Was Jesus an Ancient Magician? - Religion for Breakfast
Jesus is analyzed not as a folkloric magician, but as a 'freelance ritual specialist' or exorcist, a common social role in the ancient world where literate specialists used legalistic formulas and material objects to persummaryMiracles and magic are anthropologically similar 'ortho-magical performances.' The difference lies in moral valuation: if the power source is viewed as divine, it is a miracle; if demonic or illegitimate, it is magic. ThtakeawayThe concept of 'charisma' in sociology refers to perceived otherworldly power. Freelance ritual experts like John the Baptist or Jesus gained followers by demonstrating control over demonic forces, a key factor in the sptakeaway
