Final answer:
Magic is seen as an integral part of religious beliefs, signifying a connection between human practices and the supernatural. It incorporates elements such as rituals and artifacts believed to influence forces beyond natural law, reflecting a universal phenomenon across various religious traditions.
Step-by-step explanation:
When we consider magic as an expression of religious beliefs, we are exploring how religious practices invoke supernatural forces that are believed to be beyond empirical observation and measure. Religious rituals such as prayers, mortuary artifacts, and shamanic journeying are seen as magical elements that serve to establish a deep connection between the believers, their actions, artifacts, and the supernatural entities they worship. These elements demonstrate the believers' faith and serve as contracts within their belief systems that reinforce their spiritual commitment.
In many cultures, witchcraft, sorcery, and magic are interwoven with religious practices and constitute a natural evolution of religion as societies become more complex. Magic is not confined to any one form of religion but is a universal phenomenon found in monotheistic and polytheistic belief systems alike, regarded by anthropologists as a profound human act of faith. The study of these magical practices offers insights into the ways in which human societies create structures to interact with perceived supernatural dimensions.