Question about Church?

Question

I was talking to my friend today about his church and how the other week they watched a movie that gave reasons why the Harry Potter series is satanic and should not be read and how parents should not let their kids read any of these books. I was amazed. I had no idea this kind of thing goes on. That's just like propaganda in my eyes... I just don't understand. So, please I'd like someone to give me good reasons why this happens and I'd like to know if these kinds of practices are common in churches around the US. He also told me about the Church/Pastor slamming D&D, Trading Card Games, and more. Let me know or just give your opinion.

Answer 1

There are some people that see devils under every rock.

I don't things per se can lead people into the occult. But also wouldn't call it "propaganda". People have a right to reject any literature they choose.

Answer 2

This is the kind of crap that led to Christians causing the Inquisition, witch hunts, and all other sorts of crap. First off, if these people aren't smart enough to realize that the books (and D&D, etc.) are works of fiction, they don't deserve to be bothered with or listened to. People that think anything that takes away from devotion to God (i.e. entertainment of any kind) is wrong are generally called a religious sect. Their strict beliefs are so non-mainstream that there aren't enough members of that church to qualify as a fullblown religion. I don't remember what it was that separated religions along these lines. It was in a world religions class I took. Essentially, groups that separate themselves from the rest of society through their extreme beliefs fall into this. I think Mormoms were the largest group that still counted as a sect in educational circles. I'm not saying all the groups are bad, or that everyone within any group is bad, but it doesn't say much when, like I said, the leaders don't have the faith in their congregation to distinguish between fiction and reality. Also, anybody who passes judgement on wiccans/witches, saying that they are devil worshipers needs to learn a little about that religion before they make any claims. Wiccans DO NOT WORSHIP THE DEVIL OR ANY OTHER EVIL SPIRIT!!! I only know a few, but they don't even believe Satan exists. You may believe they're wrong, but don't go around making accusations about something you know absolutely nothing about. Self-righteous, sanctimonious, egotistical (how many synonyms can I come up with) bastards!

Answer 3

I've heard arguments for and against all those things within church. Sometimes people who you'd think would be against it aren't and vice versa. It's one of those things that are debatable. The thing is this. There are many things that seem harmless out there, but they subtly hide a dark side. I've heard people argue that harry potter is a story about a kid who does bad things disguised as good things. I see their point. Take something like yoga, becoming more and more popular for fitness and mental wellness. However, some yoga have you doing some wierd chant that is inviting some evil spirit in. Many are just sitting thier chanting something that they have no idea what it means. They just think that they're working out or relaxing or something. So, people need to be aware of these things so that they may make informed decisions before entering into anything especially if it is in direct conflict with their beliefs.

Answer 4

It sounds like your friends pastor is a far-right loon who would beat you down with a bible and a crucifix if you entered church with even a membership to World of Warcraft. People like that are perpetually hopeless. He does that because he goes on a rigid and cautious interpretation of the bible, and the fact is, Harry Potter is A WORK OF FICTION! If it was real, or portrayed as real, then you might have a problem. What the real problem here is that he wants you to be a bunch of mindless drones who deposit plentifully in the collection plate every Sunday, rather than be a well educated, well rounded, and creative person.

Answer 5

I think this kind of thing is done primarily in the interest of "not giving Satan a foothold." Although Harry Potter, D&D, trading card games (Magic, etc.), Magic 8 Ball, and so on are not considered harmful by most people, they do, at some level, involve ideas that are not Christian (magic, demons, witchcraft, spells, violence, divination, etc.). Not participating in these activities is one way of protecting the mind. Also, there is the consideration of using one's time to glorify God. Do these things glorify God? Can one glorify God while participationg in these activities?

I'm not saying this is the right way to think, but I believe it is reasonable. I think you will find this kind of "propaganda" is fairly common in churches across the US, particularly in evangelical churches that teach about spiritual warfare.

Answer 6

That's a loaded question.
I too had my own personal and yes, very negative experience with the church. It was always "their way" or "no way." What can be watched, what can be listened to, etc. etc. They seemed to come from the thinking that if you were not completely immersed in religion all the time that you were doing something wrong. Due to things like the scenario that you described, I realized that it was not for me and I would make up my own mind about things and not be told what to do, think, or believe. These practices are pretty much standard for churches. It seems to be a way to keep people scared and under their control. Let's face it, if people were allowed to think for themselves, who would be making all of these televangelists the millionaires that they are?

Answer 7

It sounds like your friend goes to a pretty conservative church. There are a lot of those, but not all churches are that conservative. Churches like that are convinced that Satan is a real, personal figure and they tend to attribute quite a bit to him. This makes it easy for them to pass judgement and requires less thinking. They can say that things like Harry Potter are evil, or D&D etc...Their members aren't expected to think for themselves or question these things, and some people like it that way. They want answers in black and white, and they want to see the world as good/bad with nothing in between. Check out www.disciples.org if you are interested in an open-minded, less conservative denomination.

Answer 8

These are the same groups that come on here and tell everyone that people who go to mainline churches and are not the bible thumpers and "born againer" are not real Christians. It is sickening and dangerous. Also Harry Potter is one of the most religious stories that you will find. It is very carefully hidden to speak only to the subconscious mind. And since Rowling is proclaiming the Gospel to the ends of the earth, it is very good that the Fundamentalist are against her books because that causes other people to read them.

Answer 9

Paranoia. The people who design and endorse these products are convinced the devil is everywhere. Anything that even has the slightest mention of "magic" is instantly demonic. Don't be too upset about it- they're just trying to protect you. Where I live (which is like Christian Capitol) no one really cares about Harry Potter. Our youth minister's wife is fanatical about Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings.

While it is a sort of propaganda, I might not mention that thought to your friend. He might think it's offensive.

Answer 10

Sorry e_babe I know it wasn't a "MORMON CHURCH". I have been a member for 45 years and just about everybody I know say it they are popular movies and books.

But as any group there are a few that make their own interpretations.

We just view it as intertainment and how it shows GOOD WINNING OVER EVIL.