Why do Christians have such a problem with Harry Potter?

Question

Seriously, they are children's books. The witchcraft and wizardry they describe are obviously fictional to anyone who reads them. They actually are full of good lessons of freindship, loyalty, and doing the right thing in times of great tragedy.

So why is it that every time i find one of these nutty hard nosed christian sites there is invariably a link to an article on how Harry Potter is evil? Have they even read the books themselves or seen the movies?

Answer 1

Only one book is allowed to have those things.

If others put magic into books children will think it is not real.

That's bad for business!

Answer 2

Those leaders who rage on about witchcraft or the occult in Harry Potter cannot have really read the books or researched the author. JK Rowling is a member of a Christian church, and her faith seems to have had a significant impact on how the books have progressed. In fact, she said that she is not overtly open about her faith to the media, because that would be a dead giveaway to how the series is going to end!

Most Christians who oppose Harry Potter have jumped on a bandwagon without doing any actual research. When people don't think for themselves, but just follow what someone else says, this is what happens. For the record, almost all the Christians I have encountered have no problem with Harry Potter, it is just a vocal few who the media has focused on that make it seem like there is so much fuss.

To someone who is not a Christian, they are just great books that give a great moral story about how to resist doing bad things in the face of evil, and how to have courage to stand up for what is right, even if it makes you unpopular.

To someone that is a Christian, the parallels between the story of salvation and Harry Potter are obvious. Sacrificial love conquering evil, loyalty, courage, faith, and symbols like the Phoenix and the Lion only reinforce that parallel.

For a really really good essay on the Christian themes in Harry Potter, and the role that magic can have in Christian-themed literature, go to this site. It is proof that when someone puts some actual, intellectual thought into the topic, the result is quite different than what you hear in the media.

http://www.digital-disciple.com/harry_po...

There is NO Satan or devil worship in Harry Potter. The line between good and evil is clearly drawn and not in conflict with faith. There is nothing that is "anti-Christian", such as saying that church is useless or Jesus was a fake. There is no swearing or use of God's name in vain.

Answer 3

Personally, I have read all six of the books (Liked the first 3 and tolerated the last 3 - they have gotten to dark and serious for my taste. Seen all the movies too) But as a Christian I do have some concerns about the books.

Have you ever seen the old TV series Bewitched? Talk about ridiculous picture of magic. Nobody for a second should believe that show. But people did (and I am talking from personal experience). There were many who began to experiment with occultic things and beliefs that are forbidden in the Christian religion. And I have seen the damage it can do.

With their presentation of magic, the Potter books have the same potential to entice children (and others) into occultic things today. This is a genuine concern for people who believe that those belief are wrong.

Kind of like the DiVinci code, which is also a work total fiction. Many of the "facts" about church history he quotes in that book are made up or wrong. (He does try to redeem himself by having it be the villian who is making all these false claims). Yet how many people swallow everything in that book as if it is fact? Christian are concerned that children may do the same with the Potter books.

If a parent does not want their child exposed to that stuff, then there is nothing wrong with warning them about it. Same as we would warn them away from movies with sexual content or tv shows with graphic violence.

If you don't like their comments about the Potter books, just stay away from their web sites.

Answer 4

i've got questioned that myself. Harry Potter follows the classic mould for literature--good vs. evil, with good winning. the foremost character is a hero who rises from the meek, very almost a Christ-like determine. possibly that parallel is what they locate offensive. they did no longer look to locate Aslan offensive in Chronicles of Narnia, however, the place there's the same parallel. in line with risk this is because of the fact it happens in a mystical international the place there are witches and wizards and that's considered as offensive a manner or the different. i'm unsure. i'm a Christian and that i like the Harry Potter books. they're alright-written, with such multiple distinctive matters and literary aspects which you do no longer see in very many modern writings. in line with risk they're afraid that individuals will start to worship Harry Potter. which may well be extraordinary, on account that he's a fictional character created via J.ok. Rowling.

Answer 5

Because they are extremists and they are ignorant and probably have not read the books.

C.S. Lewis for example, wrote fictional/magical stories that were actually good Christian lessons. Although Harry Potter doesn't have such obvious symbols like the lion, seriously they're just books... You're kids will not start worshiping Satan after reading Harry Potter.

Answer 6

Excuse me, but i am a christian, and i have read the books...the first one. I am not a fan because they do contain witchcraft. not only that, but the person who wrote them actually is a present day witch who was banned from England...i did a little research. I am not ignorant as most of you would say, and i am not a nutty hard nosed person either. I am just one who has found the only way to live with true hope and true love.


By the way...i am against it because of Galatians 5:19-20

Answer 7

1. Much of the witchcraft material is NOT made up by the author but is based off of actual practices. So it's a very small step from Harry Potter to actual witchcraft as opposed to something like Lord of the Rings. If you look into it you'll find plenty of specifics.

2. One of the main concepts 'taught' in Harry Potter is that you can break all the rules as long as you don't get caught. Have you ever noticed the type of punishment Harry receives for breaking all of the rules?

Answer 8

The new pope tried to ban it. But it's no surprise. A couple decades ago people too smart in the science community were killed because they worked for the devil, since the devil is just so smart.

Now a children's book is written by the devil herself. whats next come on. Also since harry potter is "evil", very few christians ever bother to read it. However, they do know that it's about wizards and witches since it's so popular. Since witches are servants of the devil, and a book about witches is being loved by children, it makes sense to say well u know the rest.

Answer 9

Galatians 5:19-20 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

1 Thessalonians 5:22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.

Answer 10

Not all Christians do. We are Catholic and my sons and I have read all of the books and seen the movies. I think Harry Potter is your basic good versus evil/young boy learning who he is type of story. And told pretty well too.But one must be able to tell reality from fiction. Personally I find it difficult to find good books that kids want to read.These fit the bill.
Peace Be With You,
Debra

Answer 11

Its because they've read the book and seen the movie they write that it is evil. Wizards,witches,witchraft,sacrafices,mythical beast,ect. Which is different from christianity. All these things I just mentioned is described as evil and is from satan. So you could say that talks about friendship,loyalty,etc but add those ingredients in there and it pollutes the whole book or film itself. Its common sense, Feel free to disagree if you wantt