Your
Comments
Harry Potter - 6
For all previous Harry Potter comments, click here:
Potter 1, Potter 2, Potter 3 or Harry 3 or Harry 4 or Harry 5
Second letter from
Chris
(First letter is below):
Thanks for taking to time to read and respond to my
other letter. I think we're going to have to agree to disagree.
The Harry Potter books have not harmed me in any way, nor have they harmed the dozens
upon dozens of other people I know who read them. You can talk in theoreticals, but I
have never known *anyone* who has been drawn to witchcraft by Harry Potter.
Also, I found something else that you might find interesting:
I recently read an article from the Arlington Catholic Herald in which JK Rowling was
interviewed. In describing her personal beliefs, Rowling said "I believe in God, not
magic. I don't think children will be seriously disappointed to hear that I don't
believe in magic. I do have doubts, that just goes along with being me. Sometimes faith
is trusting that faith will return."
Now obviously this isn't definitive proof of anything, but it does show that JK Rowling
is a Christian. And why would a Christian be encouraging the practice of witchcraft? Are
we going start accusing C.S. Lewis of encouraging practicing witchcraft because he wrote
the Chronicles of Narnia?
Thanks again for taking the time to read this...I eagerly await your reply.
You are right, Chris. Her publicity statement doesn't prove anything. A person who idealizes myth and magic and contradicts God's truth and warnings isn't all that believable. Remember, Ms Rowling does lots of interviews in order to sell her books and win support. She knows what brings applause and what brings criticism. The last thing she would want do is to suggest that she might actually believe the occultism she teaches through her books. Publically, she has to keep it all in the realm of fantasy.
In today's world, a person who professes to believe in God could just as well be referring to the various New Age gods as to the Biblical God. Faith and spirituality are now in; Biblical Christianity is out -- as you may have noticed from the letters we receive.
From Chris:
First off, I'd like to say that, yes, I am a
Christian. I read my bible regularly. I go to church on Sundays. I have a strong and
meaningful relationship with Jesus Christ.
I also read Harry Potter. And I haven't been damaged at all by doing so. I have not
converted to Wicca. I have not broken my back jumping from my roof on a broomstick. I
don't believe in unicorns or try to cast magic spells on my teachers or sit in my front
yard and shout "Muggle!" at people who pass by. I just read the books and enjoy them for
what they are - harmless entertainment.
It has been my experience that most of the fear of Harry Potter's supposed dangerous
influence is based on misinformation, even outright lies. Many Christians who oppose
Harry Potter have not even taken the time to read the books they hate so much.
One American Sunday School teacher tried to teach her class to hate Harry Potter by
claiming that, in "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" he publicly denounced the
name of Jesus. This is completely untrue and shows the lengths some people will go to to
perpetuate a lie they've decieved themselves into believing.
Harry Potter is a work of fiction, and I'm sure that's perfectly obvious to your
children. Broomsticks do not really fly. One can't cast magic spells by waving a stick
in the air. And I'm afraid my local supermarket appears to be sold out of eye of newt.
In reality, the "magic" of the Harry Potter books is far removed from true occult practices. Wearing funny-looking purple cloaks and riding broomsticks and eating jellybeans that taste like earwax and grass...this is hardly comparable to anything dangerous in the real world.
If you have read any of my articles, Chris (see list on top of this page), you would know that the broomsticks and wands may symbolize the occult, but their influence is miniscule compared to the many other more subtle suggestions. Our post-Christian world has witnessed a revival of paganism, and the occult mythologies and practices that fascinated people throughout history are now mixed together in all kinds of popular entertainment. What God calls evil (or an abomination), has now become a delight to children around the world. Even Christians dare test the sovereignty and holiness of God by their presumptuous rejection of Biblical warnings such as Deut 18:9-12 and Rom 12:2-9.
Among the most seductive suggestions are the timeless invitations to participate (through the imagination or in actual practice) in a world where ordinary human beings can accomplish their will through spells and magic. Many forget that those ancient formulas that invoked demonic help and intervention in the past, work just as well today. Neither Satan's strategies nor human nature has changed through the centuries. That's why children, youth and adults who were raised in Christian homes are flocking to a wide assortment of spiritual alternatives.
Two major differences between our culture and many earlier ones make children all the more vulnerable to the occult suggestions: (1) today's ignorance of occult dangers (oppression, depression, spiritual blindness, a downward spiral of evil) and (2) the persuasive power of contemporary marketing.
But perhaps Harry Potter isn't the issue at all. Or at least it shouldn't be. In fact, condemning Harry Potter could do far more harm than good. The public opposition of Harry Potter further widens the divide between Christians and non-Christians, by fueling the widely-held stereotype that all Christians are boring kill-joys bent on destroying everyone's fun. I think you'll agree that this is hardly the kind of public image we want.
Jesus didn't tell His followers that they would be popular in the world. Instead He warned us that the world would hate and persecute us for taking an uncompromising stand on His Word. John 15:20-21 He told us to "count the cost" of discipleship, and refuse to compromise. And in Luke 6:26, He tells us, "Woe to you when all men speak well of you."
In other words, we have a choice: will we make it our goal to please God -- or to please our peers? As for me, I would choose my Lord any day!
I'm certainly not suggesting we compromise our beliefs to
fit in with society, but neither should we ostracize ourselves from the secular world. I
believe Christian criticism of Harry Potter has been taken to unnecessary extremes.
I understand that it is the parent's job to guide their children, but this doesn't mean
sheltering them completely from anything you perceive as being remotely harmful. By
making all your children's decisions for them, you discredit their intelligence and do
them a huge disservice.
Rather than telling them to hate Harry Potter, arm your children with the knowledge and
skills to make their own unbiased decision. Then show them the books. Read the first
book together, and if at the end you are still not convinced, then that is your decision
to make. But I think that, in all likelihood, you will end up enjoying Harry Potter as
much as your children.
No Chris. That's not the way God tells us to raise children. Why don't you read through the book of Proverbs and Ephesians 5.
Of course there's always the argument that I have been
brainwashed into thinking Harry Potter is harmless. I hope reading this has convinced
you that I haven't. But if the only way I can convince you of this is to throw my books
onto the bonfire...I'm sorry but I'm not willing to do that."
One section of a website that I run (and the main attracting feature, considering the
popularity of the books) is dedicated to Harry Potter. Another section is devoted to
explaining the basics of Christianity. So, in effect, I am using Harry Potter as a tool
for evangelism...certainly food for thought...
Thank you for your time - I know you must get heaps of letters, and I'm sure you're
frustrated with all the insulting ones. I hope you'll find the time to read and reply.
No, I'm not frustrated with the insulting ones. I expected opposition. And I know that most students has been trained to react to contrary information with their feelings rather than respond with their intellect. (All the more I appreciate your thoughtful letter) May I suggest you read A New Way of Thinking?
From Tiffany:
Okay, well, first off I will admit that I am a Harry
Potter fan (keep that in mind as you read this), and I think the books are wonderful.
Much better than Stephen King novels. So, I have a question: Do you
consider the King books evil too? Just asking.
Yes, I do, Tiffany. For similar reasons.
Also, I am asking you, why you are trying to take something away from kids that they enjoy? I mean, I do understand that if they begin to turn to witchcraft and try to summon spirits and such, then you have no choice but to ban the books from them.
By that time it's too late. When they have learned to love -- not just an exciting story, but also the occult realm itself, they have probably become blind to God's truth and deaf to any Biblical counsel.
But, what if the kids understand that the books are only fiction? Do you consider that okay?
Please read Harry Potter and the Power of Suggestion. It answers your question better than I can here, in a short paragraph.
Even though I think that your website is censorship (regardless off what you say), I do admire your determination. Lots of people are against you, and you still stand up for what you believe in. I think that is sweet, although I do disagree with what you are attempting to do. I do believe in God, and Jesus, and that he died on the holy cross, but I also enjoy reading the books. (I am 15 years old.) Is that okay to just read them, and not exactly believe what they say? Hugs and Kisses,
Simply believing that Jesus died on the cross isn't enough, Tiffany. Listen to this verse in James 2:19: "You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble!"
The kind of faith that changes your heart and brings regeneration -- some call it "Saving faith" -- involves conviction by the Holy Spirit, confession, genuine repentance (turning around) and a deep-hearted committment to walk with Jesus no matter what. In means being "born again" into the family of God by the work of the Holy Spirit, not just agreeing with someone who tells you about Jesus and His redeeming love and death on the cross. Lots of people believe that, but they have never been changed by the Spirit.
When a person receives Christ as his or her Savior and Lord, everything changes. God shows you things in His Word that you never saw before. You love Him more than anything else, and long to know God and His ways (by studying His Word) so that you can follow Him always.
All that may already have happened in and to you. I don't know where you stand. But if you have any questions, please look at the Scriptures in What it means to be a Christian.
From Mark A Ayers, MD: Fascinating discussion and debate ! Concerning your disapprobation with the Harry Potter books, as regards their being evil, I believe you may have missed the mark. One only need look to such luminaries as CS Lewis, Tolkein, Wells, et al. to see the archetypes of good versus evil played out in a magical, mythic realm. Indeed, the classical Canon of Western literature that has shaped so much of what is RIGHT with our world relied heavily upon the mythological, the arcane, to fire the imagination. . .mark what is essentially true and noble as well as what is false and ignoble.
The irony is, the fertile mind that the Divine Architect of the Universe has bestowed upon us is bent, by DESIGN, to the fantastic, the supernatural. . .and it is a short step from the mythology of Plotinus, Heroditus and yes, even Rowlings, to the essential Inerrant TRUTH that is to be found in the sovereign Word of God. . The Bible.
By condemning the books, you are unwittingly extinguishing the Divine Fire of the Mind that the Creator has placed within us. . .within Children. . .who's nascent imaginations NEED such a playground in order to apprehend the Truth and Divine nature of the gospels. Please understand, I know you BELIEVE you are doing right in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ. . .but your arguments are fundamentally untenable. Nevertheless, you deserve Kudos for allowing a free and open discussion on the matter within this forum!
I appreciate your thoughtful comments, Dr. Ayers. But we clearly have different views of the Design, purpose and guidelines of the Divine Architect. That "fire of of the mind" that is fueled by pagan myths was not placed in us by our Creator. Nor is it a short step from the mythology of Ploninus and Rowlings to the Word of God. The two sides are diametrically opposed, and today's postmodern emphasis on feelings and experience rather than truth and repentance make the chasm far more difficult to cross. Please see What it means to be a Christian and Unequal Contenders in the Spiritual War.
From Anna:
Hello, I read your articles on how Harry Potter is
really evil, and I would just like to say a few things.
I am a very devoted Christian. I pray everyday, and also lead retreats for youth, as
well as participate in them. I'm a huge fan of Harry Potter books. How can that be if
what your articles state, are true.
I'm don't worship Satan, or do fortune telling, or anything against my strong Catholic faith. It is my beleif that what you're saying, is untrue. J.K. Rowling said, "I have had millions of children come up to me, and not one of them has ever said 'I like your books so much, now I want to be a witch/wizard'"
Sure, some parents need to mabey limit younger kids when it comes to Fantasy books, un-christian television shows, and other things, but a few incedents where parents were'nt doing their job in their kids kife, doesnt mean that reding and liking them is something evil. If there was ever someone who was serious about witchcraft after reading the books so much, than their parents aren't doing their jobs. Which brings that point to, Reading Harry Potter is not a bad thing.
Next thing, I disagree with the fact that you put an
article on why not to go see the movie. It was a wonderfuly done movie, which had values
implanted into it -good ones by the way- and wasnt full of evil. I do agree that some
parts are unsuitable for younger children, but hat again is the parents job to make the
decision.
One question for you. Have you read all of the books, all the way through?
I'm sorry if you feel offended for my respnse to two of your articles. Anyway, here's a
complement for you: You write really well. :)
I have read, studied, marked and quoted from all four books, Anna. We obviously have different views of what God calls good or evil. Because He loves us and wants to keep us safe in Him -- not distracted or deceived by contrary values --He makes it very clear what He wants us to avoid. See 2 Kings 9:22.
You say you are a "devout Christian," Anna. What does that mean to you? Where does His Word fit into your walk with Jesus?
If His Word isn't special or important to you, how do know how God wants you to live? And how can you teach youth to follow Him if you ignore the Scriptures He has given us? Please click here and consider these Scriptures: Psalm 119:11
From Bob T: Hello idiots. I am 14 and I’m commenting on your stupid article condemning Harry Potter. Do you think us kids is that stupid; it’s because of people like you who think the worst that on Sesame Street they killed Burt off. I bet if you had it your way there would be no fantasy books, and that’s what we kids know it is. It is just a story; just give us some credit because we know it’s a story.
J.K. Rowling just wanted to make a book, to try and make reading fun, and she got a lot of kids to start reading. Illiteracy is lower then it has ever been. She not trying to turn people into witches, she just wanted to give people something fun to read. I mean, do you have to turn everything into a conspiracy; and I know what your thinking, (and not through divination) you’re thinking oh she has another bewitched but that simply is not true. I am Mormon, and I condemn anything of the devil, but this isn’t. It’s just a harmless story, nothing more.
Bob, please read "Harry Potter and the Power of Suggestion to see why "just a story" can change your values and influence your beliefs.
You are wrong about literacy. Before the "education reform" based on psycho-social strategies and global goals changed the focus of education from facts and phonics, almost 100% of the children and adults in America learned to read. Everything changed when and behavioral "science" rather than the tested ways of traditional education became the norm. See Early experimentation in California schools, Literacy and Illiteracy for Social Change
Anomymous: hello ummmmm........ U R WRONG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LET ME BEGIN WILL YOU??? O AND I WOULD APRECIATE IT IF U DIDNT TWIST MY WORDS AROUND!!!!1. WHY DONT U READ THE BOOKS??? 2. they arent evil they arent even real!!!!! if u think the book is evil just by hearing the wordm magic..UR WRONG!!!!! bye.......o by the way free country!!!! peace!
I thank God for the freedom He has given us to share our hearts and express our beliefs. Of course, that means that I have that freedom just as you do. Right?
From Amy: I was reading your Harry Potter comment board and I was very troubled by the number of "Christian kids" who stand up for the fictional character Harry Potter. Do these "Christian kids" respond when Jesus' name is used as a cuss word with the same passion? Probably not.
I just wanted to share my experience that I had as a teenager with fiction occult stories. It all started in public elementary school (that's a whole other topic) when the librarian introduced us to Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark. After reading this book I had a taste for more scary fiction. As I grew up I began to devour Christopher Pike books as well as Lois Duncan and R.L. Stine. By Jr. High and high school I was into Stephen King and Koonts (I think that's how his name is spelled).
Well, as I read these so called innocent books I did become more interested in the occult, so me and my friends would play with the Ouija board, do palm reading, have seances, and try Bloody Mary in the mirror. At the time it was all just fun, but soon I began having the most horrible nightmares at night. Every night I hated to go to sleep because in my dreams I would be chased, killed, and tortured.
Sometimes I would wake up screaming or crying and I would just feel like something else was in the room with me. As I continued to dabble in the occult I began to be depressed and feel like I wanted to hurt myself. I was only set free from this torment after I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior.
After I got saved I quit reading all of those books because, "What fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?" (2 Corinthians 6:14) Not everyone who reads Harry Potter will take the same path I took, but why take a chance? The Bible is filled with exciting stories of God's true power. Check out what happened when Saul tries to contact the dead (1 Samuel 28).
Thank you, Amy, for your testimony to the power of God over the forces of darkness!
From "a concerned
fan":
I can't begin to tell you how right you were about
the Harry Potter being
evil subject. I'm 15 years old and ever since I started reading the Harry Potter books
my younger brother and I have snuck down into the basement to preform satanic rituals.
Sometimes we worship the greater spirits and
sacrifice sheep, other times we simply sit and let evil posess our bodies and then we go
off into the night where we hunt down small christian children, that's after we
transform into werewolves.
You see my brainwashed friend, you really need to lighten up. Only foolish people are naive enough to take the Bible word for word. My friend, it may seem shocking, but you don't speak for the big man himself, he probably is looking down at you right now and filling out your one way ticket to hell (I'm only kidding....)
If you try to give me some macho all-knowing retort, I'll
just laugh at you. I'm almost directly quoting (with a few changes, hence the absensce
of quotations marks) a certain comic that certain churches around my neighborhood always
hand out around the highschool. I'm not saying that you are stupid, of course not,
I'm merely stating that what you're trying to prove is useless.
Useless for you, perhaps. But many others are encouraged by the truths you ridicule. Remember, Jesus was mocked before He was crucified, and He told His disciples to expect the same. Your statements neither shock nor surprise those who love Him. He said,
"Fools mock at sin, but among the upright there is favor." Proverbs 14:9
"Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap." Galatians 6:7
People were around long before the bible was made (BTW,
the old testament was created by Jews so in your face, and the new testament is merely
an extension that happens to include jesus, and if you're a follower of Islam, jesus was
a
great guy, but not nearly perfect enough to be worshipped. And oh yeah, it's all the
same god!).
Here are a few more proverbs from the Bible we, Christians, have in common with our Jewish friends:
The way of a fool is right in his own eyes." Proverbs 12:15
A wise man fears and departs from evil, But a fool rages and is self-confident." Proverbs 14:3
The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge, But the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness." Proverbs 15:14
A fool has no delight in understanding, But in expressing his own heart." Proverbs 18:2
Okay, enough of religion, lets get to the good stuff, Harry Potter, a witch? I think not. Not once, ever, in the books does in state that Harry Potter is a witch.
Did I say he was?
Nope, a wizard, and he does not use witch-craft, he uses magic, and not the dark-arts, he's a good guy and he does the right thing. I'd say little Harry is somewhat of a role model for the youth around the world.
Lighten up buddy, if you didn't spend so much time looking for everything evil in the world, you just might see the brighter picture and begin to enjoy life. Now that I think of it, when it really comes down to who's who, you're the one who's evil. Later buddy.
Second letter from
Kayla:
When you posted my letter on your site, you asked me,
"When did I say that, Kayla?"
It probably wasn't meant for a reply, but I'm giving you one. First of all, you are
saying that Harry Potter lures kids to witchcraft. Then, you say that all who worship
witchcraft cannot be a Christian (well, YOU didn't say it, but you said the Bible did).
Also, you say that I'm missing your point. Your goal, according to your main site, is:
Quote. "Our aim is to answer questions from concerned parents and help them understand
the threats to their children's faith from a Biblical perspective."
I do understand your points. I HAVE read your articles. I only used that quote from
Gioia Bishop because it was the FIRST thing that I noticed on your site and it strongly
angered me.
You said that that girl's so called direct quote wasn't what your info was based on.
Then why did you put it on your site? Obviously it is to show parents the risks in
letting their kids read Potter books. Well, in that case, you used it as 'proof'.
Actually, that was not the reason. I would never prove a point by an anecdotal story. A study of one is certainly not proof of anything. But the anecdotes awaken people to what is happening and illustrate what the more boring facts tells us. I like to start with an illustration, then I prove my point with stronger evidence -- factual studies, professional research, statistics, quotes by experts in the field and God's Word.
Why do you think that Harry Potter is evil? I have read
your articles and none of your points seem
correct to me. If God wants us to live a happy life, then why can't kids read a simple
fiction book without
turning evil, as you must think?
If you have read my articles and refuse to believe any of my points, I don't know what more I can say, Kayla - other than that I am sorry. I hope you will remember some of the truths when -- one day -- you need help and strength. Remember, only God can provide lasting peace and joy in the tumultuous transformation we soon will face. I can assure you that that genuine joy will not come from reading about Harry Potter.
From Kayla:
In reply to your HORRIBLE description on why you say
Harry Potter is Wrong: I just cannot believe my eyes. How can you say that Harry Potter
is evil? Are you saying that Pokemon is evil now too? I watch Buffy and Charmed (Which
happens to be my favorite show), so now am I evil? Do I promote Satanism?
I am a Baptist and I do go to Bible School, for your information. You say we can't be
Christians and like Harry Potter?
Where did I say that, Kayla?
Well, it must be possible...because I do! You obviously
don't know what you are talking about, because you say we shouldn't read the books, yet
repeatedly throughout your page you say that YOU HAVE READ THE BOOKS!!! Give me one of
your sarcastic remarks now!
You use that 10-year-old girl's sentence as proof that Harry Potter turns kids to
witchcraft? No. Uh uh. See, most kids don't even know what witchcraft IS, okay???? They
think it is all about broomsticks and pointy hats. You can't tell me that these kids are
going to grow up and become satan worshipers, because right now they are just being
entertained by a book. A FICTION book. Okay? Harry Potter is a very well written book
and I praise Rowling for her wonderful writing skills.
And by the way, STOP thinking that Christian religion is the only religion allowed to be
praised. Because, l can assure you, it's not. Have a nice day:)
Did you really read any of my articles about Harry Potter, Kayla? You have missed all my points. May I ask you to review Harry Potter and the Power of Suggestion and Twelve reasons not to see Harry Potter movies. Please notice that none of the twelve reasons are based on an anecdotal experience or on a quote by a child.
Anomymous: You guys need to get it together! I can't believe there are actually idiots like you on this planet! I have to say,that quite frankly, you people REALLY scare me. You guys think EVERYTHING is evil,and that's just not right. I know this letter won't change your thoughts, but I am outraged and I need to tell you how I feel about you religous zealots.Will you PLEASE listen to yourselves for one moment?
You think EVERYTHING from Tarzan to Pokemon, role playing games to Harry Potter are evil! This is complete____! I LOVE the Harry Potter books and the movie and I have watched several Disney movies and I have tons of Pokemon cards. Am I now worshiping Satan?I THINK NOT!!
Your love for Harry Potter doesn't prove his goodness. Nor did I say you or anyone was worshiping Satan. And if you were to look in the section on victory and "Fun for the Family" you would see a small portion of the things I love and recommend. Or would you prefer to silence my opinion and outlaw my views. That doesn't sound very American - or Christian.
You guys have gone WAY over the line,and I think you need SERIOUS mental help. You are much more dangerous than any #$%* Harry Potter books!! You just read the books over and over again, trying to find anything that could be related to satan.I ask: don't you have anything better to do with your time??!! GET A LIFE!!!! You make me and hundreds of other people sick!I T'S A FANTASY NOVEL, FOR GOD'S SAKE! IT'S NOT REAL!! Do you think just because I love Harry Potter now I sit in my room cooking up potions and learning how to perform the dark mark? Guess again, idiots!!
No, you don't cook up "portions" and perform dark magic. But you certainly have developed a rage and hatred that fits right into the world of darkness. It seems to me that the fantasies you love have distorted your understanding both of reality and of our Constitutional right to free speech. In other words, your imagination has created a very real rage in your heart. But it fits the new global vision. Please read The UN Plan for Your Mental Health
I don't usually send hate mail like this, but you people have just pushed me over the edge.Can you please stop thinking about god and the bible for one second, or are you uncapable of doing that? You need to loosen up and relax and enjoy life instead of CONSTANTLY searching for satanic things!Do you really believe this is what god wants you to do?Do you really think god gives a *&%$# if we read Harry Potter? NO!
I cannot stand narrow minded idots like yourselves.You are seriously sick and I'm not going to let you brainwash me into thinking like you! I feel VERY sorry for kids who are being brainwashed by their narrow minded ignorant parents who don't know a damn thing about what they are talking about.These kids will grow up to have no imagination, and they won't be able to think for themselves, because of people just like you who pour such filth onto this world.
Would you like them to be filled with the kind of intolerance and hatred that is tormenting you?
Those poor kids! Please stop brainwashing them and destroying their imaginations! PLEASE think about what I said, and stop being such #$%* party poopers! GET A LIFE!!!!!!!
From RL: I am a Christian and I attend church regularly. But when I went to look up topic something disappointed me? It said, “Harry Potter & Witch Craft.” I do realized that when you people heard it had some witchery in it yall did’t even bother to read it.
I myself am a Harry Potter fan and waiting anxiously till the 5th book is coming out. I don’t belive it when you say that God opposes spells, sorcerey, and witchcraft. In the Bible no where does it say the words spells, sorcerey, and witchcraft. So you don’t have the answers. Since it doesn’t say that in the Bible either you heard it or flat out made it up.
Please click on Deut 18:9-12. It uses all those words.
This is not a a series of books that is all about wizardry. I’m going to tell you the story from my (Christian) point of view. It’s a boy who lives with his terrible aunt and uncle. Till one day he finds happiness. And in all four of the books they mention Christmas and Easter holidays. Doesn’t that tell you something?
What does it tell you? That anyone who mentions or remembers those holidays is a Christian? Long ago, Christians chose began to celebrate their holidays at the same time as pagans celebrated their gods (winter solstice and spring equinox). Now the Christian and pagan symbols of the winter and spring holidays blend together. Many Christians can's tell them apart - partly, because they like the blend.
God wants to see changed hearts and holy lives, and satan laughs at today's shallow, pleasure-seeking expressions of the Church. So, God warns us, "Woe to those who call evil good and good evil...." Isaiah 5:20
It’s a book they call it “Fiction.” There are many, many, more books based a witchcraft. And just because this is one of the most popular books in the world in decades now yall complain? Have yall ever just thought that the book was just flat out good to read? The thing that makes me mad is that you’ll have probably never even seen the movie or read any of the books? Not unless yall have proof that this is a bad thing to read give me one good reason besides the fact that God doesn’t like it. I think you people like getting complaints because yall are getting a lot of them. I do not want this letter to be ignored I am expecting answers to all of my questions. And when you email me back I do not want there to be any scriptures. I am waiting for your reply.
As I mentioned in my letter, I read all the books and saw the movie.
Anomymous: Hello idiots. I am 14 and I’m commenting on your stupid article condemning Harry Potter. Do you think us kids is that stupid; it’s because of people like you who think the worst that on Sesame Street they killed Burt off. I bet if you had it your way there would be no fantasy books, and that’s what we kids know it is. It is just a story; just give us some credit because we know it’s a story.
J.K. Rowling just wanted to make a book, to try and make reading fun, and she got a lot of kids to start reading. Illiteracy is lower then it has ever been.
It is? Do you have any statistics to back up that statement? Keep in mind, before children chose to watch television many hours a day, literacy rose above 90% in America. Everyone learned to read through old-fashioned phonics. That changed when the new "progressive education" began to flow into schools in the 1930s. "The California Blue Bulletin," published by the California State Dept. of Education, September 1919, page 5, states that "California is one hundred percent literate." See Early experimentation in California schools
Contrary to your message, the really stupid thing to do is to let all the occult thrills -- whether through games, television, movies or books -- fill your minds and entice you away from reading the good books that teach kindness and goodness without any occult trappings.
Here is more evidence that shows the success of the old ways of learning to read:
Do facts matter? Part II (Thomas Sowell shows the subversive social engineering of leaders who despised the America we loved): "The history of the education of blacks in America has become politicized to the point where it is barely recognizable as history, rather than as an arsenal of horror stories to be used in the political wars of today. ... there is an almost complete disregard of other important aspects of the history of black education that are also true. ...
"...the census of 1850 showed that more than half of the 500,000 free blacks were able to read and write.
"How did that happen? It happened because they set up their own schools, even in places where such schools were illegal and had to operate underground. ...
"One of the most inspiring and heroic episodes in the history of black education in America came after the Civil War, when numerous white school teachers from the North went South to teach the children of the freed slaves....
"As far back as 1899, the one black academic high school in Washington scored higher on standardized tests than two of the three white high schools in the nation's capital. In the decades that followed, its graduates went on to college at a higher rate than that of white Americans.... Yet this story too is seldom mentioned today, because it too was done in ways that are not considered politically correct today." See The International Agenda
She not trying to turn people into witches, she just wanted to give people something fun to read. I mean, do you have to turn everything into a conspiracy; and I know what your thinking, (and not through divination) you’re thinking oh she has another bewitched but that simply is not true. I am Mormon, and I condemn anything of the devil, but this isn’t. It’s just a harmless story, nothing more
From Tara: I am 18 years old. I myself have read all the books and just to add I have seen the movie 8 times. I think these books are absolutely wonderful. They teach children the importance of friendship, bravery, love and to stand up for what you believe in. Even if Harry does go against the rules in the books he is only doing it for good, not evil, and he is doing it half the time to save a life.
No offence but you all sound like born again Christians who have nothing better to do than to criticize great literature. These books have made millions of children want to read again. They are turning off their Playstations, and X-Box's to read. Everytime I turn around I see a little child holding the "Goblet of Fire" book number 4 which is the longest book in the series so far. It is amazing to me that these little children are doing this.
Yes God does say to not practice witchcraft and satanic stuff but he didn't say we weren't allowed to read right?
Please see Deut 18:9-12 and Rom 12:2-9. Or, better yet, read Harry Potter and the Power of Suggestion
If kids turn to satanic rituals and witchcraft it is the fault of their parents, not the books. If you banned Harry Potter you would have to ban half of literature that we read in school today. And look at half the Disney movies, they are known to millions of children worldwide. Yet in every movie good conquers over evil. Such is in these books.
Are you saying that magic and spellcasting are "good"? The Bible tells us that those practices are an "abomination." That's a strong word for something God views as evil. In primitive animist or pagan cultures, people would pray to the more "friendly spirits" (the Bible calls them demons) in order to win over more deadly spirits. In other words, they -- like Harry Potter -- pit an enticing form of evil against a more obvious evil. Either way, evil wins.
Personally I think God would like to read the books. If I am going to hell because of reading a children's book which promotes good, then there is no God. I have been born and raised a Catholic and I fully believe in Jesus and his Saints and everything. Trust me, I am Italian. But again, you must be blind to see the goodness in these books. Why don't you pay attention to the things that are really important and dangerous to children, real life situations like gang's, drugs, alcohol, war, racism, and everything else. Because if Harry Potter is the worst that can happen, well then we are all doomed huh?
We are all doomed unless we accept the gift of freedom and salvation that Christ offer us. Please see What it means to be a Christian
From Sirius Black:
Please find something better to do with your time. Get out there and open your
mind. Your insights into Harry Potter are just plain dumb. Have you read the
books? It is plain to those of us that have, that you don't have clue what you
are talking about!
Instead of bashing great books that you know nothing about, try opening your
mind and read them first. Or at least open your mind to the possibility that you
might be over reacting a bit.
Just to let you know that I am a christian and the vast majority of us find you
nothing more than a joke. Get a life!
From Julia: (The promised documentation has been found. See the last paragraph in my response to this letter) Be assured that I bear you no malice. This letter was not written in a moment of pique, as so many of the other letters obviously were. I read your article as objectively as one can; one cannot be completely objective if one has an opinion; one always has an opinion unless one is dead. (Pardon the morbidity). I admire the obvious effort that your article took; you clearly feel strongly about your topic of choice.
Unless I have misunderstood, you feel as though J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter
series corrupts the youth. And perhaps the not so youthful too? Odd, though,
Socrates recieved a death sentence for the same thing. I assume, then, that you
do not read Edgar Allan Poe, William Shakespeare, Charles Dickens, Lewis
Carroll, L. Frank Baum, J.R.R. Tolkien, and so many others? They all have
written books or plays or poetry with a degree of fantasy. (Ironically, most of
those names came from "The Exiles," part of Ray Bradbury's The Illustrated Man).
Of course, those are only the ones that I've read, there are bound to be
countless others. Would you condemn all of them?
I don't condemn anything, Julia. My goal is to show Christians, not others, that popular paganism -- even in fantasy -- bring suggestions that challenge, confuse and distort a child's understanding of God and His truth.
Most of your evidence comes from the mouths of children.
A Twist of Faith. I have only included a few statements by children, and they merely illustrate my points.It does? I don't know which article you read, but most of my evidence actually comes the from my own research into ancient as well as contemporary paganism. Please read