Have you ever had a horrific experience like this?

Question

Okay, R&S, I was at the park, lying down on a bench, reading Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows for the third time, when a lady jabbed me in the shoulder.
She told me that Jesus would punish me for reading Harry Potter.
I told her she should read the book before saying it was evil; I mean, the good-overcomes-evil, love-conquers-all themes are thrown around like crazy.

She told me she doesn't read "hell books" because she's a "good Christian." She then proceeded to cause a scene by yelling (and I'm not exaggerating here) that I was a worshiper of hell, will burn in hell, etc.
In a park. Full of people and children.


Discuss:
Has anything like this happened to you?
How did you react?
Harry Potter and how amazing it is.

And anything you want to share, go ahead.

Answer 1

Next time remind the good woman (or any other person who says something like that to you again) that The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe was written by C. S. Lewis, a devout Christian. Harry Potter is of the same genre.
And remember, there's a lunatic in every corner.

..btw..there a lot of zealots who believe as this woman does..scary.

Answer 2

people always fear what they dont understand. Sometimes, actually often, conservative christians are the worst offenders.

Whatever the pastor says is evil, they believe to be so, but the thing that kills me is when they say you're going to hell for this or that reason. The last time I checked, and I studied the Word, no one has a heaven or hell to put anyone into... i mean really! When did God give us the chance or discernment to offer who deserves to go where?

Furthermore, as christians, if we see someone we believe to be "on the wrong path" isnt it out DUTY to love them, pray for them, and help them? When did God commission us to judge them? When did God tell us its ok to cast them aside, or write them off? Does not the bible say ALL WILL SIN and fall short of the Glory of God? So when are christians any better than, "non-christians." Hell people read the bible and are disgusting human beings... if a book is what is causing this, or if a book determines who is worthy of heven or hell, perhaps we should stop reading the bible too... lol look at how some of the worst people were once christian, or have some sort of scriptural basis.

Anyway, off my rant, I have experienced this... I tend to ignore these people. I was reading Angels and Demons, wonderful book by the way, and someone told me its evil and I would go to hell... blah blah blah. I politely told them thank you, and ignored them. I havent encountered an extremist as you have, but I did ignore them.

If you are a christian, I would say pray for them... if not still send some sort of good vibe their way... man she needs it. I'm willing to bet my bottom dollar that you would have an easier time getting into heaven than that bitter old woman would.

Answer 3

Pamiekins...

.I didn't read my first HP book till long after the 2nd movie was on vhs.... mainly because of what I had heard about the books and movies and how the fans always dressed up as witches and so on... I finally decided to see what they were all about because my grandchildren were starting to be the age where HP was wanted... and I needed to see what it was all about.

As a Spirit Filled Christian, I myself saw nothing in the books that a mature person would have a problem with...but...NOT for young children... wouldn't want young children reading Dean Koontz or Stephen King either...and though the characters had some young people in them, about them, it still wasn't something I thought scholastic books should be selling to the early school grades.

As an adult, I loved the story line (still do), but then, I don't go around pretending to do witchcraft, make potions, or see dead people. I DO believe in all those things because as a Christian I have had dealings with certain area's that has made these things very real and not to be played with.... necromancy, fortune telling, astrology, witchcraft, demons, are VERY "real"...but are NOT of God.

As a Spirit Filled Christian, I also know how to protect myself of having those seeds planted within...children and even many older readers whom are susceptable to that do NOT have that resource or understanding, which makes any book or movie, like this to be a possible entrapment..... leading them into the devils playground because they perceive it as "fun and games" like their favorite charachters.

No 2 people are alike...and not every child matures as fast as the other... internet makes this so much more dangerous to the young because it's "easier" to find material on what the saw in the books and movies.

Did Rowling write with understanding of all this because of "experience"? I doubt it...I like to write stories too, and do research on different things for each story for a realistic theme...as do many of us whom write. We tend to look at a book and see the WAY it was written and not just the contents, and respect an author for their skill in doing what they did rather than be a fan of any particular charachter, lol

As I said, each person is different... I myself cannot watch or read movies or books that have children being sexually exploited or "hurt"... but that is because of my own past... I can also read books about certain subjects as long as they are not too "realistic"...so I like fantasy or comedic over anything else... yet I can read non-fiction ABOUT the sick and demented or about devil worship, etc and able to process it as "information" and nothing else.

Jesus told people in the Bible that if someone believes something is wrong (even though it isn't) then they should not force that person to do what they think is wrong because it would only hurt or confuse them.

Sound words of caution for us all.

So, forgive that older Christian woman. She's only doing what SHE feels is "right".

Peace be with you :)

Answer 4

No I can not say that it has. I have had a few strange looks when reading the Bible in public though. Her concern although misplaced some is that the Bible tells us not to have anything to do with magic. If you are a christian and reading the book for fun it should not be a problem but as Paul said be careful not to lead those of lesser faith astray. Also make sure you sift anything you read by the Bible to insure that it is not trying to lead you astray. Satan is after all the father of all lies.

Answer 5

This is silly. If this indeed happened she is obviously off of her meds. Jesus is not going to punish you for reading a story about Harry Potter.

Answer 6

Honey, i'm so sorry the two one in each of you have long handed by way of this. a great groomer ought to have suggested as you at present, as quickly because it became sparkling your little cat became into having problems. while a persian (or the different long haired cat) turns into disheveled, they mat sparkling right down to the floor. i'm particular it somewhat is why they took all her fur, yet razor burns? there is not any excuse for shaving her that close. i'm particular they pulled her epidermis somewhat lots--particularly returned by using her fanny, if she is so "delicate" there now. I accept as true with the guy who says to take photos. I even have had my vet tranquilize pets (I foster and rescue many cats) who desire close-up artwork accomplished with the intention to spare them the soreness and trauma your kitty went by way of. would desire to are starting to be her returned claws into the groomer if she scratched her...yet my declawed tom can nonetheless circulate away marks together with his front ft, yet no longer real scratches. it somewhat is genuinely unjustifiable that those human beings would fee you after what occurred on your kitty. i'd make certain others with pets prevented this groomer sooner or later.

Answer 7

The loons just get loonier. I don't understand what is happening with the christians. 12 years ago when I was a christian, you didn't see all this hate and judgment. There was some, but it was limited. They used to be about love and forgiveness. How are they going to be when the rapture doesn't happen? Yeesh>

Answer 8

I'm a Christian and my son both read and watch Harry Potter.

Answer 9

Well, it was extreme. But she got your attention, didn't she? Remember in the Bible where God had a donkey speak to a prophet? (Numbers 22:30) I'm a firm believer that God can use anybody. Why don't you just calm down and think about what she said. Try reading the Bible (New Testament). Pray and ask God to reveal Himself to you and guide you to a good church. You may be very surprised what you find out.

Answer 10

I don't read Harry Potter but I am sure there are comparisons that can be drawn between that series of books and the bible. They are both best-selling works of fiction.