harry potter

debate on harry potter the witch or not

I don't know much about Harry Potter. From what I have heard, it is bad.

I've read all the Harry Potter books, and thought they were well written and excellent story telling. I find it ironic that people will read Lord of the Rings, and the Chronicles of Narnia, and not Harry Potter, because Harry Potter, like the ones mentioned before it, is a FANTASY story.With little or no bearing on reality. Yes, I know there are people who actually practice magic and the occult, but I don't think Harry Potter reflects that. And incidentally, the whole crystal ball, palm reading, etc etc, is looked down upon in the Harry Potter books; yes, some characters do that but like I said, most of the magic that book is purely fantasy magic, not unlike that of Narnia or Lord of the Rings.

Most respectfully, to those who appreciate the book and enjoy it, in my opinion: Harry Potter books makes good kindling for a bonfire.

you're entitled to your opinion; thanks for giving it respectfully.

I've never read the books, or seen the movies. And I don't plan to.

Shennifer wrote:I've read all the Harry Potter books, and thought they were well written and excellent story telling. I find it ironic that people will read Lord of the Rings, and the Chronicles of Narnia, and not Harry Potter, because Harry Potter, like the ones mentioned before it, is a FANTASY story.With little or no bearing on reality. Yes, I know there are people who actually practice magic and the occult, but I don't think Harry Potter reflects that. And incidentally, the whole crystal ball, palm reading, etc etc, is looked down upon in the Harry Potter books; yes, some characters do that but like I said, most of the magic that book is purely fantasy magic, not unlike that of Narnia or Lord of the Rings.

There is a big difference than Chronicle of Narnia or LOTR and Harry Potter. Let me quote Plugged In to explain this further:

"But even if Harry Potter's magic isn't of the occult, it still carries with it serious dangers. First, Rowling's stories—unlike Lewis' or Tolkien's—are neither a Christian allegory, nor do they subscribe to a consistent Christian worldview. And second, we live in a culture that glorifies and promotes witchcraft and the occult. No matter what the essence of Harry’s magic, the effect of it is undoubtedly to raise curiosity about magic and wizardry. And any curiosity raised on this front presents a danger that the world will satisfy it with falsehood before the church or the family can satisfy it with truth."

I agree that the Harry Potter books CAN raise curiosity about witchcraft and wizardry; however, I think that with mature Christians it's okay to read them, because they know it's not real, and also that God is more powerful then witchcraft. And I want to point out the fact that why is it okay if kids want to be superheroes, with superpowers, and not okay to read Harry Potter? Yes, I know that one promotes more sci fi action, and the other magic and magical abilities. Granted, I don't like the use of witch or wizard....but at the same time, I know it's a fantasy and I'm certainly not going to dabble in witchcraft or the occult. But still, why is it okay for Narnia to use the word 'Magic' and it's not okay for Harry Potter to use the word "Witchcraft"? they mean essentially the same thing.
Anyway, I'm not trying to argue, just discuss.
And no, HP wasn't written by a Christian, nor is a Christian allegory; however, there is still a good vs. evil theme; true, both sides use magic, and that's questionable, but I like the story, and the whimsical, imaginative elements, as well as the characters, more than the use or mention of magic or witchcraft.
Lastly, the kids in HP are BORN with magical abilites; they don't learn them by practicing the occult. But that's a whole other topic that I'm not knowledgeable enough to debate about.

What I think the church should try harder to teach and help others believe in, is in the supernatural power of God, and how He is bigger and more powerful and more awesome than anything on earth.

That's my opinion, and my thoughts on this subject.

Thank you

One girl recruited Christian from a church to witchcraft. And harry potter has reincarnation like his father. The sacrifice his mother did in the beginning is is another copy of what Jesus did on the cross for us.

cal gordon wrote:One girl recruited Christian from a church to witchcraft.

I'm afraid I don't understand what you're saying.

I can see what Shennifer is saying, but I still say that Harry Potter anything makes good kindling, no matter what the words say.

ricroc wrote:

cal gordon wrote:One girl recruited Christian from a church to witchcraft.

I'm afraid I don't understand what you're saying.

that makes two of us....

Shennifer wrote:

ricroc wrote:

cal gordon wrote:One girl recruited Christian from a church to witchcraft.

I'm afraid I don't understand what you're saying.

that makes two of us....

He means that there was this girl who was into witchcraft, atteneded a church, and got kids that read Harry Potter bit by bit out of the church and into withcraft.

Pyro Maelstrom wrote:I can see what Shennifer is saying, but I still say that Harry Potter anything makes good kindling, no matter what the words say.

I'd hafta agree with him. I'm not allowed to read it, and wouldn't want to read it or see it at all. Narnia and LOTR are also pretty looked down upon in my family. I remember one girl(her name was also Heather) telling me that they had bought LOTR. When they had finished watching it, her Dad gave her brother, TJ, permission to destroy it. Which he gladly did with a sledge hammer. But all of you are completely entitled to your own likes and dislikes, as well as opinions.

Chayah wrote:I'd hafta agree with him. I'm not allowed to read it, and wouldn't want to read it or see it at all. Narnia and LOTR are also pretty looked down upon in my family. I remember one girl(her name was also Heather) telling me that they had bought LOTR. When they had finished watching it, her Dad gave her brother, TJ, permission to destroy it. Which he gladly did with a sledge hammer. But all of you are completely entitled to your own likes and dislikes, as well as opinions.

Wow...that's harsh.

lotr is another subject but i think it also is bad.

You should know Cal that LotR was written by a Christian, who was also really good friends with C.S. Lewis. (Narnia, Out of the Silent Planet, and many others.)

Well, Narnia was written by a Christian too, but it does mean I like it, or think it's good. The thing with the lion was okay, him being like Y'shua, but still...And the half men, half horses?...

I couldn't get through 1 chapter of the books, mostly because I didn't like the style of writing. I think if you can discern fact from fiction the movies are okay for older kids, there are issues with the movies, but they aren't evil.

I totally agree. There is totally a stereotype of Christians thinking everything is evil, but really, I just don't really think Harry Potter is the best thing in the world, but it's definitely not evil.

I think it really depends on a person's frame of mind. While Harry Potter is a very creative and imaginative series of books (and movies if you want), the mystical aspects and ideas that make up the subject I think is what must be looked at the most. The Bible clearly defines what is profane, or in other words, what is witchcraft, such as fortune telling and supernatural powers not given by Him (YHVH or Jesus, which ever you prefer.) Because of my own beliefs and morals, I personally don't think that Harry Potter is "good", but rather a fantasy version of god as man. Or in Harry's case, god as boy. This may not be the best analogy, but its as close I can get while still speaking civilly.

*smiles* No, I think you put it awesomely. I think you did alot better job than I could've. And you say you wish you could say things like I do...

lots of children after reading the book go online and find the real curses we have a movie just about harry potter and it gives the from 8 to 12 year old all wanting the same power harry potter has.