Illusionist summons magic to convey Christian message

Christianity and magic have always had an uneasy relationship.

But it doesn’t have to be that way, says Cameron Radice, a 20-year-old Colorado Springs illusionist who peppers his shows with Christian references.

“If I combine my Gospel message with magic tricks, they will remember the trick but also what I said about Christianity,” said Radice, who will perform a free magic show Sunday at Rocky Mountain Calvary Church as a benefit for the church's food pantry and the Care and Share regional food bank.

Radice became hooked on magic when he was 5 years old and a magician entertained at his birthday party. By the time he was 10, he was attending the Fellowship of Christian Magicians of the Rocky Mountains. There he learned the tricks of the trade and how the Bible’s objections to magic are not about sleight-of-hand illusions but dallying in the supernatural.

Over the years Radice — whose stage name is Cosmic Cam — has performed hundreds of magic shows at churches and secular events nationwide. He travels with his mother and cousins, who act as stage managers, lighting technicians and magician’s assistants.

His tricks run the gamut, but they all come with a singular message: Christianity is the way to salvation.

During one trick, Radice explains that blocks labeled A, B and C represent "all people," "believers" and "church people." But only the B block reappears on another part of the stage, symbolizing a prevalent Christian belief that the faithful will be taken up to heaven in the end times while non-Christians will be left behind.

“He’s an evangelist, and he happens to use illusion to share his message,” said his mother, Sandy Fuentes.

The show is at 6 p.m. Sunday at Rocky Mountain Calvary Church, 4285 N. Academy Blvd. Admission is free, but people are asked to bring a donation of non-perishable food. For more information, call 597-1133.

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Call Barna at 636-0367