I am a Christian and I just read the first Harry Potter Book. In my opinion they are no different than Star Wars. Star Wars has the Force and a whole bunch of Weird creatures. HP has magic and a whole bunch of Weird creatures. They are both a stuggle between good and evil. So why all the complaints from christians? I can totally understand that fiction is fiction. I also belive that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and he is the way the truth and the life. can someone explain this to me?
2007-09-05 07:53:02 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Arts & Humanities ➔ Books & Authors
The stories we make (mythology and fiction) have a pattern to them. Stories like Harry Potter and Star Wars are about people who value love above all things, people who can't do things alone and rely on friendship, people who strive for a relationship with a father-figure. All of these things are deeply set in our souls, and are indicative that there is a common need for love and relationships, which is what Christianity is all about.
Magic and the Force is just a vehicle for these stories. Just like Jesus told parables in order to illustrate his meaning, we tell stories in order to uncover the things that matter most to us, as people.
The complaints from the Christian community are mostly from people who have not read Harry Potter. They hear that it's about children who perform witchcraft, and since witchcraft is strictly forbidden in the Bible, they come to uneducated conclusions.
Most Christians who have read Harry Potter think that the story of sacrifice and love and friendships is what Harry Potter is about. Most who have not read it think it is a story of children doing witchcraft and blood rituals.
To get an idea of what issues the overzealous Christians think of Harry Potter, watch these videos:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nSX1yxB6gYE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MthbrSa2YFE
To get an idea of what Christian Harry Potter fans think, check these out:
http://www.amazon.com/Whats-Christian-Do-Harry-Potter/dp/1578564719/ref=sr_1_1/105-7552873-8608430?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1189019977&sr=8-1
http://www.amazon.com/Looking-Harry-Potter-John-Granger/dp/1414306342/ref=sr_1_1/105-7552873-8608430?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1189020151&sr=8-1
2007-09-05 08:23:25 · answer #1 · answered by HP Wombat 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I definitely understand your concern. I am a Christian also, and I've had to go over this time and time again with my mother, who believes I shouldn't even be reading them (I'm almost 22). I told her that in the 10 years I've read the books, I've never had an urge to buy a wand, fly a broom, or turn myself invisible for personal gain (ok, maybe I have thought of the last one, but who doesn't?). I also challenged her to read the books herself, because I feel that this whole thing started from one Christian trying to warn the masses out of ignorance, and everyone just follows along.
I even reasoned with her, and tried to say that her telling me Harry Potter is bad is like me trying to tell her the rights and wrongs of childbirth, of which I have no experience. I don't understand how people can just hear about a boy on a broom, write it off as evil, and not even take a look at what they're labeling. It's things like that that make it hard for us Christians who choose to formulate reasonable arguments, without the ignorance factor. I pray your experience becomes better! :*)
2007-09-05 13:57:15 · answer #2 · answered by mica287 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Some people get it some don't. Some people take the bible look at it quote a few words and curse everything with it.
Harry potter has been beaten around for some time. But JK Rowling could care less. If you like reading then read. For some Christians the Bible is the only book you are suppose to read.
2007-09-05 08:03:26 · answer #3 · answered by FIRE § 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think it's cos Star Wars was set in a universe very different from present day but Harry Potter was set in the present in a recognizable version of Britain. And also the term "Witches" was used in the book. For Christian Extremists, that term is used to refer to servants of Satan. Their argument is that by portraying witches and magic as good and fun Rowling is spreading tolerance towards Satan Worshippers. Or somethin of the sort. Who really knows how they think? I'm guessin it was just the massive publicity around the book. They saw it as the perfect opportunity to advance their own agendas...
2007-09-05 08:09:32 · answer #4 · answered by krithi 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Intolerance and close-mindedness can never be explained. Banning the HP books because it's about witches and wizards? Are we back in the 17th century? Maybe we should start finding "witches" and hanging them again.
2007-09-05 08:05:14 · answer #5 · answered by florafall 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Just to clarify, Jesus (peace be upon him) is the Messiah, a great prophet of God (the one and only god).
Jesus was created without a father, but that does not given him divinity.
As it says in the Quran:
" Verily, the likeness of Isa (Jesus) before Allah (God) is the likeness of Adam. He created him from dust, then (God) said to him: 'Be!' -- and he was." [3:59]
I encourage you all to look into Islam, i know it is the truth.
2007-09-05 08:04:10 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
some people think its trying to teach kids to do magic its the dumbest thing i have ever heard.
2007-09-05 09:00:59 · answer #7 · answered by shadow m 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋