forget you the next day.

[Bill Palmer]

I think I should post about a friend of mine who, sadly, is no longer with us. He was a minister in a rather strict branch of Christianity, and an amateurish magician. He had a tendency to perform magic during his sermons, and do it very badly. Those of us in the local clubs tried to work with him to get him to improve his performances, but he just didn't seem to think it was important.

It was, though. The elders of his church warned him that they were tired of the magic in the sermons. He should have taken the hint. After repeated warnings, they fired him.

That was his last preaching gig.

The only message he ever seemed to really be able to communicate with his magic was the value of practicing more.

[Guest]

Well said, Diego.
Yes. There are all kinds of audiences. The point is there are all sorts of magicians too. And the effectiveness of a message being communicated is naturally totally dependent on the performing (and convincing) capabilities of the magician.

Bill : The case you mention about your friend, while being sad, is entirely true in many other cases. Most magicians in India are NOT what people would consider good performers. Many (actually a majority) have learnt ALL their magic from dealer items and the description sheets that accompany these items. And as such their performance is limited to the same.

To All:
The major question seems to be revolving around good, better, and exceptional performers, who can actually influence the audience with their performance. I feel it is at thie juncture that the question of ethics comes in - The question of using a medium way too powerful.

Remember magic is integral to ancient cultures & civilizations like India... where the use of "magic" in its varied forms has consistently been associated with society and religion... and thus people's life.

Nakul

[Guest]

Again -- Nakul - thank you for articulating the point I want to discuss much better than I have.

Magic is a powerful dramatic tool. Like a gun --- it can be unloaded and used as a prop -- such as in Commercial Trade Show magic where we stop a crowd to actually look at the product -- which has nothing to do with magic. Comedy magic often loads the gun with blanks -- noisy and fun -- but blanks.

But when magic is loaded with message -- it IS a loaded gun. Our dramatic and philosphical statments can -- and many time do -- go to the core of someone's beliefs. Witness cold readers who get a following. And then some cold readers start believing -- that the thing they portray is para-real. The compliments and return following they get (and not to mention the money) offers them a power that can turn corrosive quickly. This power is not available to them if they just do "shows" and do not present an image that they "believe" as would a shut-eye.

There are many stories of method actors who cannot get out of character after the drama is done. Many magicians get into this frame of mind and do not realize it. Alter ego in performance becomes the full time presenting personality.

Let's face it -- magicians, in show business -- are low men on the totem pole for the most part. They get a lot less respect than Rodney Dangerfield could ever complain of. Some even earn disrespect.

Magic is powerful. So is religious belief. When a person who does not deserve respect tries to mix the two -- it is truly russian roulette --- for the perception of the whole craft of performance magic, IMHO.

Let us look at the life arc of L. Ron Hubbard if we want a non-magic comparison -- or that of John Edward and Uri Geller if you want magical techniques used for another message. Look at the impact of Richardi's sawing --- on a sophisticated crowd.

That is NOT to say we should eschew message magic and the mysteries we present --BUT--- I feel it is our duty to warn the audience about it before the show and chance losing a few ticket sales. This can be done in many legitimate ways.

GC

GC

[Guest]

I'm a bit confused about the main topic here. I read that India is more 'diverse' than the US, actually it isn't, which makes me wonder about the use of the word and thus the writer. While not an advocate of Gospel magic I was suprised at the implication that hords of incompitent Gospel Magicians from the US are rampaging across India and the rest of Asia. Who are these magicians and how long do you believe they will be tormenting the poor people in that region? Those countries have the right and power to deport those horrible Gospel magicians and thus avoid the same 'pickle' the US is in, what ever that is suppose to mean.

I applaud those that tried to salvage the thread but the main point still leaves me puzzled.
Steve V

[GAMOLO]

Dear Diego....re: Gandi on religion:"God has no right to appear to mankind in any form...except as a loaf of bread."

[Jonathan Townsend]

Originally posted by Steve V':
...hords of incompetent Gospel [Magicians] from the US are rampaging across India and the rest of Asia. ...

The topic and subject of unintended consequences of half hearted and misguided teaching of Christianity was broached and framed in that wonderful book The Screwtape Letters by C. S. Lewis.

Incompetent or not, do we really care that competing franchises of faith are using our toys in their turf war? Is faith A better than faith B because its proponents use David Copperfield's leftovers while the guy representing faith B is using Doug Henning's leftovers? Is the faith with the best tricks the best faith? This seems the sort of mixed message that erodes credibility and faith.

Imagine this sort of comercial: Coming up later tonight we have Jacques Cousteau and the Masked Magician presenting "An hour with Chuthulu"... with the new message that Sometimes you need all Eight arms to Lend a Hand, and that classic message of hope ...The Deep Ones care Deeply.

[Steve V]

I don't think Gospel should be put into magical presentation. Magic can be done at churches etc. as a draw to get people in front of the minister or priest but I have no use for presenting Prof. Nightmare as the trilogy. What I'm questioning here is some of what this fellow from Tucson is implying about this country. I'd like to see one or two sentences explaining his position rather than having to dig through the rambling and trying to determine what is being stated. If one can't come out and just say it them perhaps it isn't as valid as one thinks.
Steve V

[Guest]

Steve:

Since you ask, here are some of the reasons I started this thread, but the ideas are complex -- and I cannot put it into a one or two minute soundbite. There is too much consideration in this subject to sell it a short shrift by minimizing the discussion or airing the impact of what I perceive as threats to magical entertainment performances.

One way to put it bluntly is that I am of the studied opinion that religious imperialism demonstrated by the Christian Magicians from the USA, who go to "poor heathen countries" to perform and evangelize, stands a very good chance of distancing a great piece of the public in that country from our seeing craft as entertainment and forcing the rest of us who are not "Christian Magicians" to accept an ascription of a value to our work we may prefer not to receive, one thaty culture would find as negative.

If the citizens of those nations (specifically India, Thailand, Bangladesh) where the evangelism through magic occurs, and that public identifies our western brand of magic entertainment with Christian evangelism -- the cultural interchange of a broad range of ideas presented through plain entertainment shuts down.

To me that is a threat.

Please note that Nakul Shanoy, a citizen of India, has indicated this has been the case he has run into a n umber of times during his work toward his doctoral degree. His specializationincludes studies of the communication of messages in magic, particularly if they can be used for public health, commercial uses and the very secular ideas of hygene, reading, birth control and even banking.

I also feel, from an opinion I draw from my studies of cults, religions and societal philosophies as a reporter and writer, that in the messages of cultural exchange and friendship that can be offered by magical entertainment, that the addition of this type of evangelism exported as magical entertainment, creates a mutual and residual schizmogenesis between us and a world population. This is particularly true when tis type of show is presented in a culture without the thoughtful permission OF THE AUDIENCE to receive a message in this way. That is how many of the magical ministers are now preaching their gospelk message abroad.

Several of our local (very good magical moves, studied in the craft and very earnest earnest in evangerlical belief) Christian missionary magicians have discussed being chased down streets by mobs because of their springing or broadcasting a gospel presentation to unsuspecting audience in a town that thought they were there to entertain and discovered otherwise.

What happens to the next American performer if he plays that same theater with a secular entertainment magical show? Or, more so, how does this harm ticket sales for western magic of pure entertainment in that locale??

I can take the economic impact of fundamentalist groups staying away from my shows because they "magic is evil" in the US. Their right to stay away is proitedcted. But to alienate the population another country? Then have thise people subscribe to the erroneous belief all western magicians are evangelicals?? No thanks.

In my 62 years with travels throughout the world I can tell you that I have learned that religious zealotry makes martyrs and victims, not friends. It creates solid and impenetrable communication blocks. Each person's beliefs are very personal and I believe if they seek religion, great, if they seek magical entertainmentm great. But, look at how our own community receives the work of Uri Geller or John Edward because it impinges on various belief and ethical systems.

When belief is introduced cold in the face of an unsuspecting audience, the vast majority of the audoience will shut down chances for two way communication, often for extended periods. this is especially true if they paid for entertainment and got a sermon thrown in that might be in conflict with their beliefs. Very little dialogue with ideas can take place. And if that is the only representative they see of our community?

Again - I ask -- how would you feel if a magician, dressed as a Genii sitting on a carpet suspension started preaching how right Osama Ben Laden might be in your local theater???? And how would you think of the next guy who showed up in a genii costume???

There are other threats I see.

First, I do not want anyone to feel I am attacking their beliefs. ATo me knee jerk reation to the exchange of ideas about magic and religion is to be dogmatic about one's own beliefs. That too can be a shut-down.

I do want to thoughfully discuss an area offering some consideration of what these evangelical ministers are doing and how it affects the relationships of the rest of our magic community with other world cultures and peoples.

BTW -- after hearing public radio today -- do we have any Wiccan magicians on board who prosceletize with magic???

With Respect,
C. H. Mara

[Guest]

Originally posted by Steve V:
I don't think Gospel should be put into magical presentation. Magic can be done at churches etc. as a draw to get people in front of the minister or priest but I have no use for presenting Prof. Nightmare as the trilogy.

Steve,

The discussion here is indeed about the morality and ethicality of using magic as a medium / tool of communication to propagate the gospel, akin to communicating other issues of social relevance.

For example, some magician friends of mine in India have great use of the Professor's nightmare to communicate the need and importance of the pulse polio campaign to eradicate polio.

Having said that I agree with you that magic should not be used to communicate the gospel (of ANY religion) IF that is what you meant.

Nakul

[Guest]

Originally posted by C.H.Mara:
I do want to thoughfully discuss an area offering some consideration of what these evangelical ministers are doing and how it affects the relationships of the rest of our magic community with other world cultures and peoples.

And as for me, (in addition to the above) I would be keen on gaining any perspective on the use of magic for communication per se whether it is religious, social, or rationalist... ;-)

Nakul

[Steve V]

Yup, any religion.

Now I get it. You've a problem with the only exposure to magic as a form of entertainment often found in parts of the world not familiar with said magic is by Gospel Magicians. The end result being that when a standard magician tries to hit the same areas folks don't want to deal with the preaching aspect. Makes sense. I wasn't aware there was such a problem with Gospel magicians but I can see it. I've encountered 'evangelist' around the world that iritated the local folks. Most were not religious in nature (typically a pair of angry women who happen to be communist thinking they are 'saving' the locals) but I do know how locals can react to extremes.
Steve V

[Guest]

First of all, the dogma of "Hell on earth", can be demonstrated and experienced by audiences that are subjected to see, ANOTHER performance of, "Professor's Nightmare!" (Mother of Mercy!)

As we read between and (now)on the lines, Mr. Mara does have a view/agenda/concern,(take your pick) about evangelical Christianity being propagated/shared/forced,(take your pick) in foreign (often 3rd world) countries...the impact on other magicians and/or international relations, and the cultures of different people.
Again, the larger question may not belong in this Forum.
This fixation on Christian magicians, is not unlike those who look at someone, Hugh Hefner, Dr. Spock, or Rush Limbaugh as the cause of our being in "a pickle". (Old Yiddish expression: "To a worm in a jar of horseraddish, everything is horseraddish!")

Despite this tunnel vision, (and not having been in India) I really doubt Christian magicians are causing this much trouble...I will hazard that in India, most magicians are not perceived by 3rd world populations as Christian/evangelical magicians.("The guy is doing magic with doves, watch out, I bet he's going to insert a sermon on the holy spirit, from Acts 2, chapter 5!"

Remember Christian magicians are everywhere,(don't get paranoid) but more commonly in the U.S.
I don't see American audiences worried about the next magician doing a Gospel presentation, and I really doubt all (western) magicians, are perceived as evangelists, and I doubt they are hurting the opportunities of ALL of us(?!) who want to go to India to perform. (Top of my list!)

I am very glad you have been able to withstand the boycott of the fundamentalists,(many who do like magic and other entertainment anyway.) who must be the reason for any empty seats, you hopefully don't have, when you perform.
I doubt Coppperfield, or others are hurting, because of a Christian magician, who has "burned up the territory", before them....especially since most Gospel magicians still appear in churches or venues sponsored by churches.
(Interesting to note Kole's promo video is hosted by Copperfield.)

Yes the "Imperialism" of the west is/has been a concern, whether it is The Gospel, rap music, or Barbi Dolls, but (now native) evangelicalism is a strong, self-growing movement
in many 3rd world countries....who while learning the methods of their western brothers, have appropiated these evangelistic techniques for themselves.

Yes, there are sometimes negative reactions to their messages, and that happens. If Madonna tears up the Pope's photo on national TV, she will receive negative reactions of others. (Fortunately, in the U.S. she is just booed off stage, no mobs chasing her as in other countries.)
Likewise if a floating genii talked about the benefits of his religion, OK, if he talked about how "right" terrorist acts against the U.S. are...there maybe WOULD be mobs chasing him!

Again, some wonder HOW can someone share/intrude their message, others ask how can they NOT share/intrude their message.

I'm going back to worrying about the Tri-Lateral Commission and The Illuminati!

[Dustin Stinett]

Originally posted by Diego Domingo:
If Madonna tears up the Pope's photo on national TV...

In all fairness to Madonna, it was Sinead O'Conner who did this on Saturday Night Live (about ten years ago now).