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Sunday, July 8, 2012

Bishop C. H. Mason, Pentecostalism, Magic & Divination. A Response To The Critic


Recently an apparent attack was levied against the founder of the Church Of God In Christ, Bishop C.H. Mason, claiming that he had used the art of Black magic and divination as a method to both divine the Saints of God and deliver the message of Pentecostalism to his followers.

Although Pentecostalism and Mason has had their fair share of critics over the years, this particular attack seemed to have been  inspired in part by the book "Black Magic: Religion And The African American Conjuring Tradition" by Yvonne Chireau University Of CA press 2006.

The book builds upon the assertion that post slavery spiritual ethics revolved around  the use of special material objects as a source of power. As stated in the excerpt, (pg. 111) Bishop Mason would illustrate his sermons by pointing out "earthly signs" and "freaks of nature". What is not discussed as much, is that these "illustrations" were used to deliver analogies in order to support a spiritual point. What was also overlooked was the Jesus often did as much using common and natural objects to illustrate spiritual points or make spiritual teachings. I'll discuss that more specifically toward the end of the article.

Clarifying The Confusion 

Now, the author didn't seem to have studied enough for this compilation of information. Though it wasn't short on information or historical research, it was woefully short on responsible delivery and handling of the information. The author misinterprets the setting of African American response to biblical instructions at the turn of the century, and how biblical commands were carried out within the Black community in general. In addition the author incorrectly classifies all meta-spiritual occurrences  as magic, further exacerbating the problem by lumping all classes of these occurrences together as one or a singular type of event; ie: Black Magic. This is an incorrect and, in my opinion, unscholarly approach set on course by a presupposition which leads to an incorrect examination of the causes that inspired and under girds reported spiritual events, miracles and observations. One can't assume that because mysticism occurred among African cultures that their descendants were inclined to the same type and practices of mysticism. This is a stereotype and a boarder-line insult if not an out right insult on all Black people who hold to and value their spirituality and in particularly their relationship to Christ.


Magic 

Magic can be equivalent to deception, manipulation and illusion. Magic can also invoke the supernatural.  Nevertheless, magic is a man inspired effort and a man or self exalting venture. Magic seeks to alter the outcome or the course of events or things.

In the same class of things is what is called divination, however there is a difference. As opposed to magic, divination seeks to determine what course of action should be taken. With qualification, the bible condemns all forms of divination that do not include or that bypasses God as its author and as its subject.

It seems that some people are offended to find that God DID NOT take the approach to exclude divination from processes that dealt with his people and his instructions to Israel. God's instructions against this and all non God directed forms of metapsiritual techniques is found in Deut. 18:9-14. Here is the scripture:

9-When thou art come into the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not learn to do after the abominations of those nations. 10-There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, 11-Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. 12-For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD: and because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee. 13-Thou shalt be perfect with the LORD thy God. 14-For these nations, which thou shalt possess, hearkened unto observers of times, and unto diviners: but as for thee, the LORD thy God hath not suffered thee so to do. 

Seeming contrary to modern understanding, God often directed or allowed his people to use methods of divination under his direction. A classic example is the use of the Thummim and Urim. God used these objects as a divining method to communicate with his people. These objects, which were jewels, crystals or stones, were supposed to be with the spiritual leader of the people and were a medium by which the Priest would consult with God.

Deut. 33:8 ~And of Levi he said, Let thy Thummim and thy Urim be with thy holy one, whom thou didst prove at Massah, and with whom thou didst strive at the waters of Meribah;  

Another example is the fleece of Gideon (Judges 6) which was also a form of divination, but was acceptable because the appeal to it was to God. Another form of divination was the lifting up of the serpent in the wilderness to be healed. (Nu. 21:9, Jn. 3:14). This was another form of divination, but the appeal was to God and not the serpent. In the NT, the Magi (Mt. 2) were diviners practicing astrology and astronomy looking at the stars, but yet God spoke to them and told them where to go by following the star in the East. 

Now before one gets all self-righteous and condemns what I am saying as strictly ancient Old Testament (OT) practices or something ungodly...In the New Testament (NT) we see the use of what can be identified as divination under the direction or allowance of God when the Apostles were seeking to replace Judas Apostleship. They did what was called "cast lots".

Acts 1:26 ~ And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

This was done before the Holy Ghost was given in Acts 2. After Acts 2, we observe handkerchiefs and aprons being delivered from the body of Apostles Paul (Acts 19:12) to heal the sick and even cast out demons. Where these things normal? NO. They were in the true form of miracles. Were these things prohibited forms of divination, deception or illusions? NO. They were authentic demonstrations of the power of God and the people, through the objects, looked to God and him only for the manifestation of power and blessing. 

Debunking Myths

What is notable is that it was not a stretch of the imagination in 1st century Jewish thought to seek God looking to determine his direction and intervention through what appears to be prohibited and condemned actions or ungodly practices. 

From an honest study of the material and information that we have regarding the subject, one would have to conclude that God allowed and spoke through certain practices affirming his will to the people of God throughout scripture. Unless one assumes that from Deut to Acts, divination or practices of this sort simply did not occur and suddenly reappeared decisively due to apostasy or Hellenization, it would be hard to explain why we see what we see in scripture, unless the understanding was that God allowed such practices with the condition that believers would trust him to speak through the use of certain devices. 

It is also clearly evident that the NT church under the direction of the Holy Ghost, promoted and used certain practices in their growth, development and ministry to the people that some would consider to be forms of divination today. The myth is that all practices were the same. By scripture we observe that they were not one in the same and all actions were to be directed towards and centered upon Christ. 

We must be clear, Bishop C.H. Mason DID NOT perform or do any practice that would have been considered Black Magic, divination, or spirit channeling etc. Neither did inanimate objects speak to him or give him messages or revelations. The accusation that any of those things occurred is based on lies, a conflation and mishandling of information, and an appeal to both modern historical and biblical ignorance on the subject in general.

Closer Examination Of The 2 Practices In Question

What the author of the book is pointing out are types of divination called RHABDOMANCY and HEPATOSCOPY. These were types of divination that used the reading of sticks or reeds thrown into the air or the natural positioning of natural objects or the entrails of animals, especially the liver, to determine what the will of God was. 

Let's take a more indepth examination of both practices: 
RHABDOMANCY is the term for using divining by rods, derived from the Greek word meaning "a rod" and "divination." The practice was alluded to by Sir Thomas Browne (1605-1682), "As for the divination or decision of the staff, it is an augrial relic, and the decision thereof is accused by God Himself. `My people asked counsel of their stocks, and their staff declareth unto them.' Of this kind was that practised by Nabuchadonosor in that Caldean miscellany delivered by Ezekiel." 
In John Brand's Observations of Popular Antiquities (1777; 1813), the following description was cited from a manuscript on Discourse of Witchcraft written by Mr. John Bell (1705), which was delivered from the Theophylact: "To set up two staffs, and having whispered some verses and incantations, the staffs fell by the operation of demons. Then they considered which way each of them fell, forward or backward, to the right or left hand, and agreeably gave responses, having made use of the fall of their staffs for signs." 
This was the Grecian method of rhabdomancy which Saint Jerome took as being the same as the method alluded to in the above passage from Hosea and in Ezekiel XXI:21, 22, were it is thought "arrows" might have been used.From the above is it easy to see how belomancy and rhabdomancy are frequently confused. In all historical incidents one is not certain whether they are identical practices or different. The practice seemed to originate with the Chaldeans and Scythians and spread to the Germanic tribes who cut pieces of bark from fruit trees, carved characters on them and threw them at a hazard on a white cloth. According to a rabbis the Hebrews employed the same or similar methods. Except, they did not used characters but peeled the bark clear off one side of the rods and drew the presage from the manner in which the rods fell. The Scythians and Alani used rods made of myrtle and sallow. The latter chose "fine straight wands" for their divining devices according to Herodotus, which seems to imply the Hebrew used similar methods. A.G.H. ~ Shepard, Leslie A., ed. "Encyclopedia of Occultism and Parapsychology, 3rd ed." Detroit: Gale Research, Inc., 1991.
Let's take a look at and contrast the previous information to another other form of divination:
HEPATOSCOPY is the examination or the inspection of the liver of sacrifical animals. The Babylonians were famous for hepatoscopy. A highly trained priest that might also might have been a Chaldaean which was synonymous with a magician, who was called a "bara" or diviner (literally a "seer inspector"), was in charge of the vital function. The liver was considered the seat of the blood and hence the seat of life itself. On the basis of this belief the Mesopotamians, by some incomprehensible process of reasoning, identified the liver of the sacrificial sheeps to the gods, and therefore deemed it a proper vechicle by which to divine the will and intentions of the higher powers.

The bara or priest was specially trained to read or interpret the signs or markings of the livers. The practice of hepatoscopy was often performed in special temples where the priests would purify themselves and dress in special attire when performing the act. Supplies of livers for the purpose of reading omens were kept at the temples. Also, every army regiment had a bara with it and he performed the act before the regiment's entrance into battle. Private citizens also employed baras to perform hepatoscopy for them to determine the gods' will in their personal lives. A.G.H. ~ Buttrick, George Arthur. [Gen. Ed.] "The Interreter's Dictionary of the Bible: An Illustrated Encyclopedia."
Are Any Methods Of Divination Necessary In Today's Church?

When one says "necessary" one is suggesting that something is essential for it to operate. Simply put NOTHING except Jesus is essential or necessary for the NT church or for the NT believer. He is the only mediator between God and men, and the only one that orders our steps or that can give direction to the NT church and believer. With that said, ANY system, operation or function that takes away from the Lordship of Jesus Christ, or which people would rely on to give them an answer "in addition to" the WORD of God and seeking God in, through and by prayer, would be condemned within scripture.

However, that does not take away or minimize the use of certain practices that would have, in and of themselves, be considered divination and ungodly. 

Misapplication

Please don't get this confused. One cannot simply apply Christ to ungodly practices and say that God has ordained the practice. For example, God has condemned astrology, in part because people expect the stars to tell them what to do as opposed to expecting God to speak. The focus is on the objects rather than God because man is given to worship of material and what he can see. The same is true with "psychic" intervention and even with messages from the "master-prophets" etc. When the focus become man, God rejects the practice!

To simply place the name of Christ on ungodly practices, and self seeking spiritual ventures and desires is not only a prohibited biblical practice, it is SIN!     

Conclusion

Like many Internet critics, the author makes the mistake of saying that Mason used these objects for God's direction. There remains no evidence of this by any author or historian close to said events. What has been recorded and certainly documented is that Bishop Mason saw a mystery to those objects and delivered illustrations and analogies using those objects as they related to what was being discussed. 

Jesus did this as well. He spoke of the "mustard seed" comparing it to both faith and the Kingdom of God (Mk. 4:31, Mt. 13:31) using the seed to reveal certain facts about faith and God's kingdom. Further Jesus  compared the Kingdom of Heaven to a "fishnet" that caught all kinds of fish (Mt. 13:47). Jesus compared it to a hidden treasure in a field (Mt. 13:44), not to mention the times he says that it (the Kingdom Of Heaven) is similar to men and women such as kings, travelers and even 10 virgins.  James uses similar analogies and terminology imploring fig and olive trees to make the point as well. (James 3:12) Was power 'conjured" up from the mention or use of any of these things to teach about certain aspects of God and his plan for humanity?

It would seem that the author makes the incorrect assumption that because these things are physically brought to the scene, or used as visual aids, that they are a form of Black magic, manipulation and deception, or at the very least objects that were used to conjure a spell on the people of God. NONE of  this was the case. This leads to the greater understanding that not all things that Black folk practiced, nor all things that they referenced historically were either magic or divination. THAT is the confusion that I am pointing out in this book and revealing to the staunch critic of  the spiritual move or power of God within the modern church.  

Are there those who do use divination to control the minds of people? YES. We would have to agree. We can see it all the time. For example, a certain pastor in TX. has reportedly used potions, spells and other forms of witchcraft to beguile the people and even seduce certain members into sexual activity. We are recently told that there are at least 8 counts of sexual impropriety pending against this person. Be careful however because not all of them (the seducers) use potions, lotions, or cast spells etc. Some of them seduce the people through words, materialism (physical prosperity) and their "personality" which allows them to move in and out amongst the people in their sins, yet never being held accountable for their sins. 

These type of evils and ungodly activities are not relegated to the minister. These are issues that affect the lay member as well. As long as sin exists it has to be monitored, exposed and taught on and against. When our reliance becomes upon men and things and not upon God, we are left exposed to the enemy, sin and evil. 

It would seem that this generation of believers are afraid. Some are less interested in securing facts and determining specific information than lumping all things together, hiding in fear, being blinded to truth and when their faith is challenged they are not equipped to deal with the criticism. 

It is my hope that after a careful examination of this article, that believers would be better informed as to the difference between magic, miracles and divination, and better understand how God used and allowed certain practices within the context of the church to gain glory to his name and for his express purpose. 

Blessed!

13 comments:

  1. The 'attacks' upon "Pentecostalism" and its disciples (aka: "Holy Rollers"), has been in existance for many years. It was used (during my childhood years), by other religious factions, in such a way as to bring about shame upon church members who's sactuary included COGIC. In the '60s and
    '70s it was okay to be Baptist, Catholic, Presbyterian, or Methodist; just not Pentecostal. "Speaking in tongues" and "hearing the voice of God", clouded the minds of the exceptable religious socio-media, in such a way that; if you told anyone that "you heard the voice of God", you would be 'tagged' as having an unbalance psychological issue. You could be passed over or fail to meet the requirements for jobs within the City, County, State and Federal climates. So, over the years, our leaders (in order to obtain social media acceptance), has redefined and rescuptured our initial belief (as given by Bishop Mason). So, it is no suprise that during such times when "Black Politics" and "Black Religious Associations" are under extreme scrutiny; that such alligations which involve the use of "Dark Rites" are again at the forefront of the socio-media. What COGIC members must understand: COGIC is an organization, not the way of Salvation. Organizations are not perfect. But, Salvation through believing in Jesus Christ (as the ONLY begotten Son of God), His death and resurrection; His blood being shed for the remission of our sins; is the PERFECT way to an everlasting and unrevocable relationship with God.
    Thank you,
    William H. McIntosh Jr.

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  2. It seems as though a citation is missing here: "We must be clear, Bishop C.H. Mason DID NOT perform or do any practice that would have been considered Black Magic, divination, or spirit channeling etc. Neither did inanimate objects speak to him or give him messages or revelations. The accusation that any of those things occurred is based on lies, a conflation and mishandling of information, and an appeal to both modern historical and biblical ignorance on the subject in general."

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  3. If these "objects" were only used incidentally to deliver illustrations and analogies, then why did Mason specifically arrange to take this photo with them? That would be like a preacher today taking a picture with his whiteboard and marker -- that doesn't make any sense. These objects were NOT "incidental", and obviously held primary significance in Mason's mind -- a significance that has no origin whatsoever in scripture, as there is neither a record of such objects nor any mention of the apostles or prophets handling or referring to such objects.

    Again, to say he just used these objects to illustrate spiritual points is RIDICULOUS. And regarding the statement, "We must be clear, Bishop C.H. Mason DID NOT perform or do any practice that would have been considered Black Magic, divination, or spirit channeling etc.", my response is this: Just because you say this, that doesn't make it true. What you must understand is there are people who are alive who knew Mason and KNOW what these objects were and how he used them.

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    1. Unknown,

      I almost forgot about your commentary, but you said: These objects were NOT "incidental", and obviously held primary significance in Mason's mind

      Obviously that is the case, but to make the leaps that you are making require evidence and you present NONE. So why should anyone take your word for it?

      Then you said: a significance that has no origin whatsoever in scripture, as there is neither a record of such objects nor any mention of the apostles or prophets handling or referring to such objects.

      So far as these objects I understand what you are saying, but what is the Urim and Thummim, since you have this all figured out for us? and you saying something to the contrary of what is asserted here doesn't make ANYTHING you say true either. So it's kinda like, "put up or SHUT-UP!" I know people who knew Mason and NONE of them account or infer what you say.

      So do you have EVIDENCE to support what you are saying or are you simply blowing smoke and hatred? I think the later!

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  4. You all are lost and neglecting the fact that Traditional (African) spirituality infused with christianity is what made the Pentecostal holiness, African Methodist and Baptists churches what they were. The preservation of traditional mysticism in "Churches" was not as forbidden and demonic as it is today, but very much normal because these people were more closely linked to the long ongoing struggle of Self vs. Religion. Most of your views are due to the fact that you are not looking for any relevance between the two practices, which in actually is the same practice in a different time, setting, and condition. You also obviously lack knowledge of what always made "black" churches so different in the first place. And also lack knowledge of traditional practices such as vodou of west africa, the Caribbean, North and South America. When you perform an extensive study out of the box of Christianity, you will see clearly that "Black Magic" is the essence of traditional "Black" churches...and that Yashua ha Mashiakh (you may still call Jesus) was nothing more than a powerful "BLACK" medicine man or shaman himself. If you are opened to ceasing your failed argument and to enlighten yourself to at least consider all the facts, then I encourage you to learn more about the practices you demonize by looking into the Kongo, Ifa, Vodou, Ancient Kemet, etc. For laying on of hands, mud and spit, multiplying bread and fish, walking on water, speaking of tongues, anointed oil, prayer cloths, baptism, foot washing, etc. are all the same thing everywhere. It's like one God and many names...one destination and many paths. Is really simple. For those of us who are free intellects and not yoked intellects we can see through the Bull...we know the difference between the truth and the illusion. Vodou, Black Magic, Voodoo, Hoodoo, Roots, Shamanism, etc. has been forced to wear many masks to preserve it's essence. This very computer...is nothing but modernized magic...open your mind's eye and see. Thanks for reading if you have.

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    1. Unknown,

      Your BRAIN is "unknown" if you think that persons writing the article have not studied the supposed and over exaggerated 'links" which amount to be no more than parallels you set forth.

      The bible clearly teaches that mysticism existed outside and before the bible delivers the history of Israel. We see fully developed ANE systems of mysticism and shamanism is certainly no secret at least as much and as far as we know and can see. However, a parallel does not make a case. and further syncretism and amalgamation is a very sloppy if not insane way to do history.

      Unfortunately your diatribe is chalk full of all of those things. Another faulty assumption you make is that the works of Jesus were tantamount to mysticism as according to you he practiced "black magic medicine"...only the context of what you are stating is way off historically. In order to asses this we have to appeal to the Jewish culture of the day in which Jesus lived. HISTORY and ACCURATE historical studies tell us that Jews, FIRST Century religious Jews in particular, were zealous as to oppose myths, mythology and other historic religious practices that aligned them with paganism and mysticism.

      If Jesus was a "Black magician" or one that used "curious arts" it certainly would have been recounted of him by any number of his followers and additional historical narratives regarding him. To show that they, the Jewish culture understood the difference, we observe the narrative in Acts 19, in response to the gospel that Paul preached and the display of power over the demonic forces that bound the people; 7 sons of Sceva tried to cast a demon out of a man. The demon responded that he knew, both Paul and Jesus, but did not know them (Acts 19:15) After the sons of Sceva were put to shame, the people understood that Paul moved in something different and unique. Something other than what they regarded. This is what they did in response:

      "And a number of those who had practiced magic arts brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted the value of them and found it came to fifty thousand pieces of silver."

      This community was thoroughly familiar with mysticism and many of the arts you reference here. Yet they also understood the distinguishing differences between them. One was obviously different than the other.

      So this kind of destroys a borrowing or copycat hypothesis which is what you are suggesting by your lecture...You are certainly free to believe what you which even though it may not be supportable by ANY evidence, but we are free to agree with the truth is we so desire as well.

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  5. Wow. Came upon pictures of Bishop Mason, and knew very well what he had in his hand, forms of African Culture. Decided to see if there has ever
    been any writings on the subject, which led me here and several other sites. Bishop Mason did not do Black Magic. But it was clearly some form
    of syncretic African Spiritualism. COGIC was full of it in the early days. The more conservative Negro passas (my family) said so. They (themselves) had syncretic forms also, just not as much. COGIC was full of down to earth
    Black folks with 3 steps( generations) out of Africa.Many of them did not care for white folks or their white ways. Many of them supported the Garvey movement (recorded fact).Bishop Mason lived a long life. By the time these pictures was taken, COGIC had already evolved just as it is evolving now. Rev. Burnett, syncretism happened in Greece, it happened in Rome. it happened in western Europe (Christmas).It takes on forms of the very people it tries to change. Let me give you something to ponder on. Christians was not supposed to make images of GOD. They did very much this in the 4th and 5th century. They made God and his son images in their Greco and Roman images. It helped win over many. But these images helps hurt us Africans because we get mixed signals in our heads. Some of us have tried to altar these mixed signals by putting
    darker Jesus with Jerri curls on our walls, but Cesar Borget Jesus images outnumber Jerri curl Jesus 50 to 1 in our lives. Why have such highly educated brothers like you spoke out and told the European churches that what they started in the 4th and 5th centuries is wrong, and should stop.

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  6. I understand the need to disassociate the founder of the COGIC church from African spiritual traditionalism, but this need does not negate reality. Whether anyone wants to accept this or not Bishop Mason was a stone cold African traditionalist. I was born and raised in the COGIC church. I also happen to be a practitioner of African spiritual traditionalism. The items that are pictured with the late bishop are not tools to be used a metaphors or items used symbolize God's commandments. Those are all tools used to accomplish prayers and rituals in the practice of root work. No matter how many articles you write you can't mislead those of us who know the truth. Whether you like it or not. Bishop Charles S Mason practiced Southern African American traditionalism.

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  7. The entire Bible is a book of spells, has no one read psalms? So rather you're mason or just a regular Christians, you are under a spell just from reading, and practice spells. If you're asking God for something that doesn't exist, or desired outcome that's magic. You just asking the magician (Jesus/God) instead of doing yourself because you lack the knowledge Todo it yourself, but it's no different.

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    1. Sorry to just now get to this comment, but in no way is your commentary right and or correct either technically or in actuality, especially in the mind of a 1st Century Jew.

      Acts 19:15,. as I stated previously says ~ "And a number of those who had practiced magic arts brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted the value of them and found it came to fifty thousand pieces of silver."

      first Century Jews knew and recognized the difference between "magic and spells" and the power of God. Magic and spells call on materialistic means to manipulate material or to manipulate circumstance. God may use materialistic means at times. but in no way relies on materialism to do HIS works.

      For instance, Jesus healed at least 2 blind men, according to Matthew 20:29-34, Mark 10:46-52; & Luke 18:35-43. According to Matthew's account of these texts Jesus physically touched the blind man(men) GK: "haptomai" which basically means to physically alter something. In Luke and Mark, it was a word of faith and the person's belief or faith that arose to heal them. Either way there was not a call to inanimate objects, roots and or potions to bring about healing...Now, if you're a good critic, which you may be, you would probably say, "...well, what about the man that Jesus healed with spit and dirt? Those are both materialistic things."

      Mark 8:22-26 at Bethsadia and in John 9:6 we see Jesus spitting on the dirt (clay) and making a compound and rubbing it in the eyes of these 2 men. 1 was immediately healed and went about telling everyone, and the 2nd needed a 2nd touch so he could "see men as they are".

      This only makes sense IF we relate Jesus and his ability to CREATE eyes in the sockets of those who had no eyes, as these scriptures seem to suggest, to the GOD that created man in Genesis 2:7 in which he formed him "of the dust of the ground" or "clay". This wasn't magical or mystical, it was SUPERNATURAL. It was beyond the realm of how material normally functions.

      So there is a vast difference between spell casting and magic potions and the miraculous power of God and people calling on God in and through prayer by HIS authority for something to happen. So I reject your interpretation of that in that way, however I wish to thank you for allowing me to expound and encourage you to consider my alternate view in this matter. Thanks.

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