Is Harry Potter, the child sorcerer, a hidden danger to those who believe in God, and the morals taught in the Bible? Is such practices like witchcraft, casting spells, and all the other 'craft' things that this so-called witch in training does, in his books and movies, forbidden in the Old Testament laws of MOSES??? Forbidden even for Christians to have anything to do with today.
2007-07-23 07:04:05 · 36 answers · asked by Old Truth Traveler 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I initially objected to HP on the basis of the witchcraft involved. Witchcraft is very much not ok in the Bible. It's using the power of the devil, I think that is self explanatory. But, since I am strong in my faith, and I believe that it is good to be informed about what's out there so I can participate in relevant conversation, I decided to read one.
My objections to the books changed. What really bothered me was the pervasive theme that adults / authority figures are not to be trusted. Rules are not relevant, if you want to do something, just do it. The "heroes" are very rebellious and dangerous. I personally think that is not a good thing to be teaching kids. We set rules to keep them safe, then give them "heroes" that teach them that it's ok to disregard the rules put on them by authority figures / teachers / parents.... Then of course, the kids usually get rewarded for breaking the rules and disobedience.
The Bible also says that rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, so it's a double dose in these books.
For those whose answers are all about realizing that it is fiction, have they ever had kids, or been around them for any length of time? They don't have the ability to separate the two yet. I live with 9 and 6 yr olds. They indiscriminately imitate everything they see on tv, they don't understand what is inappropriate behavior yet. They have to be taught. That is why as parents, it is our responsibility to not expose them to bad stuff too early. They need to learn what is right and understand it for themselves before they can look intelligently at what is bad.
(I did read them all, I find them entertaining, but I would never let an impressionable kid read them. )
2007-07-23 07:12:04 · answer #1 · answered by BaseballGrrl 6 · 2⤊ 3⤋
It has nothing to do with witchcraft "threatening" your religion or beliefs. The Bible tells us that Jesus is "the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" John 14:6. And in Isaiah 44:6..."This is what the Lord says- Isreal's King and Redeemer, The Lord Almighty: I am the first and I am the last; apart form me there is no God"
Witchcraft is evil, simply because it does not worship the one true God. Sorcery, magic spells, etc, do not glorify God, either. Therefore, Yes, Harry Potter is dangerous, but No, it is not hidden... rather, the book is pretty obvious about the witches, spells, etc. But it is a tool the devil uses to tempt you to sin. He wants to keep you away from God- Satan wants to rule this beautiful earth that God has created. Therefore, you should not read Harry Potter and other such books like it, because they are a temptation to sin. Gen. 6:5... The Lord saw how great man's wickedness on the earth had become, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time. Isaiah 1:19-20... "If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best from the land; but if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword" For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.
2007-07-23 07:53:51 · answer #2 · answered by jamielu 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think Harry Potter could be dangerous, but isn't necessarily so. It depends on how the Christians responds to the books and films. If the Christian recognizes and enjoys it as fantasy and fiction, and understands the difference between that and actually becoming involved in witchcraft and related activities, there is really no danger. If the Christian is ignorant about the difference, and the movie/book prompts curiosity and exploration in areas that the Bible forbids--like witchcraft and related activities, then there is great danger.
I understand the position of the Christian who chooses to just completely stay away from anything dealing with witchcraft or magic, and I understand the Christian who is able to see a Harry Potter movie or read a book with a clear conscience.
We are given that freedom in Christ as we walk in the Spirit.
2007-07-23 07:16:39 · answer #3 · answered by happygirl 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Is Harry Potter Harmless fun? Kids are finally reading books, so whats the problem?
-the idea being communicated to kids is: being a wizard like Dumbledore or Potter is fun, cool, exciting while being part of the 'Muggle' world is boring.
-Potter books are filled with misterious information about witches, warlocks, sorcerers, crystal balls, spells, curses, potions, charms, numerology, divination, astrology, palmistry, out of body travel, and communication with spirits. This reflects actual beliefs and practices in the real world of both ancient and modern occultism.
***In fact, much of the occult information inside the novels is so real that during one call-in radio interview Rowling was asked by an eager inquirer if she herself was a member of the 'Craft'. When she said,no, the caller replied,..."you've done your homework quite well" This man then expressed his love for Harry Potter because it portrayed his own beliefs positively and made his daughter more comfortable with his involvement in witchcraft.
***In another interview,(The Diane Rehm Show) Rowling admitted that one third of her material is based on actual occultism.
***Exodus 22:18 / Leviticus 19:31 / Leviticus 20:27 / Galatians 5:19-21 those who practice or seek after wizards, spirits, sorcery, will not inherit the kingdom of heaven"
-God's last book warns that through "sorcery all the nations will be deceived" (Revelations 18:23)This verse is not fiction.
Instead of learning the black arts in the Harry Potter books, Jesus says, "learn from me...and you will find rest for your souls." Matthew 11:29
2007-07-23 08:38:31 · answer #4 · answered by delmar 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Since witches, wizards, and magic do not exist, just like unicorns, ghosts, spells, voodoo, and centaurs do not exist, there is no danger. Any danger would be in whatever moral message there might be. So, there are books which should not be read by the very young until they are old enough to understand what sorts of pernicious messages books can hold. For example, "Mein Kampf" is best read by students who have had an opportunity to grasp what was at stake during and immediately after WW II.
HTH
Charles
2007-07-23 07:15:26 · answer #5 · answered by Charles 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I've done a bit of research on this and here's what I've found.
1) The general prinicple against witches, or anything that would make witches appear cool or tempt children to play at them. Christians dont' like this, after all, all witches are evil no matter what and they are supposed to kill them. The bible says so.
2) Harry Potter does not have much respect for authority, and consistantly breaks the rules and not only gets away with it but is rewarded in the story for it time and again. This is not good morals, according to Christians.
3) I read a book that actually said the biggest problem is that Harry never once calls on Jesus Christ Almighty for help. He relies soley on his own judgment, which is fallible, and yet he comes out okay without turning to a higher power. Harry is self-reliant. He thinks for himself and has faith in himself.
2007-07-23 07:13:48 · answer #6 · answered by KC 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Harry Potter is NOT dangerous to people who are able to differentiate the difference between a fantasy story and reality. I'm not being smart about this, i'm being serious. As long as childeren understand that this is a story and occult practices are not appropriate I would be fine having them read it and enjoy it. I rembember how thoroughly I enjoyed stories of a fantasy nature when I was young and I am a christian. I would not dream of dabbling in the occult. Harry Potter does a good job of capturing the struggle between good and evil, light and darkness, love and hate, friendship, compassion-very christian themes. What have we to fear of innocent tales of magic? We cannot purge ourselves of our imagination nor innocence. It is a childs story, much like the wizard of oz, the lord of the rings and a multitude of others. How insipid our lives be devoid of these wonderful works of authorship!
2007-07-23 07:16:01 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Christians believe that Witches, Wizards, and Magic are symbols of Satanism. While this is not true, many Christians believe that allowing children to read and watch these will draw kids to Satan.
Also, Christians have always tried to end pagan worship, since the induction of the religion. This is found in many ways, from witch trials to turning pagan days of worship into Christian holidays.
Christians believe that the bible is against Magic, yet they believe in miracles. The only difference being that miracles are supposedly provided by God. Water to wine, walking on water, sounds like a David Blane special to me.
2007-07-23 07:17:34 · answer #8 · answered by Jamphan 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It's a fictional tale. Just because it's popular, many Christians target it as some satanic sort of thing. I'm a Christian myself, and if you realize that it's JUST A STORY, then you can truly appreciate the genius skill and cleverness that JK Rowling puts into her books. The only time it could become dangerous is when you BELIEVE it. But you'd be a fool to try and make a fictional story become real life. Harry Potter is harmless, same as any other fictional book. It's just a really really good fictional book. ;)
2007-07-23 07:09:35 · answer #9 · answered by Monica 2 · 5⤊ 1⤋
i agree with you. unlike fiction books like lord of the rings, where it's a completely different world and the books are written for adults, Harry Potter is aimed towards children teaching them spells and witchcraft making it seem not only ok but the ideal, a role model that kids want to emulate. as far as is it right for christians to have anything to do with today.. i believe no it's not, God doesn't change his mind. and even if the matter is unclear why even get close to that line.
2007-07-23 07:16:20 · answer #10 · answered by lainkitty 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋