theurgy

/ˈθiərdʒi/

Other forms: theurgies

Theurgy is when gods intervene in the lives of people. If you believe that an actual miracle allowed your favorite football team to win an important game, you can call it an act of theurgy.

One kind of theurgy is accepted and seen as true in many Christian churches — it's God getting directly involved in our affairs, through miracles or divine intervention. Other kinds of theurgy involve magic, as in casting spells and doing magical rituals. The word comes from the Greek theourgia, "sorcery," which in turn is rooted in theos, or "god."

Definitions of theurgy

1. noun

   the effect of supernatural or divine intervention in human affairs
   type of:

   causal agency, causal agent, cause

   any entity that produces an effect or is responsible for events or results
2. noun

   white magic performed with the help of beneficent spirits (as formerly practiced by Neoplatonists)
   type of:

   white magic

   magic used only for good purposes