“Matthew McGuire's A Magical World is truly magical!  I found this well written, well researched, engaging book fascinating, reminding me of Hamlet's rejoinder to Horatio:  ‘There are more things in heaven and earth than are dreamt of in your philosophy.’ 

McGuire shows convincingly how modern skeptics with their materialist reductionism discount clear evidence for the spiritual/supernatural.  But this is often the case with Christians as well who can settle into a worldview which limits the supernatural to the past. While the book perhaps claims too much for anecdotal evidence at times, and could be more critical of charismatic excesses, it is a refreshing reminder that we live in a world where we are surrounded by the Supernatural every moment, and in the words of C.S. Lewis, one of McGuire's influential interlocutors in the book, it is a world ‘drenched with Deity’ if we only had eyes to see.”

“McGuire has trodden where many Christians today are fearful to tread, taking a wide, deep and balanced look at the subject of the paranormal, whilst maintaining a biblically-based perspective. His research has revealed that the supernatural and paranormal have not always been at odds with biblical Christianity, and indeed have been welcomed and encouraged to be considered and engaged with properly. 

This is a book for those who know instinctively that the world around them is much more magically charged than their church might lead them to believe, and that it’s okay to hold such views whilst continuing to remain a committed Christian.”

“It is rare that one can promote a book about the paranormal and Christianity and I am giddy that such an opportunity has arose! McGuire’s accessible writing style, combined with a passion for sound theological instruction and grasp of relevant scholarship, makes this book an obvious recommendation for any Christian interested in how to interpret contemporary claims about the supernatural. The weaving of ancient and modern stories about the paranormal with grounded documentation and research makes this an absolute treat. My only criticism is that I wish I had had the idea first!”

“Matthew McGuire has written a thorough and compelling introduction to the supernatural worldview of biblical Christianity designed to bring the reader step by step from skepticism to immersion in spiritual experience.

Well-researched and compellingly presented, A Magical World both encourages and challenges on a wide range of issues in apologetics focusing on supernatural topics that are too frequently avoided. McGuire's work contributes to an important need in the field and is a valuable contribution to the worldview discussion and the thinking and spirit-filled church.”

“The subject of angels, demons, ghosts, exorcisms, ESP, superhuman strength, etc. are often relegated to the world of fictional writings. Even for Christians that read their Bible every day, these topics are often dismissed as mere fantasy or superstition, but in A Magical World these topics are brought under a rational microscope, measured, evaluated, and reflected on.

The author, Matthew C. McGuire, unpacks the skeptic’s worldview, challenges the modern notions of what is deemed ‘foolishness’ and expands the boundaries of naturalism, paving the way for a deeper understanding of the supernatural.

Whether you are a functional deist or a charismatic Christian, you will find the insight of supernatural complexities both insightful and oddly comforting. A rigorous examination of extrasensory experiences are compiled in this book to make the somewhat academic endeavor uniquely fun and exciting.”

“Matt does a great job of providing the foundation and presuppositions as seen in Scripture while providing evidence, answers and the humility to say I don’t know. This is a great book on the theme of the supernatural without being sensational.

The chapters dealing with the demonic, near death experiences and ghosts are the most persuasive that I’ve ever read on these topics.

I highly recommend this book, especially if you have not been introduced to the different views or are not aware of how these topics have been understood and taught throughout history.”