A Conversation on Christian Magic

Magic is still a contested term in the various academic disciplines that wrestle with it, and its history is one that is always tumultuous, controversial, and politically charged. Within the scope of Christianity, which ritual acts of power were sanctified as miracles—and which were condemned as sorcery—have long served myriad political purposes. Yet tangled within the bloodied histories of witch crazes, inquisitions, and the persecution of heresies lie the disparate yet deeply embedded heartbeats of traditions of what we might call “Christian magic”. From the necromantic practices and spells of early Christians, the folk Catholic and Orthodox cunning crafts, to the literary grimoire traditions and more, this discussion explores the presence of “magic” in Christianity across various literary and oral permutations. This event will take place in University College, room 144 Featuring: Katarina Pejovic - PhD Candidate in Religious Studies Host: Daniel Greig - Student of Cognitive Science and Philosophy at U of T Organized through the support of the U of T Jungian Society A Conversation on Christian Magic took place on Oct. 24th, 2019 at the University of Toronto's University College