Cases of Casuistry about Magic

Abstract

Two cases (regarding magic) from a collection of Friedrich Balduin's responses to a variety of issues that came up in the early 17th Century Lutheran Church. Translated by Joel Vogel.

This translation by Joel Vogel presents Friedrich Balduin’s theological analysis of magic within early 17th-century Lutheran thought. Case II explores whether Christians may use magical arts in good conscience, distinguishing natural phenomena from forbidden magic. Balduin condemns all forms of magic not rooted in natural causes or divine will, citing figures like Paracelsus and Agrippa as dangerously misleading. He argues that such practices invoke demonic power and violate Scripture. Case III examines whether healing words or miracle-inducing phrases constitute magic. Balduin critiques incantations, even those using sacred names, as ineffective or demonic unless aligned with God’s will. He emphasizes that true healing comes from divine grace, not ritualistic formulas. Both cases reinforce a strict Lutheran rejection of magical arts, grounded in biblical law, church tradition, and moral theology. — Abstract generated by Microsoft Copilot (GPT-4)