"I
was eager to get to Hogwarts first because I like what they learned there
and I want to be a witch." Gioia Bishop, age 10.[1]
"I
like the third book because here [Harry] meets his godfather and Professor
Lupin, a really cool guy [This really "cool guy" is
a werewolf as well as wizard, and Harry's godfather is a "shape shifter" who turns himself into a scary black dog]...." Harry Libarle, age 7.[2]
"The Pagan Federation has appointed a youth officer to deal with a
flood of inquiries following the success of the Harry Potter books which
describe magic and wizardry."
Potter
fans turning to witchcraft
"Dressing
up as wizards and witches, concocting fantasy potions and telling stories
were just a few of the games Rowling played as a child with Ian Potter..."
Harry
Potter and the source of inspiration
Might Harry Potter seem as
real as life to his young fans around the world? Do children accept
Harry's lessons in practical witchcraft as an open door to an occult
reality? Many Christian leaders have denied any such danger, but author J.K.
Rowling admits that this happens. In an interview with Newsweek's Malcolm Jones,
she said,
"I get letters from children addressed to
Professor Dumbledore [headmaster at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, the
books’ setting], and it’s not a joke, begging to be let into Hogwarts, and some of
them are really sad. Because they want it to be true so badly they’ve convinced
themselves it’s true." (The Return of
Harry Potter)
While children everywhere
crave supernatural thrills, Great Britain, the
birthplace of Harry Potter, has been a wonderland of options for exploring
practical witchcraft. And plenty of youth have caught Harry's vision.
They want to learn his wizardly ways.
Two British reports on this
phenomenon show us the obvious: popular forms of occult
entertainment "have fueled
a rapidly growing interest in witchcraft among children." Naturally,
the island's Pagan Federation is pleased. Though it refuses to admit new
members under age 18, "it deals with an
average of 100 inquiries a month from youngsters who want to become witches, and
claims it has occasionally been 'swamped' with calls." [TV
shows fuel children's interest in witchcraft]
"It is quite probably
linked to things like Harry Potter, Sabrina The Teenage Witch and Buffy The
Vampire Slayer," explains the Federation's media officer, Andy Norfolk.
"Every time an article on witchcraft or paganism appears, we had a huge
surge in calls, mostly from young girls."[Potter
fans turning to witchcraft]
This trend worries John
Buckeridge, editor of Youthwork, a British Christian magazine.
Unlike U.S. church-leaders who back Harry Potter, he spots danger ahead. "The growing number of books and TV shows
like Harry Potter and Sabrina the Teenage Witch encourage an interest in
magic as harmless fun," he warms. "However for some young people it could fuel a
fascination that leads to dangerous dabbling with occult powers. So what
starts out as spooks and spells can lead to psychological and spiritual
damage."[3]
But Mr. Norfolk disagrees. His reasoning makes witchcraft
sound both safe and responsible. "Our youth officer will explain
things like the principle ethic of witchcraft," he assures skeptics,
"that you should not cause harm to anyone - and that it's not just an
easy way to get a new boyfriend!"[4]
A more
"noble" religion
It's not surprising that the timeless craving for
power and magic has soared with the spread
of pagan television shows and Harry Potter books. But today's pagan
revival began years earlier.
Almost a decade ago, a Wiccan student wrote a
promotional article for The Talon, her high school newspaper,
about witchcraft. What happened shows both America's
Cultural Shift and the growing preference for paganism. The student, Leah Mowry, based her conclusions on interviews with several other
student witches at Los Altos High School in California. In her article, she boasted that her religion
-
was more tolerant than traditional beliefs
-
taught people
to take better care of the environment
-
helped people
to empower themselves
-
and
only used "good" magic.
Soon
afterwards, a Christian student, also an editor for The
Talon, asked if he could write about Young Life, a Christian group
active on their campus.
"No," was the response, "because
witchcraft is underexposed in our society and Christianity is overexposed."
In other words, witches could give public testimonies about the
benefits of their religion, but Christians were no longer allowed to express
their faith and testimonies.[6]
Christianity
simply doesn't fit, and Mr. Norfolk
of the Pagan Federation thinks he knows why. The Christian Church has failed to provide "the right degree of
spirituality for young people," he explains. In contrast, paganism involves "direct
communication with the divine."
From
the Biblical perspective, he is tragically wrong. But that matters little to
the masses that want spiritual power without Biblical accountability. With
help from television, books, movies and other media, Christianity's
reputation has been badly smeared. Blamed for hatred,
conflict, wars and environmental abuse, it has inspired countless "Christian" leaders to re-imagine
their faith and embrace a more "tolerant" view toward the world's
fast-growing fascination with pagan practices.
Strange council from
Christian leaders
Typical
of our times, a recent report in Christianity
Today seems to base its approval of Harry Potter, not on the Bible,
but on popular consensus among admired Christian leaders.
"As far as I
can tell," writes author Ted Olsen, "while no major Christian
leader has come out to condemn J.K. Rowling's series, many have given it the
thumbs-up. If our readers know of any major Christian leader who has
actually told Christians not to read the books, I'd be happy to know about
it; but in my research, even those Christians known for criticizing all that
is popular culture have been pretty positive about Potter."
To prove his point, Mr. Olsen quotes seven Christian
leaders and publications:
1. Chuck Colson, in his
Breakpoint
(11-2-1999)
radio broadcast, commended Harry and his friends for
their "courage, loyalty, and a willingness to sacrifice for one
another—even at the risk of their lives." Colson dismissed the pagan
practices as
"purely mechanical, as opposed to
occultic. That is, Harry and his friends cast spells, read crystal balls,
and turn themselves into animals—but they don't make contact with a
supernatural world…. [It's not] the kind of real-life witchcraft the
Bible condemns."
2. World Magazine
(5-29-1999) praised
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone as
"a delight—with a surprising bit
of depth." Author Roy Maynard assured World readers that
"Rowling…keeps it safe, inoffensive, and non-occult. This is the
realm of Gandalf and the Wizard of Id, not witchcraft. There is a
fairy-tale order to it all in which, as Chesterton and Tolkien pointed
out, magic must have rules, and good does not—cannot—mix with
bad."
3. World's
second article toned down the enthusiasm. "A reader drawn in would find that the real world
of witchcraft is not Harry Potter's world. Neither attractive nor harmless,
it is powerful and evil." (October 30, 1999)
4. The British Christianity magazine
praised the series. In a issue, Mark Greene, Director of the London
Institute for Contemporary Christianity, wrote a note of regret for not
giving it to his god-daughter earlier:
"I wish I'd been the one to
introduce her to Harry—fine lad you know, courageous, resourceful,
humble, fun, good mind. Comes from good stock, you know. She could do
worse, far worse. And, as far as literary companions go, frankly, not much
better."
5. A Christian Century
(12-1-99) editorial, "Wizards and
Muggles," states,
"Rowling is not the first
fantasy writer to be attacked by conservative Christians. Even the
explicitly Christian writer Madeleine
L'Engle has taken heat for the 'magic' elements in A Wrinkle in
Time. Such critics are right in thinking that fantasy writing is
powerful and needs to be taken seriously. But we strongly doubt that it
fosters an attachment to evil powers. Harry's world, in any case, is a
moral one."
6. Focus on the Family gave a mixed review.
According to Ted Olsen, the advice offered by Focus's critic, Lindy Beam was simply, "Apart from the benefit of wise
adult guidance in reading these books, it is best to leave Harry Potter
on the shelf." ["Exploring
Harry Potter's World," December, 1999]
7. Wheaton College professor Alan Jacobs
concludes that Harry Potter stories promote "a kind of spiritual
warfare…. A struggle between good and evil…. There is in books like this
the possibility for serious moral reflection…[and] the question of what to
do with magic powers is explored in an appropriate and morally serious
way." (September/October,
Mars Hill Audio Journal)[7]
Is it really? Take a look at the other
side of this issue.
Biblical answers to occult
seductions.
The mass media's promotion of contrary
values have prompted even Christians to replace or distort the pursuit of God with
the pursuit of pleasure. So God's standards would
hardly win a popularity contest today. Popular versions of Christianity
has wisely rejected some of the stiff legalism of the past, but it has also tossed
out God's much-needed guidelines and warnings. The result is license to do almost anything that feels good. Christians who
refuse to compromise are often demeaned as old-fashioned kill-joys who bring
reproof and embarrassment to those who fear offending the world with the whole
truth of the gospel. That's why Jesus warned us long ago,
"If
the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to
the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the
world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates
you.... Remember the words I spoke to you: ... If they persecuted me, they
will persecute you also.... for they do not know the One who sent me."
John 15:18-21
God
gave us His Word that we might know Him. The Bible reveals His heart, will and
ways. It alone can show us what is truth or error in those
seven public responses to the Harry Potter phenomenon.
1. Chuck
Colson praised Harry and his friends for
their "courage, loyalty, and a willingness to sacrifice... for one
another—even at the risk of their lives." Those qualities can be
found in almost any culture. But, according to the Bible, a brave person is
no more free to pursue paganism than a coward. Harry's occult skills -- witchcraft,
sorcery, casting spells, spiritism, interpreting omens and "calling
up the dead" fit into a category God tells us not even to discuss. "For all who do
these things are an
abomination to the Lord...." Eph.
5:10-12, Deut. 18:9-12
Colson's
dismissal of the dangers of delighting in such evils as "purely
mechanical," makes no sense from a Biblical perspective. He says that
"Harry and his friends cast spells, read crystal balls,
and turn themselves into animals—but they don't make contact with a
supernatural world…." Where then does their power come from?
Natural rather than supernatural forces?
Of course not. Rowling doesn't
acknowledge the source, but anyone who has researched witchcraft and talked with
contemporary pagans will see the alarming parallels between contemporary
occultism and Rowling's seductive message to children. (If you find this
hard to believe, please read chapters 4 and 8 of A
Twist of Faith)
2. World Magazine
(5-29-1999) made the same error. Calling Harry Potter's world "a delight... safe, inoffensive, and
non-occult," is misleading assurance. True, "magic must have rules,"
but the primary rule of the occult is that Satan doesn't offer free and easy
favors for long. He may indulge seekers in a free ride for a while, but as soon as his victims have been captivated by his lures --
all of which are counterfeits of what God offers those who follow Him -- he
begins to demand his payoff. Suddenly the bright side of evil turns dark
indeed. Attempts to resist or turn back usually lead to spiritual terrors
and oppression.[8]
As World indicated, "good does not—cannot—mix with
bad" but not because "good" motives are always "good,"
even in a pagan context. God's good is corrupted when adapted to a pagan
setting. In fact, God doesn't want what He considers good to be linked to
the occult. He sends us out to pagans to share His love, but we cannot
delight in what He calls evil. God shows us His reason in a most politically incorrect
message:
"What fellowship can light have with darkness? What
harmony is there between Christ and Belial? What does a believer have in
common with an unbeliever?.... For we are the temple of the living God....
'Therefore come out from them and be separate," says the Lord.'"
2 Cor. 6:14-17
3. World's
second article maintained that "the real world
of witchcraft is not Harry Potter's world. Neither attractive nor harmless,
it is powerful and evil."
Actually, today's pagan movement is
attractive to anyone disillusioned by unfriendly churches. It entices
seekers by showing the "light" side of occultism. Contemporary witches -- both men and women -- that I have
met are sincere, often compassionate, usually well educated and frustrated with today's rampant
materialism. Few look evil. Instead, they demonstrate God's warning in 2 Cor.
11:14-15,
"For Satan himself
transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is
no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers
of righteousness...."
The younger generation of pagans show
another side. Many dabble in black magic and the other "dark
arts" that are so seductively taught at Hogwart's School of Witchcraft
and Wizardry.[9] Apart from the fantasy setting and dramatic demonstrations of
magic, there is little difference between Harry's skills and the real world
of the occult.
4. Mark
Greene's endorsement in the British Christianity raises
some serious questions. What does he mean by "Harry -- fine lad you
know.... Comes from a good stock...." Is he referring to Harry's
parents -- a witch and a wizard? Is he speaking as director of London
Institute for Contemporary Christianity, or is this simply his personal
opinion?
One thing is certain. This attitude is
driving the current transformation of the Church. It's time
for serious Christians to "count the cost" and be ready to stand
uncompromisingly strong in the Truth God has given us.
5. The
Christian Century denies that Harry Potter "fosters an attachment to evil powers." It calls Harry's
world "a
moral one." It's wrong on both points. Just review the
testimony from the Pagan
Federation, which reaps the fruit from the soaring interest in Witchraft.
Second, Harry and his friends may show
loyalty to each other and courage in the face of danger. But they also lie
and steal. Would you call that a moral world? Kenneth
McCormick adds this insight:
"stealing, lies, hate, revenge, and
even murder are presented in a complete absence of moral conflict. Lying exists, of course, in the plots
of many children's books, but there is normally an at least tacit
recognition that lying is a moral problem of some sort."
6. Focus on the Family
critic, Lindy Beam came closest to the truth. The last part of
her counsel is right: "Apart from the benefit of wise
adult guidance in reading these books, it is best to leave Harry Potter
on the shelf."
As for the first half of her counsel, it
might be good to remember God's definition of wisdom: "The fear of the
LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is
understanding."
The fear of the Lord involves a sober awareness of what
He loves, of what He despises, and of the
consequences of disobedience and rebellion against Him. It leads to a sincere desire to please Him,
heartfelt gratefulness for His mercy, and unending delight
in His loving presence. So when we choose to "fear the Lord" we
will heed Romans
12:9, "Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good."
Among the obvious evils are the practices
listed in Deuternomy 18:9-12: witchcraft, sorcery, spellcasting, divination,
calling up the dead, etc. In other words, children who delight in Harry's occult world
of spells and magic will naturally learn to enjoy evil and crave more. But
they cannot "cling to what is
good" while they love evil. The two are
incompatible. (Click
here to compare Deut. 28 with passages from Harry Potter and the Goblet of
Fire)
In other words, "wise adult
guidance" would most likely choose to "leave Harry Potter on the
shelf."
7. Wheaton College professor Alan Jacobs
suggests that the Harry Potter books offer "the possibility for serious moral reflection…[and] the question of what to
do with magic powers is explored in an appropriate and morally serious
way." His words make no sense from a Biblical perspective.
Since white magic, like black magic, is "an abomination" to God
-- and since white magic is far more deceptive and seductive -- neither is
good. Books written from an occult perspective cannot explore magic
powers in "an appropriate and morally serious way" -- without
redefining the word moral and rejecting the Bible. A context or
setting that approves occultism will turn God's values upside down. Praising the practices God condemns, Professor Jacobs
illustrates the timeless message of Isaiah 5:20:
"Woe
to those who call evil good, and good evil;
Who
put darkness for light, and light for darkness;
Woe
to those who are wise in their own eyes,
And
prudent in their own sight!"
Tempting
options and wide-open doors
Ted Olsen ended his defense of Harry with a quote by J. K
Rowling:
"I
have met thousands of children now, and not even one time has a child come
up to me and said, 'Ms. Rowling, I'm so glad I've read these books because
now I want to be a witch."
The
fact is -- whether Ms Rowling heard it from a fan or not -- many children are
pursuing the real-life versions of witchcraft because they have learned to
love Harry's world. Ten-year-old Gioia
Bishop said it well, "I
was eager to get to Hogwarts first because I like what they learned there
and I want to be a witch."[10]
It's
no wonder a talented story-teller such as J.K. Rowling can so effectively inspire
children. She grew up loving the occult. The article, Harry
Potter and the source of inspiration, describes her childhood
fascination and those who inspired the main characters in her books. For
example, her early view of Harry was shaped by her playmate
Ian Potter "whose childhood antics have startling similarities to those
of the fictional schoolboy wizard." Together, they began to role-play
the practices that made her books so exciting.
"We used to dress up and play witches all the time," explained
Ian's sister Vikki. "My brother would dress up as a wizard. Joanne was always
reading to us.... we would make secret potions for her. She would always
send us off to get twigs for the potions."
Apparently,
Ms Rowling knew how to find the books that nurtured her fascination even as a
child. Now she, in turn, spreads her love for the occult to children around
the world. Without a firm foundation in Biblical truth, they have little
resistance to her seductive call. And since most older children have been
thoroughly immersed in the multicultural world view in their public schools,
they are likely to prefer paganism to Christianity.
From
the world's perspective, why shouldn't they? Why not follow the crowd and
seek a new consensus in the name of peace and unity?
After all, "paganism is recognized as
a valid religion," says Mr. Norfolk of the Pagan Federation. He
sees no reason why parents should be alarmed by their children's sudden
interest in magic.
Nor did a spokesman from the Roman
Catholic Church. "I haven't heard anything within the Catholic religion
that suggests this is anything to be concerned about," he said, following the
pattern of unbiblical tolerance touted by his Protestant and Anglican
counterparts. Apparently, the division between church leaders who support Harry and
those who don't runs through many nations and denominations. [11]
Our local library held a Harry Potter party
on August 2. About a hundred children showed up to decorate Wizard hats and
paint the lightening mark of Harry Potter fans on their foreheads. They
provided a captive audience for adult fans of Harry's world view. Parents
had to wait outside.
Preparing
children for spiritual battle
Remember, this is spiritual warfare.
God's enemy fights as hard as ever to win the hearts and loyalties of our
children -- and he has added all kinds of high-tech tools to his armory.
To resist his strategies, they first need to
understand the Biblical world view. That's why God told His
people long ago to base all conversation -- day and night -- on His
unchanging truth:
"These words which I command you
today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your
children, and shall talk of them when you sit... walk... lie down,
and when you rise up." Deut. 6:6-7
Everything we say must reflect the reality of God, His love and sovereignty,
His promises and His warnings. To prove that our God is far greater than the
pantheon of alternatives, our lives must demonstrate faith in the midst of
difficulties and His triumph in the midst of turmoil. This is possible, not by
our own strength, but by His power and grace. Then,
seeing His greatness, children learn to trust His
promises.
Likewise,
The Armor of God (Ephesians
6:10-18) begins and ends with the power
of His Word.
First, we "put on the belt of Truth," which holds
all the other pieces -- His righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation -- in
place. The last part, "the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of
God," is simply His truth and promises memorized, remembered and
affirmed as we face each day's challenge.
This
two-edged sword is our main weapon in every battle. It exposes lies and
uncovers deceptions while it strengthens our faith and lifts our
hearts. The
world can't understand it, and many so-called Christians despise it. But
to those who love God, it brings the hope, strength, joy and perseverance
needed to walk with Him in peace no matter what happens.
"For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to
the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty
in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high
thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every
thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ...."
2 Corinthians 10:3-5
Footnotes
Malcolm Jones, "The Return of
Harry Potter!", Newsweek (Online), July 1, 2000, page 4. Apparently,
this article which was originally posted at <www.msnbc.com/news/428200.asp> is no longer
available at the Newsweek website <www.msnbc.com>. I
have a printed (not digitized) copy of the article which I had downloaded before its
removal.
[1]
"What Readers Think About
Goblet?" San Francisco Chronicle, 7-26.
[2]
"Harry's Biggest Fans," San
Francisco Chronicle, 7-26
[3] Potter
fans turning to witchcraft, Associated Newspapers Ltd., 04 August 2000,
http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/dynamic/news/story.html?in_review_id=306029&in_review_text_id=250010
[4] TV
shows fuel children's interest in witchcraft
Leah
Mowery, "Mystical Misconceptions Haunt Students," The Talon, 7 June 1991.
[6] Based
on the above Wiccan article and on personal interviews with the Christian student
[7]
Ted Olsen Christianity
Today
[8]
See A
Twist of Faith)
See
Under the Spell of Mother Earth
[9]
Potter
fans turning to witchcraft
[10]
"What Readers Think About
Goblet?" San Francisco Chronicle, 7-26.
[11]
Potter
fans turning to witchcraft
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