At my school, they find the Chronicles of Narnia and Lord of the Rings to be the only things with symbolism that involve witchcraft on the same lines of Harry Potter. Now, I'm not saying that there isn't symbolism in those movies, and I'm also not trying to offend anyone, but don't you think that they could have less of a " we're right and you're wrong" attitude, and have more of a " To each his own convictions'' attitude? At our school we are taught that if we feel it is a sin to were jeans, that we should not were jeans, that is a conviction. If we aren't convicted that the Harry Potter books and movies are wrong, should they really treat us like we should have an exorcism for mentioning the words "Harry Potter?"
Please let me know your true feeling about what I have just wrote. Thanks
2006-12-29 16:35:48 · 25 answers · asked by motocrosschick 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I'm a Christian and I like all the movies you mentioned. I dont think in to it that deeply. Those movies wont touch my soul. They're just entertainment.
2006-12-29 16:39:18 · answer #1 · answered by Darktania 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
As a Christian, I think the HP books are amazing, and filled with deeply Christian imagery.
It's not so much about the movies, but about the books. The movies, although they contain some key plot points, are very short and sensationalized compared to the books. The books contain much, much more imagery, and it is difficult for a Christian with literary training to argue that the books are evil. Christians with little or no literary training may find it easier to accuse of witchcraft and the like, simply because they do not recognize the imagery used. Because the movies miss some of this imagery, it is more difficult to argue their value.
It is also not about your "personal" conviction. As soon as a Christian starts arguing this way, it opens the floodgates to all manner of problems. It has to do with the Holy Spirit's conviction, and this must be a constant, if the Holy Spirit, as part of the trinity, is Truth. Christians have to evaluate HP based on a educated analysis of the books, Biblical understanding, and an understanding of the author's objective. Here is a website that will answer your question more definitively than any other answer here so far. Don't skip reading this, as it is an evaluation of the Christian imagery in the books, and it compares it to Narnia and LOTR. It may be a bit tough to read, but you will find a lot of good stuff in it.
http://www.ev90481.dial.pipex.com/harry_potter_granger.htm
Pretty amazing stuff. I personally think that we need to see how "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" ends before we can make a final decision, because that will reveal the author's true intention, and that will decide how Christians should view the books!
2006-12-30 06:42:03 · answer #2 · answered by crazyperson1972 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The problem is that most Christians think that anything that shows viewpoints of other religions in a positive or attractive light are themselves "anti-christian".
Harry potter is seen as promoting witchcraft because Harry, Hermione and the others are Witches and Wizards. The fact that the "witchcraft" within the book has no relavence to modern paganism or witchcraft is simply ignored.
It is a reactionary attitude that demonizes anything not either Christian or definitively neutral that brings about such attitudes.
2006-12-29 16:41:54 · answer #3 · answered by Deirdre H 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I am a deep and devoted Christian and I am a Harry Potter fanatic. When ppl have that kind of attitude, I say just don't BELIEVE all the wizardy and witchcraft and nothing is wrong with Harry Potter. But if you start saying "Wingardrium Leviosa" every time you want something....then maybe it could be a bad thing!!
2006-12-30 04:25:47 · answer #4 · answered by ~jULiA lUVs yOo~ 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, I'm impressed that you can go to such a traditionalist school and still think for yourself. You should be commended for that. I don't get what the big deal with Harry Potter is. At its core, it's a good against evil story, and Harry is good. He always does the right thing, which is the most important teaching of religion.
Funny story about that-- I once worked at an after school program reading to kids and my boss specifically told me no Harry Potter. So I asked her if I could read The Thief of Always, a kid's novel by Clive Barker (the same guy who wrote Hellraiser). She said that was fine, just no Harry Potter. See what happens when people refuse to think for themselves?
2006-12-29 16:42:42 · answer #5 · answered by Reject187 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Well technically, unless a particular movie, book, etc. specifically mentions Jesus Christ it's not really a "Christian" work. That would include alot of things that are good, benign entertainment, from Wizard of Oz, Winnie the Pooh, most Disney, etc. Just because something doesn't mention Christ doesn't mean it's "anti-Christian" however. The LotR and HP are both works of fiction that have good positive roles and messages. I never saw Narnia but know of the author. I think it was more overtly religious in tone.
Those people who think it's their role to define to the rest of us what is "Christian" and what is not have their own opinions, but I think they should be taken as they are, just their personal opinions. You seem to have a fine brain and I think you should read what you like, consider it within your own convictions, and ignore these "exorcists."
Just my feelings as an ethical person and an avid reader who loved LotR and HP and am happy to see kids excited to read again because of Harry.
Never stop reading!!
2006-12-29 16:56:47 · answer #6 · answered by SWMynx 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Chronicles of Narnia movie was actually marketed directly to churches and had pre-screenings at churches because it is considered to be a parable of Christ's life. So if some people view that story as a shining example of Christianity and others view it as an example of witchcraft I suppose anything is possible, right?
2006-12-29 16:42:39 · answer #7 · answered by Jen 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It's extremism gone wild! I know a lady at my kids Catholic school that really went off on a teacher at the school for even having these books in the school. I mean, C'mon, it's fantasy, fiction (Just like Star Wars movies). I hardly doubt that a child reading HP or seeing the movies will be scared for life or changed into a deranged Satanic, Wiccan, Witch, Warlock or whatever they call it. It's meant for enjoyment, fun and fantasy;
no harm done whatever. They should worry more about "Grand theft auto" games, or sexually explicit stuff, not Harry Potter!
2006-12-29 16:44:34 · answer #8 · answered by Lily P 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I don't think that there is anything wrong with watching those movies. I love them all. As long as you know where the boundary lines are between fantasy and reality, you are okay. The real problem starts when people decide that they can be like Harry Potter. Practicing witchcraft is totally a sin!
2006-12-29 16:41:37 · answer #9 · answered by ? 2 · 3⤊ 1⤋
In a manner of speaking yes . As all power comes from the Creator and is channeled through the soul . which is a part of the Creator.
Witches, Pagans , Wicca know this and have developed ways to channel this power to do good. And follow the commandments of the Creator to take care of the Earth and if it harm none do as you will. Yes this can lead to some trying to go on power trips . Just like other Religious fanatics in any Religion.
2006-12-29 16:51:58 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i in my opinion don't have a topic with the Harry Potter sequence and that i'm a Christian. some do however. maximum think of it relatively is erroneous because of the fact of witchcraft yet i don't have a topic with it. i like Harry Potter!
2016-11-25 00:16:41 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋