Religion asks and petitions and loves and honors. Magic tries to make things happen by using specific words and actions. Sometimes magic masquerades as religion. To wear a cross, a pentacle, a Star of David or other symbol as a sign of your belief is one thing. But to think that a specific rendition of this symbol has somehow been activated to bring good fortune or blessings on the holder is something else entirely. This is like trying to manipulate God: Wear this pendant and God will bless the holder, whether He wants to or not.
Furthermore, it is quite possible to integrate religion, magic, and science as one aggregate—the most obvious way is to pray that the magic or science will work, or to ask for God's blessing on what is to be accomplished. But, one must ask, is this really any different from praying for help or blessing in any other endeavor? Indeed, people do not pray every time they turn on a light switch, or start their car or computer, because they expect these......
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