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Here's something I found on it. Copy/paste.....
Question: "What should be the Christian view of Harry Potter?"
Answer: As the popularity of the Harry Potter series continues to grow, Christian parents are left with some difficult questions. Some believe that the magical world of Harry Potter is little more than harmless fun and fantasy. Others fear that these books and movies are an invitation to the occult. Regardless of a parent's viewpoint, Harry Potter has become unavoidable, as he now boldly lines the shelves of children's bookstores, public libraries, and schools. Without question, Christians should have some concerns and need to use careful discernment in deciding whether or not to allow their children to immerse themselves in the world of Harry Potter.
Harry Potter books and films are full of stereotypical magic. Witchcraft and wizardry are central themes, and the lead roles are played by wizards, witches, and other magical creatures. Although the characters practice casting spells, reading crystal balls, etc., they do not communicate with spiritual (supernatural) forces. While this may be considered a positive, one definite negative is that there is no higher power to answer to at all.
Unlike other fantasy children's stories that contain witches and the like, such as C. S. Lewis's The Chronicles of Narnia, the Harry Potter books do not have a positive biblical worldview. The distinction between good and bad can become blurred as both the "good" and "evil" characters participate in different types witchcraft and magic. The Bible clearly condemns all kinds of witchcraft, sorcery and spiritism (Deuteronomy 18:10-11). Philippians 4:8 says to "fill your minds with those things that are good and that deserve praise: things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and honorable." So does this mean that all Christians should avoid Harry Potter altogether?
For some families, the answer to this is yes. The Harry Potter series may not be for young or spiritually immature children, as they may not have the ability to distinguish between reality and fantasy, right and wrong, or good and evil. At best, they may be left confused about God's views about the occult, and at worst, they may become enchanted by the magical existence of Harry and his friends, becoming desensitized to occult lifestyles. In addition, there are issues such as violence, lying, and mildly foul language that each Christian family will be sensitive to at different levels.
On the other hand, there are positive aspects to Harry Potter. Love is shown through selflessness and self-sacrifice; Harry's own mother died to save him. There is a sense of justice, as good always triumphs over evil. Harry faces his fears and finds courage, even risking his own life for greater good. Friendships are defined by loyalty and unending devotion, even to the point of death.
To any family that is facing the debate with their children about whether or not they should be allowed to watch or read Harry Potter, good advice is found in the Scriptures: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6-7). The Bible tells us that God cares about what happens to us, and so we should give all of our worries to Him (1 Peter 5:7).
Christian parents have the responsibility to not only teach their children about the virtues that please God, but also about the spiritual forces that we are up against (Ephesians 6:12). When a child gets to a point where he or she has a personal relationship with God and is able to fully discern between what is good and bad according to God's standards, reading Harry Potter books or watching the movies can serve as not only entertainment, but can empower parents to raise up wise Christian thinkers.
Answer: As the popularity of the Harry Potter series continues to grow, Christian parents are left with some difficult questions. Some believe that the magical world of Harry Potter is little more than harmless fun and fantasy. Others fear that these books and movies are an invitation to the occult. Regardless of a parent's viewpoint, Harry Potter has become unavoidable, as he now boldly lines the shelves of children's bookstores, public libraries, and schools. Without question, Christians should have some concerns and need to use careful discernment in deciding whether or not to allow their children to immerse themselves in the world of Harry Potter.
Harry Potter books and films are full of stereotypical magic. Witchcraft and wizardry are central themes, and the lead roles are played by wizards, witches, and other magical creatures. Although the characters practice casting spells, reading crystal balls, etc., they do not communicate with spiritual (supernatural) forces. While this may be considered a positive, one definite negative is that there is no higher power to answer to at all.
Unlike other fantasy children's stories that contain witches and the like, such as C. S. Lewis's The Chronicles of Narnia, the Harry Potter books do not have a positive biblical worldview. The distinction between good and bad can become blurred as both the "good" and "evil" characters participate in different types witchcraft and magic. The Bible clearly condemns all kinds of witchcraft, sorcery and spiritism (Deuteronomy 18:10-11). Philippians 4:8 says to "fill your minds with those things that are good and that deserve praise: things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and honorable." So does this mean that all Christians should avoid Harry Potter altogether?
For some families, the answer to this is yes. The Harry Potter series may not be for young or spiritually immature children, as they may not have the ability to distinguish between reality and fantasy, right and wrong, or good and evil. At best, they may be left confused about God's views about the occult, and at worst, they may become enchanted by the magical existence of Harry and his friends, becoming desensitized to occult lifestyles. In addition, there are issues such as violence, lying, and mildly foul language that each Christian family will be sensitive to at different levels.
On the other hand, there are positive aspects to Harry Potter. Love is shown through selflessness and self-sacrifice; Harry's own mother died to save him. There is a sense of justice, as good always triumphs over evil. Harry faces his fears and finds courage, even risking his own life for greater good. Friendships are defined by loyalty and unending devotion, even to the point of death.
To any family that is facing the debate with their children about whether or not they should be allowed to watch or read Harry Potter, good advice is found in the Scriptures: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6-7). The Bible tells us that God cares about what happens to us, and so we should give all of our worries to Him (1 Peter 5:7).
Christian parents have the responsibility to not only teach their children about the virtues that please God, but also about the spiritual forces that we are up against (Ephesians 6:12). When a child gets to a point where he or she has a personal relationship with God and is able to fully discern between what is good and bad according to God's standards, reading Harry Potter books or watching the movies can serve as not only entertainment, but can empower parents to raise up wise Christian thinkers.
Thanks for reaffirming my thought even before I posted it!
Mainline indeed.
JK is goooooood!
Ozzy Osbourne is too- {suicide solution(alcoholism), Mr. tinker train(child molestation), Mr. Crowley(anthem to the founder of Odes Tempiorous)}; he's been baptized into the Anglican church......(so you know he's saved}
Mainline indeed.
JK is goooooood!
Ozzy Osbourne is too- {suicide solution(alcoholism), Mr. tinker train(child molestation), Mr. Crowley(anthem to the founder of Odes Tempiorous)}; he's been baptized into the Anglican church......(so you know he's saved}
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K
True! However, we are not talking about withcraft here, we are talking about a movie about wizards. It's not the same as practicing withcraft. It's like saying that watching a movie about murder is equal to murdering someone.
Moreover, the kind of magic used in the HP series is, in my opinion, innocent and simple. Magic wands like the ones the Fairy Godmother used combined with some funny words (Latin in this case) . Noone in the whole series summons any spirits. ''Black Magic" (Dark Arts) is condemned through all the books. Of course the background for everything that happens in the story is Magic, so in that case you could say it's promoting withcraft. But then, it is implied that everything is fantasy. I would worry more about movies where it's hard to differentiate reality from fantasy. Harry Potter is claearly fantasy. It's not a Christian story but I definitely see more good than bad in the story. It's another good vs. evil with magic added to the ingredients.
On the flip side, I think parents should be cautious if they let their children watch the movies, since some kids can't discern reality from fantasy yet and some can even become obssesed with magic. From personal experience, I read my first HP book when I was 10 or 11 and I loved it. I have read all the books and I've come to appreciate all the good things the story offers.
Moreover, the kind of magic used in the HP series is, in my opinion, innocent and simple. Magic wands like the ones the Fairy Godmother used combined with some funny words (Latin in this case) . Noone in the whole series summons any spirits. ''Black Magic" (Dark Arts) is condemned through all the books. Of course the background for everything that happens in the story is Magic, so in that case you could say it's promoting withcraft. But then, it is implied that everything is fantasy. I would worry more about movies where it's hard to differentiate reality from fantasy. Harry Potter is claearly fantasy. It's not a Christian story but I definitely see more good than bad in the story. It's another good vs. evil with magic added to the ingredients.
On the flip side, I think parents should be cautious if they let their children watch the movies, since some kids can't discern reality from fantasy yet and some can even become obssesed with magic. From personal experience, I read my first HP book when I was 10 or 11 and I loved it. I have read all the books and I've come to appreciate all the good things the story offers.
What is faith without action? Just words. You can sit up in your room and pray all day long but without ACTING on the love of Christ, you're just as bad as someone who actively works against it. Jesus didn't keep his love to just his followers. He spread it as often as he could.
I also didn't say anything about JK Rowling being an amazing Christian. I believe she IS, but that isn't the point. I was merely saying I respect her success as a writer because I am also an aspiring author who came from a low income family.
I am a liberal protestant because I respect EVERYONE and don't instantly condemn people to Hell (a VERY un-Christlike act, might I add) for having slightly different interpretations of the ancient Scripture than mine. I've seen more love and Christ-like behavior in Anglican/Episcopalian, UCC and Lutheran churches than I've seen in ANY conservative church.
I also didn't say anything about JK Rowling being an amazing Christian. I believe she IS, but that isn't the point. I was merely saying I respect her success as a writer because I am also an aspiring author who came from a low income family.
I am a liberal protestant because I respect EVERYONE and don't instantly condemn people to Hell (a VERY un-Christlike act, might I add) for having slightly different interpretations of the ancient Scripture than mine. I've seen more love and Christ-like behavior in Anglican/Episcopalian, UCC and Lutheran churches than I've seen in ANY conservative church.
This topic needs its ante upped with a Song of Fire and Ice reference.
Anyway. I'm with Tintin. It's laughable that anyone thinks the works of Harry Potter bear any resemblance to witchcraft proper... They must either no nothing of the book, or nothing of witchcraft. Most likely both.
And we have people chiming in here so far gone they oppose Lewis for writing fiction. Beautiful.
Anyway. I'm with Tintin. It's laughable that anyone thinks the works of Harry Potter bear any resemblance to witchcraft proper... They must either no nothing of the book, or nothing of witchcraft. Most likely both.
And we have people chiming in here so far gone they oppose Lewis for writing fiction. Beautiful.
What a waste of time this was.
To try to reason with people who have to have it their way.
No good reason, just 'cause they want to.
Your simplistic views are laughable. (not one over 30; who hasn't been infected by it agrees with you)
I couldn't get a word of logic from them.....just affectations.
What a joke.
To try to reason with people who have to have it their way.
No good reason, just 'cause they want to.
Your simplistic views are laughable. (not one over 30; who hasn't been infected by it agrees with you)
I couldn't get a word of logic from them.....just affectations.
What a joke.
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these programs are designed to groom kids to believe in witchcraft, it's just like charmed, all the young girls wanted to be the charmed girls, you really should look into the people behind these shows, wiccan depends on being able to recruit preteen and young teen girls, they need to make witchcraft appear fun and exciting.