Harry Potter
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 392
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From: Louisville KY
Harry Potter
i guess im the only one to disagree with all the Harry Potter stuff, im a Bible believing, Jesus loving christian, some may call me an extremist or Jesus Freak, but i absolutely disagree with what our kids are being taught from these books and movies, pure and simple, its witchcraft and witchcraft in any form is absolutely wrong, my mom and sister are wiccans (white witches) so i know first hand what its like, its totally and absolutely evil and wrong.
as far as im concerend, these harry potter books are one of satan's most crafty ways yet of dragging a generation to hell.
as far as im concerend, these harry potter books are one of satan's most crafty ways yet of dragging a generation to hell.
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 8,238
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From: Oregon
Harry Potter
.........waiting for the followup "haha I got you guys" post...........
still waiting...................
But seriously, I am very spiritual myself, was raised Christian and remain Christian, and if such a simple thing as a childrens book is going to drag a generation to hell then they wouldn't have had any chance in the real world anyways. These books aren't teaching kids anything, they are for entertainment (I'm not sure our schools are teaching anything for that matter either). You admitted you may be an extremist, and although I don't agree with you at all you are entitled to your opinion and I figure you folks just add balance to the other side of the extreme.
still waiting...................
But seriously, I am very spiritual myself, was raised Christian and remain Christian, and if such a simple thing as a childrens book is going to drag a generation to hell then they wouldn't have had any chance in the real world anyways. These books aren't teaching kids anything, they are for entertainment (I'm not sure our schools are teaching anything for that matter either). You admitted you may be an extremist, and although I don't agree with you at all you are entitled to your opinion and I figure you folks just add balance to the other side of the extreme.
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 3,628
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From: Baileyton, TN
Harry Potter
I have read the books, seen the movies, and have come to a couple of conclusions based on that.
1) They are showing the triumph of good intent over evil intent.
2) They are free of the usual language, and actions of **** and degradation.
That they depict an ideal condemned by various Christians is not dragging anyone to hell - those going there have already determined that by evil action, and intent.
These books tend to show doing good in a different way to Christianity, but still doing good - not making children do evil, have drugs or become exploited sexually. Before any Salvation can take place, surely we need to rid the world of the major evils exposed to every child, every day. If this series can do that, then thank it warmly, and try to teach the Bible for what it is, not use it to condemn.
Remember, The Creator works in many ways, often mysterious, to do His works. Though perceived evil, the Harry Potter series is getting children to stay home, have good ideals, and think of wrongdoing as an evil to be avoided.
For that reason, I cannot agree with statements condemning them.
Theo
1) They are showing the triumph of good intent over evil intent.
2) They are free of the usual language, and actions of **** and degradation.
That they depict an ideal condemned by various Christians is not dragging anyone to hell - those going there have already determined that by evil action, and intent.
These books tend to show doing good in a different way to Christianity, but still doing good - not making children do evil, have drugs or become exploited sexually. Before any Salvation can take place, surely we need to rid the world of the major evils exposed to every child, every day. If this series can do that, then thank it warmly, and try to teach the Bible for what it is, not use it to condemn.
Remember, The Creator works in many ways, often mysterious, to do His works. Though perceived evil, the Harry Potter series is getting children to stay home, have good ideals, and think of wrongdoing as an evil to be avoided.
For that reason, I cannot agree with statements condemning them.
Theo
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,105
Likes: 2
From: Mississippi
Harry Potter
Originally posted by Effie3
Are you serious, You have NEVER heard of harry potter books or movies?
Are you serious, You have NEVER heard of harry potter books or movies?
Sorry I never seen tv ads when I watch the little tv I do ..I am usely working,or fishing,and on the porch...And this is the only site I use as far as the net, my wife uses the net alot more then I do..So you guys are my news crew..
I don't get the paper or watch the news...I just don't see any need to...I'll do that when I am old and gray and can only sit in a chair.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 13,873
Likes: 3
From: Atlanta GA
Harry Potter
To promote and add glory to witchcraft is wrong.
I destroyed the Harry Potter books so thoughtfully given to my child the past Christmas. She wants to read fantasy books she can still read Dr.Doolittle (though not watch the pervert second movie by Eddie Murphy), Nancy Drew, the Hardy Boys, and a library of other stuff that does not subvert their thinking, at an early age, into thinking that this anti-God stuff is harmless.
I destroyed the Harry Potter books so thoughtfully given to my child the past Christmas. She wants to read fantasy books she can still read Dr.Doolittle (though not watch the pervert second movie by Eddie Murphy), Nancy Drew, the Hardy Boys, and a library of other stuff that does not subvert their thinking, at an early age, into thinking that this anti-God stuff is harmless.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 214
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From: Hephzibah Georgia
Harry Potter
the below response is not my own but does have a useful point.
in reply to nick11082001.
>true, i believe that this contains devilish type things, but you must remember, its a fictional story. it is not meant to make people believe in witches. people get offended about this book because they say its bad, well, then dont read any fiction book at all. or dont watch any action or scary movies that has cuss words in it. or dont listen to the radio with songs that has negative messages. the point that im getting at is that there are a lot of hypocrites that are against harry potter because they think reading it is a sin, yet they do other things that are sins, like watch bad movies etc. but what they must remember that a sin is a sin no matter what. you can go to hell just as easy by doing something little just as fast as you can by killing someone. i dont believe in witch craft or any of that stuff in harry potter, but i know its there for our entertainment, so i will not believe it. other than that, there is really no big problem with harry potter as long as people dont think that its a bible or anything.
- Richard B.
in reply to nick11082001.
>true, i believe that this contains devilish type things, but you must remember, its a fictional story. it is not meant to make people believe in witches. people get offended about this book because they say its bad, well, then dont read any fiction book at all. or dont watch any action or scary movies that has cuss words in it. or dont listen to the radio with songs that has negative messages. the point that im getting at is that there are a lot of hypocrites that are against harry potter because they think reading it is a sin, yet they do other things that are sins, like watch bad movies etc. but what they must remember that a sin is a sin no matter what. you can go to hell just as easy by doing something little just as fast as you can by killing someone. i dont believe in witch craft or any of that stuff in harry potter, but i know its there for our entertainment, so i will not believe it. other than that, there is really no big problem with harry potter as long as people dont think that its a bible or anything.
- Richard B.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 1997
Posts: 23,165
Likes: 18
From: Enjoying the real world.
Harry Potter
Put this into perspective. Have you ever watched an episode of Bewitched? I Dream Of Genie? Or how about "Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs?" Cinderella? The Wizard Of Oz? Star Wars (any episode)? Battlestar Galactica? The Twilight Zone. Star Trek? Scoobie Doo? The Flinstones (remember the wizard "Kazoo"?)? My Favorite Martian?
Don't tell me you've never watched any of those shows......
Heck, what about that book that has stories about witchcraft, fortune tellers, idolatry, wizards turning things into snakes....
.....the Bible.
Heck, the Jewish people didn't even have monotheism until after they met up with the Egryption sun-workshippers.
What about "The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe" written by famous Christian writer C.S. Lewis? Its all about the sacrifice of Christ using fantasy parables.
"There is a principle which is a bar against all information, which is proof against all arguments and which cannot fail to keep a man in everlasting ignorance – that principle is contempt prior to investigation." -- Herbert Spencer
Don't tell me you've never watched any of those shows......
Heck, what about that book that has stories about witchcraft, fortune tellers, idolatry, wizards turning things into snakes....
.....the Bible.
Heck, the Jewish people didn't even have monotheism until after they met up with the Egryption sun-workshippers.
What about "The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe" written by famous Christian writer C.S. Lewis? Its all about the sacrifice of Christ using fantasy parables.
"There is a principle which is a bar against all information, which is proof against all arguments and which cannot fail to keep a man in everlasting ignorance – that principle is contempt prior to investigation." -- Herbert Spencer
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Junior User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 94
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From: Deer Park
Harry Potter
Originally posted by webmaster
Heck, what about that book that has stories about witchcraft, fortune tellers, idolatry, wizards turning things into snakes....
.....the Bible.
What about "The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe" written by famous Christian writer C.S. Lewis? Its all about the sacrifice of Christ using fantasy parables.
Heck, what about that book that has stories about witchcraft, fortune tellers, idolatry, wizards turning things into snakes....
.....the Bible.
What about "The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe" written by famous Christian writer C.S. Lewis? Its all about the sacrifice of Christ using fantasy parables.
(A) In the Bible, yes, it does mention witchcraft. However, it makes it very clear that witchcraft is wrong. "Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live" Exodus 22:18. "There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch." Deuteronomy 18:10. Clearly God doesn't like witches.
(B) In the CS Lewis Narnia series, (which I have read, BTW, at least four times) the only person who practices witchcraft is the "bad guy", who gets put to death at the end of the first book. There is definitely the suggestion that witchcraft is wrong, and will be punished.
Now, as to whether the HP books are evil, I really can't say. I'd have to read them in order to make that decision, but I'm choosing not to. Sure, like someone mentioned, people are going to be exposed to that kind of stuff anyway, what's the harm in reading a harmless book? My take on that is to put it in an analogy: "Sure, your going to be exposed to germs someday, but why go around licking toilet bowls?" I have no real need (or desire) to read the series, so what's the point?
Rory
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 422
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From: Heart Of Dixie
Harry Potter
First of all, I am a Christian and believe in the Bible. I understand that according to the Bible witchcraft is wrong. I do not see anything wrong with the HP books or movies. Yes there is "witchcraft" in these books and movies, but you can also find something similar in the Bible. They are called miracles when God made them happen. I know some will call me bad things, but what do you think the people of the world thought when they saw these miracles happen? Imagine seeing the red sea parting or a staff turn into a snake. I guess it is a perception issue. My children are all members of our church and have been baptized. They have all seen the movies as well. My wife and I watched them with them and explained any questions that came up.
My children understand the difference between fiction and reality. There is no doubt in their minds that the "magic" depicted in these films and books is not real. They are not going to try to do these things in real life.
My children understand the difference between fiction and reality. There is no doubt in their minds that the "magic" depicted in these films and books is not real. They are not going to try to do these things in real life.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 1997
Posts: 23,165
Likes: 18
From: Enjoying the real world.
Harry Potter
What about all those other shows I mentioned, all of which have magic in them or deny the existance of God? Let's not forget Chitty Chitty Bang Bang as well.... 
Have your children seen any of those? Do your children go to private school or are you allowing them to be exposed to the doctrine in public schools?
Have your children seen any of those? Do your children go to private school or are you allowing them to be exposed to the doctrine in public schools?
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 18,488
Likes: 22
From: The Big, Oregon
Harry Potter
I have seen somebody mentioned the interview of the author. Did anybody actually watch that? She stated that she studied real witchcraft, and that some of the potions in the book are real. I have to agree with rebocardo over this one. Also, there is a passage in the Bible that states, Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will never depart from it. I don't have kids yet, but when I do, they won't be reading this. I don't believe in overly sheltering kids, or being overprotective, but I wouldn't knowingly expose them to something like this.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 448
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Harry Potter
What amazes me about this whole thing is that people believe in witches as magical little sorcerers who can really make stuff fly or turn people into frogs.
I think the overwhelming vast majority of people on the planet do not believe witches as presented in the Harry Potter books exist now or have ever existed. In fact, the concept of witches, wizardry and witchcraft presented in the Harry Potter books did not exist until the middle ages. The type of witchcraft discussed in the bible is quite a bit different than that portrayed in modern times.
From this it follows they are a fantasy, an idea/object like any other with no intrinsic harm. We have a whole host of fantasy objects that similarly possess no intrinsic harm--Hobbitts, the Tazmanian Devil (the cartoon), Bigfoot, Playboy centerfolds, etc.
That's not to say Harry Potter worship is a good thing. Obsessiveness about any fantasy is not a good thing--whether it is sex, Bigfoot, or children's stories. Obsessiveness usually leads to a skewed perception of reality. Which is something we should try to avoid.
I would like to note, witches do exist. They are more commonly know as Wiccans. However, they bear no resemblance to what is done in Harry Potter. To lump them together would be quite silly considering they have nothing in common.
whistler
I think the overwhelming vast majority of people on the planet do not believe witches as presented in the Harry Potter books exist now or have ever existed. In fact, the concept of witches, wizardry and witchcraft presented in the Harry Potter books did not exist until the middle ages. The type of witchcraft discussed in the bible is quite a bit different than that portrayed in modern times.
From this it follows they are a fantasy, an idea/object like any other with no intrinsic harm. We have a whole host of fantasy objects that similarly possess no intrinsic harm--Hobbitts, the Tazmanian Devil (the cartoon), Bigfoot, Playboy centerfolds, etc.
That's not to say Harry Potter worship is a good thing. Obsessiveness about any fantasy is not a good thing--whether it is sex, Bigfoot, or children's stories. Obsessiveness usually leads to a skewed perception of reality. Which is something we should try to avoid.
I would like to note, witches do exist. They are more commonly know as Wiccans. However, they bear no resemblance to what is done in Harry Potter. To lump them together would be quite silly considering they have nothing in common.
whistler
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 448
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Harry Potter
Jared,
Have you seen the interview, or are you just parroting back what somebody told you about it?
Given your strong critique of JK Rowling and her books, I doubt you would stuck around with the interview long enough to get to that part of it.
(edit) Here is some of the quote that I believe you are referring to:
"I do a certain amount of research and folklore is quite important in books. So where I'm mentioning a creature or a spell, that people used to believe genuinely would work—of course, it didn't. . Then, I will find out exactly what the words were, and will find out exactly what the characteristics of that creature or ghost were supposed to be . . [Much of sorcery material in the books] are things that people genuinely used to believe in Britain." J.K.R. interview on National Public Radio. October 20, 1999.
(end edit)
Whistler
Have you seen the interview, or are you just parroting back what somebody told you about it?
Given your strong critique of JK Rowling and her books, I doubt you would stuck around with the interview long enough to get to that part of it.
(edit) Here is some of the quote that I believe you are referring to:
"I do a certain amount of research and folklore is quite important in books. So where I'm mentioning a creature or a spell, that people used to believe genuinely would work—of course, it didn't. . Then, I will find out exactly what the words were, and will find out exactly what the characteristics of that creature or ghost were supposed to be . . [Much of sorcery material in the books] are things that people genuinely used to believe in Britain." J.K.R. interview on National Public Radio. October 20, 1999.
(end edit)
Whistler
Last edited by whistler; Jun 23, 2003 at 01:28 PM.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 392
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From: Louisville KY
Harry Potter
i have not read the books or seen the movie, i dont have to to know that its very wrong and evil, do you have to smoke a joint or a crack pipe to know that its bad for you? NO! its common sense that drugs are bad, just as it is that God says in His word, the Bible that witchcraft in any form is wrong. BTW, in my life, and in the future, the life of my family, when i have one, God's Word, the Bible, WILL be the final authority in all matters of life.