Harry Potter: Blasphemy or not?

[Slave2Righteousness]

worn out knees for GOOD reasons!
Walking up mountains or trail hiking does NOT count!

What if God is leading you through the valleys and up the mountains?

 

[Kitangel]

lol then it better be for a good reason - and i'll forward Him the bill for knee replacements!

Jk

Spiritually mountain leading trail hiking is good. If you understand that.

 

[dragoniatiegre]

I personally think that Harry Potter is very blasphemous, saying that these people can perform "magic" and are therefore aere stronger than God. This is a danger to children, who are very suseptible to these things.

I would beg to differ. Having read all six books currently out (and anxiously awaiting the release of the seventh tomorrow), I have found that the books don't do as you claim.

Yes, magic is an integral part of the series, but throughout the series, emhasis is made more to the point that magic is not a cure-all. Total reliance on magic causes corruption (i.e. Voldemort). True strength of character is found throughout the series with those who don't always rely on magic. They instead rely on their inner strength, their friends, etc.

I've found the series to be a wonderful read, and to give many good morals. It lets readers know that not all in the world is good, but not all is bad. It lets them know that the battle for good is better than anything else. It also realistically states that the battle may never be won, but it must continue to be fought. It shines light on friendships, and on sacrifice.

But, basically, the books are meant to be an enjoyable read, and nothing else. I have yet to find a kid that really thinks that they can perform magic. They love to imagine they can, yes, but I did the same as well. Growing up as a Christian, and without Harry Potter, I had the same imaginings. But I know that I couldn't really do anything like that.

Children as susceptible to many things, but they grow out of it, and fully learn what is real, and what isn't. I see no evil in these books.

 

[dragoniatiegre]

It's just a story? Well music is "just music" too but guess what, music is what led me into Satanism before I got saved. Stories, like music, are very influential. Especially to children. Please think about this stuff before just putting it off as nothing more than a story. And the Lord of the Rings? If you know anything about Tolkien or the Lord of the Rings you would know that it IS Christian themed, I've learned alot from the writings of Tolkien. There is nothing okay about Harry Potter.

Tolkein's world is as Christian themed as Harry Potter. But I digress. Kids are going to imagine things anyway, with or without Harry Potter. At least these books try to show right from wrong, in a realistic (albeit magical) setting. They don't show that magic is a cure-all, or that witchcraft is something desireable. They show that the magic that they use should be used for good.

I hardly think that Harry Potter will cause kids to move away from Christianity.

 

[dragoniatiegre]

I can tell you why I care so much - because God told us to.

Do we need to argue about that?

I really think you will be arguing with God then which is why we wrestle with the flesh so often.

The Gospel is not to be watered down to suit man; we must build ourselves up through our relationship with God to come into line with the Gospel and God’s teachings. That is the purpose of church and Pastors etc etc. So we can be educated in the Good News that will set us FREE.

If you are a believer then you will believe that you have been chosen with your name written in the book of life for eternal life. That is what I care about.

If you believe then you must believe the WHOLE bible which tells us that we will go to heaven.

Let me ask you straight.

If Jesus asked you to take Him to a movie would you be comfortable taking Him to see Harry Potter.

We are surrounded by the temptations and seductions of the world; these are not from Christ and who can be against Him? Oil & water do not mix.

It takes a long time to get to a place of strong relationship with Christ and only a few moments to enter into sin which brings disconnection from God. Of course God forgives the sinner but the enemy knows your weak point and that is where he is going to attack you. If you fall it is because you gave the enemy an inch and that same enemy wants to take your life while Christ wants to give you eternal life.

That is why God gave us choices.

Make your choices wisely.

God Bless you

If Harry Potter is such a bad movie, then I feel that no movie is good.

Would you feel comfortable taking Christ to any movie?

 

[dragoniatiegre]

its amazing this debate has gone on for as long as it has.

Yes, I personall think Harry potter should be avoided. I still read them, with the knowledge they are BAD.

Some ppl in here compare the magic in Harry Potter to that of Mikey Mouse and Gandalf.

HOW STUPID! Think before you open your mouth!
Magic is magic, yes, and if kids know its bad, then ok. alot of magic is fictional. But lets look at the differences between Harry Potter an the rest you all so foolishly put in the same category:

1) Harry Potter, unlike others listed, is set in the real world, at real time, with real places. LotR and co. are fictional - to the core. The landmarks around England where HP is being filmed are a worldwide tourist attraction now. The story itself relevates to real world activity. IT co-exists with "muggles" - normal people. Definitely not fictional people. Readers can relevate to normal life.

2) There seems to be a debate over wether J.K. Rowling did her research before writing the books. That in itself is a reason to halt and think. If she did - big IF I know - then every spell our children are learning is witchcraft. Since we don't know, are we willing to take those risks? Real magic is not a thing to play with. Especially not for christians. People may come back and say "Where's the proof?!". Physically I have no proof. By word of mouth and reading, however, I have heard some mentionings in J.K's interviews that suggest such a thing has happened.

From what I typed here, this is the basis of why I dont believe HP books are just "fiction", and harmless.

Who agrees with me?

I don't agree with you, but I find it interesting that your avatar is from Howl's Moving Castle (an excellent film, I might add), but you are here ranting against Harry Potter.

 

[dragoniatiegre]

Witchcraft certainly does exist in reality. Once, many years ago, I had a woman living next door to me who called herself a "white witch". I was young at the time, and didn't really know much about the subject. All I know is that this lady would perform rituals in the middle of the night and early morning, and God would awaken my mother and tell her to pray against it. Also, another time there was a possessed woman in my old church. She dabbled in witchcraft and sorcery and one day gave my mother some items as a gift. I don't remember what the items were, something like flowers; something common and casual. My mother was almost immediately convicted to throw away the items, because they were bringing unclean spirits into our household. The truth is this stuff is all too real, and I have heard from a few Christians that the spells and curses in the Harry Potter series are based off of real ones. Now I wouldn't go so far as to burn all the Harry Potter books I see, but I would stay away from them and not read them. Why even take a chance? It is our duty as Christians to stay pure and holy, and witchcraft (or the "idea" of witchcraft) is neither.

The spells in Harry Potter are made up words. To move someting is "Locomotor" -like "locomtion". JKR seems to use a lot latin derrived words.

As a personal note, I don't think spells are real. Magic does not exist in reality, but the dangers of pursing such falacy are real.

 

[AndrewCS]

Tolkein's world is as Christian themed as Harry Potter. But I digress. Kids are going to imagine things anyway, with or without Harry Potter. At least these books try to show right from wrong, in a realistic (albeit magical) setting. They don't show that magic is a cure-all, or that witchcraft is something desireable. They show that the magic that they use should be used for good.

I hardly think that Harry Potter will cause kids to move away from Christianity.

Shalom,

I would like to ask you if you feel that HP will not cause kids to move away from Christianity…

Is that based on a Holy Spirit filled relationship you have with God ?

Blessings

 

[AndrewCS]

The spells in Harry Potter are made up words. To move someting is "Locomotor" -like "locomtion". JKR seems to use a lot latin derrived words.

As a personal note, I don't think spells are real. Magic does not exist in reality, but the dangers of pursing such falacy are real.

Brother,

Do you read the Bible ? See how many times “magicians” are reffered to

GE 41:8
And it came to pass in the morning that his spirit was troubled; and he sent and called for all the MAGICians of Egypt, and all the wise men thereof: and Pharaoh told them his dream; but there was none that could interpret them unto Pharaoh.
GE 41:24
And the thin ears devoured the seven good ears: and I told this unto the MAGICians; but there was none that could declare it to me.



That’s just Genesis.

Do you say therefore you don’t believe the Bible ?

Blessings

 

[dragoniatiegre]

Shalom,

I would like to ask you if you feel that HP will not cause kids to move away from Christianity…

Is that based on a Holy Spirit filled relationship you have with God ?

Blessings

Yes. And besides that, any kid knows that what they are reading is fiction. If they don't, then they've got problems that go beyond Harry Potter.

 

[dragoniatiegre]

Brother,

Do you read the Bible ? See how many times “magicians” are reffered to

GE 41:8
And it came to pass in the morning that his spirit was troubled; and he sent and called for all the MAGICians of Egypt, and all the wise men thereof: and Pharaoh told them his dream; but there was none that could interpret them unto Pharaoh.
GE 41:24
And the thin ears devoured the seven good ears: and I told this unto the MAGICians; but there was none that could declare it to me.



That’s just Genesis.

Do you say therefore you don’t believe the Bible ?

Blessings

I believe the Bible. I just don't believe that someone can do real magic. I consider the magicians mentioned in the Bible as more David Copperfield-type: illusionists. I really don't believe someone could wave a stick around, say a few well-chosen words, and change their hedgehog into a pin-cushion.

 

[izarya]

I would think that if something as silly as a Harry Potter novel would cause someone to fall away from Christ, then they never had anything real invested in Christianity in the first place.

That coupled with the inability of Christian "leaders" to give sensible, coherent answers in regards to questions of a "spiritual" nature outside the realm of Christianity. "No, that's wrong, you'll go to hell" just doesn't cut it anymore.

 

[AndrewCS]

I believe the Bible. I just don't believe that someone can do real magic. I consider the magicians mentioned in the Bible as more David Copperfield-type: illusionists. I really don't believe someone could wave a stick around, say a few well-chosen words, and change their hedgehog into a pin-cushion.

Glad to haer you believe in the Holy Bible brother.

What about the opening of the Red Sea ? Do you believe that?

God Bless you

 

[AndrewCS]

I would think that if something as silly as a Harry Potter novel would cause someone to fall away from Christ, then they never had anything real invested in Christianity in the first place.

That coupled with the inability of Christian "leaders" to give sensible, coherent answers in regards to questions of a "spiritual" nature outside the realm of Christianity. "No, that's wrong, you'll go to hell" just doesn't cut it anymore.

Hey brother,

Perhaps you can share with us what it was that led you to occult practice?

Was it dabbling in magic, music or just a dislike of Christianity?

Would be good to hear how you have come back to loving GOD as your saviour again. Did you have to be delivered of your involvement in the occult?

I think that would be pertinent to share that as we are all discussing how “things” can lead people into the occult and your experience in that would be a blessing for us to hear.

Bless you brother.

 

[jesuspickedmeup]

I can see where people can say harry potter is evil ...but if you think about it the world is evil should he hide from it to? I understand people say harry potter makes kids want to use magic but i can rember when I saw superman I wanted to fly . and if reading the books are going to make you stumble in your walk with Christ I think you need to look at all your life not just the books. thats the problem with man we want to blame something else for or sins. but here is one to think about if harry potter is bad for you wouldnt the internet be bad for you too? just a thought..

God bless

 

[izarya]

Hey brother,

Perhaps you can share with us what it was that led you to occult practice?

Was it dabbling in magic, music or just a dislike of Christianity?

Would be good to hear how you have come back to loving GOD as your saviour again. Did you have to be delivered of your involvement in the occult?

I think that would be pertinent to share that as we are all discussing how “things” can lead people into the occult and your experience in that would be a blessing for us to hear.

Bless you brother.

As I said, I was born and raised as a Christian, I have nothing against Christianity, I myself am a Christian; I only have issue SOME of the folks who claim to represent it.

No, I didn't need deliverance, at least not in the sense that you are most likely talking about. Neither did I need the nicotine patch to quit smoking cigarettes, or AA meetings to give up drinking years ago; but I digress...

In all honesty, reading and studying the Bible got me interested in the occult. That coupled with the fact that my Mom in particular familiarized me with astral travel and out of body experiences when I was quite young, probably about 9 or 10 years old.

What exactly is "Occult" to you? If one is born with an "ability" that is strange to others does that mean that this particular individual is inherently evil?

 

[AndrewCS]

As I said, I was born and raised as a Christian, I have nothing against Christianity, I myself am a Christian; I only have issue SOME of the folks who claim to represent it.

I was also “raised” as a Christian. But only really became a Christian when I started to have a relationship with God.

As I said to you on the other thread. Reading the Bible and applying it in your life are two different things.

No, I didn't need deliverance, at least not in the sense that you are most likely talking about.

Most Christians believe in deliverance for those that have been practicing in the occult.

In all honesty, reading and studying the Bible got me interested in the occult. That coupled with the fact that my Mom in particular familiarized me with astral travel and out of body experiences when I was quite young, probably about 9 or 10 years old.

So obviously your bloodline has practiced occultist rituals ? All the more reason for deliverance.

In all honesty, reading and studying the Bible got me interested in the occult.

Do I detect some blaming going on here ?

What exactly is "Occult" to you? If one is born with an "ability" that is strange to others does that mean that this particular individual is inherently evil?

It doesn’t matter what the occult is to me, what is important is what Our LORD GOD says and commands of US ALL regarding the occult.

I agree, if one is born with an ability that is strange to others does not make it evil. Defining the source of those abilities or powers is what determines it from God or not. If it is not from God then what will you have it called.

I find it interesting that your mother was teaching you out of body at a very young age. Is your mother still involved in occult practice ?

Brother, Lets stop dancing around here.

Suggestion:
If we put a prayer together for you will you agree to pray this OUT LOUD and post back your experience?

Blessings brother

 

[izarya]

I was also “raised” as a Christian. But only really became a Christian when I started to have a relationship with God.

As have I. I have known and been aware of His presence all my life. He has been with me and has delivered me from things you could not imagine from day 1, everyone's experiences are not the same.

So obviously your bloodline has practiced occultist rituals ? All the more reason for deliverance.

Really? Wow! All I said was that my Mom introduced me to the concept of astral travel. From that you get that I OBVIOUSLY come from a line of practicing occultists...let me guess, blood rituals right? LOL!

Do I detect some blaming going on here ?

Wow, just wow. Blaming who, the Bible? Never! I thank God for showing me the things He has, for opening my eyes and letting me see and smell those shoveling bs from 10 miles away.

It doesn’t matter what the occult is to me, what is important is what Our LORD GOD says and commands of US ALL regarding the occult.

But it is YOU that is dictating your own version on what the Lord says regarding the occult or hidden teachings. And your not even sure about that, since we haven't established any particular practice yet. You are thinking in very *small* terms, occult= evil, satan, black magic, etc..

I find it interesting that your mother was teaching you out of body at a very young age. Is your mother still involved in occult practice ?

She never was, she just had a curiosity concerning such things since it happened to her when she was young, then to me when I was sick.

Re prayer: No thanks. I'm not interested, in my opinion, the doctrine of generational curses is unbiblical. I also disagree in general with most ideas associated with what is now called "deliverance." I do not feel that all people need human intervention to overcome their personal demons, Jesus Christ is sufficent for me. I am strong in Christ and have a personal relationship with Him as corney as that may sound.

Have a blessed day.

 

[AndrewCS]

As have I. I have known and been aware of His presence all my life. He has been with me and has delivered me from things you could not imagine from day 1, everyone's experiences are not the same.

Really? Wow! All I said was that my Mom introduced me to the concept of astral travel. From that you get that I OBVIOUSLY come from a line of practicing occultists...let me guess, blood rituals right? LOL!

Wow, just wow. Blaming who, the Bible? Never! I thank God for showing me the things He has, for opening my eyes and letting me see and smell those shoveling bs from 10 miles away.

But it is YOU that is dictating your own version on what the Lord says regarding the occult or hidden teachings. And your not even sure about that, since we haven't established any particular practice yet. You are thinking in very *small* terms, occult= evil, satan, black magic, etc..


She never was, she just had a curiosity concerning such things since it happened to her when she was young, then to me when I was sick.

Re prayer: No thanks. I'm not interested, in my opinion, the doctrine of generational curses is unbiblical. I also disagree in general with most ideas associated with what is now called "deliverance." I do not feel that all people need human intervention to overcome their personal demons, Jesus Christ is sufficent for me. I am strong in Christ and have a personal relationship with Him as corney as that may sound.

Have a blessed day.

This is the quote from http://www.kabbalah.com/kabbalah/astrology_weekly.php (see graphic attached).

You were born with special gifts and specific challenges particular to you sign. They’re there for nothing less than to help you fulfil your life’ purpose.

Therefore you ask me to respond to you using the Holy Spirit as my guide but your teachings seem to offer special gifts according to a sign a person was born with.

Perhaps you can share how that works as I don’t grasp it.

God Bless you.

 

[Slave2Righteousness]

We've gotten off topic and I really don't think the conversation is heading anywhere other than a bit of argument.

....BUT, since we are off topic I'd like to say that I don't think -everything- necessarily labeled "occult" is inherently evil. I think most of it is either silliness or yes, attempts to tap into otherworldly power not of God (demons, which IS evil), but who can you really blame if you have an out of body experience, though? I know a man who had one when he was in a coma for a few days after a football injury. Is that something he should be seeking deliverance from, and if so, why? I've looked at horoscopes and even put some faith in them, but was that an issue when I went through deliverance ministry-no.

I also don't believe that deliverance is necessary for everyone. It is Christ that sets captives free, and He doesn't necessarily have to use a minister to do that. If someone has knowledge of spiritual bondage and freedom through Christ, I believe they can successfully search themselves at the guidance of the Holy Spirit and lead themselves to freedom without ever manifesting anything.