Harry Potter...

[Artimaeus]

1.) Why do you think Harry Potter is Satanic and Evil?

He is a sorcerer. Exod 22:18 Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live. (Unless, of course, he is cute and popular then it is OK to admire him.)

2.) Are there good qualities about this series?

Yes, as there were good qualities about the building of the tower of Babel, cooperation, skill, work ethic, and many other things we would consider good. Overall, however, God disapproved of the whole project. The bad (rejecting of God) far outweighing any perceived good.

3.) If not, then why are so many teens/little kids drawn into it?

Because it is pretty. I John 2:16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. Just because it is appealing does not make it OK.

4.) If Harry Potter gets kids to read who before never would pick up a book, does this mean it is evil and Satanic?

Getting kids to read isn't evil. Getting kids to read evil things IS evil. Rom 1:30 ...inventors of evil things... 32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

5.) Would Jesus Christ hang out with those who read Harry Potter in order to bring them to HIM?

Hang out, read, join in, encouage it? No. Talk to them, Yes. Jesus talked to everyone who would listen, sinners or every sort, just not as a participant.

6.) Is it okay for a Christian to use Harry Potter for the one purpose: Evangelism....?

No, you cannot win someone to the truth with a lie. John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

7.) Where in the Holy Bible does it say that you can't read about something that deals with Witchcraft...if you do not practice it?

Acts 19:19 Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: They didn't decide to not practice sorcery but keep there books for evangelistic reasons. What does the Bible teach about sorcery? Is it merely a minor detail, a misdemeanor so to speak. Sorcery, divination by an alleged assistance of evil spirits. Forbidden, Lev. 19:26-28,31; 20:6; Deut. 18:9-14. Denounced, Isa. 8:19; Mal. 3:5.Practiced: By the Egyptians, Isa. 19:3,11,12; by the magicians, Ex. 7:11,22; 8:7,18; by Balaam, Num. 22:6; 23:23, with Num. 22; 23; by Jezebel, 2 Kin. 9:22; by the Ninevites, Nah. 3:4,5; by the Babylonians, Isa. 47:9-13; Ezek. 21:21,22; Dan. 2:2,10,27; by Belshazzar, Dan. 5:7,15; by Simon Magus, Acts 8:9,11; by Elymas, Acts 13:8; by the young girl at Philippi, Acts 16:16; by vagabond Jews, Acts 19:13; by sons of Sceva, Acts 19:14,15; by astrologers, Jer. 10:2; Mic. 3:6,7; by false prophets, Jer. 14:14; 27:9; 29:8,9; Ezek. 13:6-9; 22:28; Matt. 24:24.To cease, Ezek. 12:23,24; 13:23; Mic. 5:12.Messages of, false, Ezek. 21:29; Zech. 10:2; 2 Thess. 2:9. Diviners shall be confounded, Mic. 3:7. Belongs to the works of the flesh, Gal. 5:20. Wickedness of, 1 Sam. 15:23. Vainness of, Isa. 44:25. Punishment for, Ex. 22:18; Lev. 20:27; Deut. 13:5. Divining by familiar spirits, Lev. 20:27; 1 Chr. 10:13; 2 Chr. 33:6; Isa. 8:19; 19:3; 29:4; by entrails, Ezek. 21:21; by images, 2 Kin. 23:24; Ezek. 21:21; by rods, Hos. 4:12.Saul consulted the Witch of Endor, 1 Sam. 28:7-25.Books of, destroyed, Acts 19:19

8.) ...where's the harm?

You don't use poison to cook with and you are handing a full measuring cup to a child.

Finally, liking something that is not good for you is a problem we all have, be it chocolate, sexual temptation, or whatever, the solicitation to evil is always presented in an appealling way (otherwise, we wouldn't be tempted). Our responsibility is not to determine if it is pleasant looking (think Eve) but is it Godly?

 

[Jim1999]

Oh, by the way, John Milton, despite his Puritan roots, came to appreciate the subjective as opposed to the objective scriptures...We therefore ought to list him amongst the liberals and heretics...crucify him...burn his books...I really get tired of the self-righteous priggishness, and those who can't see beyond their noses. Those who think we never lift a scripture, nor worshipped a holy God and God forbid that we should claim salvation in the Lord Jesus.

It is literature.Plain and simple. So is Edgar Allen Poe, Wordsworth, Robert Frost, and Shakespeare..oh, but Shakespeare had the three witches in his play.....woe is me! I confess to reading it too!

Cheers,

Jim

 

[Headcoveredlady]

Originally posted by Baptist in Richmond:
Originally posted by Headcoveredlady:
>>I would never allow my children to watch such
>>nonsense. I want their hearts to be filled
>>with Jesus' Word. They will need to prepare
>>for the coming persecution against Christians.

What?
How can we prepare for this?
[This may be a good topic for a new thread.]

Yes, I realize that that may a topic for another thread. But, I personally prepare my children for the coming persecution by feeding them the Word of God, DAILY. Their hearts are like sponges.

I can still remember commercials from when I was a little girl. I can sing many of the jingles. With a knowledge of how little children's minds work we can pour the Word of God and godly music into their hearts so that later when they will need the Word; and they will need it, they will have it hidden in their hearts.

 

[Tim]

I'm not that familiar with Harry Potter, but I'm a great fan of Tolkien.

It seems to me that the basic idea these two works portray is this:
H.P. uses his powers to embarrass others and generally have a great time.
Tolkien emphasizes the dangers of an individual possesing such powers, and thus the quest to destroy the magical ring.

So the tone of the authors toward the use of such powers is completely opposite one from the other. I think Tolkien's is a more biblical perspective on the subject.

For those reasons, I'll encourage kids to read Tolkien, but not the Potter series.

In Christ,

Tim

 

[BrotherJesse]

Artimeus (sp?),
I respect your opinions. Your answers were well thought up. Thank you for explaining your reasoning. I do not support Harry Potter as a hobby. And Christ told me that after my second convert (I can't stand that word...but I cannot think of a better word...) on that HP forum, I will stop going to a HP forum. My other main interest will be Lord of the Rings.

Both series are pieces of literature. I can understand why the Bible speaks out against such things. However, one CAN use Harry Potter for means of Evangelism. I already brought someone to Christ on the Harry Potter forum I go to. I am working on my second person. I do not practice witchcraft. Nor will I ever.

Since yesterday (I rededicated my life to Jesus Christ and gave HIM absolute surrender), I realize my beliefs are changing. Take for example the common question Can a Christian loose his salvation? The answer is yes. I have lost my salvation every time I slip away to find other main points of interests other than Jesus Christ.

I also am a fundementalist Baptist. Harry Potter is something starting tomorrow I am going to stay away from. Personally, I'd rather read Lord of the Rings. It has a better storyline, the books are already completed, it shows Good VS Evil way better than Harry Potter, the soundtracks are great, the books are cool, and the films are wonderful. Harry Potter doesn't even compare to Lord of the Rings.

Lord of the Rings has wizardry. However it is not used as much as Harry Potter. Plus Harry Potter is focused on a younger (3-8 year olds) auidence. Lord of the Rings is for the more mature, older teens and s. Christianity is against Lord of the Rings, but I am not. Why? Because I support the books/movies. J.R.R. Tolkien was a Roman Catholic. Catholics ARE Christians too. So, Lord of the Rings is OK. Harry Potter....is NOT.

What am I doing about this then? Starting tomorrow, I will stop talking on a Harry Potter forum and stop liking Harry Potter altogether. Jesus Christ told me Harry Potter can and will confuse me. Naturally, I tend to stay away from things that confuse me.

In Him,
Brother Jesse

 

[Ben W]

I like Toilken as well, and I cant wait for the third film.

I am not into Harry Potter. The reason being that on the John Ankerberg show they did a four part series on it. What upset me about it was just small things that pop up in it that are taken directly from Occult ritual.

Shows like Bewitched for example are all pretty much make believe, not based on factual things. I doubt to many witches wriggle there noses to do spells

Yet Harry Potter does appear to use actual Occultic Practices in it. Much was made on the John Ankerberg show about a particular rock. It was some while ago that i looked at this. I would suggest that people that are interested to have a look at the argument might find things of interest at the John Ankerberg site. I'll go see if I can find the link.

 

[Ben W]

Ok you will have to go through the archives,

Check out -

http://www.ankerberg.com/

 

[Tim]

In response to HCL,

I agree that kids need to feed on God's Word, learn Bible stories and hear good Christian music.

But our minds are big enough to hold more. And with careful choices, kids imaginations can soar into the world of make-believe and come back safely again. That sparks our creativity--and that's something of the image of God in us.

I don't consider H.P. a good choice, but Tolkien's writing put a spark in my imagination as a youngster that eventually led me to write for children myself.

In Christ,

Tim

 

[LadyEagle]

They will need to prepare
for the coming persecution against Christians.

You are right, HCL! I hope you will start another thread.

 

[RaptureReady]

Originally posted by BrotherJesse:
Why mess with it? If it brings glory to Jesus' name and brings people to HIM....what's the problem???

Romans 6:1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?
6:2 God forbid.

 

[Gina B]

I'm very leary of the Harry Potter series and haven't let my children watch or read anything to do with it.
I did let a friend talk me into watching the first movie so she could "prove" to me there was nothing wrong with it. I will admit it wasn't like I thought it would be and was kinda cute, but I still wouldn't let my kids watch it. It's dealing with evil vs. evil, in the text of saying there is good evil and bad evil, when ALL witchcraft is evil.
I DO like the Chronicles of Narnia. It is good vs. evil.
I do NOT like Tolkien. I did when I was younger, very much so. I decided to reread Lord of the Rings about two years ago and ordered the book, I couldn't do it. I was totally convicted not to so I didn't.
If someone wants to use it as a witnessing tool and they're not convicted it's wrong I'm not going to judge them on that. I've gone through different things that I didn't think were wrong and they gave me something in common to start conversations with. Some of them were very fruitful. When I realized it was wrong I quit. Everyone has to live and learn.

Gina

 

[Istherenotacause]

The following verse will definitely answer the "harry potter" question:

II Corinthians 11:14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.


Is satan anything but a deceiver?

1 Corinthians 10:20 But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils.

2 Corinthians 6:14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?
16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

Now the question comes, What does "harry potter" have to do with the Lord? NOTHING!

In His Holy Service,

Brother Ricky

 

[Artimaeus]

Having witchcraft in a book does not demerit the book. The Bible has witchcraft in it. The question is, does it present witchcraft as a good thing or a bad thing? Do you want your children or friends to have as your testimony, that books presenting witchcraft as a good thing are something you not only tolerate but highly recommend. You give no warning that witchcraft is sinful or contrary to God. Is is just good clean fun and an exercise in imagination. Doesn't seem wise to me.

 

[Istherenotacause]

Originally posted by Artimaeus:
Having witchcraft in a book does not demerit the book. The Bible has witchcraft in it. The question is, does it present witchcraft as a good thing or a bad thing? Do you want your children or friends to have as your testimony, that books presenting witchcraft as a good thing are something you not only tolerate but highly recommend. You give no warning that witchcraft is sinful or contrary to God. Is is just good clean fun and an exercise in imagination. Doesn't seem wise to me.

So the bewitching by the devil would cause one to think. Don't be so naive to scripture, examine the instance where Saul consulted the witch of Endor, vs that which came from the prophet Samuel. Saul always did seem to have alternatives to what "Thus saith the LORD"

 

[Karen]

Originally posted by Jim1999:
Sorry, but this reminds me of the mythical Jesuit debate about howm many devils could dance on the head of a pin. Muchado about nothing.......It is a fictional novel.......

Dear Jim,
We have enjoyed Harry Potter in our family too.
My husband, actually, even more so than the kids.

While I actually agree with you (although not to the extent of thinking that those who disagree are "priggish" - they have valid concerns that need to be addressed), I do wonder where and on what grounds you personally draw the line. Surely not all literature is good or neutral just by being make-believe. Yet sometimes our argument that HP is okay SEEMS just to revolve around "it's fictional". I am still trying to articulate my own ideas. Somehow fictional doesn't seem sufficient.

Karen

 

[stubbornkelly]

It's fiction. I've read all four books and seen the movies. I enjoy them as fluff.

 

[Karen]

Originally posted by stubbornkelly:
It's fiction. I've read all four books and seen the movies. I enjoy them as fluff.

Yes, I agree, but could you articulate where you would draw the line with fiction? Does the fact that it is fiction mean that there are no more standards that need apply?

Karen

 

[Jim1999]

Karen,
Frankly, I disassociate the worldly books I read as literature and the theology of the Bible. In seminary, we had to read Milton as literature, and then again for its theological value. The writing took on different values and I immediately began to find fault in Milton's writings.

The point is this; read a book for its intended purpose; pleasurably literature or theological treatise. The author of the Harry Potter series never studied witchcraft in order to write her books. She just wanted to write using her creativity. This she did. Neither does she claim any Christian leanings other than nominal church attendance.

Much of culture in England has inklings of witchcraft, so we think. Many will not go anywhere until the lady upstreat reads the tealeaves in our cups......goes back to when we used loose tealeaves to make a cuppa. There is a plethora of superstitions in England. Doffing the hat as a funeral passes is one, and in East London, it includes saying a little rhyme lest we fall into great peril......things happen in threes, and the like. So, I am not surprised that using magic in these books is a norm for her.

There are many books containing magical things. Mary Poppins, Rip Van Winkle and the bowling in heaven, many Disney pictures and stories and even the reputed Dr. Suess, Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny and especially Hallowe'en events.

Here is where parental control comes in. It is our responsibility to sort out fact from fiction and give each its proper persepective. We are to live a balanced life. Extremism on either side will lead to abberations of truth.

Cheers,

Jim

 

[RomOne16]

Amen Jim!

 

[BrotherJesse]

Jim,
Well put. I still think Harry Potter is Satanic. THIS IS MY OPINION. Not anyone else's. Jesus Christ told me to stay away from it. So I will.