Saturday, March 16, 2024

Should Christians Watch Harry Potter

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What Is Harry Potter

Nashville school pastor removes Harry Potter books claiming ‘risk of conjuring evil spirits’

The Harry Potter series has become a worldwide phenomenon. Its become more than just a series, its a whole other world you can escape to.

Theres a large variety of merchandise for fans to purpose. Fans can even now visit this fictional world at Universal Studios in California, and Florida.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with Harry Potter, it is a series of books and movies targeted at children and young adults. It follows the life of an orphan Harry Potter who finds out that hes a wizard on his 11th birthday.

The seven-book series and eight movies take you alongside Harrys journey as he learns to embrace magic and battles evil that he encounters at Hogwarts.

The series gets darker as it continues and Harry encounters death many times. The series ends with him as an adult.

The series has also increased to being more about Harry Potter and now includes the Fantastic Beasts series which is a soon-to-be three-part movie series.

To learn more about Harry Potter click here.

One Pastor’s Response To Harry Potter

I’ve just returned from seeing Harry Potter and theSorcerer’s Stone and for the first time I understand what allthe fuss is about. Well, maybe not ALL of it.

I understand the best seller sales. I understand how peopleof all ages have been captivated by the story. I understand why thepublisher was able to translate and market it in 30 differentcountries.

What I do not understand is the vilification that this storyhas received by people who call themselves “Christian.”

Perhaps it is the wands and the word “witches” that trip thewires? Indeed, the most excoriating criticism has come from someChristians fixated on the literal meaning of things. However, itrequires more than literalism to get from Harry Potter’swatered-down version of whimsical witchcraft and wizardry toserious Satanism. In fact, as I reflect on it now, the assertionthat this story is either blatantly or cryptically Satanic seemsdownright absurd. Quite to the contrary, the plot, themes andsymbols in the movie I just saw militate against the veryevil forces that Christian traditionally and doctrinally attributeto both sin and Satan.

This is precisely why I think every devout Christian shouldsee and relish Harry Potter.

A description of some of the differing views on HarryPotter and the Sorcerer’s Stone can be found on gospelcom.net.

But My Child Finally Loves To Read

It is good for children to read and learn, but not at the price of their souls. We cannot sacrifice the eternal for the temporal, nor ” the poor for a pair of shoes” . If there is even a chance that they will lose their souls over reading these books, then even if they become the greatest academics or the richest business men or women in the world, it will be to their detriment . As much as you care about your child’s education, make sure you care about his or her soul infinitely more.

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Should Christians Watch Soul

An alternative title is Rating Morgan and Pauls Harry Potter Video. However, Im trying to up my clickbait game. Also, feeling myself because my B.Dawn ramblings got posted to reddit, where I use to post on nosleep haha.

Anyway, gonna go back to trash posting asap but I recently watched Soul, Ive never watched/read Harry Potter. Fun story: when I was like 7 or 8 my Great Aunt brought me the first book in the Harry Potter series for Christmas; my mom threw it in the trash because witchcraft.

Needless to say, Morgan and Paul approach this topic wrong as its not their job to tell Christians what to watch the proper question is, does watching Harry Potter or Soul benefit me and my relationship with God or nah? If you feel the need to even ask this question, your conscience has answered for you. That said its a smart title. +1.

Morgans overall reply is actually reasonable Anyway, + 2.5.

Paul brings up Aladdin, which he loved as a youngin so +1. He mentions how Aladdin et. al prayed to Allah and some other things, so hes a bit iffy about it. But like Paul is still a Christian as an adult who is not praying to Allah, so like what exactly is he trying to say? Watching Aladdin didnt greatly change his faith. . Again, his answer is actually decent in that he talks about giving room for people that have personal convictions. + 2.5 points.

A little later, they start talking about Harry Potter .

It’s Just Child Fantasy

Should Christians Watch Movies Like Harry Potter?

Zombie movies are fantasy, as are some bizarre horror movies. Just because it is fiction does not make it safe. “But it’s geared for children,” you say; “It can’t be that bad.” Just because something targets children does not make it safe either. We are often extra cautious when giving children medicine, ensuring that the label says it is “child safe.” If we use such caution with what we give children physically, we should use even more caution spiritually. Harry Potter comes with a label that says “Child Safe,” but it is a lie. Look at the back in the ingredients section and you will find the dangerous poisons of wizardry and sorcery at the top of the list. The child-friendly packaging only makes it all the more dangerous.

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What Would Jesus Do With Harry Potter

What would Jesus do? This question, posed in the Christian classic In His Steps by Charles Sheldon, has become so familiar as to be reduced to WWJD? But how do we determine what Jesus would do, particularly in the kind of divisive debate where well-versed Christians disagree as they do over Harry Potter? Actually, it is precisely this kind of situation in which the WWJD? Question proves most useful.

In the fictional story In His Steps, a pastor challenges members of his church to take a pledge. For one year they agree to ask What would Jesus do? Before making any personal decision. They agree to consider what the Bible has to say on the matter, pray about it, ask God for wisdom, seek godly counsel if necessary, then come to their own conclusion on what they believe Jesus would do.

The church members necessarily rely on dictates of conscience, because the question put to them is to be a matter of personal reflection before the Lord. They are not to poll their friends to see what they think Jesus would do. Nor are they to pry into their friends business and volunteer their own opinion on anthers circumstance. Once an individual gains a conscientious conviction in answer to the personal question What would Jesus do? He or she pledges to do it regardless of the consequences.

He took his argument a step further, however, when he wrote: I cant picture Jesus recommending the Harry Potter series as good reading Its so obvious that these books are bad.

The Satanic Panic And Stories Circulating In Evangelical Christians Subculture May Have Bolstered Opposition To Harry Potter

In my discussions with those who werent allowed to read the books, or who didnt allow their children to read the books, the idea that the books use of magic was tied to the real-world occult seemed strange to many in retrospect, for one big reason: Many of those same children were allowed, even encouraged, to read C.S. Lewiss Narnia series as well as J.R.R. Tolkiens The Lord of the Rings series.

And yet there are a few cultural reasons this particular criticism caught on so powerfully. Most would require a whole book to thoroughly unpack, but two in particular are notable.

First of all, Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone was released in the US in 1998 right on the heels of the Satanic panic.

A rash of false allegations of Satanic ritual abuse of children by cults, made mostly against day care centers during the 1980s, were already being debunked during the 90s. But the memory of those accusations was still fresh in the minds of many, especially since it continued to be a pop cultural plot point in TV shows and movies.

Related

The history of Satanic Panic in the US and why it’s not over yet

The books paid particular attention to New Age spiritual practices: Meditation was portrayed as a way for people to become possessed by demons, insidiously pushed upon people by a powerful New Age group that engaged in practices that seem drawn from accounts of Satanic groups. And their special target was children.

Harry Potter

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Is It Okay For Christians To Read Or Watch Harry Potter

OLIVIA WRITES: I am not allowed to read or watch Harry Potter but I know many Christians who absolutely love the books and movies.

They ask me why Im not allowed to read or watch them and I usually say, Im not allowed to read or watch things with witchcraft in them, because that is what my parents told me. But then they always ask why I am allowed to watch Lord of the Rings and I have no idea what to say to them.

What is the difference between wizards in Lord of the Rings and the wizards in Harry Potter? Is it bad to watch or read Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings or is it just personal conviction?

Is The Harry Potter Series Truly Harmless

Top 10 Things You Should NEVER Say to a Harry Potter Fan

The reading phenomenon known as Harry Potter is sweeping the globe, and it truly has an international presence as readers in 200 nations, in over 40 languages, indulge in this series. A U.S. consumer research survey reports that over half of all children between the ages of 6 and 17 have read at least one Harry Potter book. With the financial backing of Warner Brothers, Mattel, Coca Cola, and Scholastic, Inc., Potter is sure to be a force to reckon with for years to come. Public school educators and many parents in America are thrilled with a series that has captured the imagination of children like no other in history, prompting a revived interest in reading. Reading is a good thing, but not all is as innocent as Potter fans would have others believe.

This series of books by British author J.K. Rowling focuses on the plights of young Harry, who is selected to attend the prestigious 1000-year-old Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Harry himself is an orphan, his parents murdered by the evil Lord Voldemort (a master of the Dark Arts . But when Lord Voldemort, the most powerful Dark Wizard for a century turned the curse that had killed so many witches and wizards on Harry Potter, it rebounded upon Voldemort, ripping him from his body, and his powers gone, barely alive, he fled.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

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Should Christians Watch Or Read Harry Potter

Should Christians watch or read Harry Potter is one of those questions that keeps popping up and popping up and well popping up. ;With the release of the Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows Part II at midnight tonight, the question will continue to be asked and the subject debated. ;As a matter of fact there are thousands of Christians that will be lined up at the strike of midnight to be the first to check out the movie. ;so

I thought it would be a good time to take this discussion to the people, thats right the people of BigIsTheNewSmall.com and the online community in general. ;Not long ago, I was able to listen to, engage in and play devils advocate during a Harry Potter Debate amongst Christians and ministry staff.

According to an on-line Bible ministry that answers questions through a Biblical framework, they said this about Harry Potter and the debate:;Harry Potter books and films are full of stereotypical magic. Witchcraft and wizardry are central themes, and the lead roles are played by wizards, witches, and other magical creatures. Although the characters practice casting spells, reading crystal balls, etc., they do not communicate with spiritual forces. While this may be considered a positive, one definite negative is that there is no higher power to answer to at all.

Those on the other side of the argument, say Why stop there the list could go on and on about the types of movies you should and should not watch.

What do you think?

So Should You Read Harry Potter

Most Christians stand on one side or the other when it comes to the Harry Potter books, and there are biblical experts on both sides of the Harry Potter argument. If you are considering reading the “Harry Potter” books, then you may want to sit down with your parents first. Talk to them about what they believe. Wheaton College professor Alan Jacobs describes the “Harry Potter” books as having “the possibility for serious moral reflection,” and that reflection should come from a discussion with the others in your life.

There are cases when “Harry Potter” should be avoided. While most Christian teens considering reading the “Harry Potter” books never turn to occult practices, some Christian teens may have a background that makes reading the books tempting, because there are some Christian teens that have been drawn in toward occult practices at some point and time in their lives. If you feel you will be tempted back into the occult from reading the books, then you may want to avoid them.

The argument over whether or not Christian teens should be reading “Harry Potter” will continue. Anyone who is not sure about the books can read more from experts that have written books on both the pros and cons of the books. Discussion, prayer, and strong consideration should be given to any subject that remains as controversial as Harry Potter.

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Bible Verse That Supports We Can Read/watch Harry Potter

In Philippians, we see Paul mentions to those in Philippi to focus on things that are positive and good.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirableif anything is excellent or praiseworthythink about such things.

Philippians 4:8

Upon first glance, this does not directly relate to Harry Potter. However, a common theme throughout the series is self-sacrifice. This is something that is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable.

Harry Potter, Dumbledore, Dobby, and many other characters risk their lives in the series for the ones they love.

This is something we need to not only celebrate as Christians but also use as an example in our friendships with others.

Occult Vs Fantasy And Fairytale Magic

Should Christians Watch Harry Potter?

Regardless, statements such as those in Witchcraft Repackaged that the books depict actual occultist practices of any kind have been roundly criticised. Christian writer Stephen D. Greydanus writes that the magic of the Harry Potter novels is not the ritualistic, invocative magic of Wicca or occultism but the same “fantasy” magic practised in the works of J. R. R. Tolkien and C. S. Lewis; “If anything, the magic in Rowling’s world is even more emphatically imaginary, even further removed from real-world practices, than that of Tolkien or Lewis; and, like theirs, presents no appreciable risk of direct imitative behaviour.”Christianity Today columnist Charles Colson asserts that the magic in Harry Potter is “purely mechanical, as opposed to occultic. That is, Harry and his friends cast spells, read crystal balls, and turn themselves into animalsâbut they don’t make contact with a supernatural world. the kind of real-life witchcraft the Bible condemns.” Austin Cline notes that, “The Harry Potter books simply aren’t about Wicca as it is currently practiced. J.K. Rowling researched Wiccan practices and incorporated a few elements in order to give her books a bit more of an air of reality, but she and Wicca are drawing upon the same corpus of ancient traditions and stories so similarities are inevitable. They certainly aren’t a sign that the books work to “indoctrinate” people into Wicca as a religion.”

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Why Christians Can Read/watch Harry Potter

Some Christians believe there to be nothing wrong with watching or reading Harry Potter. Though the series is about a young wizard and a world of magic, they believe this to be a different form of magic stated within the Bible.

The magic is used to paint a picture and help spark imagination in young children and people of any age. It helps us to escape our daily troubles and step into a world with phoenixes and hopping chocolate frogs.

J.K. Rowling, the author of Harry Potter, has even stated that the magic she uses is separate from what is used in the Wiccan religion.

Since the magic mentioned throughout the book is separate it is viewed as an innocent creation used by the author to spark your imagination.

This series uses Harrys story to show its audience how to persevere. Harry faces many different difficulties as he grows from adolescence to becoming an adult.

He has to learn how to harness his gifts without misusing them. He has to grow in trusting himself in order to defeat his enemy.

He encounters many different things that we too encounter in our lives. Such as; evil and darkness, being bullied, fitting in, as well as the death of many loved ones.

Each character in the book is so unique that every person who reads and watches the movies can find someone who relates to them.

J.K Rowling also does a great job of giving each character a well-explained back story and shows their own struggles outside of just Harrys.

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