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COMMENT
Subject:
Newsletter_30 Harry Potter
Date: Tue, 20 Nov 2001
From: "J. Hill"
Potter
Wizardry Real. According To British Experts
Harry Potter
author J.K.Rowling has repeatedly denied incorporating real witchcraft
in her book series. That's something she will probably never admit.
However, experts
in fields as diverse as history, archaeology and botany may be
about to expose Rowling's extensive knowledge of witchcraft and
the occult with a television documentary being released soon.
As one point,
they mention when Potter went to Hogwarts, he was asked to bring
a pewter cauldron. A stunning example has been found in a bog
in Denmark, called the Gundestrup Cauldron. The cauldron is said
to be a tremendous symbol of rebirth, "just as food can be transformed
in it, so a human soul can be transformed. It's a symbol of death
and drowning, a symbol of fire, because a blaze is beneath it."
This among
many, many other things verify that J.K.Rowling paints a perfectly
correct picture in her books of aspects of witchcraft. She gets
the spells right, she gets the ingredients right, she gets the
colors right, she gets the 'magical beasts' right, she fully understands
the importance of drugs, and so on and so forth. To chalk all
this up as mere coincidence or speculation would be insane.
It's very
apparent that she has considerably studied at least one very old,
and very obscure Luciferian book entitled, The Chemical Wedding
of Christian Rosendreutz , written originally in 1459 and translated
into English in 1690. The bigger question is how she obtained
a copy and what drove her to posses it.
As you don't
strike me as the type of individual that would admit he was wrong.
Even though it is plainly obvious. I have posted a collection
of heavily researched articles concerning Harry Potter and Witchcraft.
I doubt you are brave enough to read them in entirety never mind
post links. Now. How does that go again? "Use your words to knock
the common sense back into these holy-rolling hyper-religious
dumbells!" you are so avidly working on.
Witchcraft
101 - The Very Satanic Harry Potter
J.K.Rowling's
knowledge of witchcraft and the occult is so vast and accurate
it sends chills down our spine. Not only does the Harry potter
series condition children to accept a mark on their forehead,
but it also encourages revenge, murder, cheating, drinking, gambling,
placing hexes and even hints at bestiality. The worst is yet to
come. New Harry Potter "schoolbooks" are just now being released
and the author promises each new book will get "Darker" as they
go along.
Major
Discovery In Harry Potter Books. Colors Used Originate From Satanic
Druid Religion
Cutting Edge
Ministries has learned that Author Rowling uses the most vivid
colors imaginable in her Harry Potter novels for a reason. These
colors are discovered to originate from the old Satanic Druid
religion, and play a significant role in Ritual Magic. This discovery
is proof positive of the Satanism of Harry Potter novels, but
its effect on your child will shock you!
Harry
Potter Author Uses Imagery From The Most Important Alchemy Book
Ever Written... One That Dates Back To 1459!
We have stated
repeatedly that the author of the Harry Potter books knows her
Satanism quite well. We have repeatedly pointed out where the
events and the scenes in her books are pure Satanism; in fact,
they are correct Satanism. She paints a perfectly correct picture
in her books of aspects of Satanism, she gets the spells right,
she gets the ingredients right, she understands the importance
of drugs, and so on and so forth.
Harry
Potter Conditioning Kids To Love Magick, Witches, And To Adopt
The Values And Attitudes Of The Coming Antichrist
New Age authors
have repeatedly stated that The New Age Christ could not appear
until and unless a "significant proportion" of the population
were pre-conditioned to accept him and his values. Harry Potter
is certainly fulfilling that role for preparing youngster's minds.
Response:
Sensational. That's how I view your email. Or, perhaps, Sinsational.
You exploit sin and evil. You entice with half truths and out
right lies. Remember who the father of the lie is. I have few
good words for your slander and sensationalism. However, I know
God loves you and has a plan for your life. Sensationalism, however,
is not that plan. -David
HEARING
GOD'S CALL THROUGH
HARRY POTTER
Subject:
Newsletter_30 Harry_Potter_Can_Be_Used_Positively
Date: Mon, 19 Nov 2001
From: edward
"Hearing God's
Call Through Harry Potter"
Religion in Daily Life (c) By the Rev. Edward Chinn, D.Min.
Rector, All Saints' Church 9601 Frankford Ave.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19114 (215) 637-5225
Written 13 November 2001
EdwardChinn@earthlink.net www.allsaintstorresdale.org
Harry Potter
and The Sorcerer's Stone is a new motion picture. It is based
on Joanne Kathleen (J.K.) Rowling's best-selling novel of the
same name. Rowling plans seven books in the series. Harry Potter
is an eleven-year old orphan. He lives in England with a cruel
aunt, uncle, and bullying son. Harry has to sleep in a cramped
cupboard under the stairs. On his eleventh birthday, a giant named
Hagrid appeared with the news that Harry is really a wizard. He
is revered in a magical world that coexists with this one. Harry
enrolls at the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. His
best friends are Ron and Hermoine. Harry learns to battle the
evil forces that threaten the world.
Reactions
to the Harry Potter books range from rejection to praise. "In
Minnesota, Michigan, New York, California, and South Carolina,
parents who feel the books promote interest in the occult have
called for their removal from classrooms and school libraries"
(Christianity Today, December 3, 1999). However, columnist Charles
Coulson pointed out that Harry and his friends "develop courage,
loyalty, and a willingness to sacrifice for one another-even at
the risk of their own lives." Thomas Hibbs (National Review Online,
October 27, 2001) says: "I would argue that Rowling's series .
. . is part of the solution to what ails our popular culture,
especially our youth culture. In the aftermath of September 11,
the books are remarkably timely, offering precisely the sort of
lessons and examples young persons need to prepare them for life
in a nation at war with the evil of terrorism."
God can use
the Harry Potter story to call young people to increase the circle
of friendship with others and to join with Him in the fight against
evil. When Jesus of Nazareth bestowed a title on his followers,
it wasn't "servants," but "friends" (John 15:15). Likewise, Jesus
empowered his friends to join him in his fight against evil, saying,
"Bring health to the sick. Raise the dead. Touch the untouchables.
Kick out the demons" (Matthew 10:8, The Message).
God calls
persons of all ages. God called Samuel when he was a boy who served
as an acolyte to an elderly priest named Eli (1 Samuel 3:1-10).
In Samuel's case, the call came in his mind. God called a young
man named Timothy through other people (his grandmother Lois and
his mother Eunice). It was a call to fight as a spiritual soldier
(2 Timothy 2:3).God called Moses when he was 40 (Acts 7:23). Life
began at 40 for Moses when he got into a fight against evil and
for human rights.
Response:
Thank you for your terrific thoughts. I really enjoyed this -David
DISTURBED
BY ALL THE NEGATIVITY
Subject:Newsletter_30
Harry Potter Hysteria
Date: Mon, 19 Nov 2001
From: Brett Brown
David, thank
you so much for all your work on this wonderful site. I am disturbed
by all the negativity surrounding Harry Potter. Once again, it
seems that a close-minded Christian community is shooting itself
in the foot. I am disappointed in my Christian brothers and sisters
who desire to hypocritically bash quality art work simply because
they are uninformed and want to feel they are taking a stand on
something. Oddly, these same people would probably highly praise
CS Lewis' "Chronicles of Narnia" as great Christian childrens
literature. Isn't it interesting that Lewis wrote about magic,
witches, talking animals and more in his great stories? George
MacDonald, who Lewis considered to be his mentor, wrote some of
the best fantasy that I (and Lewis, for that matter) have ever
read. Yet, nobody seems to mention that.
I have not
read any of the Harry Potter books, but after seeing the movie
I was impressed with the story and the world that Rowling has
created. I was particularly touched by the way that Harry and
his friends are misfits and outcasts and yet they are the heroes.
This movie (and the books) are not about the magic and wizardry,
those are merely the tools for the story. Children resonate with
Harry Potter and his friends not because they can do magic, and
certainly not because HP and his friends are in the popular crowd.
Instead, Harry is an unloved orphan with no place in the world.
This is why kids connect with Harry Potter, because they feel
like HP and long for a place like Hogwarts where they can be accepted
and loved. Wait a minute.... that's what I long for too! Curiously,
that is what Jesus offers us. Salvation and acceptance into the
family of the God of the universe.
Not only that,
but this film encorporates such Christian themes as self-sacrifice
as well as the classic battle of good vs. evil. I enjoyed the
film a great deal and will, at some point, use it in one or more
of my upcoming youth talks to my junior high group (and maybe
even my senior high group) as I am a youth pastor in the San Francisco
Bay Area. What the heck.... I may even show it when it comes out
on video! Thanks again David.
Keep up the good work!
Brett Brown
Response:
Thank you for your kind words and your thoughtful approach. -David
COMMENT
Subject:
Newsletter_30 Harry Potter
Date: Mon, 19 Nov 2001
From: Carrie
I think all
the hysteria is ridiculous regarding Harry Potter. My 11 year
old daughter thoroughly enjoyed all the books in the series and
looks forward to reading the coming editions. She is fearful to
even bring up the name around any of her friends at church for
fear of being shut out by people who think it's 'unChristian'
to read such books. I told her that I believe that God gave her
the ability to ascertain right from wrong as well as good from
bad. She's a very imaginative young lady and hopes to be a writer
herself on day. I think it's a shame that so many parents try
to shelter their children to the extent of not allowing their
children to read a book.
Blessings, Carrie
Response:
Thank you Carrie. It kind of makes you wonder what the the real
evil is. HP or Christians who slam little girls for reading HP.
Wow! Imagine. -David
OLD
MAGIC
Subject:
Newsletter_30 HarryPotterCanBeUsedPositively
Date: Mon, 19 Nov 2001
From: Randal
When Lily
Potter gave her life to save Harry, she gave him a power that
protects him from Voldemort. The idea that love and sacrifice
creates protective power has a deep resonance with the Gospel.
Rowling's
creation of that element of the story paralells the work of Lewis
with Aslan's self sacrifice, and resurrection. The idea of a 'deep
magic' or 'old magic' runs through Tolkein, Lewis and now in the
work of Rowling. I believe that her work is as overtly Chrisian
as her Inkling forerunners.
The notion
that involvement with Harry Potter leads to witchcraft is the
province of people who have very little else to do. I cannot for
the life of me understand why some Christians don't see that the
really tough issues in the Gospel involve letting go of spiritual
pride, and the ability to help the least among us-- not finding
behaviors to quit.
Response:
I really agree with you. Thanks for your comments. -David
IS
IT REALLY THAT HARMLESS?
Subject:
Newsletter_30 Harry Potter
Date: Mon, 19 Nov 2001
From: Patrick
Dear Mr.Bruce
First let me say how much I really enjoy your website. The content
is great and overall it's really well done. I enjoy the way you
engage today's culture by using what people see every day. Movies.
The way I try to engage people is the same way Paul engaged the
people in Athens. Just use what they know and take that as a springboard
to talk about Christ. You're doing a great job with this website!
I just have
one problem with your review of Harry Potter. It's true that there
are some positive values and lessons in the movie but will some
kids, teenagers, etc. really see those values at first glance
of the movie? We live in a very spiritually hungry time. People
are always looking for something spiritual to fill that void in
their lives whether they realize there's a void or not. You stress
the positive values of the movie and that's great but you also
can't overlook that some kids or teenagers, even adults, are incredibly
impressionable. They won't see the values of the movie. They may
just see a flying broomstick, a three headed dog, gnomes, chocolate
frogs, and the other cool special effects. I don't think that
this can necessarily increase the ranks of witches, warlocks,
or satanists across the country but it can definitely start them
on that path if they're looking for something and they don't know
what to look for. True, most parents will tell their kids that
this is just a story and that this stuff doesn't actually happen,
but what about the kids whose parents don't say anything to them?
A few years ago a movie called "The Program" with James Caan came
out. One part of the movie showed the guys on the school's football
team laying in the middle of a busy road and cars whizzing by
them while they're laying there. What reasonable person would
try that? A few weeks later in New Jersey some kids, teenagers
I believe, were killed trying that exact same thing. A movie called
"The Craft" with Neve Campbell and Robin Tunney was about 4 high
school girls who use witchcraft to get back at the other kids
who oppressed them in school. Are you telling me that wouldn't
sound really interesting to a kid who's having a hard time because
he/she is constantly picked on in school? Not every parent, Christian
or otherwise, is going to be so concerned about making sure that
their kids know the diference between fact and fiction. They'll
assume that their kids know better. It's a fact that some parents
wi ll definitely be there and talking to their kids about the
movie. For every kid (i'm including teens with that also) who
has a parent there, there will be kids who don't have that stabilizing,
reality factor there with them. Or have the moral background or
maturity to know. "Harry Potter" may be a good movie but it definitely
isn't for everyone. I think maybe a good disclaimer with any review
on any movie is a good idea for everyone who reviews movies.
I hope you
don't see what I wrote as a slam against you or what you're doing.
I just think we all need to remember that, "All things are permissible,
but not everything is beneficial. All things are permissible,
but not everything is constructive."
Thanks for your time Patrick
Response:
Well at least you saw the film before commenting. I can appreciate
that. -David
HARRY
POTTER AND CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS
Subject:
Newsletter_30
Date: Mon, 19 Nov 2001
From: Paige
Thank you
for your very enlightened view of Harry Potter. I've read all
of the books...some twice and have gone to see the movie twice
since opening day...two days ago :) I'm a huge fan. I work at
a christian school where several of our young children....4th
and 5th grade have read Harry Potter books and are just as exciting
as I am. They love to imagine they are the Good people of Gryffindor.
They have no desire to go out shouting incantations and boiling
potions. It's just fantasy...just like "The Lion, The Witch, and
The Wardrobe" or "King Arthur". But no one cares about those things.
People are down on Harry Potter because it's popular. We aren't
allowed to talk to our kids about Harry Potter or even read in
the book club for them that I, myself started. It's kind of backwards
if you ask me. You'd think that whatever got these kids to read,
educators would be behind it, but not Christian schools. Well,
I love the points you've made. I just wanted to thank you for
your views.
Sincerely, Paige
Response:
Thank you for your kind words and you are welcome. -David
FORMER
ASTROLOGER SPEAKS
Subject:
Newsletter_30
Date: Sun, 18 Nov 2001
From: Marcia Montenegro
Unfortunately,
defenders of HP present a false dichotomy between those who like
HP and those who don't, assuming those of us who have concerns
want to burn or ban HP. There are many of us out here who recognize
the problems in HP and think their influence is negative without
wanting toburn or ban any books, and who know HP is not about
Satanism.
I am a former
astrologer and have practiced some occult arts. It is undeniable
that HP promotes these as tools for doing "good." HP refers to
and endorses astrology, numerology, the runes, scrying, and casting
spells -- things that are not fantasy at all. Additionally, there
is endorsement of deceptions and lying since Harry is rarely punished
and rarely feels remorse.
I have carefully
read all 4 HP books and documented references to real occult practices
and to deceptions. My conclusion is that HP presents an amoral
worldview, which is actually the occult worldview -- no absolute
good or evil. These books are not about good vs. evil; they are
about the training of a sorcerer and mastery of self.
These two
links go to my articles on HP:
http://cana.userworld.com/cana_harrypotter.html
http://cana.userworld.com/cana_morehpotter1.html
Sincerely, Marcia Montenegro
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
SEEING
GOD
Subject:
Newsletter_30 Satanic_Hysteria
Date: Sun, 18 Nov 2001
From: Jeanne Brunell
Hi,
It seems to me that a great number of Christians protesting Harry
Potter must also believe that Satan carries a pitchfork and has
horns and a pointed tail. They view the threat of Satanism as
coming in the forms of spells, potions, wizards, and so on. But
how often is anyone alarmed and panic-stricken when he appears
as an angel of light? Not very often. It is possible to have really
"nice" books and movies that show an ideal existence, where everyone
in the family is doing great, and God does not appear to be needed
at all.
Gerard Manley
Hopkins wrote that "The world is charged with the grandeur of
God." Seeing God in lots of places and in lots of ways depends
upon how open the hearts and eyes of Christians are. A few years
ago, a good friend of mine complained bitterly about what the
shopping mall was like at Christmas time--declaring that it was
nothing but a pagan, materialistic mecca. Another friend, concerning
the same mall, said that he and his wife had lunch there and that
while they were eating they looked around and listed all the ways
they were experiencing God there--mothers and children, happy
faces, acts of kindness.
My daughters
both read Harry Potter; yesterday we saw the movie as well. They
did not ask me to buy them wands afterwards. They talked about
the courage of the friends who helped Harry Potter, the battle
between good and evil and how good triumphed, and how Harry, who
had been downcast, was chosen and lifted up to do great deeds
(very similar to many people in the Bible, including King David).
I believe
that when we look at movies and books with fear that it actually
gives power, on some level, to Satan. If Jesus watched Harry Potter
in a theater, what would his response be? Exactly. He would leave
with a whole throng of kids wanting to know about the REAL battle
between good and evil.
Sincerely, Jeanne Brunell
Mountainbell7@aol.com
Response:
Thanbks Jeanne, I appreciate your words. -David
IN
DREAMS NO MORE
Subject:
To: Newsletter_30
Date: Sun, 18 Nov 2001
From: Pinnocchio
Just a few
things.
Every since Harry Potter has burst on the scene I wanted to tell
my Potter bashing family/friends that it is doing more good than
harm. Have they noticed all of the children forming cult circles
proclaiming satan in Harry Potter's name? No, they are enjoying
a good read.
They aren't
going to begin any broomstick classes, because its fun fantasy.
And I can't imagine a teenager drinking Unicorn blood, while taming
serberus their three headed dog. My friend, I had to ride through
Disney boycott's, Y2K, the the almighty great exorcist scandal
fear for too long. I think God is probably more concerned with
us wasting our time boycotting Disney, rather than going to Gay
day and try to witness to someone. Also, it is too bad that churches
have become so dependant on ritualistic behaviors. "We will hate
disney when they do this... We will pass the offering plate exactly
between the third hymn and fourth... Heaven forbid our children
watch Cops, x-files, and Ally... Heck Let's boycott Fox!"
I say all
of that to say, my head hurts and my heart ache's at the one's
who tear down something that could be so useful. Before I moved
I was a Youth Pastor, and I would use clip's from movies to present
God's message in a way that would keep my class member's awake.
Show Powder kissing his girlfriend in
the most gentle way to show the meaning of God's pure love for
us. Show William Wallace's death as a representation of how much
we should be willing to sacrifice. My friend, we must not jump
on the bandwagon, but take hold of the reign's and direct the
content for our advantage. I am pretty much just agreeing with
what you have said all along, but with my two cent's.
Thank you for your time.
Best, Adam
Response:
I like the way you think. -David
MAGIC
OF LOVE?
Subject:
Newsletter_30 _Harry_Potter
Date: Fri, 16 Nov 2001
From: Mtn chick
A few things
I would have to say to anyone who is on a "witch hunt" concerning
Harry Potter:
#1...Notice
that they celebrate Christmas at Hogwart's School of Magic (GASP....they
even said CHRISTmas, not X mas!! : ) (And did I see a nativity
scene being unboxed on a table in the tree decorating/chess game
scene?)
#2...Notice
how Harry's magic that defeats "you-know-who" turned out to be
the power of his mother's self-sacrificial love? Also, Ron showed
willingness to lay down his life for his friend....exactly what
Jesus taught.
#3...Harry's
mom and dad were a positive influence on his life...he knew they
loved him and each other (good family values)
#4...Many
kids may feel like they are living "under the stairs" and being
mistreated by family, friends, teachers, etc., but can see through
this story that you can overcome your past, and that there are
people out there who will care about your well-being and growth,
whether it be spiritual or emotional.
I, too, was
a little unsure of the whole Harry Potter craze, but tried not
to form an opinion or judge until I had either read the books
or saw the movie. Now that I've seen it, I understand what it's
purpose is. I do not feel that it is compromising to my faith.
My faith is strong enough to know the difference between fantasy
(Harry) and Truth (Jesus).
Response:
Thanks for those useful insights. -David
THE
TRUE ORIGIN OF "SATANIC HYSTERIA"
Subject:
Newsletter_30 Satanic_Hysteria_
Date: Fri, 16 Nov 2001 20:01:10 -0500
From: Joe Admire
...comes straight
from the Prince of Darkness. I feel that Satan _wants_ to get
people hysterical because it diverts and distracts them from the
Christian life and witness they should be living (much as, in
my personal opinion, the recent anthrax attacks have actually
been an attempt at diversion to distract the US and the international
coalition from being able to detect the _real_ next wave of terror
attacks, wherever and whenever that may be coming). Satan _wants_
people to live in fear and hysteria because when they're in a
state of terror about what Satan might do, they're not putting
their trust in God.
Furthermore,
I think that people who buy into "Satanic hysteria" are actually,
in some cases, coming dangerously close to or actually slipping
into the ancient Manichaean heresy, which holds, if I may oversimplify
terribly, that Satan is as strong as God. The plain fact of the
matter is that Satan was doomed to failure from the very beginning.
The only reason he has any power at all is that people _let_ him
have that power rather than putting their faith in God. Those
people who are howling about Harry Potter would do better to put
their energy into imitating Christ.
-Joe-
Response:
Thanks Joe, it is always good to hear from you! -David
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