Why do some Christians think there is something wrong with Harry Potter?

Question

I am a Christian and I don't see anything wrong. It is your basic good vs. evil (with good winning) fantasy tale. I really like it.

I'm not trying to pick a fight. I am a born again Christian and I just really don't see the problem.

Ava, have you read Harry Potter? Voldemort is an evil wizard who kills, tortures and maims. Harry is a kid who's been hunted byVoldemort his whole life. Harry fights evil constantly. He was born with magical powers. He just learns how to use them in school The "spells" in the books are actually latin words, not real spells. I appreciate your right to have an opinion, but you have to read the book to get an opinion.

From what I am seeing, it appears that the problem is the words "wizard" and "witch" even though these are not real spells nor is any type of real witchcraft taught in these books. I do get where you are coming from, however I think if a parent read the books with their kid and explained that this is just a story, and emphasized the victory of good over evil, it would be ok.

And I'm really not trying to be self righteous, so sorry if I offended. I am one of you with a different opinon, that's all.

To those of you who say it's because of witchcraft, my whole point is that there is no real witchcraft in these books. Harry was born with magical powers, and the "spells" in these books are just latin words. There is no real witchcraft. If there was, I wouldn't like them either.

Answer 1

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 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.

Personally I like the moral messages in Harry Potter - that it's necessary sometimes to break the rules, that it's our choices that make us who we are, how much friendship and courage and caring count, that we must sometimes stand up to our friends and even our heros. That what is legal or accepted isn't always what's right. That our family are those who care about us, not necessarily just those with whom we share blood.

Answer 2

Bonnie D.: Have to agree...However, for some it is as bad as going to a Restaurant where you have to wait in the bar till you are able to get a table...too much temptation, memory, immaturity, deceiving spirits, etc.,.

I have to agree with someone whom had made the observation that this is certainly not something for children, nor for those whom are battling such enticements, but is more for the more mature individual.

Witchcraft is very REAL...just as alcoholism is...if a person has "doubts" they should stay away from HP as much as they should to being in a bar.

Peace be with you :)

***You forgot some of the other impotant things that goes on in the book: Did it not strike you about how Voldemort was against any half bloods or plain old muggles? One race was more supreme...those with pure-blood of wizards.... The whole series had accounts of injustice done to all whom weren't of one set mold. No, Harry wasn't their Mesiah, nor the antiChrist or False Prophet, as some felt they were going to find absolute in the last book.... People were told to be responsible for each other... something we should all do...
However, it was mixed in with all the other un-Biblical trappings, and, these things CAN entice one to the wrong way of thinking....which is why these books, as wonderful as they are, should NOT be considered children's literature. No matter WHICH message is taught them. :)

Answer 3

Good vs. Evil Hello take out the O in good you get God put in a Din evil you get Devil it's the age old witchcraft thing where some were taught that this is evil and of the devil but that one man's thought and a personal conviction one I don't preach or teach so you have a great day anyhow....

Answer 4

I don't agree with the "anti-potter" stance, but I do know why. I asked one of my southern baptist friends.

She said it's because harry potter teaches that there really is magic in the world, and that takes away from the brilliance of god's magic (which is a bad word for what He does, but I'm short on vocabulary at the moment). Many Wiccans practice witchcraft, and as they do not have a true Savior in their lives, it is deemed dangerous for the Christians to read it, because it could be detrimental and confusing to their faith.

I don't fully agree with it, but I do see where they're coming from. ALTHOUGH, if their faith is as strong as many, then it shouldn't be a problem....

Answer 5

There is no good and evil in Harry Potter. The fact of the matter s they are all WIZARDS doing WITCHCRAFT. That, my friend, is against the Bible.

Answer 6

I am actually unsure as well. I'm Catholic and I love Harry Potter. I'm guessing that it's because it has Witchcraft and magic.

Answer 7

Then you should be able to put your self righteousness in check.I don't think it's a big deal either,but I do know the message it sends.Do you?Think more critically,and you'll see for yourself.Put yourself in the position of an impressionable child.All magic is from the devil.Necromancy,clairvoyance,idol worship,seances,etc,etc.There is no such thing as good witches or good wizards.They are in the clutches of the devil with very little hope for rescuing,because he has fooled them into believing it's okay.If you disagree.Fine,but you better put yourself in check.Don't compromise.Don't let your guard down.

Answer 8

Witchcraft. To hard core Christians, Harry Potter and his friends are servants of the devil.

Answer 9

It's the sorcery and witchcraft that keeps us away. I just don't like feeding my spirit with things like that.

Answer 10

I only wish there were more like you. I share your opinions on the matter and find it funny that people have problems with children learning to end for themselves and stand up to evil forces in the world. But to each their own, I guess, just please stop brain-washing your children with your mindless garbage!