Why some Christians can't watch Harry Potter?

Question

When I asked my friend,Jan, which character she like in Harry Potter? Her answer was Christians are not allowed to watch Harry Potter!

Answer 1

There are SOME churches that say that Harry Potter is out, but this is by far not the norm! Most churches have nothing to say on the matter, since the books are fictional. In fact, many Christians believe that the books reflect their Christian faith to a point where they encourage their kids to read the books! I am in a Christian school, where most of the kids have, with their parents approval, read the Harry Potter books. Since JK Rowling is a member of the church of Scotland, the fact that she has woven Christian themes into the books is not surprising. Here is an interesting site about how some Christians might view the Harry Potter books:

http://www.ev90481.dial.pipex.com/harry_potter_granger.htm

The following is an excerpt from this site by John Granger:

If I look closely, I can imagine where different types of Christians might disagree with this thumbnail sketch of Everyman's salvation drama in emphasis and specific doctrines. It would be a very odd Christian indeed, though, who could not understand what the story was about and would not admire the artistry of the allegory. Using only traditional symbols, from the 'Ancient of Days' figure as God the Father to the satanic serpent and Christ-like phoenix ('the Resurrection Bird'), the drama takes us from the fall to eternal life without a hitch. Nothing philosophical or esoteric here (can you say 'no alchemy'?).

Rowling illustrates here that her books are Christian and in bold opposition to the spiritually dangerous books our children are often given. Chamber of Secrets is an example in the genre of an engaging, enlightening, and edifying reading experience for children - and a powerful rebuke and wake-up call to her Christian critics.

What is Chamber of Secrets about? Rowling, perhaps in response to the absence of intelligent discussion of Stone's meaning, in her second book clearly reveals to the discerning reader that she is writing Inkling fiction, i.e., stories that will prepare children for Christian spiritual life and combat with evil. Talk about baptizing the imagination with Christian symbols and doctrine!

She also points out to her Christian critics that their real enemies are not her counter-materialist magic but both the dark magic hidden in their children's textbooks and the 'good children's books' written by atheists and the worldly minded. Chamber of Secrets is a tour de force operating on at least three levels of meaning simultaneously. I can understand, consequently, Rowling's struggle in writing it and I agree with her that it is the best single volume of the series.

Answer 2

Actually, Christians aren't realy not allowed, but it's just that some were afraid if they will start to like Harry Potter. Coz u c, Harry Potter attracts many Christians mostly kids. My teacher once said, when someone get attreacts with a movie like Harry Potter, they will start to do like the movie and it's way dangerous. They even say that when u say a spell like on Harry Potter, u actually invite Satan to come over...

Answer 3

I'm a Christain and I've watched the movies and read the books. I think some people take the whole witchcraft thing a little to far. Some Christain's believe that the books promote witchcraft, but they are really about good vs. evil. If they could just look past the fact that Harry and his friends are witches and wizards then the books would be perfectly fine. I don't understand what all the fuss is about. It's a FICTIONAL story, not a guide to performing spells.

Answer 4

I'm guessing it's for the same reasons Baha'is are not to mess with psychic powers in this world, as follows:

What ‘Abdu’l-Bahá always pointed out in this matter is that these psychic powers were not to be used in this world, and that, indeed, it was dangerous to cultivate them here. They should be left dormant, and not exploited, even when we do so with the sincere belief we are helping others. We do not understand their nature and have no way of being sure of what is true and what is false in such matters.
If children are inclined to be psychic they should not be blamed for it too harshly, they should not be encouraged to strengthen their powers in this direction.
People who do not feel they can obey or accept the Teachings on a subject cannot be considered Bahá’ís, voting or otherwise. If a time comes when they feel ready to surrender their opinions to One we believe divinely guided, they should be joyously welcomed back into the Faith.
P.S. These friends you mention are being upset over this question should realise that if they reserve the right to disregard the Teachings on one subject, they must give the same right to other Bahá’ís, and obviously there can be no unity or strength in a Faith composed of individuals who only believe in part and not all of it. We must never prefer our wills to the Will of God.

Answer 5

There's no need to be afraid of such nonsense. Harry Potter is a made up story that cannot affect you unless you just want to believe such things. How about watching stories about Santa Claus who supposedly comes down chimneys and rides a flying sleigh? How about stories about Easter bunnies who hide chocolate eggs? Do you watch Disney movies such as Cinderella and her fairy godmother or sleeping Beauty and the fairies who help or hinder her? Stories are stories and not to be taken seriously. Understand and don't be fearful.

Answer 6

A-lot of Christians think Harry Potter does nothing but teach magic and the evils of the (other side) to people well I think those people are morons...These books have turned a whole generation of kids on to reading and I don't see how that's a bad thing...

Answer 7

I'm a Christian. I've seen Harry Potter. It's a fictional movie, not a documentary on how to perform spells. Now if a Christian watched the movie and then thinks it's real, THEN it becomes bad. If you're founded on God's truth, then Satan's lies won't harm you, and neither will fictional movies. It becomes "harmful" when you start to believe fictional lies.

Answer 8

I'm christian and Ive watched it and i see why its so controversial,young children,that are so impressionable would want to be witches,i know i fell into that trap and i was 20 yrs old and thought it was so mysterious and different and romantic,well i found out the trappings of it all can get you into some really big trouble ,especially if you believe every thing you read ,this type of thing can lead you down a path of self destruction,thank God i came out of it alive...

Answer 9

True Christians have no part of Harry Potter movies or books because of their demonic themes. However, many professed Christians have no problem being entertained by such material.

Answer 10

Because they think that Harry Potter is a kind of like 'revenge' kinda story...Christians teach us to love enemies...