Religion vs magic

Coming from a strong Christian background (though I no longer consider myself Christian), I will answer this from my perspective of what I feel today.

Simply put, if God is a just god, as the Bible claims then he will honor all walks of life that have adhered to Christ's basic philosophy (which is also the same teachings in nearly all religions). That is, love for all, acceptances of everyone, and to do no harm. I believe that if the Christian God exists as Christ taught, then he will welcome those who have tried lived a good and just life.

After all, the Bible even says that every man must find his own path to salvation. :)

Mathew, you are perfectly fine however you choose to be. If it's okay between you and God, no one else's opinion should matter.

I also disagree that most religions teach love all, accept all, and harm none. Saying that many do, or that some do would be far more accurate.

Personally, I believe that Magick is a natural phenomona that every person can take part in. Physics states that for every action there is a equal and opposite reaction, and that's true for metaphysical and supernatural things too. so if Science and logic is the "Action", then Magick and faith is the "equal and opposite 'reaction'".

Religiously I am a Hellenistic Pagan witch, and I believe in sevral (mostly Greek) Gods and Goddesses, and use magick religiously, and recreationally.

Christians doing magic is normal. It's actually written about quite prolifically in the book if you read it. And miracles after all are just a fancy way of saying God magic. The only magic which is frowned about in the Bible is "black magic" (which is a broad term eh? And no clear cut definition) and necromancy (which gives rise to the question about communion with saints).

Just about every religion if you read their books is okay with God-centric magic so long as it doesn't harm others. People really need to read their books before they start quoting from them.

I believe that you can do what you want in this case; ethical issues will probably only arise from your own sense of guilt. A guilt you should not have to carry.

I feel that if you are a 'true' christian, then you wouldn't consider magick to be acceptable.
Real story, I saw a book recently about Christian Magick and sharted out laughing. It's an oxymoron.
"And thou shall cast a circle, and call upon the spirits for your personal needs and wishes" The Book of Lol 45:16-98
Cus like it says somewhere in the Bible (tl;dr) not to worship anyone but him right? So in a sense you'd be cheating on him working with other spirits(?).
ANYWAY
The way I see it, is that magick isn't a religion at all, there are no 'set ways' in one book that everyone can follow. What works for some people might now work for others, which is why people will say it's an individual's own journey for and of their own self. The fact of the matter is, if you feel what's working for you spiritually is acceptable- then it is, though there is so much more you can spiritually accomplish if you focus solely on magick.
XOXO

Please note- I've never been with a religion or taken part in any religious activities in my life- so if I got anything skewed don't bombard me with 'facts' and stuff plox
I'm just going off of what I do know.

Most christian witches find it easier to coexist apart from organized religion. The bible is the lazy mans way of spreading the word of god. Lol. The stories of the old testament are just that. Stories. When jesus died for our sins it washed away sin from all of mankind.

The relationship between you and your god is a personal one. Religions may give a general idea about the god or goddess in a group of people to help build that relationship as an individual. It's kind of like a starting point.

I do not believe a religion should affect someone's magical workings; however, I do believe it is the person's choice to believe certain aspects that belong to that particular religion. Every religion has it's downfalls to someone's own perspective. Your religion can affect your perspectives and thoughts on areas of other religions because that is how you were raised and what you lived by. Every religion is a belief by humans and it's your choice to go by the wordings of a group of people or from one man or woman.

I view magick as a natural thing that occurs to everyone rather or not you practice it.

Some of the most well known magick systems were created by Jewish and Christian magicians. Have you read the old grimoires?

Eliphas Levi is among my favorite past magicians and authors and he was a priest excommunicated by the church due to his writings and practice. His views were very Christian but he was also an incredible magick practitioner.