Magic! Some people love magicians. They don't want to know the secrets; they revel in the mystery! Other people only just tolerate illusionists because they get frustrated if they cant work out the secrets! In some circles, however, "magic" is a dirty word. It is associated with evil, and the occult. Even stage magicians are looked at suspiciously.
Jim Reiher began his hobby of doing magic when he was a boy. After a decade or so, when he was about 20, he met some 'extreme fundamentalist Christians' who were sure that his hobby of "slight of hand" was really a sinful past-time, done in league with the Devil.
This lighthearted book tells us the story of Jim's journey with his hobby of magic. It also reflects on his encounters with folk who thought he was sinning against God and mankind, and his survival through those encounters. He gives the reader practical tips for how to avoid (or at least not be pulled down by) such encounters and traumas. He also shares different skills and tips for how to be a successful performer.
For the Christian reader, the most important thing this book communicates, is to find your special gifting, your talent, your unique ability - and to pursue it with all your might! Jim encourages the reader not to be "put off" by anyone who tries to smoother their dreams or their gifts. He calls for graciousness and co-existence.
In the midst of it all, Jim shares some of his favorite card tricks (with the secrets); he shares the way to combine magic with clowning (for those so inclined); and he demonstrates ways to turn a magic trick, into a vehicle for sharing a meaningful message. Jim also tackles head-on, criticisms leveled against the popular "Harry Potter" stories, and he calls on fundamentalists to put the fun back into their fundamentalism.
An easy and enjoyable read that will inspire you to do what you love, despite the critics!
Reiher, Jim: -
Jim Reiher lives in Melbourne Australia. He has four adult children and lots of grandchildren. Jim writes both fiction and non-fiction.
Regarding most of his non-fiction, Jim's serious side comes out, although sometimes he writes his non-fiction with humor, too ('Confessions of a Christian Magician' is a good example of that). Jim is a respected Australian Biblical scholar, with a MA in Theology with Honors, and 13 years of full time lecturing in Bible Colleges. Jim has published a number of books on topics ranging from Tarot Cards, to the Equality of Women in the Church, to how politics works in Australia. He has also written a number of commentaries on different New Testament books and letters: the Epistle of James, the Book of Acts, and most recently the Gospel of Mark.
Jim enjoys a nice quiet walk in 'the middle of no where'; a good movie; a good book; playing ten-pin bowling; writing; and spending time with his children and grandchildren.
