Synopsis
Three internationally-known illusionists boldly reveal the powerful secrets behind the supernatural, psychic ability and the limits of Satan:
Do some humans have supernatural powers?
Is it possible to read minds?
How do psychics get their secret information?
Could the miracles of Jesus have been an illusion?
Should we be afraid of Satan?
Solid answers and amazing personal stories make this a fascinating read. Unmasking the Masquerade: Three Illusionists Investigate Deception, Fear, and the Supernatural is well documented and endorsed by notable experts in the field, including André Kole, Founder and Director, André Kole Outreach and world-renowned illusionist and inventor of illusions. Kole summarizes in his foreword:
The three illusionists you’re about to read—Rod Robison, Adrian Van Vactor, and Toby Travis—put forth a convincing case that prominent beliefs in the paranormal are erroneous and without merit. You’ll explore with them some of the history of alleged paranormal activities that were later found to be fraudulent or simply misunderstood. Some of these incidents had enormous impact on our culture and still do, years and even centuries later. You’ll delve into what the Bible has to say about Satan’s true powers and lack thereof, and how the scriptures have been misunderstood and even, in some cases, manipulated to lead people down dangerous paths to deception and unwarranted fear. And you’ll discover why Jesus, who has been accused by ancient and modern-day skeptics and critics of being a magician or even a myth, was, in fact, the One who really did accomplish the impossible, laying legitimate claim to being “God with us.” André Kole, Founder and Director, André Kole Outreach: Tempe, Arizona
About the Authors
Rod Robison is a mentalist, illusionist, author, speaker, and broadcast professional. His comedy mind reading show, "Mentallusions," has been a popular feature at corporate and organizational events as well as aboard Holland America cruise lines and at London's Magic Circle Theater. A graduate of Cedarville University, after college Rod toured and recorded with pioneer contemporary Christian music band Selah in the 1970s. During those years he sang and penned lyrics for the band's songs, one of which, Fat Baby, was later recorded by Amy Grant on her million-seller Grammy award-winning album, Age to Age. Following his years with Selah he helped found two Christian television stations in Ohio and Michigan before moving on to Christian radio in the late 1980s. Today he serves as Vice President of Development for the Family Life Radio network headquartered in Tucson, Arizona, where he and his wife Jeannie raised their five children in the beautiful Desert Southwest. Rod's interest in magic was ignited nearly three decades ago when he saw a magician at Dollywood amusement park in Tennessee perform a trick where a copper coin transformed into a silver coin in Rod's own hand. Deeply perplexed by the trick, he lay awake that night obsessively attempting to devise a method by which the "miracle" might be accomplished. The next day he returned to the shop, bought the trick, and learned that none of his proposed methods explained the real secret. That was the genesis of what years later became his popular "Mentallusions" show, during which he demonstrates what he calls "sleight of mind," popularly known as mind reading. Rod has been performing professionally for over 20 years and is a member of the Fellowship of Christian Magicians and the Society of American Magicians. Robison is often asked by audience members if he has psychic powers. His response: "It may look that way, but looks can be deceiving." (Learn more about Rod Robison at www.unmaskingthemasquerade.com.)
Dr. Toby A. Travis is an educator, researcher, trainer, speaker, consultant, and author. He officially retired from performing as an illusionist and as a theatrical producer in 2008. Since that time, he has served as a school administrator and as a consultant and trainer, assisting private and independent schools in the areas of strategic planning, leadership, and academic development. Dr. Travis earned his Doctorate in Education through Louisiana Baptist University, specializing in Christian School Administration. His dissertation is entitled "The Trusted School Leader: Gaining Better Results, Deeper Stakeholder Relationships, and Greater Stability." From an early age Toby was captivated by the art of illusion and studied under some of the most gifted magicians in the industry, including Robert Thrasher and André Kole. Travis toured the world as a celebrated illusionist for over twenty years, producing one of the largest full-scale touring illusion shows in the United States as well as touring with his solo performances throughout the US, UK, Europe, Central America, South America, and South Asia. As an illusionist and theatrical producer, Travis has received numerous awards and recognitions by the Society of American Magicians, the International Brotherhood of Magicians, The Magic Circle (London), el Círculo Mágico (Ecuador), the Sri Lanka Magic Circle, and the Fellowship of Christian Magicians (USA and UK). (Learn more about Dr. Toby A. Travis at: www.trustedschoolleader.com.)
Adrian Van Vactor is an internationally known award-winning illusionist and Christian apologist with FaithSearch International. As a teenager, he was honored by many of the world's greatest magicians when they awarded him the Milbourn Christopher Newcomer Award, voting him the "most promising young magician of the future." Earlier that year, he was awarded the coveted Lance Burton Award, competing in Las Vegas against some of the most talented young illusionists from around the world. Adrian has been working professionally in the field of illusion since 1992. Van Vactor toured for many years with "The André Kole Magical Spectacular," and has conducted over fifty international tours in twenty-seven countries on six continents, sharing the Gospel with hundreds of thousands of high school and college youth through the art of illusion. He has headlined at the world-famous Magic Castle in Hollywood, California and was invited to speak and perform for over 11,000 people at the World's Fair in Hanover, Germany. Adrian has been humbled to present the gospel and see tens of thousands of men, women, and children commit their lives to Christ through his illusion performances. His travels have also given him the opportunity to debunk psychic surgeons in South Asia, witch doctors in Africa, and self-proclaimed psychics in just about every corner of the Earth. Van Vactor worked for many years with Youth for Christ and Campus Crusade for Christ International, through which he received extensive evangelism training as a graduate of CRU's Communication Center. Adrian also studied at the Billy Graham School of Evangelism. Adrian launched Adrian Van Vactor International Ministries in 2003, whose mission is "to utilize the art of illusion as a tool to bridge cultural and generational gaps and proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ with evidence to all peoples everywhere." Currently he is on tour with his original production, "Secrets of the Supernatural Exposed", a very entertaining and engaging multi-media presentation that gives the audience an informative and refreshing look at the supernatural. (Learn more about Adrian Van Vactor at www.avvim.org.)
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