I don't believe that actually reading the Harry Potter books is sinning...and I don't believe that "Harry Potter" is the devil...but I do firmly believe that there is a world-wide phenomenon that is being sparked by these books and the movie - and that certainly God has no part in that. (remember...He forbids the stuff explicitly, there's no argument there)
There was an interesting article in the October "brio" magazine about Wicca (the witchcraft that Rowling spent time studying before and while she wrote some of the books...another red flag, IMHO)
"The power that Wicca offers is limited and bogus. Keep in mind that Wicca is a man-made religion of preferences that was started in Great Britain in 1952. Part of Satan's plan is to deceive us and counterfeit all that God is and does. Satan loves to disguise himself as an angel of light (1 Corinthians 11:14).
Because he is a created being, (Ezekiel 28:13, 15) his power is limited. Satan and his demonic servants work at deceiving us by appearing good and attractive." {Steve Russo}
And what better way than using an abused, young, outcast boy who finds his place among wizards and witches to glamorize the life of that particular sin? Somehow this seems "okay" since it's nice and warm and fuzzy...But when God says something is wicked and wrong, he doesn't mean just when it's meant for evil things...
I've read several "Focus on the Family" articles online about the Doc's view of the books. And I agree with him
If you're going to read them, fine - pray about it, ask God for discernment and wisdom, and keep a Godly perspective while you read them. If you read them with your children, discuss the consequences in putting one's faith in the things of darkness (for whatever reason) and the benefit of looking toward God for all of one's provision. Witchcraft provides an easy way out - IT IS REAL. Anyone really think that Satan and his minions really want to miss an opportunity to fulfill someone's spoken request for proof that there are "spirits" ready to do their bidding? Anything that distracts souls from God is beneficial to the Dark cause, trust me.
The Devil is famous for selling half-truths. Remember Eden? Sure, once the bite was taken, it would certainly open Adam and Eve's eyes to a world of knowledge...
"Now the serpent was the shrewdest of all the creatures the Lord God had made." - Genesis 3:1
He's smarter than us, and he knows how we think...I watched my close Christian friend become engrossed in the "harmless" and "adorable" books of Harry Potter, boy wizard. And after reading each one and adding them to her home library, she watched the movie and became even more enthusiastic about him.
And within the next month, she told me that she and her sister had gone to the witchcraft and sorcery section of Barnes and Noble for a while, "Just to see." Satan's not stupid enough to blatantly lie - he's smart enough, though, to make us inch our way to our own doom. What's next, trying a spell, "Just to see"?
Why mess with fire? Why dabble in anything that isn't of a Holy nature?
"And now, dear brothers and sister, let me say one more thing as I close this letter. Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise." -Philippians 4:8