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There’s also a difference between writing a character who does something evil and actually practicing something evil. Magic (in the literal sense) is something we have to be extra careful about portraying, because I do think there’s a more narrow line between the two when it comes to magic than with some other things, but I don’t think it’s any more sinful to carefully portray magic for edifying ends (showing it as it is, as sin with consequences) than it is to carefully portray lust or murder for edifying ends (showing them as they are, as sins with consequences). And as with lust or murder, there are ways to portray magic truthfully for effect without being graphic or explicit in a way that would unnecessarily tempt or disgust readers. So when I say “portray,” I don’t mean we should show every detail.

It is something that should be up to personal conviction as far as whether or not an author personally chooses to write about it or read about it. Some people are more prone to fall into certain sins than others, and you shouldn’t portray or read about magic if you’re going to be tempted to practice it in real life any more than you should portray or read about lust if that’s something you’re going to be tempted to fall into in real life. I also think maturity plays a part, as with any other sin topic; if you won’t be tempted to fall into that sin but you can’t portray it accurately, then you should still avoid it. But I don’t think it’s something you can put a blanket condemnation on, either, any more than writing about any other sin.

“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. ” – Ephesians 5:8-11

Of course we ought not participate in evil, but we can’t expose sins without showing the truth of them, either. There is a way to do both.