Should the Harry Potter movies be shown in a Christian church?
Silly Me
2007/09/13 21:21:54
|
|
|||||
|
48 votes
|
|
54% | |||
|
29 votes
|
|
33% | |||
|
5 votes
|
|
6% | |||
|
7 votes
|
|
8% | |||
I thought for the purposes of discussion, it would be interesting to note whether those answering were practicing Christians or not. It doesn't really matter what the nots are, be it atheist like myself, some other religion, or wiccan even.
Defining a point here. To be a practicing Christian, say in this instance catholic, you would actively be following the teachings/practices of the church to the best of your abilities.
The following article, which might shed some light on the subject for Christians and non Christians alike, was written by my best friend, a devout catholic, who was concerned about the latest Harry Potter movie being shown in her church.
While I do have an opinion on the subject, it is not based of course, on my religious beliefs and therefore not relevant to this poll.
Pizza & Potter: A Teaching Moment?
By Catherine Lawrence
September 8, 2007
Like Father Alfonzo Aguilar, in his article, “Judging Harry Potter” , (National Catholic Register, September 2-8 issue 2007), I too did not intend to write a piece on Harry Potter. Isn’t there enough bantering about this topic already? However, when I read in my parish bulletin that the “Dates to Remember” included a “Drive-in Movie, Pizza, and Potter”, I wondered if such an event would be appropriate. My argument is not about whether a good Catholic should enjoy Harry Potter. The Church has left that for each of us to discern for ourselves. (And there are plenty of blazing opinions out there!) My point is that by showing the movies on church grounds the parish appears to be endorsing the entire series, and the intentions of the parish may be misunderstood, thereby scandalizing some members of our parish as well as others in the community.
Harry Potter glamorizes magic and the occult. Some people would like to believe that the counterculture of the occult does not exist. It does. Some of these groups, like Wicca (witches), for example, are recognized by the U. S. government as religions and are granted the same status legally as any other church. (I wonder if the local coven would be showing Song of Bernadette, but I digress!) Harry Potter supporters have attempted to say that the witchcraft in Harry Potter is not real witchcraft; witches claim otherwise according to J. K. Rowling, the series’ author:
“I've said this before. The only two groups of people who seem to think that I'm wholeheartedly on their side are practicing wiccans and apologists for boarding schools, and I'm not part of either group” --- JK Rowling in an interview, http://www.cbc.ca/programs/sites/hottype_rowlingcomplete.html
The spells used in Harry Potter are not merely cast from J. K. Rowling’s imagination, but real spells that have been used by people who claim to be real witches. Rowling has done her homework.
"I do a certain amount of research and folklore is quite important in books. So where I'm mentioning a creature or a spell, that people used to believe genuinely would work…. Then, I will find out exactly what the words were, and will find out exactly what the characteristics of that creature or ghost were supposed to be . . . [Much of sorcery material in the books] are things that people genuinely used to believe in Britain." J.K.Rowling interview on National Public Radio. October 20, 1999.
While it is true that some children do not express any interest in witchcraft or the occult after reading a Harry Potter book or seeing a movie, what about the ones who do? Do we have an obligation to them? What is our parish saying to these children?
As the film Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone was debuting in the United Kingdom in 2001, Peter Smith, general secretary of the Association of Teachers and Lecturers issued a warning about the dangers of the supernatural. According to the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), Smith said that children who had enjoyed the magic and wizardry of the stories should be careful about extending their interest in the occult.
As reported by the BBC, Mr. Smith goes on to say, "Children, particularly girls on the cusp of puberty, have always been interested in magic and in parallel worlds. Casting spells gives them a feeling of control over an increasingly confusing world at a time when many youngsters feel powerless.”
… There is a darker side to the occult which may disturb vulnerable children and expose them to manipulation by adults. Parents and teachers will want to educate young people about the dangers of dabbling in the occult, before they become too deeply involved.
The Harry Potter movie will lead to a whole new generation of youngsters discovering witchcraft and wizardry…. Children must be protected from the more extreme influences of the occult and be taught in a responsible and positive way the risks of journeying into the unknown."
J.K. Rowling herself admits that some children do take the world of Harry Potter too seriously. She told Newsweek in July 1, 2001, "I get letters from children addressed to Professor Dumbledore, 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."
Assuming that a “Drive-in Movie” would be shown in our parking lot, it would certainly attract attention from passers-by. What are we saying to these people? Catholics are the minority in Alabama. Which is why, as I was taught in Catholic school, we need to try harder to be on our best behavior. Everyone is always watching to see how we conduct ourselves. Many of our separated brethren already think that we practice witchcraft. Are we scandalizing them? Is this how we want to represent our Faith to them? What about the non-Catholic adult members of our parish who are deeply concerned that, although the Bible condemns witchcraft, the Catholics seem to think it's okay? How do we explain this? Are we scandalizing them by appearing to condone this? Might this confusion keep someone from inquiring about taking instruction in the Faith? (My husband won’t be signing up this year, for sure).
Many Catholics don’t know the Church’s position on witchcraft, sorcery and the occult because we were not taught. I was 34 years old before I ever read scripture passages such as Deuteronomy 18:9 and was shocked to find out that the Bible condemns witchcraft and occultism as abominations to the Lord. I was also shocked to see that such practices are condemned in the Catechism of The Catholic Church (2115-2117). How does the average nine-year-old process that information after seeing a Harry Potter movie at church? It is this subtle endorsement of behavior that children pick up on. I had a new consultant ask recently if a particular company policy was really observed or was it one of those things that is written and taught as a “don’t” but everybody does it anyway. Such is our culture.
Labor Day weekend at Mass, we prayed together as a congregation that the adults of our parish would be edifying to the children of our parish. This was included in a petition during the Prayers of the Faithful. Are we edifying our children by showing this movie at church? What is this movie’s rating? Does it carry this rating because it's just a little bit bad? Is it okay to be a little bit bad? “Well... it was OK at church… My CCD teacher did it… Everybody’s watching it… Don't be such a prude… Lighten up… It’s just this once", Do we want our children to be saying this? Does God approve of being a little bit bad?
Three of the Harry Potter films have received PG ratings for frightening moments, creature violence and mild language, according to the Classification and Rating Administration (CARA). Of course, “mild language” here includes taking the Lord’s name in vain. God does not approve of that and He does not consider it a mild offense. It made number two on His top ten list of things we shalt not. Of course, it’s commonplace now to use His name in vain. No one really even notices. So, does that mean it is okay to do this at church? Maybe it doesn’t really bother God anymore.
PG-13 ratings were given to two Potter movies for sequences of fantasy violence and frightening images, (CARA). Would we take steps to make sure no small children see that movie or those children under thirteen have their parents’ permission to see it? That seems like a lot of trouble to go through to show a movie at church. Should we just not worry about that? Some members of our parish think it’s a great thing and they let their children see it, so it must be okay. Besides, those who object can just keep their children home. HMMM…that doesn’t seem like a good answer.
Not one of us is perfect. We are all sinners. However, holiness is our goal. It is not okay for us to be a little bit bad, especially in public during a teaching moment. It is our responsibility as a parish to lead our children to holiness. As parents, we “are under a grave obligation to see to the religious and moral education of (our) children” (Code of Canon Law. Can. 1113). This is not easy. It is not popular. It is not comfortable. However, it is what is expected of us by our Lord and our children.
We are Christ’s church, not a democracy. We are called to be countercultural. We are not supposed to “go with the flow” because it feels good or it entertains us. We can’t do something just because we think it’s a good idea. We are called to be examples, Christ’s witnesses in everything we do. Some parents may decide that Harry Potter is fine entertainment for their family. That is their prerogative. However, the decision to host a showing of one of these movies as a parish event does not seem to be a wise one.
Praise be to God!
This article was shared with the pastor of this parish prior to publication. The Harry Potter event was canceled.
For Further Reading
Plenty of material on these subjects is available on the Internet. For more information click the links provided in the following articles or just search any combination of these words: Harry Potter, Jesus, Catholicism, occult, wicca, witchcraft, spells, and incantations.
On Harry Potter:
“Harry Potter Complete Spell List” by Chris Wellman.
This is a five-part article detailing spells used in Harry Potter, written “for all the aspiring wizards and witches out there”.
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/301165/harry_potter_...
“Harry Potter: Agent of Conversion”, By Toni Collins.
Catholic convert shares personal experience with the occult in this article published by Envoy Magazine.
http://www.envoymagazine.com/harrypotter.htm
St Joseph’s Covenant Keeper: online resources for dads, provides several links to related articles.
http://www.dads.org/article_category.asp?artCatId=10
On Wicca and the occult:
"A Pastoral Intelligence Briefing On Wicca and the Occult", by Kerr Cuhulain. This review is written from a wiccan perspective and is enlightening for those who claim the occult does not exist.
http://www.witchvox.com/va/dt_article.html?a=cabc&id=6406
“An Introduction to Witchcraft”, by Christy Huelsenbeck gives an interesting overview of witchcraft from a witch’s perspective.
http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/wicca_witchcraft/26630/1
This page is omitted from the published article. It is a list compiled to show that indeed these people exist and they live close by. This is not an exhaustive list. There is a lot of information out there.
Pell City Area Wiccan and/or pagan groups.
Sites where individuals can chat and arrange to meet in the Pell City area:
http://magickal.meetup.com/cities/us/al/pell_city/
http://vampires.meetup.com/cities/us/al/pell_city/
http://pagan.meetup.com/cities/gb/kingston_upon_hull/
http://witches.meetup.com/1150/files/
These sites list regional groups one can visit and/or join:
Pagan Paths: http://www.paganpaths.net/#alabama
Southeastern Pagan Alliance: http://www.tylwythteg.com/sepa.html
The Eclectic Coven of Red Mountain is a group of witches that holds regular weekly meetings in Birmingham, Alabama. They come together to celebrate the Sabbats and for spellwork. They offer classes and online tutoring in Wicca practices.
http://www.eclecticcoven.info/
This site features a wiccan handfasting (wedding) held in the Birmingham area, complete with photos. The bride is a member of The Eclectic Coven of Red Mountain. The article is written by her aunt who describes wicca , “as legitimate a religion as Catholicism under the eye of the Constitution. Surprisingly, it is also the fastest growing religion in the U.S., according to the Institute for the Study of American Religion.”
http://www.travellady.com/Issues/Issue59/wicca.htm
This is the homepage of Welsh Witchcraft. This site gives detailed information, definitions, lessons and links. There is plenty of information on this site to give visitors an understanding of the reality of witchcraft and the occult.
http://www.tylwythteg.com/index.html
Defining a point here. To be a practicing Christian, say in this instance catholic, you would actively be following the teachings/practices of the church to the best of your abilities.
The following article, which might shed some light on the subject for Christians and non Christians alike, was written by my best friend, a devout catholic, who was concerned about the latest Harry Potter movie being shown in her church.
While I do have an opinion on the subject, it is not based of course, on my religious beliefs and therefore not relevant to this poll.
Pizza & Potter: A Teaching Moment?
By Catherine Lawrence
September 8, 2007
Like Father Alfonzo Aguilar, in his article, “Judging Harry Potter” , (National Catholic Register, September 2-8 issue 2007), I too did not intend to write a piece on Harry Potter. Isn’t there enough bantering about this topic already? However, when I read in my parish bulletin that the “Dates to Remember” included a “Drive-in Movie, Pizza, and Potter”, I wondered if such an event would be appropriate. My argument is not about whether a good Catholic should enjoy Harry Potter. The Church has left that for each of us to discern for ourselves. (And there are plenty of blazing opinions out there!) My point is that by showing the movies on church grounds the parish appears to be endorsing the entire series, and the intentions of the parish may be misunderstood, thereby scandalizing some members of our parish as well as others in the community.
Harry Potter glamorizes magic and the occult. Some people would like to believe that the counterculture of the occult does not exist. It does. Some of these groups, like Wicca (witches), for example, are recognized by the U. S. government as religions and are granted the same status legally as any other church. (I wonder if the local coven would be showing Song of Bernadette, but I digress!) Harry Potter supporters have attempted to say that the witchcraft in Harry Potter is not real witchcraft; witches claim otherwise according to J. K. Rowling, the series’ author:
“I've said this before. The only two groups of people who seem to think that I'm wholeheartedly on their side are practicing wiccans and apologists for boarding schools, and I'm not part of either group” --- JK Rowling in an interview, http://www.cbc.ca/programs/sites/hottype_rowlingcomplete.html
The spells used in Harry Potter are not merely cast from J. K. Rowling’s imagination, but real spells that have been used by people who claim to be real witches. Rowling has done her homework.
"I do a certain amount of research and folklore is quite important in books. So where I'm mentioning a creature or a spell, that people used to believe genuinely would work…. Then, I will find out exactly what the words were, and will find out exactly what the characteristics of that creature or ghost were supposed to be . . . [Much of sorcery material in the books] are things that people genuinely used to believe in Britain." J.K.Rowling interview on National Public Radio. October 20, 1999.
While it is true that some children do not express any interest in witchcraft or the occult after reading a Harry Potter book or seeing a movie, what about the ones who do? Do we have an obligation to them? What is our parish saying to these children?
As the film Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone was debuting in the United Kingdom in 2001, Peter Smith, general secretary of the Association of Teachers and Lecturers issued a warning about the dangers of the supernatural. According to the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), Smith said that children who had enjoyed the magic and wizardry of the stories should be careful about extending their interest in the occult.
As reported by the BBC, Mr. Smith goes on to say, "Children, particularly girls on the cusp of puberty, have always been interested in magic and in parallel worlds. Casting spells gives them a feeling of control over an increasingly confusing world at a time when many youngsters feel powerless.”
… There is a darker side to the occult which may disturb vulnerable children and expose them to manipulation by adults. Parents and teachers will want to educate young people about the dangers of dabbling in the occult, before they become too deeply involved.
The Harry Potter movie will lead to a whole new generation of youngsters discovering witchcraft and wizardry…. Children must be protected from the more extreme influences of the occult and be taught in a responsible and positive way the risks of journeying into the unknown."
J.K. Rowling herself admits that some children do take the world of Harry Potter too seriously. She told Newsweek in July 1, 2001, "I get letters from children addressed to Professor Dumbledore, 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."
Assuming that a “Drive-in Movie” would be shown in our parking lot, it would certainly attract attention from passers-by. What are we saying to these people? Catholics are the minority in Alabama. Which is why, as I was taught in Catholic school, we need to try harder to be on our best behavior. Everyone is always watching to see how we conduct ourselves. Many of our separated brethren already think that we practice witchcraft. Are we scandalizing them? Is this how we want to represent our Faith to them? What about the non-Catholic adult members of our parish who are deeply concerned that, although the Bible condemns witchcraft, the Catholics seem to think it's okay? How do we explain this? Are we scandalizing them by appearing to condone this? Might this confusion keep someone from inquiring about taking instruction in the Faith? (My husband won’t be signing up this year, for sure).
Many Catholics don’t know the Church’s position on witchcraft, sorcery and the occult because we were not taught. I was 34 years old before I ever read scripture passages such as Deuteronomy 18:9 and was shocked to find out that the Bible condemns witchcraft and occultism as abominations to the Lord. I was also shocked to see that such practices are condemned in the Catechism of The Catholic Church (2115-2117). How does the average nine-year-old process that information after seeing a Harry Potter movie at church? It is this subtle endorsement of behavior that children pick up on. I had a new consultant ask recently if a particular company policy was really observed or was it one of those things that is written and taught as a “don’t” but everybody does it anyway. Such is our culture.
Labor Day weekend at Mass, we prayed together as a congregation that the adults of our parish would be edifying to the children of our parish. This was included in a petition during the Prayers of the Faithful. Are we edifying our children by showing this movie at church? What is this movie’s rating? Does it carry this rating because it's just a little bit bad? Is it okay to be a little bit bad? “Well... it was OK at church… My CCD teacher did it… Everybody’s watching it… Don't be such a prude… Lighten up… It’s just this once", Do we want our children to be saying this? Does God approve of being a little bit bad?
Three of the Harry Potter films have received PG ratings for frightening moments, creature violence and mild language, according to the Classification and Rating Administration (CARA). Of course, “mild language” here includes taking the Lord’s name in vain. God does not approve of that and He does not consider it a mild offense. It made number two on His top ten list of things we shalt not. Of course, it’s commonplace now to use His name in vain. No one really even notices. So, does that mean it is okay to do this at church? Maybe it doesn’t really bother God anymore.
PG-13 ratings were given to two Potter movies for sequences of fantasy violence and frightening images, (CARA). Would we take steps to make sure no small children see that movie or those children under thirteen have their parents’ permission to see it? That seems like a lot of trouble to go through to show a movie at church. Should we just not worry about that? Some members of our parish think it’s a great thing and they let their children see it, so it must be okay. Besides, those who object can just keep their children home. HMMM…that doesn’t seem like a good answer.
Not one of us is perfect. We are all sinners. However, holiness is our goal. It is not okay for us to be a little bit bad, especially in public during a teaching moment. It is our responsibility as a parish to lead our children to holiness. As parents, we “are under a grave obligation to see to the religious and moral education of (our) children” (Code of Canon Law. Can. 1113). This is not easy. It is not popular. It is not comfortable. However, it is what is expected of us by our Lord and our children.
We are Christ’s church, not a democracy. We are called to be countercultural. We are not supposed to “go with the flow” because it feels good or it entertains us. We can’t do something just because we think it’s a good idea. We are called to be examples, Christ’s witnesses in everything we do. Some parents may decide that Harry Potter is fine entertainment for their family. That is their prerogative. However, the decision to host a showing of one of these movies as a parish event does not seem to be a wise one.
Praise be to God!
This article was shared with the pastor of this parish prior to publication. The Harry Potter event was canceled.
For Further Reading
Plenty of material on these subjects is available on the Internet. For more information click the links provided in the following articles or just search any combination of these words: Harry Potter, Jesus, Catholicism, occult, wicca, witchcraft, spells, and incantations.
On Harry Potter:
“Harry Potter Complete Spell List” by Chris Wellman.
This is a five-part article detailing spells used in Harry Potter, written “for all the aspiring wizards and witches out there”.
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/301165/harry_potter_...
“Harry Potter: Agent of Conversion”, By Toni Collins.
Catholic convert shares personal experience with the occult in this article published by Envoy Magazine.
http://www.envoymagazine.com/harrypotter.htm
St Joseph’s Covenant Keeper: online resources for dads, provides several links to related articles.
http://www.dads.org/article_category.asp?artCatId=10
On Wicca and the occult:
"A Pastoral Intelligence Briefing On Wicca and the Occult", by Kerr Cuhulain. This review is written from a wiccan perspective and is enlightening for those who claim the occult does not exist.
http://www.witchvox.com/va/dt_article.html?a=cabc&id=6406
“An Introduction to Witchcraft”, by Christy Huelsenbeck gives an interesting overview of witchcraft from a witch’s perspective.
http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/wicca_witchcraft/26630/1
This page is omitted from the published article. It is a list compiled to show that indeed these people exist and they live close by. This is not an exhaustive list. There is a lot of information out there.
Pell City Area Wiccan and/or pagan groups.
Sites where individuals can chat and arrange to meet in the Pell City area:
http://magickal.meetup.com/cities/us/al/pell_city/
http://vampires.meetup.com/cities/us/al/pell_city/
http://pagan.meetup.com/cities/gb/kingston_upon_hull/
http://witches.meetup.com/1150/files/
These sites list regional groups one can visit and/or join:
Pagan Paths: http://www.paganpaths.net/#alabama
Southeastern Pagan Alliance: http://www.tylwythteg.com/sepa.html
The Eclectic Coven of Red Mountain is a group of witches that holds regular weekly meetings in Birmingham, Alabama. They come together to celebrate the Sabbats and for spellwork. They offer classes and online tutoring in Wicca practices.
http://www.eclecticcoven.info/
This site features a wiccan handfasting (wedding) held in the Birmingham area, complete with photos. The bride is a member of The Eclectic Coven of Red Mountain. The article is written by her aunt who describes wicca , “as legitimate a religion as Catholicism under the eye of the Constitution. Surprisingly, it is also the fastest growing religion in the U.S., according to the Institute for the Study of American Religion.”
http://www.travellady.com/Issues/Issue59/wicca.htm
This is the homepage of Welsh Witchcraft. This site gives detailed information, definitions, lessons and links. There is plenty of information on this site to give visitors an understanding of the reality of witchcraft and the occult.
http://www.tylwythteg.com/index.html
Question Closed
Top Opinion
-
HIM'S PARATIISI 2007/11/04 02:25:13Yes
+10Agnostic - Harry Potter is fantasy !!!! Let children be children - what is next burning Grimms fairy tales ????
Now that's being "radical for Christ," no? LOL
Why not? Sure, it may be based on "real" witchcraft, but children don't know that. Besides, the films aren't half bad (though I think the books are so much better). As for showing the films in a church... I don't really see the big problem. My mum's a Christian and loves the films and books. And it's not like the books are saying witchcraft is the way to go. And besides, people need to be educated on religions around them. My aunt through out a book belonging to my cousin because it had information about the Wicca, and my cousin is a strong believer of Christianity herself, she just wanted to learn. The only way to stop the hate is to inform yourself and learn to accept. By banning things, or keeping information from people, you're basically helping hate prevail.
I do want to make this known that the Harry Potter book series is a 7th or 8th grade reading level in american schools and it has been noted that 4th and 5th graders have been reading these books. Keep in mind these books are not small books but 600-700 page books (I think don't quote me on that really not sure how many pages there are). Knowing that information and the fact that children are actually reading and loving to read it should show that these books are harmless really. Once kids start reading and loving it they will wabt to read more and as they read more their eyes will be opened to new experiences, new discoveries and they desire to have more knowledge and retain more knowledge.
It seems to me the christian who wrote this is more than a little upset that Wicca is a recognized religion and doesn't want to accept ...""""""'
'
"""'"'''
I do want to make this known that the Harry Potter book series is a 7th or 8th grade reading level in american schools and it has been noted that 4th and 5th graders have been reading these books. Keep in mind these books are not small books but 600-700 page books (I think don't quote me on that really not sure how many pages there are). Knowing that information and the fact that children are actually reading and loving to read it should show that these books are harmless really. Once kids start reading and loving it they will wabt to read more and as they read more their eyes will be opened to new experiences, new discoveries and they desire to have more knowledge and retain more knowledge.
It seems to me the christian who wrote this is more than a little upset that Wicca is a recognized religion and doesn't want to accept the fact that it is allowed because of personal choice and the 1st Amendment (US Bill of Rights). Even if you try to deny your kid anything about religion and only allow bible study or biblical tales your child will still find out about paganism and Wicca or as you call the "Occult" or "Devils beliefs" or "Satanism" (which I would like to point out is not pagan or wiccan since neither believe in satan; but is christian in background stolen from paganism's Green man; is christian belief but only worshiping satan as thier deity of choice).
Children have very active imaginations and this should be fostered to allow and encourage more desire for knowledge. The thing about children hoping the stories are true shows an assiciation to Harry Potter's family situation, and is probably due to the child being unable to freely express him/herself, or a bad family situation like harsh punishments in the bible and frequent disciplinary beatings for menial affairs and the childs desire to get away from it. It is a phase that they will out grow or will stop once they are given the abbility to freely choose what they decide as what sounds right whether it be christian, muslim, jewish, pagan or atheist. So the fact that the church shows this movie should in no way be considered scandolous and should in now way be discracing to anyones beliefs, but infact should be seen as an encouragement for family (Mother, Father, Children or whatever the family is comprised of) to get together in the community to learn become more knowledgable, strengthen family ties and community ties. Also to foster a bond of togetherness and family discussion and knowledge sharing.
Those are my observations on this article please if I have offended anyone I appologize but I feel knowledge shared is better than knowledge kept to myself for my own gain whether you agree with me or not you can still get my veiw point and maybe have a better understanding of some things.
I noticed that there is an answer for Religious affiliation while I see no rational reason other than to condemn people to hell or start up a petition to ban Harry Potter for deconverting "christian kids" or "distracting them for god's light" or whatever I'll humor some people. I am mainly Shaman but more on the ecclectic side of Pagan (meaning I derive knowledge from all forms of Paganism). No I don't believe in god and no I will not convert over to try to deconvert anyone who believes in god. So if you wish to discuss it send it in a message to me as i don't normally check back on the answers I post.
never once in 16 years have i found myself wanting to do magic, i have only found myself swept away to a make believe world with Harry and his freinds. there is nothing wrong with wanting to create an idea, and that is purely what Joanne has done - created a childerens (and adults) literary masterpiece, and it shouldnt be shot down by those who think "oh my *** we're using the loards name in vein!" because we arent /:
what are we going to do next then, if we cant have harry potter? ban all novels? all stephen kings? i dont think so. so i think the churces should shtu their yaps about such a pathetci argument. there are many religious people that love harry potter, for instance my next doors.
HARRY POTTER IS FANTASY! got over it :)
(i also agree with LisaValo at the top of the list. let children be children)
:)
for my Children. I am very sure God feels the same way about his house.
Seventh Day Adventist... if it's any of your business!
Acts 19:19 Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men:
Witchcraft is spoke of alot in the bible, old and new testament,
1Samual 15:23 For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king.
Harry Potter defeats evil!
If your mind was not closed you may learn a few things.
Maybe if you loved God you would keep HIS commandments.
I didn't write the bible I just follow the teachings, as Jesus said his followers should do. And Jesus said in John 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.
So, do you love him??
And by the way topic is Harry Potter , not war or hate.
Deuteronomy 16:22 Neither shalt thou set thee up any image; which the LORD thy God hateth.
I'm sure there are lots of web-sights that agree with you limited point of view, but please do not inflict me with you own view of life,
Sadly the Harry Potter series is a delightful, exciting story that shows the ultimate struggle between good and evil. I'm sorry for you and hpoe you find peace in your opinions. But please don't drown the rest of us in this empty advice..
Stop hitting us over the head with your bible.
If you do not like MY opinion, stop bugging me with yours.
And once again NO those movies should not be shown in a Christian church!!!
What no book burnings for you to attend?
Yep, book burning....it's in the Bible.