Do you think Christians should read Harry Potter?

Question

I'm a Christian. I can understand why some Christians would say no to this answer. And the reason why I think so is because of the fact that Harry Potter deals with occult-related materials and because it can be so influential to some people, it could potentially lure some Christians into that type of activity, which is considered a "no-no" in Christianity.

However, I believe that Christians can read Harry Potter, just as long as they don't get influenced by the book and attempt to do magical or occult-related things.

Christians, what do you think of Harry Potter? Atheists are also welcomed to answer/comment on this question. I value everyone's opinion...just as long as they're are not any verbal attacks or bull ish answers from anyone. Thank you.

I'll even accept bible passages on the occult as an answer. Really I would. Thank you.

Answer 1

of course they should

Answer 2

Christians shouldn't be afraid to read these books as they are only fantasy, and if you believe that they're real, well, you've got some mental problems with which you should be dealing. It's a story, nothing more. It's no different than any other fantasy story you could find. Harry Potter deals NOTHING with the occult. I know a lot of you think it does, but it doesn't. The magic they practice in those books is fairy tale magic. The fairy godmother in Cinderella does the same sort of thing, yet, I've never heard anyone call her evil.

Answer 3

the magic practice in harry potter is not at all what is done in occult activities in real life. i guess the idea of potions is similar but harry potter uses made up ingredients so its not as if anyone could use the books to learn to do occult things.

the books also still have a strong message of good and evil and what happens when you use something that could be positive to do evil. i would never say the books convey a good religious message because of that, but there are morality lessons.

overall i think the books are such fantasy and make believe that the average person would not be swayed to actually dabble in occultpractices as a result. especially since the main characters mostly use magic to grow each others toenails and turn teacups into mice.

Answer 4

Harry Potter is Luke Skywalker, with a wand instead of a light saber.

The problem with the stories is the word 'witchcraft' which Christians associate with the study and use of Satanic power.

I would encourage Christians to look past this for two reasons:

First, because the Potter stories contain NO sense that magic is channeled from the Devil. Magic is portrayed like technology or 'The Force' in Star Wars.
I.e. Magic or Power by itself is neutral. Good and evil comes from how power is used.

The second reason is because Harry Potter stories are filled precisely with the values Christians WANT their children to learn.
The loyalty to friends is more important than winning competitions. Playing fair is the mark of noble person. Authority should be disobeyed when it acts against the public good.
Dumbledore teaches the shrewd understand of Power and Politics. Hagrid, the love of nature.

In Muslim theology, there is a race of spirit beings called Jinn. Like man they can be good or evil. An evil Jinn is called a shaytan, and the most evil Jinn, Iblis, is called 'The Shaytan' or Satan.

Now since Jinn is the source of the modern world genie, a Muslim parent COULD look and 'Disney's Aladdin' and say "I don't want my children thinking its OK to hang out with Satan's race."

It that seems silly to you, let your kids enjoy Harry Potter.

Answer 5

I am actually an Occultist. A Celtic Pagan. Diviner teller of fortunes etc... i officiate over a gorve of Pagans in Southern Maryland. and i can tell you that Harry Potter offers nothing but a good story.

the closest refrences to Occult practices are mere mention of the Philosophers stone. which was sought by medieval alchemists. it was described well in the book (as to it's supposed powers and such) but much was left out.

and the use of the terms "Fortuna Major" and Caput Draconis" which were the code words to get into the Griffindor house common room in the first 2 years.
these repersent 2 of the 16 runes of Geomancy or earth divination.

other than that it is fictional magic and fairy tale.

the only real magic in Harry Potter is that it gets an 8 year old to put down the controller to the Xbox and Read a BOOK.


why don't you folks attack Walt Disney for all of their Magical and occult representations.

Cinderella,,,fairy god-mother uses magic to give her a dress, and a coach etc.

Aladdin....do i even need to explain that one.

The Little Mermaid...deals with an evil witch and her father is clearly a representation of Neptune an ancient god of the sea.

Fantasia, one of the most loved disney cartoons, a musical of Mickey Mouse preforming all sorts of magic.

Beauty and the Beast...again do i hafe to explain...

and the list goes on and on...and on....

note, these are things that most parents, not only allow, but encourage their kids to read. and watch.

so what is the big deal about young Mr. Potter ?

Answer 6

I think that it all depends on the value that you place upon this form of entertainment. If it is 'evil in your mind, than you only see it as a supporter of the occult. However, if you think as I do, that it is JUST A BOOK about some kids learning to deal with evil in the world around them. Than you will be able to enjoy this life that G-d has graciously given to us.

I like the Harry Potter books, they are very 'entertaining', I'd also like to ask you this question ....

When was the last time you witnessed thousands of children who eagerly wanted to read a book?

I'll also pose this final question to you, when do you think Christian publishing companies are going to print something; that engages the minds of kids and actually gets them interested in reading?

Sorry to tell you, but most of the Christian themed books which are specifically printed for kids; are flat out boring. I've seen children read a few pages and toss the book aside.

Answer 7

First I'd like to say is if you don't have a problem with Wizard of Oz, then you'll be fine with Harry Potter.

In many ways I see some very powerful messages Christians could learn from Harry Potter. Mostly how important it is for us to see that we have power in our words, that we have an obligation to use our gifts, and that we stand for what is right, regardless of what we stand to loose in the process.
If I went into any more of it, I would be giving the book's ending away.

Answer 8

There IS a difference between *should* and *may*... or *can*. It is not obligatory to read Harry Potter at all unless you are daring someone to do so.

But I don't see any harm in reading it at all. The fact that it is a commercial success is because it is a well-written saga by J. K. Rowling who wrote it specifically for pre-teens [and their parents] to enjoy.

Only those of LITTLE FAITH will be afraid to read such kinds of books and other materials if only to expand their limited knowledge. Either that, or they simply choose to follow their blind church leaders continue to grope in the dark.

Peace be with you.

Answer 9

I am a Christian and I don't really see a problem with Christians reading the books as long as they just stay a story. The occult is big in our world. But as long as we just read it as a story and nothing else, there isn't a problem, but for some people it becomes more than a story and that is where the problem lays. So for some Christians it might be a no, but for others it might be ok.

Answer 10

if people cant seperate fact from fiction then no ... they shouldnt
it is a book and a great one for children , it has encouraged children to read more than any other book in decades .... and that is always a good thing

as for the occult .... if people actually tried to understand things like Wicca etc , they would realise Harry Potter is to the occult as the Spice girls are to talent

Answer 11

You are EXACTLY correct. The pope doesn't want children reading HP because he thinks that children will believe that witchcraft is real or that they should convert to a religion such as Wikka to perform what we call "magic." However, as long as you don't believe that the story is true, you are fine. All in all, I guess it's YOU who will have to make that decision.

I for one, LOVE the Harry Potter series and have read every book and seen every movie.