Harry Potter Books

[surfinpure]

rocklobster:

Yeah it sure is interesting that people will let CS Lewis and Tolkien get away with it but not Rowling. It’s like Welborn said, it’ll be VERY ironic when Harry Potter is seen in the same contexts … I grew up reading Lewis and Tolkein. I also watched Thundercats, a cartoon brimming with magic. I read Hans CHRISTIAN Andersen, who also used lots of magic. The point: I’m still a Catholic.

What exactly are Lewis and Tolkien “getting away with?” Lewis’s use of mythology and “magic” are clearly Christian allegory. Same thing with Tolkien. What’s more, it’s one thing to allow some concept of magic to play a role in a much grander scheme; it’s quite another to make magic - specifically witchcraft and wizardry - the central focus of the work.

I could go on and on, but the point is, Lewis and Tolkien use magic in such a different way that they can hardly be compared with Rowling. While Lewis and Tolkien were blatantly Christian authors with other serious works under their belts, Rowling is not.

I agree that simply being exposed to Harry Potter (just like “Thundercats” or “Care Bears” or whatever) is not necessarily enough to rob every child of his faith. However, under certain circumstances and with certain children, there is a real danger here. If a child is already not being raised in a Christian home and doesn’t get a lot of attention from his parents, for example, the idea of the occult could be hugely tantalizing. I’ve known more than one childhood “Dungeons and Dragons” player to branch out into Ouija boards, Wicca, and worse. Who’s to say this could not and does not happen to such individuals with Harry Potter?

 

[Ruthmary]

rocklobster:

So I take it you would favor excommunication and burning people at the stake too?

My goodness, you do take things to extreme! Let me guess – you don’t take correction very well.

Jesus gave us the Church for a purpose-- not just as window dressing. Obedience is a great virtue; perhaps you should research it.

The book of Proberbs has a few things to say regarding obedience and seeking counsel from others.

1 My son, forget not my teaching, keep in mind my commands;

2

For many days, and years of life, and peace, will they bring you.

5

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, on your own intelligence rely not;

6

In all your ways be mindful of him, and he will make straight your paths.

7

Be not wise in your own eyes, fear the LORD and turn away from evil;

8

This will mean health for your flesh and vigor for your bones.

11

The discipline of the LORD, my son, disdain not; spurn not his reproof;

12

For whom the LORD loves he reproves, and he chastises the son he favors.

13

2 Happy the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding!

14

For her profit is better than profit in silver, and better than gold is her revenue;

15

3 She is more precious than corals, and none of your choice possessions can compare with her.

16

Long life is in her right hand, in her left are riches and honor;

17

Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace;

18

4 She is a tree of life to those who grasp her, and he is happy who holds her fast.

19

The LORD by wisdom founded the earth, established the heavens by understanding;

20

By his knowledge the depths break open, and the clouds drop down dew.

21

My son, let not these slip out of your sight: keep advice and counsel in view;

22

So will they be life to your soul, and an adornment for your neck.

23

Then you may securely go your way; your foot will never stumble;

24

When you lie down, you need not be afraid, when you rest, your sleep will be sweet.

35

Honor is the possession of wise men, but fools inherit shame.

The Church has been around for 2,000 years. She has much to teach us all.