Is it wrong?
2007-09-08 09:36:51 · 18 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
It teaches withcraft and sorcery. Everything that God tells us to stay away from, and for good reason. We don't know what spirits these spells will conjure up.
2007-09-08 09:43:46 · answer #1 · answered by michael m 5 · 3⤊ 12⤋
The problem that some Christians have with Harry Potter is that it "promotes witchcraft." That's PERFECTLY understandable. However, the people that have a problem with Harry Potter generally DON'T have a problem with Disney movies (Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, for example), Lord of the Rings (Gandalf is *GASP* a GOOD wizard!), or the Chronicles of Narnia.
Personally, I equate Harry Potter with those I just mentioned. It's harmless fiction, nothing more, nothing less. I LOVE Harry Potter, and yes, I'm a born-again Christian!
As a sidenote, most of the people who have a problem with Harry Potter also don't seem to realize that Joanne Rowling (J.K.) is a member of the Church of Scotland and holds Christian beliefs.
2007-09-08 09:46:44 · answer #2 · answered by The_Cricket: Thinking Pink! 7 · 5⤊ 0⤋
Tom Hanks, when asked about the criticisms on the Da Vinci Code book/movie have this to say, "FICTION, FICTION, FICTION." It's the same thing.
I am a mother of 2, my kids watch the Cartoon Network, the Disney Channel, all the HP movies, all LOTR movies, C.S. Lewis' The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, and are very familiar with the fairy tales. I would say, they're good kids, they don't swear, they respect their peers and elders, they definitely know what's real and what's fiction. When they get confused, they ask and we're there to answer and give guidance.
This HP bashing about its being demonic because of the magic is sad because it somehow dampens a good thing. It reminded of a scene in CSI (Crime Scene Investigation) where a Latino suspect who was a devout Catholic said to Gil Grissom when the latter came to arrest him inside a church, "You may not believe in God, but you actually do his work." Not that JKR is an atheist, she actually belong to the Church of Scotland. But the thing is, Harry Potter may be about magic, but it is just a vehicle to present the values that the church, school and our parents teach us, only in a more creative and entertaining way. It teaches the values of unconditional love, loyalty, friendship, sacrifice, diligence, respect for elders and persons of authority, patience, and a lot more. It shows the penultimate GOOD vs. EVIL theme.
Even if kids want to become wizards or witches after reading the books, they would eventually outgrow that. Parental guidance is the key. IT TAKES A VILLAGE TO RAISE A CHILD, so goes the saying. Kids wouldn't become twisted or lose their faith just by reading the books. It would surely take a lot more than that.
However, I respect those who believe that reading the books are bad or worse, a sin. It's their own lookout, opinion and belief. I may not agree with them and they with me. But I wont insult them by saying they're hypocrites or stupid. Let's just respect each other's opinions and beliefs, people. The world's already full of hate without us lynching each other over a series of books.
Have a nice day to all, HP fans and haters alike!
2007-09-10 05:13:14 · answer #3 · answered by zachmir 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's not wrong, but it *is* understandable that some Christian parents are concerned. After all, there *are* children who, after reading Harry Potter, wish to learn "magic" or become "wizards" because of the appeal of the books. However, this is a concern that parents ought to be able to address - just as they address a child's desire for dynamite and anvils after watching Bugs Bunny. Christian parents who wish to guide their children properly need only help their children realize that the stories are entirely fiction. Of course, they can also remind them of the consequences of being disobedient to God and becoming involved in "witchcraft". Such detriments should be sufficient for any child who has even a little faith in Christianity or their parents.
However, I feel that this is one of those areas that Paul covered in the New Testament. It's OK to believe that Harry Potter is wrong, and it's OK to believe that it is not wrong. As long as Christians recognize that the decision is a personal one (made for your own family), then more power to you!
Jim, http://www.life-after-harry-potter.com
2007-09-09 04:36:18 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Greetings Friend,
Although I am not a Christian per se, I thought I would answer. I love the Harry Potter movies. I think they actually teach good things like another answerer gave: loyalty, integrity, and being good. I think the story shows how 'good' will always prevail.
sending love,
2007-09-08 10:44:05 · answer #5 · answered by wadkinsjames 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Why are we acting like hypocrites, when it comes to witchcraft and other issues we face in this world?
IF Christians - such as myself - are encouraging our children to read the Bible -- why worry about what is written on the pages of a Harry Potter book?
2007-09-08 10:06:04 · answer #6 · answered by yahweh_is_the_lord 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I loved all the books, and it does not conflict with my faith at all. The books are about a young man's journey to self discovery. And magic exsists anyway. Harry was always mindful of not useing magic for his selffish desires but to help his friends out of trouble. That is what Jesus wants us to do also. So for me the books are wonderful.
2007-09-08 10:15:50 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
While I wouldn't compare harry potter with the bible or any other "religious text" it is just a book.
2007-09-08 09:43:01 · answer #8 · answered by Tony AM 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Harry Potter got many children to read, which can only be a good thing. I think the fundie tele evangelists are just jealous of JK Rollings millions.
2007-09-08 09:42:49 · answer #9 · answered by irishinvenice 3 · 8⤊ 1⤋
Harry Potter is occutism passed off as entertainment.
2007-09-08 10:20:32 · answer #10 · answered by LineDancer 7 · 0⤊ 4⤋
Good books, talented writer. And for the gentleman above me, I tried some of those spells, and none of them worked. :)
2007-09-08 09:47:12 · answer #11 · answered by Tut Uncommon 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋