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with comments by David Bruce
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receive a lot of e-mail. I am not able to post all the mail. I have
included a good sampling, however. If the subject is the same I might
group the newer messages with similar older ones. Also, my response
may appear a few days after the original posting. I can't do HJ everyday.
You must include your "name" and e-mail address within your comment
if you want it posted, otherwise it will not be posted (there is a privacy
issue here and we respect that). I do, however, encourage you to give
your "name" and e-mail so others can respond to you personally.
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E-mail and Comments:
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This
page was last updated on December 20, 2001
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GOOD
EVENING SISTER!
Subject: Dyan_Cannon
Date: Fri, 11 Dec 2026
From: Adelheid
So great to read what
Jesus has done in your life.I heard you at TBN.God Bless you and have
a wonderful and blessed Christmas!
Best wishes from
Adelheid Gustavsen
(Norway)
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THERE
ISN'T SPIRITUAL TRUTH IN EVERYTHING... IS THERE?
Subject: 'Megadeth_The_World_Needs_A_Hero
Date: Wed, 12 Dec 2001
From: dude bro
you guys are really
grabbing for some "spiritual truths" in the stuff you are reviewing. if
you try hard enough we can make a spiritual truth about pornography, murder,
or other sick things. but what is beneficial about that? some of the stuff
you have here is a stumbling block to young Christians. Romans 14:21 "It
is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will
cause your brother to fall."
keep looking for the
good in everything, but don't make up what sometimes just isn't there
and isn't intended for good. we need sold out Christians in the entertainment
business to be salt and light.
dude bro
Response:
You misapply Romans 14:21. It has to do with a personal one on one relationship.
It is a discipleship issue -and it does not apply to response/commentary
to pop culture. Besides Paul drank wine, and so did Jesus. Also they both
ate meat. So think through what you are saying. -David
SAME
DEMON SAYS "TEACHER"
Subject: Megadeth_The_World_Needs_A_Hero
Date: Tue, 11 Dec 2001
From: NStevenicola
I wasn't looking for
this site but ran across it by accident. I don't know a lot about Megadeath.
I found one of their tapes on the street a few years ago. I'm a teacher
at a Christian school and I want to be on the cutting edge of what kids
are into. I used to be into a a lot of rock but found it really affected
my joy in the Lord so I have had to stop listening to it. Anyway I listened
to the Megadeath tape (I can't remember the title) and found it very disturbing
to me personally for this reason. I was at a church service several years
ago that was dealing with the occult and devil possession. Suddenly a
girl jumps up and runs out of the church. Several people went after her.
As I left the meeting I could hear her screaming and it wasn't this girls
voice (I knew her) it was the most gravely, dark, growling scream I've
ever heard before or since. Anyway the connection with Megadeath is this:
I heard that same scream on the Megadeath tape. The same sounding voice
that I heard coming from that girl was just the same as on the tape. No
different. What does all this mean? Look at the covers, read the lyrics,
and listen to how the music is being played and then put it all together.
I have. I can't say that you will come up with the same conclusion. I
pray that you the reader will have discernment.
Christ's Love.
Steve
Response:
It is hard to believe you qualify to be a teacher. Your reasoning is somehow
wrong. I appreciate the fact that you are a Christian, but that's about
all I can say that is kind in terms of your email. Please rethink what
you are saying. -David
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LET'S
BE HONEST
Subject: Harry Potter Newsletter_30
Date: Wed, 12 Dec 2001
From: Greg
All I can say is that
the most dangerous error is that which is closer than the truth. The fact
of the matter is that maybe Harry Potter does portray certain "good" points/values
but it still is not founded on the truth. Jesus made it quite clear that
it is the Truth that will set you free. I would never encourage ANYONE
to go and watch Harry Potter and open themselves up to the demonic. Are
you unaware that the lady who wrote the books is a witch herself? How
would this movie or these books help young people in their walk with God.
Lets be honest, trying to pull out the good points is a shoddy cover up
for compromise.
Greg Cockrell (Administrator)
Covenant People Family Church
Response:
"Let's be honest" you say? Well the author is not a witch. Where
did you get that urban legend? You need to be honest. She is a Presbyterian
Christian. And how does your deceptive letter "help young people
in their walk with God"? "Lets be honest" indeed! Go see
the movie and be informed. Also, the witch hunts are over. The day of
accusing people of witchcraft are over. -David
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IF...
Subject: newsletter_28
Date: Wed, 12 Dec 2001
From: Chris Utley
What if your child,
son, daughter, brother, sister, mother, father, best friend, husband or
wife died in the 9-11 tragedy. Would you be so quick to pull out Scripture
and blame what happened on God?
Chris Utley
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HYPOCRITE!
Subject: Gary Busey
Date: Wed, 12 Dec 2001
From: Stephanie
I hardly think "a
good Christian" would be booked multiple times for abusing his wife. Try
to get attention another way, you're a hypocrite!
Stephanie Austin, TX
Response:
We all do things we are not proud of. I am a hypocrite just as much as
Gary. Pray for him as you would want people to pray for you. -David
"ACTING"
AS A CHRISTIAN, I SEE
Subject: Gary Busey
Date: Tue, 11 Dec 2001 22:07:12 -0800
From: Ben & Sandy
Well Gary...... I
see you've been arrested for spousal abuse this week. I too, am a Christian...and
can't see how a man who "claims" to have his heart filled with the Lord,
has room in it to justify beating up a woman? Years ago I had a run in
with you (Coach House, San Juan Capistrano), I was the ticket window girl.
You were a complete jerk...and because I couldn't find your name on the
band's guest list...you threatened me and screamed at me through the glass.
What a LOSER.... I guess some things never change...sounds like you're
still a LOSER.
Response:
We all do things we are not proud of. I am a LOSER just as much as Gary.
Pray for him as you would want people to pray for you. -David
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LORD
OF THE RINGS ESSAY
Subject: Lord of the Rings
Date: Wed, 12 Dec 2001
From: "Tanes, Paul"
J.R.R. Tolkien was
obviously a Christian and the values of his religion greatly influenced
his work. His works should be revered by the Church becuase it reinforces
Christian beliefs and tells a great tale of strife between good and evil.
If he were of any other religion I'm sure the books would somehow reflect
the beliefs of that religion. Enjoy the story. Why bother with comparing
references from the Bible to the LOTR. And since you have I have to say
the Elves should not be compared to Angels. The Maiar would more closely
resemble them. Of which Gandalf, Saruman, Radaghast, Sauron, and even
the Balrog were all Maian (from the Silmarillon and the Unfinished Tales).
Paul
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COMMENTS
ON HARRY POTTER
and Newsletter_30
CONGRATULATIONS
ON A GREAT SITE
Subject: Harry Potter
Date: Tue, 11 Dec 2001
From: "Matt Seargeant"
David:
From time-to-time I drop in on your site and each on each occasion I am
treated to a rational discussion on the media and religion. THANK YOU!
I am a fairly liberal
United Methodist pastor and enjoy reading the reviews and comments on
various films.
I was intrigued to
find most of your reviewers had positive comments on the Harry Potter
film. I have read all four books and found the film to be well done and
entertaining. It may not be Shakespeare, but neither is it satanic.
Again, thanks for
your site and your work!
Matt
Response:
Thank you for the kind words. -David
RESOURCES
Subject: Harry Potter
Date: Tue, 11 Dec 2001
From: Bill Turner
Dear David:
If you want a good resource on Harry Potter from a UK guy, try Confronting
the Harry Potter Culture by Rev Dr Mark Stibble. It is available
from Word and Spirit Resources 37 Quickley Lane, Chorleywood Herts. 5AE
UK. I found this very helpful and well researched on the CS Lewis issue
and not a knee jerk fighting fundy response! Great web site. God bless:
Deep in the UK jungles:
Bill Turner.
Response:
Thanks! -David
IT'S
LIKE SATAN IN THE GARDEN
Subject: Harry Potter
Date: Tue, 11 Dec 2001
From: CJP YOUTH
I have read and understand
all your reviews about Harry Potter. The central truth however is that
although there are "Christian themes" in this movie and in the books they
do not excuse the fact that witchcraft is the central theme. You see,
even Satan himself often plays on our values to make wrong things seem
right. For instance, in the Garden Satan used what Eve knew as the "Goodness"
and "Willingness of God to give us all good things and not harm us" in
order to confuse her and led her into doing that which was wrong before
the Lord. The truth is when you read the books and Harry is saying spells-
your child and/or you are reciting them along with Him and others and
thus possibly inviting true evil spirits, curses, and hexes (which by
the wayare very real) into your home and your child/your life. I say,
if you want good values in the movies your children watch- then let them
see movies that also do not conflict the spiritual truth: You cannot mix
what is bitter with what is pure and expect that the bitter will simply
disappear. Instead, it will in fact, only make what was pure now bitter.
Response:
This is a "Mary Poppins" type film. Relax. Flying brooms and
talking hats are not to be equated with the fall of humanity in the garden.
Apples and oranges. -David
SLICK
FLICK
Subject: Harry_Potter
Date: Tue, 11 Dec 2001
From: Grim Stripper
I think all Christians
who are upset over the Potter mania should calm down. My dad for example,
he has never read a single Potter book but during the initial days when
book 4 was coming out there was a flurry of comments, reviews and criticism,
notably was 1 article "Harry Potter may spark a rise in satanism" in the
new. And my dad immediately proceeded to give me a lecture on God and
occultics and where we as Christians stand. In my mind I was thinking
"does he know what he is talking about?"
Also during the filming
of the movie, many Christians were upset that parts of the movie would
be filmed in a church. They wrote letters to the newspaper saying it was
blasphemy and stuffs. In my mind they are potraying a negative image of
Christianity, its as if we were still in the dark ages and practicing
witch huntings
I think in this new
millenium Christians should be more rational and more tolerant of others
who differ from us
Response:
Amen! -David
READ
THE POSTINGS
Subject: Harry Potter
Date: Mon, 10 Dec 2001
From: Ken
Greetings Hollywood
Jesus--
I've been reading through the postings on Harry Potter and I find them
fascinating dialogue. I can see both sides of the story, and though I
haven't read the books or seen the movie YET I am leaning more towards
the "pro-Potter" side. I'm sure I'll have more to say once I see/read
it. I've always loved the world of fantasy, and I think it's God will
for us to be creative and use our imaginations. And yeah, the devil is
powerful and deceiving, but Jesus is the creator of the universe!!!!!!
I'd like to think He has more power.
One thought that has
flashed into my brain, using my imagination, don't you think it would
frustrate the devil greatly if people, especially children, could actually
use "witchcraft"/magic for fighting against him? It would be like a taste
of his own medicine. I like the image of the devil on a leash, getting
to a certain point and then getting choked. When devil-inspired hatred
caused millions of Jews to die in World War II, he must have thought,
"At last I have them!" And then...the Nazis were defeated, Hitler shot
himself in the head and the Jews regained the state of Israel like God
said they would. "Drat!" said the devil. When Jesus was crucified, the
demons partied, and then...
If Harry Potter was
a story about kids using witchcraft to fortell the future, bully other
kids, or kill people, I think there would be much reason for concern.
Otherwise, I'd say probably not. I'll get back to you once I've seen it.
Praise Jesus!
Ken
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ITS
ONLY A FILM -LOSEN UP
Subject: STIGMATA
Date: Mon, 10 Dec 2001
From: Muffy
Stigmata is a movie,
not a factual account. For those of you who do not what a feature film
is, then let me spell it out: FICTION. It is the fabrication of someone's
imagination based on some research - it is designed to entertainment and
provoke thinking. It is a DRAMATISED STORY. It is not the truth, nor claims
to be. I am astounded that anyone with an eduction or any form of intelligence
would take such importance in a movie that is designed by a Hollywood
studio to make money. It's an interesting movie, but if you seek the truth,
don't go and find it in a film. And for those of you who are going to
debate that it might losen the faith of some Christians, then I say, 'Don't
you believe the true words of God to be more powerful?'. Surely, a movie
of that nature should not cause any confusion to anyone who walks in the
faith and believes in God -- if it does, then you'll need pray a little
more.
Peace to all.
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RELIGION
AND THE MEDIA
Subject: Religion and The Media
Date: Mon, 10 Dec 2001
From: Carla
Dear David,
Congratulations on your wonderful webite! I am currently doing a G.C.S.E
(England) piece of coursework on 'Religion and The Media' and I wondered
if you would be able to help. I have looked at your website, and it seems
useful. However, please would you be kind enough to guide me in the direction
of more detailed information on this topic - considering 'How Religion
is portrayed in Soap Operas/Films' etc and also where i would find ref
to the bible passages relevant on the internet.
Thanks in anticipation
Carla
Response:
We will talk. -David
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SATANIC,
I THINK NOT!
Subject: ELO
Date: Mon, 10 Dec 2001
From: "Wendy Mahon"
Hi David!
I love your website! It is just awesome how you are viewing secular movies,
television, and books from a Christian perspective! Many Christians think
that viewing this stuff is completely evil, and they never see the good
in it. I am a big ELO fan! I enjoyed reading your review on their current
album. Even though ELO is not a Christian group, I notice that they write
a lot of lyrics that are spiritual in nature. I found out that several
of the guys in that group are actually Christian. It's awesome! I have
read many articles about how many Christians like to put them down because
they think that they write satanic backward lyrics in their songs. I don't
believe all that crap! Their lyrics are the opposite, very spiritual!
For example, read the lyrics to the song 'Evil Woman'. He talks about
how his woman has done him wrong. And that she has destroyed all the virtues
that the Lord gave her. Very satanic, I think not! Keep up the good work
on your website. There is so much information on it to read that I have
to keep coming back over and over again just to read it all. You cover
everything! I notice that you have a free newsletter. Can you sign me
up for it?
My email address is wmahon12@hotmail.com.
Thanks and God Bless!
Love ya, Wendy Mahon
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LOVED
THIS MOVIE
Subject: Brooklyn_Babylon
Date: Sun, 9 Dec 2001
From: CLB
I loved this movie.
Both characters were played exceptionally well. You could truly feel the
chemistry between them (it was very sensual, very real) and the story
was well written. The park and garden scenes were visually rich and shot
beautifully. The tension between the two races/religions was strongly
felt and quite riveting. I especially enjoyed the string over beats in
the score as well as Tariq's performances with his band. I hope to see
him in more movies. Props to the director as well. Slam was a wonderfully
made film as well.
Peace. CLB.
BEST
MOVIE IN YEARS
Subject: Brooklyn_Babylon
Date: Sun, 9 Dec 2001
From: "nonya"
I just watched the
movie for the first time on BET and it was the best movie i have seen
in years this movie has a point that i think a lot of people in this world
need to look at the characters were so opend minded about the things that
were going on and this is what i liketo see in movies all the way from
Anchorage Alaska Showing much love for Brooklyn i hope for more mocies
like this holla
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HOLD
ON A SECOND
Subject: Mithras
Date: Sun, 9 Dec 2001
From: hang dog
You need to dig a
little deeper into your Mithras research. Look into names like Zoroaster
and Zarathustra. You will find terms used like "the Way", "the Truth",
"the Light", "the Lamb", the"Son of God". You will find a young robed
man often pictured with a halo, closely-trimmed beard, sometimes carrying
a lamb on his shoulders. All long before Christ. Sound familiar? Paul
went back into Tarsus, a predominantly Mithraic community, and merged
his version of Christ's story with the beliefs of the people he was desperately
trying to convert (the virgin birth, etc.). Remember, Paul though that
Christ was coming back, like, in a couple of days, so they'd all better
get ready. Without even going into Paul's psychological state or his other
motives (a deep-seated hatred of women, for one), I will say that the
Christian faith is founded largely on deception. What is it that makes
people so ready to believe in Christ when so many other deities with similar
stories exist? If it weren't for a couple of military victories by the
Greeks and Romans over the Persians, you'd all be getting ready for Mithras-mas
right about now.
By the way, the name
"Jesus" is actually an accident of bad translation. the Greek word "Iesous"
in the New Testament was read by the Romans to be "Jesus" when the actual
word translated for Hebrew by the Greeks is "Yeshua" or "Yehoshua", variant
forms of Joshua. I find it ironic that the Christian saviour is called
by his followers by the name given him by his greatest enemy. You'd think
that, in this "inspired Word of God", God would've inspired somebody to
get His son's name right.
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DISENGAMENT
FROM CULTURE /MYTH OF VICTORIAN AGE
Subject: Newsletter_27-Disengagement
Date: Sat, 8 Dec 2001
From: Tim Balzer
I agree that the church
has a nostalgic longing for the past (the 50's and Victorian period).
This is seen not only in Kincaide's paintings but also in the Christian
novel industry whose books are overwhelmingly set in the past or in the
science fiction realms of "spiritual warfare" and "Armageddon" novels.
Evangelical and Fundamentalist Christians long for another time, for a
"golden age". In many ways the Victorian period 1837-1901 was that "golden
age". I do not disagree with the statistics regarding Victorian morality
that you quote, there was sin and injustice in the Victorian period. However,
it was a time when a worldview, greatly influenced by evangelical Protestants,
predominated. Yes there was immorality, but it was called immorality,
and was not seen as something to be "celebrated". There were great social
reform movements in Britain, the USA, and Canada against slavery, against
exploitation of the poor and child labour, the rights of women, the temperance
movement (alcohol was seen as one of the chief causes of wife beating).
Evangelicals and their teachings were influential in them all. Today Evangelicals
long for the past days when we seemed to matter, before modernity "cast
us down from our cultural heights". What was left of the evangelical mind
was buried by the Fundamentalist movement. We can still seem to make great
noises at the grass roots level, but we seem to be unable to touch the
mind of our present age. It is only natural that we long for our age of
past greatness. However, we seem to have forgotten that what was achieved
back then was by being on the cutting edge of politics, social reform,
scholarship, and culture. Wishing for the golden age and living in nostalgia
will not bring it back.
Tim Balzer
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MY
TAKE ON TOLKIEN
Subject: Lord of the Rings
Date: Sat, 8 Dec 2001
From: A Friend
Hello. I would like
to say that I love your website. I happened upon it as a link from a Tolkien
site and I think it's fabulous! I have been a Christian and a "Lord of
the Rings" fan for several years. Although his use of Christian images
and themes aren't as glaringly obvious as in C.S. Lewis', "Narnia" books,
they are there none the less. My favorite image is when Gandalf the Grey
rejoins the party as Gandalf the White -- what a marvelous resurrection
image! As much as I enjoy Tolkien's books, however, I don't think I will
go see the film. I am afraid of how the secular film industry will treat
the spiritual themes. I recently saw a TV special on Tolkien which suggested
that since he and C.S. Lewis had such a close friendship, they must have
been gay lovers together. How crazy can you be? At any rate, keep up the
good work at your website.
A Friend in Christ from Ohio
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ARTICLE
RESPONSE
Subject: Newsletter_29
Date: Thu, 06 Dec 2001
From: Nancy
Thanks for the great
article / thoughts. I can really relate to what you're saying, so much
more than the doom and gloom and 'judgemental' tendency that can happen
- and seems to have by the people you've quoted.. What a privilege to
know and love a God who, above all, knows and loves us first.
Nancy
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COMMENTS
ON HARRY POTTER
and Newsletter_30
SMOKING
POT
Subject: Newsletter_30_Harry_Potter_Is_Dangerous
Date: Sat, 8 Dec 2001
From: juliana diaz
In order to truly
understand the dangers of advertising witchcraft in a positive light,
I believe we need to look at those who have been involved in witchcraft
and how they began. While it is true that we can learn Godly principles
from almost any story, we must not negate the power of a whisper. Satan
is not an idiot. He knows that most people do not change their lifestyle
over night, but over time. People who are addicted to heavy drugs usually
start out smoking pot. Not to say Harry Potter is like smoking pot, but
how are we going to protect our children from opening the door to witchcraft
to their lives. As adults, we can appreciate the value of Biblical principles
in a worldly story because we have learned Biblical principles. Instead
of leaving our children at the mercy of "I hope they see the value in
this", why don't we take that time to teach them the principles we know
so well. If you want to protect your children from a journey of deceit,
you don't have to sign any petition or join any witch hunts, just make
a decision not to open that door in their life. If parents can't even
say no to peer pressure, how in the world are we going to teach our children
to?
Response:
And as parents why don't we enter into the world of fantasy with them?
We don't need to protect ourselves from Harry Potter, but rather we parents
need to protect ourselves from ourselves. -David
THEY
WOULD THINK I WAS A HYPOCRITE
Subject: Harry Potter
Date: Sat, 8 Dec 2001
From: "John Howard"
I want to thank you
for this website. My name is Esther and I teach at a Christian Elementary
School. I teach with many people who have extremely conservative views
and sometimes I feel that if I open my mouth and disagree with them concerning
certain issues they think I'm a hypocrite or maybe not even a real Christian.
The truth is is that I am a real Christian and I was raised in a Christian
home and even went to Christian school my whole life, but I was also raised
to think for myself and to not just follow the pack "blindly" as so many
Christians are wont to do. My parents love books and taught me to love
books. We often read the same books and then had big discussions about
them. They were interested in what I was reading. At the same time they
didn't put limits on what I could read. They just made sure they were
aware of what I was reading. As a result if I started to read something
that I didn't understand or that made me uncomfortable I didn't just continue
to read it, I brought it to my parents and we discussed it. Books were
not banned at our house - they were discussed. If we decided together
that a certain book was not appropriate then I didn't read it (and I didn't
have a problem with that). I applaud my parents for approaching books
in this manner and I plan to do the same when I have kids.
I know this is supposed
to be about Harry Potter, and I really am about to get to the point. My
dad is a big fan of fantasy and science fiction (even though my mom is
not) and because I him, I am also a big fan of fantasy and science fiction.
The earliest fantasy I remember were fairy tales. Then I started reading
the Oz books. The Chronicles of Narnia were other early favorites. By
the time I was in middle school, I was reading all of my dad's fantasy
books and discussing them with him. (Oh by the way - my dad is the one
who got me interested in the Harry Potter books. He bought them and read
them and then gave them to me to read) I always knew that the things that
happened in these stories were fantasy and make-believe and could not
happen in real life. I never once thought I could actually walk into my
wardrobe and enter Narnia or that there really was a big magical book
that could tell me what was happening everywhere all the time (like Glinda's
book in the Oz stories). I also was never interested in becoming a witch.
I read stories full of witches, wizards, and magical spells, but they
never made me interested in the occult. I knew that the things in these
books were make-believe and not real!!!!!! And that is exactly what Harry
Potter is. The things in this book are make-believe and not real. I don't
believe that there are kids out there who really think that if they point
their finger at someone and say a few select words that that person is
going to turn into a frog!! I also don't think that there are kids who
believe that they can actually fly on a broom and play quidditch. The
whole idea of kids thinking this stuff is real is ridiculous - even to
a kid. The kind of magic practiced by the characters in the Harry Potter
books is the flashy and fun make-believe magic that even little kids know
is not real.
Now there are some
people who have expressed concern that certain practices such as astrology
and crystal balls and fortune telling that are examples of "real magic"
that are practiced by people today are mentioned and condoned in the Harry
Potter books. It is true that these practices are mentioned in the books.
In Book 1, the centaurs Harry meets in the forbidden forest are astrologers
- they study the planets and stars in order to foretell the future. In
Book 3, Harry takes a divination class where he learns about crystal ball
gazing and reading tea leaves and other kinds of fortune telling tricks.
True these practices are mentioned - but they are not condoned!!!! They
are actually made fun of and not accepted as serious magic. The centaurs
are depicted as scared creatures who read the heavens to find out the
future but are too scared to do anything about it or help people in trouble.
The first two centaurs Harry meets are unwilling to tell him anything
or help it at all. The third centaur, however, does decide to buck the
system and help Harry despite incurring the wrath of his fellow centaurs.
Astrology is not depicted in the books as serious magic and none of the
other characters is even shown to use it. Therefore, astrology is not
condoned in the Harry Potter books. Divination is also made fun of in
the books. All of the other professors consider the divination class to
be a joke and the divination professor to be an even bigger joke. Professor
McGonagall tells Harry not to be concerned that his professor saw Harry's
imminent death in the tea leavers, because divination is inconsistent
and imprecise at best. Because the other professors don't take divination
seriously one cannot say it is condoned in the books. I think children
who read these books are also going to not take fortune telling and astrology
seriously.
Some people are concerned
that Harry Potter is immoral because he often breaks rules and sneaks
out at night in order to solve the various mysteries that are always going
on. These people also say that Harry never gets punished for doing this.
But if you have read the books you know that he does get punished. He
is always getting caught and getting into trouble. He constantly loses
points for his house because of his little escapades and in the context
of these books losing points is a very big deal!!! Sometimes Harry and
his friends get hurt because of decisions he makes. And while things always
work out for good in the end, Harry does have to deal with mistakes he
has made. I think that the books are very moral and that there is a clear
sense of right and wrong in these books. Harry does have to deal with
the consequences of his actions and I think that is a major theme of these
books.
These books are not
evil. If the bad characters won in the end or succeeded in getting Harry
to come over to their side, then yes these books would be evil. But evil
never wins in the Harry Potter books - good always does. Evil does exist
in our world and we are in a constant struggle against it. I think that
is one reason I like fantasy so much. I also think that is why so many
well known Christian authors (such as C.S. Lewis, Tolkien, and George
MacDonald) wrote fantasy stories. Good fantasy always depicts strong opposing
lines of good and evil and evil always loses in the end. Also, there are
no blurred distinctions between right and wrong in good fantasy. Harry
Potter is good fantasy. Many books, and tv shows, and movies for children
and young adults have very blurred lines of right and wrong and good and
evil. Things that are good and right don't always win in these stories.
In many stories for kids that are written and produced today the characters
go against society and established rules and make up their own rules.
Many stories for kids today are also not very moral. Divorce, sex outside
of marriage, and breaking established rules are condoned in many books
that kids read and in many shows they see. I think that I would much rather
have my kids read Harry Potter and other good fantasy books than have
them read many of the other books that are out there.
In conclusion I want
to say that the Harry Potter books are not evil and do not condone evil
practices or anything connected to the occult or to Wicca. I think that
people should actually read the books (and read with an open mind - not
a mind narrowed by naysayers) before they say how awful and evil it is.
I apologize for writing such a long message. When I feel strongly about
something I tend to go on and on about it. Thank you for a Christian website
that doesn't squash people for having differing opinions about certain
subjects.
God bless you.
Response:
I agree! -David
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You
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Index
to all the comments Sep 13, 2001 to Mar 06, 2002
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For
more recent comments click here
Go to page 145 Mar
01-06, 2002
Go to page 144 Feb 18-28, 2002
Go to page 143 Feb 01-17, 2002
Go to page 142 Jan 25-31, 2002
Go to page 141 Jan18-24, 2002
Go to page 140 Jan 14-17, 2002
Go to page 139 Jan 13, 2002
Go to page 138 Jan 08-12, 2002
Go to page 137 Jan 06-07, 2002
Go to page 136 Jan 04-05, 2002
Go to page 135 Jan 01-03, 2002
Go to page 134 Dec 27-31, 2002
Go to page 133 Dec 21-26, 2001
Go to page 132 Dec 13-20, 2001
Go to page 131 Dec 06-12, 2001
Go to page 130 Dec
01-05, 2001
Go to page 129 Nov 28-30, 2001
Go to page 128 Nov 27, 2001
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Go
to page 127 Nov 26, 2001
Go to page 126 Nov 20-25, 2001
Go to page 125 Nov 18-20, 2001
Go to page 124 Nov 15-18, 2001
Go to page 123 Nov 14-15, 2001
Go to page 122 Nov 13, 2001
Go to page 121 Nov 13, 2001
Go to page 120 Nov 08-12, 2001
Go to page 119 Nov 07, 2001
Go to page 118 Nov 06, 2001
Go to page 117 Nov 06, 2001
Go to page 116 Nov 1-5, 2001
Go to page 115 Oct 30-31, 2001
Go to page 114 Oct 23-29, 2001
Go to page 113 Oct 12-22, 2001
Go to page 112 Oct
01-11, 2001
Go to page 111 Sep 18-30, 2001
Go to page 110 Sep 13-17, 2001
For earlier comments click here
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