Why is LOTR acceptable among Christians...

[Hetta]

I didn't think it was either but I wanted some clarification. Some people seem to have a strong resentment to these movies.

That is their own issue. Someone quoted Romans 14 here and that is the correct scripture.

If LOTR or HP (or the Narnia stories, or Twilight etc) will cause a person to stumble, they shouldn't watch/read. Care should be taken to ensure that children understand the difference between fact and fiction also, because they are weaker and need that guidance from adults. But for adults - Romans 14 all the way.

 

[NewUser777]

LOTR is not about magic.

Completely agree.

It's about good versus evil. To the death.

No giving up. No switching sides.

Accomplish your mission.

 

[Inkachu]

Speaking of which, I spent a lovely hour or two last night watching behind-the-scenes LOTR documentary stuff... it was many kinds of awesome

 

[Gnarwhal]

...but not Harry Potter?

I'm not defending Harry Potter at all. But sometimes I do stop and think about what makes one thing right, and another wrong. I mean LOTR alone has magic, demonic beings, and I remember seeing an article explain that Tolkien's inspiration for the elves came from Norse mythology - or at the very least, eerily resembles what can be found within it. Also, Tolkien went as far as to create a god over the middle earth universe named Eru. Although he isn't spoken about in the foreground of LOTR or The Hobbit, he does hold great significance to the history of Middle Earth.

It seems the only thing that makes LOTR acceptable to Christians is that Tolkien himself was a Christian, and that certain theologically correct Christian themes seem to make the story as interesting and exciting as it is.

So where exactly can we draw the line between LOTR and HP? Is it literally because one was written by a Christian and the other wasn't?

EDIT: I should also add that (If I understand correctly) Tolkien did not actually even intend on making a story that reflects Christian beliefs, unlike C.S Lewis with Narnia.

My old pastor put it in a way that I thought was interesting (I don't remember why he was addressing the two in a sermon, I think it was a side note of sorts). The way he put it, essentially both stories were about the characters being given a source of power (the One Ring in LOTR and Harry's learning to harness magic in Harry Potter) what this pastor described as the differences were that in LOTR their desire was to reject that power and destroy it but in Harry Potter they desired to pursue it and utilize it.

Now I'm sure many people can shoot all kinds of holes in that comparison, that's just one argument that mildly made sense to me.

For me personally, my preference for Lord of the Rings has never had to do with "spiritual implications" or the way power and magic are depicted in either story, but more how the stories themselves were crafted and the scope of the universe that Tolkien created. I just have so much respect for that man that I don't believe anything else can compare.

 

[Follower3]

oh thats a good point.

 

[~Anastasia~]

Yes, that does make a lot of sense. And I've loved Tolkien's work since I was 10 or 11 maybe, when I discovered it. Based on the story, the world, all the intricacies.

But yes, I think that's an excellent point.

 

[Inkachu]

...but more how the stories themselves were crafted and the scope of the universe that Tolkien created. I just have so much respect for that man that I don't believe anything else can compare.

Hear, hear

 

[dieing2bwithjesus]

I found this on the internet. Food for thought/discernment




A Former Witch Looks At

The Lord Of The Rings



Something very strange is going on in the United States, and the spirits that are hard at work are now bringing forth a power that is designed to captivate the entire world. Shortly after the twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York City fell to the ground and drastically changed our nation forever, a new series of movies began to draw millions of people to the movie theaters. Standing above and apart from the many fantasy movies and books is a trilogy or series of three called The Lord Of The Rings. This series was written by the late J.R.R. Tolkien and was first published in book form in the early 1950’s. During the rock music revolution of the 1960’s, The Lord of the Rings trilogy caught on, and over 100 million of these books were sold. These books greatly fueled the spiritual revolution and opened the door for witchcraft to seize upon our world. All of this is being done to prepare the way for a new world order in a new Aquarian age.

I was once a witch and was very much a part of the world that J.R.R. Tolkien reveals in his Lord of the Rings trilogy. In the 1960’s, I practiced astrology, palmistry, and numerology among other devices of the craft. I was graciously and mercifully saved out of witchcraft by the Lord Jesus, and I am now spending my life in a mission of exposing occultism and its forces of darkness. I am thus writing this message with a great urgency, for I can spot witchcraft in a moment, and I recognize it well. I can see that the deceptive cloud of witchcraft has descended upon our nation. Even many Christians are being pulled into the forbidden realm of the occult, because they are so ignorant of Satan’s devices.

Before I reveal the dangers of The Lord of the Rings trilogy and expose it as real witchcraft, I will reveal some things regarding the beliefs and doctrines of witchcraft. First of all, witches and Satanists are not the same thing. Witches do not believe in Satan. The first thing a neophyte or beginner witch is taught is that there is a “force.” The “force” has two sides and can be controlled by magic spells, words, potions, incantations, rope magic, rings, amulets, and so on. Witches believe that there is good witchcraft and bad witchcraft, and the good always triumphs over evil! Witches also teach that battles are fought in the Middle Earth and in the astral plane causing upheavals both above and below. Thus, witches emphasize that good must triumph over evil, but it is all witchcraft.

I am always amazed when I hear ministries such as Chuck Colson, “Focus on the Family”, and the Assemblies of God defend such works as Harry Potter, The Lord of the Rings, and The Narnia Chronicles. I am amazed because they say the same things that initiated coven witches are saying, which is that good triumphs over evil! It is all witchcraft, and the good that these professing Christians are defending is witchcraft as forbidden in Deuteronomy 18:9-14. As a former witch, I was horrified and outraged to find that “Focus on the Family” was promoting a book as announced in the December 2001 issue of their magazine. The book being promoted is titled, Finding God in the Lord of the Rings. The asking price was 13 dollars. (The number “13” is the coven number in the occult.) Thus, these so-called “Christian” ministries are making witches their evangelists and using witchcraft materials in their Sunday Schools. Soon they will find their children are in the craft as “good little Christian witches.”

The Lord of the Rings trilogy was the work of John Ronald Reuel Tolkien, who did his writing during the midnight hours. He worked for 12 years and released his story in the 13th year. Tolkien became known as the “Master of the Middle Earth.” This was a land inhabited by hobbits, elves, mortal men, wizards, dwarves and orcs or grotesque goblins. The hero of the story is a hobbit or halfling only 3 ½ feet tall named Frodo Baggins. Frodo has pointed ears and furry feet and carries a cursed object with him. The cursed object is a golden ring invested with terrible powers that must be destroyed by casting it into a fiery abyss at a great distance. If Frodo would fail, the ring would fall into the hands of an evil wizard called Sauron, and the entire world would pass into eternal darkness under the dark lord. Sauron’s world is a land of shadows called Mordor. The ring has an inscription on which is written a message in the witchcraft language of runes. We must remember that these runes are real and are used in the occult. As I now reveal the meaning of the runes, please bear in mind that President George W. Bush wears an exact replica of this ring. I have an enlarged picture to prove it. The runes on the ring are interpreted as follows: “One ring to rule them all, one ring to find them, one ring to bring them all and in the darkness bind them.”

J.R.R. Tolkien was born in South Africa where his father, Arthur, managed a bank. When his father died, his mother, Mabel, returned with her children to Birmingham, England, where she converted to Roman Catholicism. J.R.R. Tolkien said, “I desired dragons with a profound desire.” He soon became a prodigy and was speaking German, French, Latin, and flawless classical Greek. In speech, he would sometimes break out in Gothic, an ancient form of German. He would also speak medieval Welsh and Anglo-Saxon. Tolkien even developed new languages. One of them he called Elvish. He went on to say that the entire story of The Lord of the Rings came to him as a result of the new language that he invented. He was a professor at Oxford University as all of this was happening and as the story of elves, wizards, trolls, and hobbits poured into his mind. While it became a manuscript under his pen, he said, “My work has escaped from my control, I have produced a monster.”

Tolkien, the devout Catholic and “Master of Middle Earth”, converted his colleague C.S. Lewis and spent much time with him at the Oxford pub or tavern. They claimed to have “kindred spirits.”

There is much rank blasphemy in Tolkien’s works, such as the death and resurrection of the wizard Gandalf, who falls into the pit and descends into hell but comes back transformed and stronger than ever. Deceived Christians say that this “good wizard” is a type of Christ! Tolkien even translated the Lord’s Prayer into the Elvish language.

I can say most assuredly that The Lord of the Rings trilogy comes from the pits of hell and is a clever instructional course in witchcraft disguised as fantasy and entertainment. Part one was released in movie form on December 19, 2001, shortly after the two towers of the World Trade Center came down. It was called “The Fellowship of the Ring.” Part two was called “The Two Towers” and was released December 18, 2002. Part three is named “The Return of the King” and was released December 17, 2003, and is breaking all records for ticket sales. All three movies were released at the time of the witchcraft sabat of Yule!

It is my prayer as a preacher of the true Gospel that Christians will come fully awake. We do not find the saving Gospel in the Middle Earth with wizards, hobbits, and elves. We find the Gospel only in the Bible and through the blood of our Saviour Jesus.



For more information write to:


Last Trumpet Ministries
PO Box 806
Beaver Dam, WI 53916
USA

 

[Inkachu]

Sorry, but he/she lost all credibility with this sentence: All of this is being done to prepare the way for a new world order in a new Aquarian age.

The accusations presented in that article are nothing short of paranoid and actually closer to just plain crazy.

The movies were created and released when Peter Jackson felt it was the right time, due to the advancement of technology, special effects, getting the rights to make the movies, etc. This accusation that they were purposefully released during "the witchcraft sabat of Yule" (during the holidays) is preposterous; MOST big-budget, highly anticipated films are released during two times of year: summer, and the holidays, when people are more likely to go to the theaters.

There is so much more false information there, it's hard to address it all. Gandalf did not fall into "hell" (it was a pit deep below the earth, yes, but is never described as or is meant to be thought to be hell). Nobody thinks Gandalf is a "type of Christ", he's a Christ-like literary figure; BIG difference. I've yet to pass a "Church of Gandalf" on my way through town.

The image of GW Bush wearing the LOTR ring is a doctored, fake image. Widely known. Duh.

It mentions a promotion of a book about "finding God" in LOTR back in 2001 and then claims that this will create "good little Christian witches". Well, it's been 13 years. Where are these Christian LOTR covens? Hmm?

LOTR was written by an absolute genius, and has flourished for over 60 years all over the world, becoming beloved by untold numbers of fans. Not because it's a cult, but because it's the best fantasy tale ever penned on paper. It is not a religion, it is not witchcraft, and its fans are just that: fans. Not worshippers.

 

[Scott1979]

I found this on the internet. Food for thought/discernment




A Former Witch Looks At

The Lord Of The Rings



Something very strange is going on in the United States, and the spirits that are hard at work are now bringing forth a power that is designed to captivate the entire world. Shortly after the twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York City fell to the ground and drastically changed our nation forever, a new series of movies began to draw millions of people to the movie theaters. Standing above and apart from the many fantasy movies and books is a trilogy or series of three called The Lord Of The Rings. This series was written by the late J.R.R. Tolkien and was first published in book form in the early 1950’s. During the rock music revolution of the 1960’s, The Lord of the Rings trilogy caught on, and over 100 million of these books were sold. These books greatly fueled the spiritual revolution and opened the door for witchcraft to seize upon our world. All of this is being done to prepare the way for a new world order in a new Aquarian age.

I was once a witch and was very much a part of the world that J.R.R. Tolkien reveals in his Lord of the Rings trilogy. In the 1960’s, I practiced astrology, palmistry, and numerology among other devices of the craft. I was graciously and mercifully saved out of witchcraft by the Lord Jesus, and I am now spending my life in a mission of exposing occultism and its forces of darkness. I am thus writing this message with a great urgency, for I can spot witchcraft in a moment, and I recognize it well. I can see that the deceptive cloud of witchcraft has descended upon our nation. Even many Christians are being pulled into the forbidden realm of the occult, because they are so ignorant of Satan’s devices.

Before I reveal the dangers of The Lord of the Rings trilogy and expose it as real witchcraft, I will reveal some things regarding the beliefs and doctrines of witchcraft. First of all, witches and Satanists are not the same thing. Witches do not believe in Satan. The first thing a neophyte or beginner witch is taught is that there is a “force.” The “force” has two sides and can be controlled by magic spells, words, potions, incantations, rope magic, rings, amulets, and so on. Witches believe that there is good witchcraft and bad witchcraft, and the good always triumphs over evil! Witches also teach that battles are fought in the Middle Earth and in the astral plane causing upheavals both above and below. Thus, witches emphasize that good must triumph over evil, but it is all witchcraft.

I am always amazed when I hear ministries such as Chuck Colson, “Focus on the Family”, and the Assemblies of God defend such works as Harry Potter, The Lord of the Rings, and The Narnia Chronicles. I am amazed because they say the same things that initiated coven witches are saying, which is that good triumphs over evil! It is all witchcraft, and the good that these professing Christians are defending is witchcraft as forbidden in Deuteronomy 18:9-14. As a former witch, I was horrified and outraged to find that “Focus on the Family” was promoting a book as announced in the December 2001 issue of their magazine. The book being promoted is titled, Finding God in the Lord of the Rings. The asking price was 13 dollars. (The number “13” is the coven number in the occult.) Thus, these so-called “Christian” ministries are making witches their evangelists and using witchcraft materials in their Sunday Schools. Soon they will find their children are in the craft as “good little Christian witches.”

The Lord of the Rings trilogy was the work of John Ronald Reuel Tolkien, who did his writing during the midnight hours. He worked for 12 years and released his story in the 13th year. Tolkien became known as the “Master of the Middle Earth.” This was a land inhabited by hobbits, elves, mortal men, wizards, dwarves and orcs or grotesque goblins. The hero of the story is a hobbit or halfling only 3 ½ feet tall named Frodo Baggins. Frodo has pointed ears and furry feet and carries a cursed object with him. The cursed object is a golden ring invested with terrible powers that must be destroyed by casting it into a fiery abyss at a great distance. If Frodo would fail, the ring would fall into the hands of an evil wizard called Sauron, and the entire world would pass into eternal darkness under the dark lord. Sauron’s world is a land of shadows called Mordor. The ring has an inscription on which is written a message in the witchcraft language of runes. We must remember that these runes are real and are used in the occult. As I now reveal the meaning of the runes, please bear in mind that President George W. Bush wears an exact replica of this ring. I have an enlarged picture to prove it. The runes on the ring are interpreted as follows: “One ring to rule them all, one ring to find them, one ring to bring them all and in the darkness bind them.”

J.R.R. Tolkien was born in South Africa where his father, Arthur, managed a bank. When his father died, his mother, Mabel, returned with her children to Birmingham, England, where she converted to Roman Catholicism. J.R.R. Tolkien said, “I desired dragons with a profound desire.” He soon became a prodigy and was speaking German, French, Latin, and flawless classical Greek. In speech, he would sometimes break out in Gothic, an ancient form of German. He would also speak medieval Welsh and Anglo-Saxon. Tolkien even developed new languages. One of them he called Elvish. He went on to say that the entire story of The Lord of the Rings came to him as a result of the new language that he invented. He was a professor at Oxford University as all of this was happening and as the story of elves, wizards, trolls, and hobbits poured into his mind. While it became a manuscript under his pen, he said, “My work has escaped from my control, I have produced a monster.”

Tolkien, the devout Catholic and “Master of Middle Earth”, converted his colleague C.S. Lewis and spent much time with him at the Oxford pub or tavern. They claimed to have “kindred spirits.”

There is much rank blasphemy in Tolkien’s works, such as the death and resurrection of the wizard Gandalf, who falls into the pit and descends into hell but comes back transformed and stronger than ever. Deceived Christians say that this “good wizard” is a type of Christ! Tolkien even translated the Lord’s Prayer into the Elvish language.

I can say most assuredly that The Lord of the Rings trilogy comes from the pits of hell and is a clever instructional course in witchcraft disguised as fantasy and entertainment. Part one was released in movie form on December 19, 2001, shortly after the two towers of the World Trade Center came down. It was called “The Fellowship of the Ring.” Part two was called “The Two Towers” and was released December 18, 2002. Part three is named “The Return of the King” and was released December 17, 2003, and is breaking all records for ticket sales. All three movies were released at the time of the witchcraft sabat of Yule!

It is my prayer as a preacher of the true Gospel that Christians will come fully awake. We do not find the saving Gospel in the Middle Earth with wizards, hobbits, and elves. We find the Gospel only in the Bible and through the blood of our Saviour Jesus.



For more information write to:


Last Trumpet Ministries
PO Box 806
Beaver Dam, WI 53916
USA

After I quit laughing and wiped the tears from my eyes where I could type all I could think to say was....REALLY??

 

[seeingeyes]

It's a head smacking good time!

 

[abysmul]

If anyone's faith is so frail that reading a fantasy novel would possibly do them spiritual harm, then they shouldn't read it.

 

[RDKirk]

If anyone's faith is so frail that reading a fantasy novel would possibly do them spiritual harm, then they shouldn't read it.

That's a Catch-22. It takes a certain degree of faith to realize they're being done spiritual harm. It doesn't necessarily have anything to do with frailty, really, but with maturity in avoiding unnecessary risk when the stakes are high.

No, let me rephrase that. It takes a certain degree of spiritual maturity to realize you're unnecessarily risking spiritual harm.

I find this amazing: I can argue with Christians who think it strange that there are programs I won't watch, calling that "legalism" while I call it "guarding my mind." Yet, I know many non-Christians who restrict their media--some atheists who won't watch programs extolling the virtues of religion for instance.

 

[seeingeyes]

That's a Catch-22. It takes a certain degree of faith to realize they're being done spiritual harm. It doesn't necessarily have anything to do with frailty, really, but with maturity in avoiding unnecessary risk when the stakes are high.

No, let me rephrase that. It takes a certain degree of spiritual maturity to realize you're unnecessarily risking spiritual harm.

I find this amazing: I can argue with Christians who think it strange that there are programs I won't watch, calling that "legalism" while I call it "guarding my mind." Yet, I know many non-Christians who restrict their media--some atheists who won't watch programs extolling the virtues of religion for instance.

The common denominator is folks telling other folks what they should be doing instead of submitting to one another in love, each using their strengths to shore up the weaknesses of their brothers and sisters.

It's one thing to say "I will not read LOTR because I believe it will sway me from my faith" (this is honest recognition of weakness).

It's another thing to say "You must not read LOTR because I believe it will sway you from your faith" (this is, in most circumstances, setting others under the yoke of unnecessary laws).

And then there's the point that you mentioned "You must read LOTR or else admit to being bound to the entirety of the Law" (which is setting others under the yoke of unnecessary laws in the name of freedom from the law...at which point it's best to just set the phone down and go back to whatever you were doing ).

 

[isleof]

It isn't.

 

[dieing2bwithjesus]

The Bible Gods word tells us over and over again to guard our minds. Put on the full armor of God. He does not say only the weak have to do it. Twisting Gods word to fit your desires or need to do something that God clearly said not to do is playing with fire. You may not get burnt but someone who is looking to God for answers and guidance may because you shared it with them. We are not to encourage others to fall. Regardless of how strong you think your faith is. Basicly its saying I can go play with Satan because I have it all together I am strong enough. Shacking my head. That is the biggest lie you could ever tell yourself. Jimmy Swaggard thought he could go to strip clubs because he thought his faith was strong enough. Look what happened to him. There are many temptations out there. Some look so innocent and fun. Beware of the hidden traps. A true Christian is not legalistic they discern what is good and safe and in Gods will for them. We are growing to be more like Christ. Not growing to see how much we can dabble with ungodly things to test our faith. That would be like the churches that use snakes in the services to see if they don't get bit. Everyone is entitled to do what ever they want. But if you read the bible and love Jesus and hear his spirit warning you and guiding you and ignore it you may end up with evil spirits taking his place in your life. If you don't believe in evil spirits. You don't believe in the God of the bible.

 

[dieing2bwithjesus]

Today, many people dabble in the mystical, occultic arts. Is there anything wrong with being involved in these practices? Yes, the Bible takes a clear position on this subject, strongly denouncing these practices. God created us and therefore owns us. He has a right to set the rules for our lives. God’s Word indicates that these practices are part of Satan’s strategy of evil tricks and deception, designed to lead us astray. Satan and his demons are real beings set on our destruction. Christians are warned to…


“put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Ephesians 6:11-12).

See: What is the occult?

Concerning occult practices, the Israelites were told:


“When you come into the land which the LORD your God is giving you, you shall not learn to follow the abominations of those nations. There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire [an ancient occult practice], or one who practices witchcraft, or a soothsayer, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, or one who conjures spells, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead. For all who do these things are an abomination [detestable] to the LORD…”
—Deuteronomy 18:9-12a

Astrology (predictions by the planets or moon; horoscopes; sometimes referred to as “observing times” in the Old Testament)

Although the Bible does not go into great detail about astrology, it certainly makes its position clear. We should never trust in astrological beliefs or predictions. Astrology is an ancient, heathen practice that leads to disaster. Our lives are not determined by the stars or movement of planets. The Bible warns against the false predictions of astrology (Jeremiah 10:2; 27:9-10; Daniel 2:1-4; 4:7; 5:7-9) and repeatedly condemns the associated practice of worshipping the sun, moon and stars (or “deities or demons associated with them”) (Deuteronomy 4:19; 17:2-5; 2 Kings 21:3, 5; Zephaniah 1:5; Job 31:26-28; Jeremiah 8:1-2).

In Isaiah, God sarcastically rebukes the Babylonians for practicing astrology,


…For you have trusted in your wickedness… Therefore evil shall come upon you… trouble shall fall upon you… Let now the astrologers, the stargazers, And the monthly prognosticators stand up and save you from what shall come upon you. Behold, they shall be as stubble, The fire shall burn them; They shall not deliver themselves from the power of the flame…
-Isaiah 47:10-14a

Magic, spells, enchantments, charming, sorcery, wizardry, witchcraft

Research has shown that occult magic is often fraudulent and deceitful illusion—counterfeit miracles. Many books have been written on this subject. In some instances, occult magic or divination are a manifestation of demonic powers or the result of demon possession (Acts 16:16). Of course, the power of Satan and his demons is extremely limited compared to God’s power.

Those who follow the path of the magic arts are on the wrong path - a road that leads away from God, not toward Him. In one way or another, the end will be disaster. The evil Queen Jezebel practiced witchcraft (2 Kings 9:22) bringing catastrophe on herself and all Israel. Over and over, God denounces those who “conjure spells” (NKJV) and those who practice witchcraft and sorcery. The Bible says that anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord (Deuteronomy 18:10-12; 2 Kings 21:6; Micah 5:12; Isaiah 47:12; Ezekiel 13:18, 20; Acts 8:11-24; Leviticus 20:27; Exodus 7:11; Revelation 9:21; 22:15).

God warns of the ultimate punishment. Revelation 21:8 says of “…those who practice magic arts …their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur… the second death” (NIV). Those who practice witchcraft (sorcery) will not inherit the kingdom of God (Galatians 5:20-21). These practices are anti-God and are in rebellion against Him.

Many of citizens of ancient Ephesus practiced the magic arts. Those who became Christians realized the foolish error of their former lives and burned their expensive books of magic as the trash they were (Acts 19:19).

The Bible tells how the apostle Paul once dealt with one of these deceivers, a sorcerer and false prophet who led people astray. “Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him and said, ’O full of all deceit and all fraud, you son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, will you not cease perverting the straight ways of the Lord? And now, indeed, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you shall be blind, not seeing the sun for a time.’ And immediately a dark mist fell on him, and he went around seeking someone to lead him by the hand” (Acts 13:9-11).

Divination, fortune-telling, mediums, spiritism, necromancy, familiar spirits, wizardry, seances, channeling, clairvoyance, spirit-guides

The Bible strongly warns people not to consult mediums and spiritists for the truth, but to inquire of God (Isaiah 8:19). Clearly, if those who practiced these arts have any power (beyond being great deceivers), it is not a gift from God (as some falsely claim). The Bible condemns and forbids these practices several times (Deuteronomy 18:9-14; Isaiah 44:25; Jeremiah 27:9; 2 Kings 21:6; 23:24). Divination and spiritism were despised practices of the heathens (Ezekiel 21:21; Isaiah 19:3; 1 Samuel 28). Scripture says that one of the reasons King Saul died was “because he consulted a medium for guidance” rather than God (1 Chronicles 10:13-14).

The Bible provides examples showing the folly and failures of those who claimed the ability to predict the future based on their own powers or those of spirits (Daniel 2:27, etc.). God calls the word of diviners “nonsense,” “lies” and “deception” for foolish people (Ezekiel 13:8; Jeremiah 14:14; Isaiah 44:25). God said, “Woe to the foolish prophets who follow their own spirit and have seen nothing!” (Ezekiel 13:3). If an Israelite lived the deceitful practice of being a medium, it was punishable by death (Leviticus 20:27). The presence of a medium or spiritist among God’s people of Israel was considered a defilement (Leviticus 19:31). All these practices take people further from their Creator, the true and living God.

Following omens or signs

We are not to look to omens or “signs” to direct our lives. The Bible reprimands people for doing this. It is an “abomination” and foolishness (Deuteronomy 18:10-12). Look to God and His instructions for life as provided in the Bible. To do otherwise is to foolishly deceive yourself, or allow Satan and others to deceive you.

 

[Scott1979]

Odds are pretty good though that someone would have already been involved with witchcraft and things of that nature before watching or reading HP or LOTR. It would surprise me to learn that someone watched LOTR or HP and without any prior knowledge decided to dive off into the dark side.

 

[Inkachu]

The common denominator is folks telling other folks what they should be doing instead of submitting to one another in love, each using their strengths to shore up the weaknesses of their brothers and sisters.

It's one thing to say "I will not read LOTR because I believe it will sway me from my faith" (this is honest recognition of weakness).

It's another thing to say "You must not read LOTR because I believe it will sway you from your faith" (this is, in most circumstances, setting others under the yoke of unnecessary laws).

And then there's the point that you mentioned "You must read LOTR or else admit to being bound to the entirety of the Law" (which is setting others under the yoke of unnecessary laws in the name of freedom from the law...at which point it's best to just set the phone down and go back to whatever you were doing ).

THIS!! I don't care if anyone doesn't wanna read LOTR, but don't try to smear it for everyone else. Follow YOUR conscience, and let me follow mine

 

[dieing2bwithjesus]

I follow the Holy Spirits conscience not mine. following mine would only get me introuble and end up like Satan thrown out of the kingdom of God. Its not my will be done, but his will be done on earth as it is in heaven.