Magic and supernatural might often work as synonyms, but I still think hearing God called “magic” is not generally accepted, even if “supernatural” is.
Your point is well taken about D&D—although I wasn’t proposing that we actually use the D&D system to describe the belief system. I was expressing regret that a similar dichotomy doesn’t exist within the language already.
Your point is well taken about D&D—although I wasn’t proposing that we actually use the D&D system to describe the belief system. I was expressing regret that a similar dichotomy doesn’t exist within the language already.
I suppose that’s because the concept of “arcane magic”, is largely a modern invention of the fantasy genre, where it is portrayed essentially as a fictional science and technology.
Historically, some forms of mysticism such as alchemy and astrology, or more generally “natural philosophy”, had some elements of what we could describe as “arcane magic”, and in fact they eventually evolved into the modern sciences of chemistry, astronomy and physics. However, what was traditionally regarded as “magic” or “sorcery” in Abrahamic religions, was always believed to involve some kind of deal with evil spirits or the devil.
Magic and supernatural might often work as synonyms, but I still think hearing God called “magic” is not generally accepted, even if “supernatural” is.
Your point is well taken about D&D—although I wasn’t proposing that we actually use the D&D system to describe the belief system. I was expressing regret that a similar dichotomy doesn’t exist within the language already.
I suppose that’s because the concept of “arcane magic”, is largely a modern invention of the fantasy genre, where it is portrayed essentially as a fictional science and technology.
Historically, some forms of mysticism such as alchemy and astrology, or more generally “natural philosophy”, had some elements of what we could describe as “arcane magic”, and in fact they eventually evolved into the modern sciences of chemistry, astronomy and physics.
However, what was traditionally regarded as “magic” or “sorcery” in Abrahamic religions, was always believed to involve some kind of deal with evil spirits or the devil.