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HARRY POTTER MEDIA HYPE
Subject: newsletter_30_harry_potter
Date: Sun, 6 Jan 2002
From: JANIE

I recently read Harry Potter and really enjoyed the book. Both my daughter (19) and son (15) read the book and saw the movie. They thought it was great. If my children were much younger, my concern would not be the story itself, but the media and merchandising that goes along with it. I think the danger lies in saturating children with the thoughts of witchcraft and spells, broomsticks and magic wands through the advertisements and merchandise that the public is saturated with. This is the same with most children's movies and books. My children read the book and saw the movie and moved on to something else. They are not constantly being reminded of what they read. The same with the fairy tales that I read as a child. Even though I read them over and over, I didn't have toys or backpacks, etc to constantly remind me and fill my mind daily with thoughts of the fairy tale. It was a fantasy and I knew that. What child, for a moment or two, might not wish they could play a game riding a broomstick, or go where they want wearing a cloak that makes them invisible. But to actually purchase these things and constantly be pretending and acting these things out, in my opinion is not healthy. I think children's imaginations should be encouraged to develop with their own creativity, focusing on many things - not just one story for months, until the next bit hit appears.
Thank you. Janie

Response: Ahh, the great American way of over marketing everything! I agree. -David

WHETHER YOU TAKE YOUR KIDS TO HARRY POTTER...
Subject: Harry Potter
Date: Sun, 6 Jan 2002
From: "Marcy Hagge"

...depends on who you are, and what the Holy Spirit is telling you. Seems to me everyone is either saying, "Harry Potter is evil witchcraft!" or "It's wonderful, go see and enjoy!" Let me suggest a different approach (one I also suggest for Pokemon, but that's another story).

First, a general principle. Anything you read besides Scripture is written by fallen human beings. Some are Christians who wish to teach theology, some just to tell a good tale--but even Christians may fail to write a perfect book. Some are non-christians who want to entertain--or have an ax to grind. Some are pagans 5000 years dead. How do you decide what is edifying, what is neutral, and what is dangerous? A few centuries ago the church taught that all novels were evil because they were a "pack of lies"--fiction masquerading as reality. But my great-grandmother used to say, "Chew up the chicken and spit out the bones." Should we reject every book without a Christian worldview? Where would that leave Homer's Odyssey? Harry Potter does have some unchristian elements and moral shortcomings. Are they fatal flaws or opportunities for discussion? Each believer must decide where to draw that line.

Personally, my daughter, my husband, and I have all read the Harry Potter books, and we just saw the movie last night. We thoroughly enjoyed it all. However, I would not recommend them for everyone. Let me see if I can draw a parallel.

Imagine an outdoorsy family: Mom and Dad both grew up camping, but having kids slowed them down a bit. So they've been acclimating their kids to the great outdoors and now enjoy mountain climbing, whitewater rafting and backpacking trips as a family. The neighbors just moved from the city. They've never been without electricity in their lives. They have other, equally valid family entertainments--say, museums and libraries. Neighbor Mom says to camping Mom, "How can you take your kids out in the woods? There are snakes, bears, mountain lions. They could fall off a cliff, or drown. What about Lyme disease? They could wander off and get lost!" These are all valid concerns. If Neighbor Mom found herself in the middle of nowhere with her kids, she would rightfully worry. But Camping Mom has an answer.

"You're right, there are dangers in the forest. But these dangers my husband and I have dealt with. We are familiar with them and have spent time with our children teaching them how to be safe in the forest, how to tell poisonous snakes from harmless ones, how to swim, what to do in a sudden storm, and how to use a compass to find your way back if you get lost. We believe the lessons of self-reliance and the beauty of God's creation are too important for them to miss. Therefore we teach our children all we know, so we can safely give them what we love."

What a shame if Neighbor Mom concluded that her friend was dangerously foolhardy and her "adventures" were tantamount to child abuse. What a shame if Camping Mom tried to talk her friend's family into her own next adventure without considering their lack of experience.

The moral of the story: You can't be someone else's Holy Spirit.
the Fish ><>

FORMER ASTROLOGER SPEAKS AGAIN
Subject: Harry Potter
Date: Sun, 6 Jan 2002
From: "marcia"

Dear David,
I have no idea if you read responses to your response (to my letter on HP on page 4 of Comments under "Former Astrologer Speaks"), but I find your response rather odd. You say:

Response: You bring up curious points. Are you promoting yourself here? Are talking hats, giants and flying broomsticks really real and dangerous? Did we see the same film? Hmm. I do not agree with you. However, thanks for sharing. I know many will agree with you. -David

Why would you ask me if I am promoting myself just because I wrote a comment? Do you ask that of others? Is that not an ad hominem argument? Attacking my character with no basis is rather unchristian, it seems. I happen to have a ministry, Christian Answers for the New Age, and am a missionary who speaks in churches and conferences, and I've been on radio shows speaking on the occult and New Age due to my background. I am also a seminary student working on a degree in Apologetics. Before trusting Christ, I was President of the Astrological Society in Atlanta, GA, and chairperson of the Board of Astrology Examiners for 3 yrs. (and on the Board for 4 yrs.). I was involved in the occult and the New Age for most of my adult life, which was quite a few years. My "curious" points in my letter are not curious at all; they are based on fact. I was very clear that while some things in HP are fantasy, other things are not. I pointed these out -- the runes, divination, astrology, casting spells, and scrying. I stated there is an amoral worldview in HP and I document it. Good and evil in HP are not absolute, but two sides of the same coin. This is symbolized by Harry's connection to Voldemort and in other ways. I also found it interesting that the movie leaves out Dumbledore's statement to Harry at the end of book one, "To the well-organized mind, death is but the next great adventure." Did they not want parents who had not read the books to hear this line? Was this line too strong for the kiddies? If so, why is it okay in the book?

I appreciate the fact that you publish comments and take the time to respond, but I would appreciate it if you would either explain or retract the statement about me promoting myself. My ministry has to do with promoting Christ, and taking Him to those lost in the New Age and the occult.
Sincerely, Marcia Montenegro
http://cana.userworld.com

Response: I did not attack your character. It was a question. Also, I see no harm in self promotion. I was just wondering if that was what you were doing? Nothing "unchristian" about wondering. I have no statement to retract. Do you think you are being a little sensitive? And after reading your latest email I am still wondering if this is self promotion -which is okay. -David

COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS OF WITCHCRAFT
Subject: Harry_Potter
Date: Sat, 05 Jan 2002
From: "Alisa Webb"

With all due respect to this site and those who have posted, I wish to comment on the usage of the term "witchcraft".

The term "witch", in modern society, has become somewhat interchangeable with the term "Wiccan". As someone of that faith, I am saddened by the lack of tolerance some Christians have of things they do not understand. A true "Witch" is not evil. They DON'T perform rituals in the name of satan, nor do they try to influence others to their way of thinking. In old times, witches were an accepted part of society.

I think many Christians automatically hated the Harry Potter books and movie because of the references they had to Witchcraft. They are fully entitled to their opinions. However, I don't remember this much fuss over the T.V. movie "Merlin", which portrayed the life of the famous mythical wizard. What is the difference? The difference is the common MISCONCEPTION about the word "witch".

I understand that many Christian parents are concerned about what their children read or watch. But when it comes right down to it, PARENTS, not a book or a movie, are going to mold a child's values.

Response: Thanks for your insight! I hope other Wiccans respond. There is a lot of misconception out there. Please feel free to keep your comments coming. I appreciate your participation. -David

POOR ROWLING
Subject: Poor Rowling Newsletter_30 Harry_Potter
Date: Fri, 4 Jan 2002
From: Jeff Harvey

When I first looked into the whole "Harry Potter" phenomenon, I read the bogus interview that was supposedly held with it's author. She was made to look as a sapient trickster whose sole objective was to deceptively draw in the youth of America to her dark world of witchcraft and sorcery. Fortunately, I found out that this article was as fictitious as the Harry Potter books themselves. Personally, this type of blatant sophistry has done more damage to our reputations as Christians than attempting to do accurate research.

The articles that I read from reliable sources that actually did interview Rowling portrayed a much more accurate portrait of a woman who had thought of and then scripted a story that she would have enjoyed hearing for herself. Simple as that. It's a fun story: simple, fulfilling all children's (as well as adults') desire to be special and to be seen for their own uniqueness.

She had no agenda when writing this story (aside from selling it), but we were quick to make one up for her. She is now the one having to endure these attacks on her character. I, however, am glad that she's now able to live without welfare and has had a new start to her life.

My father is a pastor and was chastised by other Christians for letting me read the stories of JRR Tolkien and C.S. Lewis. If it weren't for such stories, however, I would have never learned to love reading novels. They had spiritual overtones and magic, yet they did not cause those who read them to join Wicca or leave their faith.

Look at what the world has thrown at us before: Dungeons and Dragons, Star Wars, countless music videos, all with a much stronger and more harmful message of witchcraft, magic and dangerous philosophical viewpoints. Harry Potter is innocent in comparison with much of what we have seen before.

I would encourage those looking into the whole Harry Potter issue to simply do that, look into it. Research it for yourselves and don't buy into the hysteria of the moment.

PHEW, AT LAST...
Subject: harry_potter
Date: Fri, 4 Jan 2002
From: Helen

It's nice to see that there are some Christians out there in cyberspace who don't want to make me feel guilty for loving Harry Potter! It's true that magic features in many stories - good and bad. Arabian Nights tales, fairy godmothers, Narnia (!)... all over the place. I used to fantasise I was the fairy godmother from Cinderella, which would probably have struck most people as cute. Magic is fun as a tool of the imagination - it is blatantly obvious to most people who have enough knowledge that Harry Potter and real witchcraft are incredibly dissimilar.

But most of all, the thing that excites me is the comparisons with the message of Jesus... who knows, maybe someone will hear the gospel and think 'Hey, it's like Harry Potter!' and it will make sense.

(On an aside, of course parents should be careful - if they aren't being careful on matters aside from Harry Potter I want to know why.) I find the sensationalist regard of Harry Potter, and Lord of the Rings for that matter, a bit misguided at best. Love this site, keep up the good work.
Thanks, Helen
-<:Punctuality is the thief of time:>-

Response: Thanks for the kind words. -David

HOW CAN YOU DISPUTE GOD'S WORD?
Subject: Harry Potter
Date: Thu, 3 Jan 2002
From: "Carol Carlini"

David,
After reading many of the comments about Harry Potter, and all issues set aside accept the following word of God taken from His Word the Bible,

Deuteronomy 18:10-12
"There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, one who uses divination, one who practices witchcraft, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, or one who casts a spell, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead. For whoever does these things is detestable to the Lord; and because of these detestable things the Lord your God will drive them out before you."

How can any human being created by God Himself not heed God's word and choose not to enter into any thing at all that has to do with or makes trivial the power of witchcraft and satan.???

I don't understand with all the Great Christian films and fantastically written Christian children books why any parent would choose things such as Harry Potter. There is just too many good things out there to choose. So why pick such things that our very own Lord stated He DETESTS.

Response: All the great Christian films? Hmm, I missed them. Do you have a list? I do not disagree with the Bible. But, I do disagree with your application of scripture. My views are posted elsewhere on this passage. Apples and oranges. -David

ABANDON THE WITCH HUNT
Subject: Newsletter 29
Date: Thu, 8 Nov 2001
From: Beerta

David, you made me smile. Thank you for your positive outlook. YES let's focus on the good, and refuse to be caught up in the witch hunt. In the last two weeks my nine year old has been crying in bed on three separate occasions, because of Christian's fear tactics. The first was 'if you are afraid to die, you are going to hell'. The second was 'Halloween is Satan's birthday'. Last but not least Bionicles (Lego toy) bring evil spirits into the house. Is there some grand prize for the person who dreams up the latest scare? The positive of this is that my son told me and I could speak with him about our God who allows us function and even enjoy (imagine that) this world without fear. Fear not for I am with you! So, yes the world will come to an end SOMETIME, but hey do I have to live in fear? No way, live on in the spirit of Philippians 4:8! cheers
Beerta

MY THOUGHTS AS A CHRISTIAN
Subject: Lord of the Rings
Date: Wed, 07 Nov 2001
From: Jen

I am sure that Tolkien's work will come under fire as has Harry Potter but I believe in this case that the story is what you take away from it. I have read the Hobbit and the Trilogy at least 7 or 8 times now and every time I have learned more from it. Although Tolkien himself may not have been a christian, there are christian values that are still presented to readers in his story. This is important. Unlike Harry Potter, which I have read and enjoyed, albeit with some reservations regarding witchcraft and the violent end of one of Harry's schoolmates, the Triology invokes the use of magic yes but in such a way that it is magic that is guided by providence throughout the stories. In this way it seems to me that there is almost a suggestion of divine intervention at times - for even though Gandalf is a wizard even he needs help and does not cast spells on people but more or less uses "magic" (maybe symbolizing faith?) as a defense against evil when attacked. As a child I loved these books and as an adult I look forward to sharing them with my kids. And I intend to capitalize on the fact that a christian theme is prevalent throughout the story. Where Harry Potter is just an entertaining story with no real discussion of right and wrong, beliefs and values, the Lord of the Rings can be used to emphasize important biblical values and provides illustrative examples as well. So you see it really is what you take from the story!

Thanks - I would have and could have written much more - but that might be a book unto itself one day - and I don't want to hog bilboard space!
Jen

Response: You are so right. It is insanity -David

HARRY POTTER
Subject: Harry Potter
Date: Wed, 7 Nov 2001
From: Chris Utley

when are you gonna discuss Harry Potter? the holy-rollers are up in arms over this movie. my wife (I Utley...she posted a comment yesterday on the John 3:16 thing) and i were watching John Hagee last night and he was talking about how children are gonna get "infected" by the spirit of witchcraft if they go see the movie. needless to say, i was nauseated. not because of what they were saying...but because of what they were implying...

they basically called the parents of America weak and stupid because these parents would willingly subject their children to this spirit of witchcraft...and "you better watch out when your kid gets picked on at school. he's gonna remember this movie and begin to put curses on people." first of all, the Harry Potter books are FICTICIOUS! IT'S ONLY A MOVIE FOR GOODNESS SAKE! second of all, these holy-rollers are stupid enough to believe that parents don't have common sense. of course these parents are gonna tell their kids that the world of Harry Potter is MAKE BELIEVE and IS NOT REAL. third of all, our kids have this same level of common sense instilled in them. children have been reading and watching fairy tales for years. they know that pumpkins don't turn into carriages. they know that bears don't talk. they know that there are no worlds "under the sea." so why would they believe that the world of Harry Potter is real?

i am eagerly anticipating your response to this Harry Potter vs. Christianity controversy. i pray that God will use your words to knock the common sense back into these holy-rolling hyper-religious dumbells!
Chris Utley

Response: I am working on it. -David

THE SPIRIT OF ANTI-McCARTHYISM
Subject: Newsletter_30_Harry_Potter_Is_Dangerous
Date: Thu, 29 Nov 2001
From: Gary

...the spirit of anti-McCarthyism (liberalism) now controls you, and you don't even realize it...

11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: 12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

...i, of course, disagree with every point you make - enjoy it while you can, purveyor of lies, it will not last!!!...

Response: McCarthy was the master of the 1950s communist black listing witch hunt. And you equate McCarthyism with God? What? We follow Jesus not McCarthy. You base your concept of honesty on being in line with McCarthy? Interesting. 1 Corithians 1:11-13, 17 comes to mind. Perhaps McCarthyism is the strong delusion of the end times. God bless you Gary. I hope your eyes will refocus on Jesus and not Senator McCarthy (Hebrews 12:1-2). -David

GOD GAVE US MINDS
Subject: Newsletter_30 Harry Potter
Date: Thu, 29 Nov 2001
From: Butson

I too am tired of the "witch-hunt" atmosphere that pervades Christian culture, now focusing on Harry Potter. As a friend and I were discussing this summer, we may not think it's prime reading for many Christian kids, but so much depends on the spiritual maturity of the kids and the parents. If you are sincerely convicted that it's dangerous, don't read it. But be careful not to engage in hypocrisy by reading your kids fairy tales or even (gasp) the Chronicles of Narnia. The Potter series has managed to engage many adults as well as kids by solid writing and good storytelling. If the content is so reprehensible to you, my Christian sister or brother, I respect your perspective, but please be gracious in your criticism.

FamilyLife Today of Little Rock Arkansas had a good two day series on the issue back when the Harry Potter movie first opened. The folks on the panel demonstrated reasonable and grace-filled attitudes for those parents concerned and confused over the issue. They reminded the listeners that we are not filled with the spirit of fear but of love and self-control, as Paul states in his letter to Timothy. Not all Christians are lighting the torches to get the fires going (as in the witch-hunts, that is); God gave us minds. Let's use them to His glory.

GRANDFATHER SPEAKS
Subject: Potter Newsletter_30
Date: Tue, 27 Nov 2001
From: Jos. H. Bryant o.d., o.c.

Hello, I have 6 grandchildren from the age of 6 up to 17 and their general opinion is that Harry Potter is either great fun to watch or it's just silly "fairy-tail type stuff" as the 14 year old said. Sa, for the Satanic thing? We are aware that there are some in and out of the ministry that will use any means available to fatten their purses. I feel this applies to most of the "televangelists" and, unfortunately, some of the more established churches. My family has a very stong Christian Ethic that we all live by and we're rarely affected by those who would have people buy into there particular "ism". We don't do yoga or pay any attention to Buddha and we're not expecting a spaceship to come along and take us to Heaven. We're just plain old fashioned Christians and it works just fine for us. We pray for those not so enlightend by The Word of God. We also don't look at popular entertainment media to provide any insghts to the Bible. Thank you for your time.
Keep The Son in your eyes!
<>< Jos. H. Bryant o.d., o.c.

WE READ ALL 4 HP BOOKS TOGETHER...
Subject: Newsletter_30 Harry Potter
Date: Wed, 28 Nov 2001
From: Pam

I agree with your "witch-hunting". My son is 9 years old and we have read all 4 H.P. books together. Granted, there are some parts of the books a little violent for my taste and I do believe a 9 year old is too young for a few of the violent parts. But as I read the book to him, I would glance ahead and skip over the bad parts. We went to see the movie. I thought it was very well done and Harry is a very lovable boy. He's a good boy considering all he has had to go thru. He is a hero and our hero in the book is a good guy! My sons (two of them) are so grounded in the Lord, I do not fear they will ever think about witchraft, satanism, etc. because of this book or movie. They love the Lord too much to give that evil a second thought. They know the Lord so evil is distasteful to them. I made sure they understood and we talked about the witch/evil part before I took them to see the movie. When God lives in your heart and you have professed Him as your Lord and Savior, and truly mean it with all of your heart, you won't WANT to do those things!! I think people like John Hagee don't give our children enough credit for loving their Jesus with all their hearts! As parents we need to focus more on praying every day for our children that they remain in God's hands. The old saying goes "Don't worry about anything (Harry Potter, etc...), Pray about everything (your children)!" If he is referencing non-believer children, this gives us as believers an opportunity to reach out and teach them about God. Thank you! J Pam

Response: Thank you Pam. -David

ANY ATTENTION HE CAN GET
Subject: Newsletter_30 Satanic_Hysteria
Date: Wed, 28 Nov 2001
From: David

David:
I agree that there is a lot of hysteria in the American Christian culture. I believe that C.S Lewis wrote something about giving the devil too much attention or ignoring him being equally dangerous (check the Screwtape letters). Sometimes it seems as if people find devils behind every doorstep. But at the same time we do need to be sober enough to know that there are evil influences in the world. And be aware that these forces intend to do all men harm. But we have to remember that the apostle John wrote that "greater is he who is in you than he that is in the world." So while we should not ignore evil, we do not need to fear it -- or get hysterical about it. When things like 9-11 happen, we try to make sense out of it, we try to make it fit our constructs or world view. These events were perpetrated by people who thought that what they were doing was right, that they were actually doing the will of God. They had created a world view that said that evaporating 5000 people was okay, that they would be rewarded with doe-eyed maidens feeding them grapes in paradise because they had killed infidels (at least I think that's how the thinking goes -- check my facts). But are they the real enemy? Or is the real enemy the one who came up with the idea that murder in the name of God is a good thing? Did not Hitler's death camps reflect a similar world view? And what of other atrocities in our own time -- Rwanda comes to mind. Or Bosnia-Herzegovina, or Indonesia or the Philippines? Just a few musings.
David

Response: You make a very good point. We have had a series of false insights by isolationist Christians: Harry Potter satanic takeover of children, God judged America on 9/11, Y2K fall of America, Disney boycotts, Dogma movie, Satanist killing babies in the 80s, etc. etc. I am really sick of the nonsense which basically communicates the idea that God hates nonChristians, sinners, homosexuals, atheist, wiccans etc. I hope all of these false cries direct people to a better way of relating to the world. However, I fear you are right. People construct ideas of God according to their hatred and intolerance of others. Hateful world views need to be put aside. "For God so loved the world that He gave..." -David

NARNIA IS GOOD
Subject: Newsletter_30
Date: Wed, 28 Nov 2001
From: KEN

I just want to remind people of one thing....The Chronicles of Narnia books and movies are wonderful. They are rich in imagination and we don't have to search for ways to find Jesus in them. Why do we always feel like we have to submerge ourselves in everything that hits the theater or bookstand?

Response: I am sad to say that already isolationist Christians are beginning to attack TRR Tolkien (Lord Of The Rings) and CS Lewis (Chronicles of Narnia, The Lion Witch and the Wardrobe) for witchcraft. It really makes me feel so sad. We are in the midst of a gigantic witch hunt. I never thought I would see such a thing in my life time. I really thought we were more enlightned than this. Even sadder is the fact that televangelist and certain radio "ministries" are joining in on these attacks against CS Lewis, LOTR and HP. Anything to line the wallets. -David

NOT ALL CHRISTIANS ARE ON A WITCH HUNT!
Subject: Newsletter_30 Harry Potter
Date: Tue, 27 Nov 2001
From: T Webb

I thoroughly enjoyed Harry Potter as a work of fiction. As a Christian adult who has read many works of fiction fantasy I felt no pull toward witchcraft, demons, or magic. A relative gave me a book to read, The Bible and Harry Potter. It scared me to death and I couldn't finish reading it. I was very glad to hear your point of view and glad to know not all Christians are on this particular witchhunt! Thank You!!

Response: Thank you. And right you are. Most Christians are not involved in this insane witch hunt. And that makes we happy. Jesus smiles too. -David

HARRY POTTER ..LOTR..
Subject: Newsletter_30
Date: Tue, 27 Nov 2001
From: Justin

First of all I would like to thank you for such a wonderful (and much needed) site. I think it is a breath of fresh air to the christian community reguarding movies and entertainment. First of all I would like to address the current issue that seems to be on every christians mind: Harry Potter. I have never read the books, never really payed much attention to all the hype behind them, and I honestly never had any desire to read them..until now. I saw the film and loved it, it reminded me of being a kid again, and transporting myself into a eye popping world of fantasy. I grew up on fantasy. My first film experinces were E.T and Return of the Jedi, so I think I was in good company with Harry Potter. As for the whole debate on whether it is satanic or not. I would like to say that I STRONGLY feel that if you have nothing better to do with you time that rant and rave about how evil Harry is and how the author is leading all of our children into the occult, then wake up! You should sit back and take a good long look at yourself, and then ask Jesus to forgive you for the way you are acting. If your going to dismiss Harry Potter, shall we forget Tolkien and Lewis as well? (I should also point out that the latter two were devout christians..some people need to research before they draw conclusions) The magic in Harry Potter is nothing but fantasy and in researching I conclude that the author was very much influenced by Tolkien and Lewis. These books can teach our children moral lessons of self-sacrifice and the value of friendship, which were things I got out of seeing the film. The Bible says train up a child in the way he should go, so if your actively teaching your child the things of God and teaching them the Bible, then they will be strong in the Lord. What are they gonna think if they see you pointing fingers at something you should not be so concerned about? And yet we wonder why hollywood and the media has such a negative view on christianity! im just sick of the self righteous, legalistic , close minded christians who have nothing better to do than point fingers and jump to conclusions! I honestly think if we really truly searched the scriptures instead of holding on to "our" ideals and what "we" were taught, than we would see what God truly wants us to see. We have missed so much. Think of all the people whos lives were touched by the ministry of a christian rock band, and then then think of all the people who think christian rock is satanic. scary huh? see the problem??? we dont look before we leap. i am a 21 year old christian guy, who loves movies, and loves to read. I thank God for people like David who can see Jesus in Hollywood and in entertainment. I think alot of people can follow his example.
God bless you guys
Justin

Response: Thank you. -David

WITCHCRAFT
Subject: Newsletter_30
Date: Tue, 27 Nov 2001
From: Astrid

I feel that at least one point of confusion about witchcraft is that it is poorly defined in most cases, and lumped together with sorcery and enchantment in others. I believe they are all of the same genre, and have to do with rebellion , as is pointed out in 1 Samuel 15:23, in the Old Testament . In this context the rebellion is against God , in fact all rebellion is by definition against the Almighty and Omnipotent God. So giving children a look at what we must confess is a superficial , fanciful idea of what it means to have powers to transform, change, destroy and create are , shall we say, at least questionable and at most perhaps rebellious. So what we should do in all fairness as reasonable Christian adults is to tell children the truth about God , as their Father and creator, and stop messing around with fantasy and untruths. And heed the warnings given in the Book of Revelation, which state that in God's supreme justice, witches and sorcerers who are rebelling against God will never, therefore, get into Heaven. Period. Train up a child in the way he should go and he will not depart from it.

Response: You are right. Rebellion against God is the issue. Harry Potter is NOT about rebellion against God. -David

TOLKIEN
Subject: Newsletter_30 Tolkien
Date: Tue, 27 Nov 2001
From: Charity

One of your commenter mentioned how Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit have definite spiritual aspects. This is true -- and I am personally counting down the days until the film premiers... but she also claimed that "Tolkien himself may not have been a Christian..." I would like to make a short correction. Tolkien *was* a Christian. In fact, it was his influence that gave CS Lewis insight into the Christian faith, and ultimately converted him. He would be insulted to think that his books -- and himself -- were secular. I've only just discovered "Hollywood Jesus," and look forward to coming back.
God bless your ministry,
Charity
www.charitysplace.com

Response: Thank you. And you are right Tolkien was a Christian. -David

Continue

Harry Potter main page -Reviews
HP more Reviews -Reviews by Hamm and Wiertra
Harry Potter page 1 -Sol O Mann Top 10, Great HP Links
Harry Potter page 2 -Interview with JK Rowling, Vision of Dark & Light
Harry Potter page 3 -Bulletin Board (Comments)
Harry Potter page 4 -Bulletin Board (Comments)
Harry Potter page 5 -Bulletin Board (Comments)
Harry Potter page 6 -Bulletin Board (Comments)
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