Harry Potter: What is a Christian Parent to Do?
I have had several conversations with Christians who are afraid of the Harry Potter books and movies because they connect them with the occult. Oddly, NOT ONE of those people actually read the books.
LISTEN to the excellent audio lecture at the following link. It is 95 minutes. The article is just a summary of the speech.
J.K. Rowling and Harry Potter by Jerram Barrs
http://www.bethinking.org/your-course/j-k-rowling-and-harry-potter.htm
“However none of these books are encouraging occult practice. The magic is simply a part of the imaginative worlds that Lewis, Tolkien, and Rowling have created. In such an imaginary world, people can become invisible; animals talk; mythical creatures like unicorns and centaurs exist; and rings and spells work wonders.”
“Some people have gone on record as stating that they believe that J.K. Rowling is purposely and explicitly teaching occult and even Satanic practice.”
“As a Christian, I have to say I am profoundly ashamed of those who have responded with this kind of malicious gossip. Rowling has stated that she does not believe in the occult, and she certainly does not wish to promote it.”
Yep. No occult. I actually read ALL the books.
“J.K. Rowling also has a very deep understanding of the folly of those who turn their eyes blindly towards evil and of evil’s destructive consequences.”
I agree with this completely. This theme throughout the books so aptly represents our times.
“The Word of God challenges us to be prepared to celebrate anything that is good and true, wherever it is found.”
I also agree with this. This can be an invention, or a scientific discovery, or simply wisdom in a children’s book.
I appreciated the reference to John Calvin at the end of the above link. Read more…
Hat Tip: TulipGirl
Here are some great books to give you more insight into the Harry Potter series:
My favorite Harry Potter blogs:
http://thehogshead.org/
http://hogwartsprofessor.com
A wonderful addition to your Christian home library!
About The Author
Do they even know what the “occult” is? Why this irrational fear and compulsion to create a bogeyman? Why are Christians so blind to the real adversaries out there? Why are people so afraid to use their divine ability to think?
If anything the Harry Potter series depicts a classic, epic battle of good vs evil. And Rowling does an exceptional job of making the “good” side irresistably attractive.
I always thought it was funny how Christians will embrace Narnia and LOTR, but Harry Potter is supposed to be evil?
I was initially reticent to read the HP books. . . because of all the hoopla about them in pop culture I assumed they couldn’t be THAT good. (How elitist is that?!) It took some teammates in Odessa raving about them (both them and THEIR four boys) before we picked them up — and then we were hooked! I’m looking forward to listening to Prof. Barr’s talk about HP and Rowling and the Gospel.