Harry Potter...

[Johnv]

Why do you think Harry Potter is Satanic and Evil?
I don't.

Are there good qualities about this series?
Yes. Friendship, loyalty, perserverence, respecting elders, and staying in school.

If not, then why are so many teens/little kids drawn into it?
Because its' interesting, enjoyable, and fun.

If Harry Potter gets kids to read who before never would pick up a book, does this mean it is evil and Satanic?
No, it simply means that there's a book that's writtenin a manner that appeals to them.

Would Jesus Christ hang out with those who read Harry Potter in order to bring them to HIM?
Sure, He'd do the same with folks who read the Chronicles of Narnia, Little House, Nancy Drew, Mad Magazine, or Harper's Bazaar.

Is it okay for a Christian to use Harry Potter for the one purpose: Evangelism....?
It's okay for Christians to use whatever they have at their disposal for evangelism.

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?
If it did, the Chronicles of Narnia would have to be banned, as would any episodes of Bewitched, or I Dream of Jeannie.

I read Harry Potter and talk on a Harry Potter forum. However, I do not practice what I read/see/hear from the films and books. I don't walk up to a book, pull out a stick and yell "ACCIO!" (A spell for levitation).
I thought is was Wingardium Leviosa! To the best of my knowlege, no one has managed to make anything levitate using "spells". Although, many people have made things "appear" to do so. Big diff.

So, with this being said...am I doing the right thing?
What you're doing is neither right nor wrong. It's an amoral matter, as is the tying of my shoe, or leaving the toilet seat up (although many women on the board would argue that leaving the toilet seat up is the work of Satan).

If the only reason I like Harry Potter is for using it to bring others to Jesus Christ and I do not practice what I see/read/hear from the series, then where's the harm?
Whether you're using it to bring others to Christ or not, I don't see it being of harm to you or anyone you come into contact with.

 

[Major B]

Speaking as a teacher, I am happy when my socioeconomically deprived kids read something other than the "Hustler" that mom's latest boyfriend left laying on the table! For recreation, I read Louis L'Amour, Tom Clancy, and lots of non-fiction on war and politics; this stuff is a lot more disturbing than "Potter" because it is either real or plausible. I've read nothing more frightening than The Gulag Archipelago, and it was TRUE.

And, of course, I'd rather my kids read Potter than Hillary's book!

 

[BrotherJesse]

Originally posted by 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

I couldn't agree with you more Tim. You stole the words right out of my mouth.

 

[wizofoz]

Originally posted by Major B:
And, of course, I'd rather my kids read Potter than Hillary's book!

Well, both are works of fiction, anyway.

 

[BrotherJesse]

Hillary Clinton is writing a book?! Oh boy...there's an idea for a thread...

 

[donnA]

Was searching on another topic and found this article.
http://www.johnankerberg.org/hp-articles/hp-lures.htm

 

[Johnv]

Originally posted by Major B:
And, of course, I'd rather my kids read Potter than Hillary's book!

Why? I got the impression you liked fiction

(okay, I admit, that wasn't polite... I shouldn't judge the book until I read or know someone who reads it... I simply couldn't pass up the opportunity... )

[ June 09, 2003, 06:03 PM: Message edited by: Johnv ]

 

[Charlotte Marcel]

1.) Why do you think Harry Potter is Satanic and Evil?
I don't.

2.) Are there good qualities about this series?
Yes

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

4.) If Harry Potter gets kids to read who before never would pick up a book, does this mean it is evil and Satanic?
No

5.) Would Jesus Christ hang out with those who read Harry Potter in order to bring them to HIM?
It's not for me to answer for Him. But according to the Bible God loves everyone equally. See John 3:16

6.) Is it okay for a Christian to use Harry Potter for the one purpose: Evangelism....?
A better question is what does your heart tell you?

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?
The scriptures on witch craft, sorcery, devining, charming, enchanting, observing of times, consulting with familiar spirits, wizardry, necromancing, cover what happens to those who practice, not those who read about them or the practices. Rev. 21:8, Ex. 22:18, Deut 18:10.

8.) Take me for example. I read Harry Potter and talk on a Harry Potter forum. However, I do not practice what I read/see/hear from the films and books. I don't walk up to a book, pull out a stick and yell "ACCIO!" (A spell for levitation). So, with this being said...am I doing the right thing? If the only reason I like Harry Potter is for using it to bring others to Jesus Christ and I do not practice what I see/read/hear from the series, then where's the harm?
Your actions are between you and God...none of us has the right to tell you what to do. Only you are responsible for the choices you make.

God Bless You,
Charlotte

 

[Istherenotacause]

Well, I see everyone in this thread let their opinion over-ride scripture again. Hmmm? What do you imagine the Lord's opinion has in this matter?

Whatsoever is not of faith is sin, so go ahead and indulge in your borderline demonology and witchcraft, I'll have no part of it.

There's death in the pottage.

 

[I Am Blessed 24]

Well, I see EVERYONE in this thread let their opinion over-ride scripture again.

Excuse me? You obviously did not read my two posts on Page 1...

 

[Baptist in Richmond]

Originally posted by BrotherJesse:
>>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 would strongly disagree with this statement . I vehemently disagree that one can lose their salvation. This subject, however, is the subject of a different thread altogether......

 

[Bible-boy]

Originally posted by Istherenotacause:
Whatsoever is not of faith is sin...

There's death in the pottage.

Hello Brother Ricky,

I have a slight problem with your assertion that "Whatsoever is not of faith is sin." You have created a false dilemma here. First, one must ask faith in what? Satanists place faith in the devil. So according to your dilemma as stated above it is not a sin because faith is involved.

Likewise, there are some morally nuetral actions. For example, walking across the street (for no other purpose than to walk across the street). There is no element of faith in crossing the street (well at least some streets ). So according to your dilemma as stated above crossing the street is a sin. You have failed to consider all the options and to be percise in the formation of your argument.

Likewise, the passge that you are quoting about death in the pot is from 2 Kings 4:38-41. They put poison wild gourds into the stew without knowing what they were (2 Kings 4:39). Then Elisha purified the stew with a bit of flour. They all ate it and no one died (2 Kings 41). The refernce you are attempting to use to support your argument is invalid.

[ June 12, 2003, 01:10 AM: Message edited by: BibleboyII ]

 

[I Am Blessed 24]

I have a slight problem with your assertion that "Whatsoever is not of faith is sin." You have created a false dilemma here. First, one must ask faith in what? Satanists place faith in the devil. So according to your dilemma as stated above it is not a sin because faith is involved.

Bibleboy, you can't hardly argue with the above statement as it is scripture.

"And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith; for whatever is not of faith is sin."
Romans 14:23

Sue

 

[aefting]

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.

This is a good point concerning how a work deals with objectionable elements. For those of you interested, I'd like to recommend THIS LINK for an excellent article on this subject. This is a lengthy paper but well worth the time reading. How the Bible deals with objectionable elements should help us understand the proper way of dealing with objectionable elements in secular sources.

Andy

 

[wizofoz]

Originally posted by I Am Blessed 16:
</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr /> I have a slight problem with your assertion that "Whatsoever is not of faith is sin." You have created a false dilemma here. First, one must ask faith in what? Satanists place faith in the devil. So according to your dilemma as stated above it is not a sin because faith is involved.

Bibleboy, you can't hardly argue with the above statement as it is scripture.

"And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith; for whatever is not of faith is sin."
Romans 14:23

Sue </font>[/QUOTE]I believe this scripture is pertaining to the Lord's Supper, not witchcraft or the like.

Talk about taking something out of context.....

 

[FearNot]

Bibleboy, you can't hardly argue with the above statement as it is scripture.

"And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith; for whatever is not of faith is sin."
Romans 14:23
I am sorry, but you took this verse totally out of context. If one reads the whole text they will see this chapter (Romans 14:1-23) is about being a stumbling block. In this case, if a believer sees eating meat as sinfull, and you see that there is nothing wrong with it, then it is best not to eat meat around them and be a stumbling block. For this discussion, if you like the movie the wizard of oz, it is best not to show it to a person who view all mention of witches as sinful.

What BBII is sayiing that there are neutral items in life. If you live out in the boonies, with no one but you around for miles, and you do not want to mow your lawn, it is not a sin. If you had a neighbor who is offended by your non-mowed lawn, then you should mow it. In one case not mowing would not be a sin, in the second case not mowing it would be a sin. The first case it is neutral the second it is not.

Second example, if I am at home, reading, it makes no difference to God if I am wearing jeans or khakis. God is not going to look down at me and call me an ignorant fool for wearing the jeans instead of the khakis then add another check on my sin file.

There are things we do and do not do, that are neutral.

 

[Ernie Brazee]

Satan is still doing it today.
Genesis3:1Now the serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said,

Bible has been quoted here concerning God's thoughts on witchcraft, but that seems to be of no importance. It seems more important not to miss out on something popular in the world than obey God. But, hey, you are in good company; Eve thought the tree of good and evil looked pretty good too and you know the consequences of that choice.

Oh, and how about the king named Saul, he thought he could create his own form of sacrifice and consult with witches, that only cost him his kingdom.

So go ahead, take your kids to see cute Harry Potter, you will be the ones to answer to a Holy righteous God who demands obedience.

 

[Tim]

quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Whose quote is this? Whoever it is has a good handle on this subject. The crucial question is the tone of the book toward the subject in question.

 

[Mike McK]

I haven't read any of the "Harry Potter" books, so I can't comment (although I see that doesn't stop some of you) but I thought this interview about the "Potter" books in this month's "The Door" was interesting:

http://thedoormagazine.com/connie_neal.html

 

[Johnv]

Originally posted by Istherenotacause:
Well, I see everyone in this thread let their opinion over-ride scripture again. Hmmm?

No, I think my views are not condemned by scripture. The problems is that you think your view is the only acceptible biblical view on the matter. They used to burn witches, and for that matter, kill baptists, with that kind of attitude in mind.