Book Report on "Adventures Across the Universe"     Different Backgrounds    

Magic and the Catholic Catechism     Play on Words

Magic and the Catholic Catechism

Because of the thoughts and beliefs of stories such as the Harry Potter® series being "evil" or "manipulating the minds of young people", it has been felt that the following article should be released to defend the Adventures Across the Universe series and story.

To say that this story supports any values contrary to the teachings of the Catholic Church is wrong. By writing a story that was to help in my own salvation and bring me closer to the One who made me, I have changed names, events, places, and ideas but not values. The protagonists of the story observe the morals that I feel would be accepted by the Catholic Church in the situation, place, and time. Since most of this story takes place either over two hundred years after the present or millions of years before the creation of the Earth and mostly on other planets in other galaxies across the universe, it is practically inconceivable that the Catholic Church can be that influential...I wish to make it clear that the Superior Spirit is not a cult, satanic ideas, a branch of Protestantism, or a new religion in and of itself... (from Author's Preface of Adventures Across the Universe by Tom Steele)

As the above clearly states, the AAU story is not meant to be against any teaches of the infallible Catholic Magisterium. Characters such as Nasil of Mordon and Modius, Nora, Glorita, Felfo, Jude Forque, and any other magical being are not necessarily evil if they use magic. In the AAU story, the idea of an individual being capable of using magic is similar to an individual being capable of running really fast, being able to speak several languages, be very talented in mathematics, playing an instrument, or any other special ability. It is the idea that those who use magic are given that gift to them by the Superior Spirit (God). What they choose to do with that magic is a different matter.

Good characters such as Nasil, the three Good Sorcerers, Jude, and other magicals use their magic ability for the good of others. Whether it be Nasil helping to save King Neffon and Queen Ursila of Modius from the evil Gratifa's clutches or Felfo giving the Princess Kida the gift of love, they would use their powers like any one would use their talent. If someone was good at telling jokes, why should they stifle themselves instead of making people laugh? Good magicians must also defend themselves like those who are strong-bodied must defend themselves or others when threatened. If a criminal put a gun to a little girl's head, wouldn't someone do something to try and save her like grabbing his arm or some other form of distraction or force? The magic would be used to save others or themselves from harm or danger. Nasil the Great even refers to the Superior Spirit as "master" (first mentioned in the Series Prologue of Adventures Across the Universe) meaning that he lives to serve God by using his powers. In Episode I: The Five Crystals, the Superior Spirit speaks to Lucas about the energy crystals' true powers being from Himself and not their own abilities. This suggests that God allows items or individuals to possess magical or supernatural powers for the purpose of His Divine Plan.

It is exactly the opposite for the antagonistic characters such as Kenex, Gratifa, Octgoña, Miry, and the Magician. The villain Kenex, though not truly a magical, possesses an energy crystal that he flimsily waves and uses to his advantage. We later learn from the Superior Spirit that the crystal's power actually comes from Himself. Do not be confused and think that the Superior Spirit therefore creates evil items. The crystal itself is not necessarily evil but the one who wields it. The witch Gratifa is able to use her power to curse the five-year-old Kida and to kill anyone or anything she so desires. Octgoña, though not really a magical until she is given her reward from her Employer, uses magic for her own selfish endeavors. Kenex's and Octgoña's magic was given to them and therefore doesn't have to be classified as "evil magic". Gratifa's magic can be more of "evil magic" or perhaps "misused magic". Miry and the Magician use magic to press more of an advantage over their inferiors, enemies, or anyone or anything else that is in their way. Magic is constantly visible near them. They use magic to transform, kill, damage, or somehow affect many different elements and/or beings. Magic from Miry and the Magician can be considered "evil magic" because it comes from evil beings--the Magician and Miry and, therefore, can be considered from Satan. It can also be argued that, like the energy crystals, all magic can be used for good or evil depending on the one who inflicts it and that the magic is good because it fits into the Divine Plan as well.

In closing, characters in the Adventures Across the Universe story typically use their magic as if it was just another talent or gift given to them. What makes the magic evil is what is done with it like any other gift or talent. Protagonists use magic for good and do not use it to make themselves idols, worshipped, or more respected because of it. Antagonists use their magic for their own selfish needs and desires and usually cause pain or anguish. The idea that God gave "special people" powers that does not go against the Catholic Catechism but expands upon the morals and ideals of how Catholics should or shouldn't be.