What's wrong with Harry Potter? 

[a alternate perspective from a Christian point of view]

“Is evil attractive? Yes, I think that's very true.” This is a quote by J K. Rowling, author of the Harry Potter book series. In fact this is what her book centers on, evil being overcome. The root of the problem is that it is overcome by sorcery; the good wizard fighting the bad wizard. From a Christian perspective sorcery is no better a means than the evil it is overcoming.

The success of the latest Harry Potter book series continues as The Goblet of Fire, hit the New York Times bestseller list weeks before its July release. A record-setting first printing: 3.8 million books, and the series has sold well over 66 million copies and has already been Translated into 200 languages, and there is no sign of decline. J.K. Rowling has become the second highest earner among woman in all of England with 32 million dollars a year. She is next under Madonna who earns 42 million. She is the first author to break the billion dollar barrier.

Some call Harry Potter a paperback hero; well he’s about to hit the big screen. The Harry Potter Movie will no doubt have even a greater impact then the books as it is brought to the big screen where the characters assume a life of there own and become more real than the books could ever portray him.

Parents have argued all along that this book is getting our children to read; besides the books are so well written. We now move on to the next phase of indoctrinating the child with the fascinating world of sorcery on the big screen and all the paraphernalia that comes along with this. The option to have magic powers will be explored in a more serious manner and we cannot discount the big screen images affect on young children. This all goes beyond Star Wars and the force. This is much more real

“Halloween, you'd not be surprised to know, is my favorite holiday,” said J.K. Rowling in a Time magazine interview. She knows well that the unknown and evil attract children. She has created a fantasy world with Harry Potter that encompasses both the attitude and the more popular symbols of Halloween.

Wiccan author Zsuzsanna Budapest stated “We have the holiday back again (Annie Nakao, “Pagan Ways Live On,” San Francisco Examiner, October 22, 1995.). “These pagan calendars are imprinted in our genes.”

Most consider all this harmless fun and fantasy and the main argument many of us hear is that no one is joining a coven or becoming a witch because of these books. J.K. Rowling has said, “I have met thousands of children now, and not even one time has a child come up to me and said, 'Ms. Rowling, I'm so glad I've read these books because now I want to be a witch.' They see it for what it is,” she emphasized. “It is a fantasy world and they understand that completely. “I don't believe in magic, either,” she said. (<http://www.cnn.com/books/news/9910/21/rowling.intvu/index.html>)

Really, that is not what those who have done the research are finding out. Its true, not everyone who reads these books will want to venture into the world of sorcery, but it is not true that all who read these books will want to stay away.

It sounds so faultless, but Wiccan covens are found in High Schools all over and one is never too young to start. One young child said of the age of 10 said, “I was eager to get to Hogwarts first because I like what they learned there and I want to be a witch.” (Gioia Bishop, age 10 “What Readers Think About Goblet?” (San Francisco Chronicle, 7-26)

Our society has been shaped by the programs and films that we enjoy not just books such as Harry Potter. TV shows such as “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” “Charmed” and “Sabrina, the Teenage Witch have become popular, many other programs show occult powers as something to be blessed with (The Others).

The Pagan Federation is claiming that TV programs like Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Sabrina the Teenage Witch have fuelled a rapidly growing interest in witchcraft among children. The organization says it deals with an average of 100 inquiries a month from youngsters who want to become witches, and claims it has occasionally been “swamped” with calls. Media officer Andy Norfolk says the Federation is to appoint its first youth officer in September after receiving calls following recent articles about paganism in teenage magazines.

Foxnes.com reported “Teenage girls are showing unprecedented interest in witchcraft, with about 100 every month wanting to join covens to learn about casting spells....”

(Teenage Witches: Girls just want to learn withchcraft: website- www.foxnews.com/etcetera/080600/witchcraft.sml )

So they cannot claim anymore that there is no effect on people who see these films or read these books!

Wiccans have said there is no relevance to these books and the true practice of the craft. I wondered why witches are so happy about this, if it is not an accurate portrayal of there religion? Heres one answer from a practicing witch “For once, the witches aren't ugly old hags,'' said Michael Darnell, a 39-year-old computer programmer from Winnipeg, Canada, who has been a practicing witch for 25 years. ``For once they're the protagonists rather than the villains.'' Darnell is one of the thousands of North American adherents of Wicca, a faith linked to witchcraft.” (Potter Charms Modern-Day Witches by Deepti Hajela (Associated Press, May 30, 2000)

Another practitioner of the craft says “It portrays witches in positive ways ... but it does not portray my religious beliefs,'' said Chad Anctil of the Witches' League for Public Awareness.” Who is a big admirer of the Harry Potter books he goes on to say “it is difficult for the religion to be taken seriously when books like this portray it as magic.'' The common thread that draws witches and non-witches to the book is its engaging storytelling, which explores the difficulties of growing up and has kids dealing with issues of right and wrong - and standing up for what they believe. “What you're talking about are the choices people make,” said Christina Aubin, parenting coordinator for the Clearwater, Fla.-based Web site, The Witches' Voice. Her 10-year-old daughter is a huge Harry Potter fan. “`It teaches her to think for herself” Aubin said.” (Potter Charms Modern-Day Witches” by Deepti Hajela (Associated Press, May 30, 2000)

Some promotions seem harmless, one site has Professor Dumbledore’s friend Nicholas Flamel, creator of the Sorcerer’s Stone, as a real person. Flamel is an actual historical figure and is supposed to have discovered the Sorcerer’s Stone, he died at the age of 116 in 1414 A.D. J. K. Rowling has him living off its power to the age of 666 (a interesting number). In the book The Sorcerer’s Stone, the destruction of the stone meant that Flamel’s life would come to an end.

On this website The Sorcerer’s Companion: A Guide to the Magical World of Harry Potter, is presented as a fun, fact-filled reference book that will tell you about all these things and much, much more!

The Sorcerer’s Companion offer readers to look up anything magical from the Harry Potter books, in it they can discover all sorts of entertaining and unexpected information. Wands and wizards, boggarts and broomsticks, hippogriffs and herbology-all have fascinating histories rooted in mythology, folktales, literature, or real-life events dating back hundreds or even thousands of years. Magic wands like those sold in Diagon Alley were once made by Druid sorcerers out of sacred yew trees. Love potions are traceable to ancient Greece and Rome. Books on spells and curses were highly popular (and often illegal) during the middle ages. Subjects ranging from Amulets to Zombies are offered, . How a king once paid for a war with a unicorn horn, who wore the first invisibility cloak, How to get rid of an angry goblin, and more of the occult like How to read tea leaves. All of this is the beginning of an introduction to a new and once forbidden world. Of course not of this can be related what is real but half can. The power offered to children by charms and spells soon becomes normal thinking as children open their minds to these concepts. No one can deny that when a child is engrossed in a certain activity sports, games etc that they don’t start thinking on this with there time.

Most Wiccan practitioners value a Book of Shadows. These books used are rarely seen to non-initiates. The Books of Shadows include instructions for the circle casting and banishing; religious rituals; laws; organizational laws for the coven; ceremonies; magickal rites; prayers, and other essential parts. Books like these maintain the Wiccan religion.

The Encyclopedia of Witches and Witchcraft does state that Charms Magical words, phrases, chants and incantations are used in spellcraft  (Rosemary E. Guiley, The Encyclopedia of Witches and Witchcraft, p. 53)

  The Encyclopedia of Wicca and Witchcraft explains that witches believe in gaining knowledge of various herbs, enchantments, charms and spells help to fine-tune one’s ability to direct energy.... and that practice is required in order to become skillful.  This is the reason Harry is going to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry so he can learn, and further his education in practicing his magic skills.

Many of these sites are linked to further ones knowledge in the occult and should not be allowed to be viewed by parents. Links to titles such as “Learn More about the Secrets of the Occult” and “How to Become a Witch.” Rowling insists “Oh, but it’s just fantasy,” “We were raised on scary tales. It can’t hurt.” Purposely making herself oblivious to how impressionable some children are.

Again a reminder of the interview with Newsweek, where the spokesman for the Pagan Federation in England reported that he receives an average of 100 inquiries a month from young people who want to become witches-an unprecedented phenomenon which he attributes in part to the Potter books. An article Time magazine (the December 17, 2000) reported that an organization in Germany has had an increasing number of inquiries, which they too attribute to the Potter books.

Even Rowling herself has expressed surprise at the volume of mail she receives from young readers writing to her as if Hogwarts were real, pursuing to enter the school in order to become witches and wizards. J.K. Rowling in her interview with Newsweek's Malcolm Jones, she said, “I get letters from children addressed to Professor Dumbledore [headmaster at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, the books’ setting], and it’s not a joke, begging to be let into Hogwarts, and some of them are really sad. Because they want it to be true so badly they’ve convinced themselves it’s true.” So why does she insist there are no repercussions from these books. Again how powerful are these concepts to children, are they benign or seeds planted that will germinate as they grow up. And what about the movie that will bring to life the story plot, with all the practices that the children have familiarized themselves with from the book.

A 14-year-old entered The Honolulu Advertiser's call for essays on the Potter series. She stated, “When I first read Harry Potter, I was amazed,” “It seemed that he had all the feelings I had. He did all the things I knew I wanted to do. He was a hero, just as I hoped to be one. “His life was so real to me, and it all seemed so possible, even the magic.” (Harry Potter enchants readers young and old Sunday, November 11, 2001 Honolulu Advertiser)

How can one say there is no influence on children to be inquisitive in witchcraft? When we see the lightening bolt scar on Harry's forehead that identifies him as a wizard with unusual powers. Many of the children when they purchased the Harry Potter book received lightening bolt stickers for their own foreheads, and they dressed up showing their loyalty and allegiance to the books character and part of Harry Potter's worldwide fan club.

What makes this more intriguing is that Rowlings childhood playmate Ian Potter could have been inspiration to Harry “whose childhood antics have startling similarities to those of the fictional schoolboy wizard.” Together, they began to role-play the practices that made her books so exciting.

“We used to dress up and play witches all the time,” explained Ian's sister Vikki. “My brother would dress up as a wizard. Joanne was always reading to us.... we would make secret potions for her. She would always send us off to get twigs for the potions.” I would think that this tells us a lot about her interest and influence as a child. Here she is now in a position of an adult and an influence to just about anyone’s child, and she presents her childhood dreams of playing witch to them in a book.

Rowling explains it perfectly, Harry is smart and good at sports and a lot of things that other children would like to be, but children feel for him because he lost his parents. If an author makes a character an orphan, few children will want to be an orphan, too. But it is a freeing thing, because the weight of parental expectation is lifted (Newsweek, August 23, 1999). Here we have her promoting the divorce of the child from his parents supervision as a good thing as they no longer will guide him or put pressure on the child to be under there jurisdiction. It becomes more apparent what she means in this quote. “The idea that we could have a child who escapes from the confines of the adult world and goes somewhere where he has power, both literally and metaphorically, really appealed to me.” (<http://www.scholastic.com/harrypotter/author/index.htm>)

Beware of the Christian right warn those who protest those exercising their free speech, while on the other side is beware of the promotion of witchcraft. Somewhere we need to decide what is right and wrong for our children as individuals. Promoting a ban or book burning is not the answer. However we should at least be allowed to tell the other side for those who are naïve, and are open to hear it, we should not be silenced either. Educating people with another point of view is needed.

The concerns from Christians like the American Family Association stated “Many others argue, however, that putting witchcraft in such a positive light is not a message Christian parents would want to endorse.

Focus on the Family gave reviews that were both good and bad. Linda Beam, Focus on the Family's contributing culture analyst, commented on the book “Parents may breathe a sigh of relief knowing that Rowling isn't trying to lure their children into occult activity. “But what the author does in her disbelief may be more harmful than she realizes, since children who become fascinated by her charms and spells could eventually stumble into the very real world of witchcraft and the occult.”

John Andrew Murray reported in Focus on the Family's Citizen magazine, “The book's main characters engage in occultic and Wiccan-style exercises. Harry and his colleagues routinely practice sorcery, cast spells, fly on broomsticks and talk with spirits of the dead.”

But not all Christian organizations are anti Potter as many have claimed. On the other hand some see it as benign or just plain fun with no repercussions to be concerned about. Some of them might surprise you.

In its May 29 (1999) issue of World, critic Roy Maynard said Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone as “a delight-with a surprising bit of depth.” He dismissed the most controversial subjects in less than a paragraph: “Rowling… keeps it safe, inoffensive, and non-occult. This is the realm of Gandalf and the Wizard of Id, not witchcraft. There is a fairy-tale order to it all in which, as Chesterton and Tolkien pointed out, magic must have rules, and good does not-cannot-mix with bad.”

How is one able to say this when the word witchcraft is used throughout the book and they are practicing it is beyond me. It’s called the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, it is promoting using spells and occult means to fight evil.

The second World article came out 5 months later and the same enthusiasm was missing. “A reader drawn in would find that the real world of witchcraft is not Harry Potter's world. Neither attractive nor harmless, it is powerful and evil.” (October 30, 1999) This was all early on and since then many have done more research to know what this is really about and have changed their views.

Chuck Colson took the path of least resistance saying on his Breakpoint (http://www.icrn.com/playit.asp?sc=pf&sid=5&d=19991102) radio broadcast (11/2/1999), he commends Harry and his friends for there “courage, loyalty, and a willingness to sacrifice for one another-even at the risk of their lives.” He says those are not bad lessons in a self-centered world. Colson named the pagan practices found in the story as “purely mechanical, as opposed to occultic. That is, Harry and his friends cast spells, read crystal balls, and turn themselves into animals-but they don't make contact with a supernatural world…. [It's not] the kind of real-life witchcraft the Bible condemns.”

All the things Colson describes are used in the occult world spells, crystal balls, transformation into animals are not imaginary activities. Dead people showing up and speaking to them in conversation is promoted, Astrology. Just because they didn’t actually do this does not mean it is acceptable. As a Christian Colson should already know “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret ”(Eph. 5:11-12).

The British Christianity magazine had good to say about the series. In a issue, Mark Greene, Director of the London Institute for Contemporary Christianity, wrote a note of regret for not giving it to his god-daughter earlier: “I wish I'd been the one to introduce her to Harry-fine lad you know, courageous, resourceful, humble, fun, good mind. Comes from good stock, you know. She could do worse, far worse. And, as far as literary companions go, frankly, not much better.”

Once again these characters and story are wrapped up in the greater theme of sorcery. With the outright promotion of witches, wizards, goblins, dead people, poltergeists, spells, and potions, references to blood, murder, and death in very descriptive reading, it doesn’t take a brain surgeon to figure out the diagnosis. The world can do what they want but the choice at least for the Christian is, what does the Bible instruct us to do? “What fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? (2 Cor. 6:14-17) “have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness “..., but “expose them” (Eph. 5:12). Those who have a platform to the church will one-day answer to the Lord for what they did or did not do on important issues that God has already spoken on. This is not a matter to sleep on.

Can the book which is now a movie be compared to classics like Peter Pan, Pinocchio or other cartoon superheroes? There seems to be something a bit more real and true to life in this book that does put it over the edge of just fantasy. Certainly there was no religion described or to be related to in Peter Pan or Pinocchio. Many of the concerns are justified by the content and the messages being sent. Unfortunately most of the parents are overlooking this factor because of the invitation for their child to read a book. Its not just reading a good book but the content of the book that counts. Liberal parenting only sees what they want to see. Of course one can find certain instances of lessons and friendship, but do we ignore the darker theme that runs through the book?

We hear a denial in those who run to Harry's rescue and say it doesn't matter what children read, just as long as they read. Lets look at this illogical argument. What if your child began to read about war and was so consumed with fighting, would this become a concern. Lets take it up a notch, what if your child began to read how to build weapons in books that were set in a fantasy background, and this is all they read.

Now what about the movies and video games. What about graphic video games that show how to hunt and kill, do these have no affect on young minds. Showing blood and watching people die in a game is not a natural exposure to reality, it desensitizes us. We have already seen  several children who committed the murders in school shootings had this kind of an influence in their background. Am I saying that everyone who watches and plays these games is influenced this way? No of course not. But to say that no one is would be avoiding the truth. To take the position that those who are weak or going through an unstable time in their life cannot be influenced, is irrational.

Why do sellers spend so much money on advertisements for children? Because they have an influence!
Consider the influence of a long movie.

Evil can disguise itself in many faces and forms. The Harry Potter series has disguised it as good, adventurous reading for children. In this series the reader is presented a dichotomy between Muggles those who do not possess magical powers and sorcerers who do. Real Witchcraft is called “The Craft of the Wise” one probes into the knowledge of energies and the natural and spiritual laws that govern the Universe, available to those who pursue this Gnosis. They can become masters who command a spiritual force to do their bidding. But do they know what or who are these spiritual forces are? The Bible presents a danger of someone engaging in the spiritual realm and man being unequipped to play in its arena.

Caryl Matrisciana of Jeremiah Films has previously done a series on the occult has recently produced a film which exposes the Harry Potter book series. Once involved in the occult she is able to speak from experience that most do not have. In his video, she explains the connection of fantasy on sorcery and magic < http://www.religioustolerance.org/wic_pott.htm  > in the Potter series along with the religion of Wicca. Its not surprising that many are outraged at this, attacking the credibility of her presentation as having no relationship to real Wicca. While witches are not Satanist in the true sense, and there are various forms of witchcraft clearly words and meanings are used that relate to this religion. Rowling has already planned to make the books darker as she continues her series, one can only “imagine” where this will end.

Another book out is also explaining the concerns on Harry Potter by Richard Albanes. Many are very unhappy with this media exposure. Oblivious to the fact that someone who knows from experience is challenging the witches and new agers that clearly want this book read. Because it opens the young minds to their world of religion. In an ABCnews.com interview, Phyllis Curott a practicing Wiccan (witch) says, “Sure, you are seeing witches in Harry Potter do things they don’t do in real life. But it is positive. They are friendly. They are good. The book might change the way people feel about us.”

The books being removed by some schools after parents raised concerns that the series was promoting witchcraft which is a religion, Wiccans find this laughable... they insist that it does not promote their craft. It may be true that in the details it is not accurate but the theme and message certainly are on target.

Many have brought up the point that to read these books as part of the curriculum in the public schools is violating the separation of church and state <http://www.religioustolerance.org/sep_c_st.htm> found in the <http://www.religioustolerance.org/const_am.htm> first Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. They seem have a viable point; if other religions cannot be spoken of, not just taught but spoken of, then why should witchcraft which is a religion have a special privilege because of a book. All religions have a book. And where is the ACLU to protest a religion in school, are they only there for Judaism and Christianity?

Books like Harry Potters series fit into the spirit of the age as they promote the global and occult perspective that is now generally accepted. Delightful and exciting reading brings the reader into world of the battle between good and evil, but the real problem is that there is witchcraft and sorcery as an alternative to fighting evil. The occult is real and can be dangerous and is nothing to play around with. Those who have not experienced the occult are the ones who protest the most, not knowing how deceptive this all is. Those who have not experienced the occult don’t have a clue what they are trying to protect and preserve.

The message we are being sent from all this, it is that we are a more open society today and we must tolerate everything, we cannot openly disagree.

Websites devoted to the series such as, <http://www.mugglesforharrypotter.com/> have the kids sound off there own protest. The kids write about how they love Harry Potter and are afraid the anti-muggle (non magical) adults will take him away from them. Some of them show real anger unfitting for children and we have received some outrageous letters from young children that would not be fit to print. So where are the parents in all this?

The books would not have made such a reaction to a certain segment of parents if they did not glorify the occult worldview. The parents are only wanting to watch out for the children who know nothing about influences shaping there lives when they are young. What’s puzzling to me is instead of parents wanting to err on the side of safety, they want to protect the child’s rights in reading and participating in this fantasy world of sorcery. We need to be careful which way we encourage children’s imagination not just that they use it. In my opinion the movie will prove out everything people have had concerns and warnings on. Give it some time and it will become evident that some children can’t cope with their exposure to this worldview and philosophy.

The book promotes all kinds of occult activity, which is teaching children an alternate religion and spirituality.

In the book Harry Potter and the Goblet of fire, there are descriptions of bad behavior, bad language, (a few damns which of course seems innocuous these days) violence against parents; violent battle scenes at the end of two of the books; rebellion against authority. Occult practices like translocation; speaking in a trance; casting of spells; fortune-telling; amulets; interpreting omens; witches and wizards; practicing witchcraft; white and black magic; putting curses on people; mind-control; engaging with spirits; casting spells; acting as a medium; contacting to the dead; spirits and ghosts; elves; astrology; horror; transfiguration. Hey, but its all in fun, as they sit with Harry through his classes on Potions, Spells, Divination, and learn terms about the ancient Craft. All of these are used in sorcery and occult arts.

ASTROLOGY- “Two centaur’s views on astrology - “We have sworn not to set ourselves against the heaven. Have we not read what is to come in the movements of the planets?” ….”Or have the planets not let you in on that secret?” (J. K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone p. 257.)

A detailed analysis of the way the planetary movements in the coming months will affect you, with reference to your personal chart, she snapped... (Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire p.178). Is astrology a real occult art, of course it is, it is divination.

The distinction between good or evil is vague “Quirrell said, referring to his meeting the murderous wizard Voldemort. “… A foolish young man I was then, full of ridiculous ideas about good and evil. Lord Voldemort showed me how wrong I was. There is no good and evil, there is only power, and those too weak to seek it.... Since then, I have served him faithfully.” (p.291 Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, J. K. Rowling 1997 ). In this book series supernatural power simply exists, it is amoral, and is used for either good or evil purposes. Apart from its pragmatism, this is a powerful statement, that evil denies itself identification and that the absence of evil called good. There no basis for good and evil in any absolute sense.

This is a hard thing for parents who do not know the Bible to understand. To God there is no difference if one wants to use this power for good or evil, he warns about these kind of powers. Yet the book portrays the use of this same power to be used in the hand of the beholder. In real life one can decide if they want to practice white or black magic, it is the same in the books story plot.

Dr Kurt E. Koch an expert on the Occult writes: Black magic is distinguished from white magic by its form. In the worldwide literature of magic, it is maintained that black magic is done by the help of the devil and white magic with the help of God. This definition is false. White magic is just as dependant on the powers from below as is black magic. The evidence is not difficult to find. The effects of white magic are the same as those of black magic. In white magic the three highest names are used for these evil ends. Usually a magic charm is added to the three highest names, taken from the Six and Seventh Books of Moses or from another book of magic. (Occult ABC p. 135)

Headmaster Dumbledore: “To the well organized mind, death is but the next great adventure.” <http://www.crossroad.to/text/articles/> (J. K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, 1997, p 302.)

What exactly is this message that is being sent to a child unaware of the hardships they will have later on in life? That death is ok, that one can use spells for good. Despite the people protest that it is harmless and fantasy, no fantasy book has been written in such a vivid manner for children.

Professor Snape who taught Potions: “I don’t expect you will really understand the beauty of the softly simmering cauldron with its shimmering fumes, the delicate power of liquids that creep through human veins, bewitching the mind, ensnaring the senses….” <http://www.crossroad.to/text/articles/> (J. K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, 1997); p.137) this is just plain creepy to read.

“and Voldemort's dead victims whispered as they circled the dueler, whispered words of encouragement to Harry, and hissed words Harry couldn't hear to Voldemort.

And now another head was emerging from the tip of Voldemort's wand.... The smoky shadow of a tall man with untidy hair fell to the ground... and Harry, his arms shaking madly now, looked back into the ghostly face of his father.

“Your mother's coming...” he said quietly. “She wants to see you.... When the connection is broken, we will linger for only moments.... you must get to the Portkey, it will return you to Hogwarts....” (pp. 667-669

“Harry...” whispered the figure of Cedric, “take my body back, will you? ... back to my parents.” .... (pp. 667-669) this is speaking to the dead Spiritism is a real religious practice.

Madame Trelawney is possessed by a spirit which speaks through her and predicts events which come true in Harry’s life. (Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban., p. 324)

Harry enters the room to take his final exam on Divination, looks into a big crystal ball and is supposed to tell Professor Trelawney what he sees. Based on what he sees, he gets his grade. Harry disappoints Professor Trelawney by pretending to see something and just makes it up (p. 323 The “made-up” prediction does come true p. 415). As he is about to leave the room, Professor Trelawney speaks...

A loud, harsh voice spoke behind him.”It will happen tonight.”But Professor Trelawney didn’t seem to hear him. Her eyes started to roll. Harry sat there in a panic. She looked as though she was about to have some sort of seizure. He hesitated, thinking of running to the hospital wing — and then Professor Trelawney spoke again, in the same harsh voice, quite unlike her own:”The Dark Lord lies Alone and friendless, abandoned by his followers…”

Professor Trelawney’s head fell forward onto her chest. She made a grunting sort of noise. Harry sat there, staring at her. Then, quite suddenly, Professor Trelawney’s head snapped up again. “I’m so sorry, dear boy,” she said dreamily, “the heat of the day, you know... I drifted off for a moment....”Harry responds, “You—you just told me that the—the Dark Lord’s going to rise again... that his servant’s going to go back to him....” Professor Trelawney looked thoroughly startled. (p. 324).

Here we find a description of Professor Trelawney being possessed by a spirit that brought her into a trance state, and a strange voice speaks out of her that Harry doesn’t recognize. This is called divination as the spirit prophesies through Professor Trelawney through spirit contact. This is mediumship found in the Occult world, it is spirit possession.  

SPELLS

Hermoine was immersed in The Standard Book of spells, Grade 4...(Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire p.136) Are there real book of spells of course and this is promoting this activity as acceptable.

“I'm okay,” said Harry. It was sort of true; he was nervous, but he kept running over all the hexes and spells he had been practicing in his mind as they walked, and the knowledge that he could remember them all made him feel better. (p.620)

“Moody says, “is to use a nice, simple spell that will enable you to get what you need.”

Harry looked at him blankly. What did he need?... And it clicked. He was best at flying. He needed to pass the dragon in the air. For that, he needed his Firebolt.... (pp. 344-245)

Without a warning, the silence was rent by a voice unlike any they had heard in the wood; and it uttered, not a panicked sound, but what sounded like a spell.... And something vast, green and glittering erupted from the patch of darkness... For a split second, Harry thought it was another leprechaun formation. The he realized that it was a colossal skull, comprised of what looked like emerald stars, with a serpent protruding from its mouth like a tongue. As they watched, it rose higher and higher, blazing in a haze of greenish smoke, etched against the black sky like a new constellation.... (pp.128-129)

CURSES

They come in many strengths and forms. Now, according to the Ministry of Magic, I’m supposed to teach you counter-curses and leave it at that (Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire p.187).

“I told you, it's You-Know-Who's symbol, Ron,” said Hermione... I read about it in The Rise and Fall of the Dark Arts.” ”Reducio,” said Moody softly. “You don't need thumbscrews or knives to torture someone if you can perform the Cruciatus Curse.... That one was very popular once too... anyone know any other [spells]? Hermione's hand shook slightly as, for the third time, she raised it into the air.. ... “Ah,” said Moody, another slight smile twisting his lopsided mouth. “Yes, the last and the worst. Adava Kedavra... the Killing Curse.” (p. 215)

Harry learns about the Cruciatus Curse in his Defense Against the Dark Arts Class he places a curse on a spider that screams and rolls over in pain. (Goblet of Fire, p. 214) Voldemort uses this curse on Harry. (Goblet of Fire, p. 661) prior to this Harry uses a milder curse on his aunt. (Sorcerer's Stone, p. 29)  

DEMONISM

Voldemort: “I have form only when I can share another's body... but there have always been those willing to let me into their hearts and minds.” (p.293) I would call this Demon possession.

The evil lord Voldemort explains to Harry how he has survived all these years without a body  Only one power remained to me. I could possess the bodies of others.” (p. 653) He goes on to explain I sometimes inhabited animals—snakes, of course, being my preference—but I was little better off inside them than as pure spirit, for their bodies were ill adapted to perform magic…and my possession of them shortened their lives; none of them lasted long” (p. 654)

“The Ministry of Magic keeps tabs on witches and wizards who can become animals; there's a register showing what animal they become.” (p.351) Transformation- transmigration is a main facet of spiritism and the occult arts (turning something into something else) in this case people into animals.

The evil Lord Voldemort is able to tap into secret powers from a bloody ceremony. Harry’s friend, Cedric, is killed so an evil ceremony can take place.  Part of Voldemort’s father’s bone is taken out of the grave, a servant’s arm is cut off, and some of Harry’s blood is taken from him.   Voldemort is then able to get the magic power to form a new resurrected body. (Goblet of Fire pp. 636-643)

You weren’t there, said Harry. You didn’t hear her. This time was different. I told you, she went into a trance a real one. And she said the Dark Lord would rise again... (Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire p.134) Sounds evil to me Dark Lord rising. “Through the mist in front of him, he saw, with an icy surge of terror, the dark outline of a man, tall and skeletally thin, rising slowly from inside the cauldron.... Whiter than a skull, with wide, livid scarlet eyes and a nose that flat as a snake's with slits for nostrils.... Lord Voldemort had risen again.” (p.643)

A VICAR in the Church of England held a special “Harry Potter” family service, with wizards, pointy hats, broomsticks and a game of quidditch. The Rev. Coleman, Vicar of All Saints, will don wizard's robes and hat to play the Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore to lead the special “service of the word.”

The service featured “Muggle songs” (hymns), and will end with a game of quidditch, in which worshippers will compete to capture a “snitch”, a yellow rubber ball. (From news article Church to lure young with Harry Potter).

They familiarize children with a very real religion that certainly is not friendly to theirs being totally naïve of what they are doing to the children.

Another church in NY St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church is comparing Harry Potter with Jesus Christ using the books for their Bible examples.

Teachers dress up as characters from the books and part of the church has been converted to a replica of the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where Potter is a pupil.

During the lessons the baptism of Christ is compared to Harry's “calling” to be a wizard where he overcomes the evil Lord Voldemort.

Children aged 10 to 12 are taught how Christians are redeemed by Christ, just as Harry is quick to forgive his friend Ron and his teacher Dumbledore when they argue.

“It is very easy to compare Jesus and Harry Potter,” said the church's co-director and religious education teacher. He compares Harry being compassionate, non judgmental, and self-sacrificing, of being willing to die for his friends, focuses on the good in people when people are not nice to him.

Here's the excuse, the books are “no worse than the stories of Camelot, Merlin and King Arthur.”

“How many kids do you know who are excited about going to school to hear about scripture? Harry Potter is popular. It's hot. I’d use what's of interest to the children to get the message across.”

The priest at the St Elizabeth Ann Seton church, was congratulated by his superiors for these lessons.

Stating “With this approach you are teaching the children about religion and they don't even realise until it's all over,” he said.

That’s a novel idea, teach them about God without them being aware what they are being taught.

To participate, pupils must first read Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. One lesson compares the, now famous lightning scar on Harry's head to the crucifixion marks of Christ.” I can think of another mark on the forehead this would be comparable to that’s more biblical.

“It describes how, in the book, Harry was saved from Voldemort by his mother's love. It then says: “Discuss how as Christians we defeat death by love and by Jesus' self- sacrifice we are freed from darkness and evil.”

What a comparison for kids to learn by.

The article said, “More than 1,000 children who took part in the lessons responded so positively that they are to be repeated.”

(From the article Church puts faith in Harry Potter Phil Miller, Scottish Arts Correspondent, September 2 2001 )

Catholic News Service has put the Harry Potter books on its Christmas list of recommended children's books, and some parochial school teachers are using the books in the classroom. (Reported on http://www.gospelcom.net/)

One question I have asked those who claim Christ as Lord when they intensely complain about someone saying something corrective about their hero Harry. Do you stand up for Jesus the way you do for Harry? Do you defend Jesus when someone says something about Him like you do your imaginary book friend? Who do you know more about, Jesus or Harry?

Rowling has stated that she had the idea for the book come to her on a train. But not all is pleasant in Potter land; Harry may be facing his biggest battle yet. Author Nancy K. Stouffer claims that Ms. Rowling stole key ideas from her 1984 book The Legend of Rah and Muggles and is suing Ms. Rowling, along with Scholastic Books, Time Warner Entertainment, which owns the film rights to two Potter books, and Mattel and Hasbro, who are happily cashing in on Potter-mania, big time.

Stouffer claims to own the trademark to the word “muggles” and commented, “I think coincidences happen, but I still say if it looks like a duck and acts like a duck, it’s a duck.” Stouffer speculates that Ms. Rowling read the book while in the United States on an educational exchange program during the late 1980's. Ms Stouffer created and marketed Muggles knick-knacks such as dolls and refrigerator magnets and her publisher had promoted them on the Oprah Winfrey TV talk show.

Some examples: The Legend of Rah and Muggles has a character called Larry Potter and a character called Lilly Potter. It also has “muggles” which are little people who magically turn their dreary home into a happy place. Then there are the characters who act as “Keepers of the Garden” “Keepers of the Gardens” “Keeper of the Children”, “Keeper of the Food.”

Rowlings Harry Potter has a character called Harry Potter, and another character called Lily Potter. “Muggles” -- the word used by wizards for humans. And “Keeper of the Keys.” All this makes a strange coincidence, which is possible but may not be so probable. (from the article -Harry potter hero or heathen -(http://collectbooks.about.com/library/weekly/aa061300a.htm)

The games we play

Wizards of the Coast owned by Hasbro, has brought children games like Magic the Gathering, Dungeons and Dragons, Pokemon and many other occult based type games that are introductions into this worldview. They own the rights to make Harry Potter RPG games,and now brings us the Harry Potter trading card game.

Each player is a wizard at Hogwarts who can cast spells and use magical creatures when playing the game. Each card has the stories favorite characters, potions and spells, creatures, and situations from the first novel. Make your opponent's cards 'disappear' and you win! Numerous books are needed for the game the standard book of spells, the dark forces and where to find them. The first person to make his or her opponent’s cards “disappear” wins.

The card game is based on Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, the first novel in the Harry Potter series.

Wizards of the Coast owned by Hasbro, has brought children games like Magic the Gathering, Dungeons and Dragons, Pokemon and many other occult based type games that are introductions into this worldview. They own the rights to make Harry Potter RPG games,and now brings us the Harry Potter trading card game.

Each player is a wizard at Hogwarts who can cast spells and use magical creatures when playing the game. Each card has the stories favorite characters, potions and spells, creatures, and situations from the first novel. Make your opponent's cards 'disappear' and you win! Numerous books are needed for the game the standard book of spells, the dark forces and where to find them. The first person to make his or her opponent’s cards “disappear” wins.

The card game is based on Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, the first novel in the Harry Potter series. The game includes 116 illustrated cards with new artwork that captures their favorite characters, potions, spells, creatures and situations from the he Harry Potter series.

Harry Potter Starter Sets include 2 Starter decks, a rulebook, and a playmat. The Starter Sets can be found at various retail toy, game, and discount department stores.  Then there are xpansion sets that will have more cards for the game. These cards give players more possibilities for building decks In other words it will continue to cost more money as the game expands.

You can play Spells and Items to make your opponent discard the cards in their hand, or use Potion cards to damage your opponent directly.  The game is centered on using the right card of power to defeat the opponent. The cards vary with high cost Spells and Creatures in the deck, to Wands or Cauldrons. Examples: #19 Troll in the Bathroom: Foil premium, #20 Unicorn: Foil premium, #21 Delivery Owl: Rare, #22 Draught of Living Death: Rare, #23 Harry Hunting: Rare, #24 History of Magic: Rare, #112 Wizard Crackers: Common #113 Care of Magical Creatures, #114 Charms, #115 Potions, #116 Transfiguration, etc..

They have put a disclaimer by asking the question “Is this really magic? No. The Harry Potter TCG is simply that -- a game. While some of the cards do have spells and potions and other magical terms on them, this simply reflects the wonderful and wondrous world that J. K. Rowling has created around Harry Potter.”
 

Certainly one cannot make the case that these games are specifically teaching potions or spells, but neither can one guarantee they are not opening the child up to the world of witchcraft.

 Online gaming

 On the Warner Brothers website after you enter the Hogwarth's School you need the standard book of spells by Miranda Goshawk. What you find is a thousand magical herbs and fungi phyliddia spore. A history of MAGIC, Magical theory, a beginners guide to transfiguration. Magical Drafts and potions by Arsenius Jigger. Yes this is fictitious but there is a real world of this waiting the children out there.

You are asked which spell would you like to use. The Harry Potter game mixes potions magical a history of magic, drafts and potions. In Potions class they make brews that can be used to control others.

In the online game you have fantastic beasts and where to find them- The Dark forces a guide to self protection  -You also need a wand a pewter cauldron. Under live the magic one plays by dragging the right ingredients over cauldron, they drop and then press mix to see if you made the potion correctly.

Transfiguration lessons show them how to change objects and people into other kinds of creatures-sometimes against their will. The wizard world is about the pursuit of power and esoteric knowledge. The word transfigure is more accurately called “metamorphous,”   describing witches, sorcerers, and others who delve into the occult arts talk about having the power to transform themselves and other humans at will into animals, birds, and insects.  The transformation of a human being into a wolf is called lycanthropy this is where we find the belief of a werewolf.

Coca Cola; Minute Maid; Hi-C have games to test your potion mixing skills, potions must be mixed in their correct order. Lego has the magical world of Harry Potter which is probably the least influential than all the others yet it does have the names of the book such as Hogwarts classroom the room with the winged keys (http://harrypotter.warnerbros.com/wotc/base_set.html)

The Qudditch board game is for the whole family. There is also the Harry Potter puzzle game, potion mixing game, games with casting spells and levitation, and of course the lunch boxes for children. You can buy eyeglass frames just like Harry Potter's for $79.00, which was featured on The Oprah Winfrey Show. Almost 50 deals have already have been cut with toy makers, worth $1 billion, according to The Washington Post. So this book phenomenon is not just good reading but a very profitable enterprise as they make merchandise of the children.

The book and movie is plainly introducing  the principles of Witchcraft, the Occult to our children. All this does is promote a curiosity in this area that was not there before, it opens up a child to what most would want to protect them from. The series presents the world of witchcraft and sorcery as a wonderful adventure that every child would enjoy. Does this mean that someone will learn the actual spells and participates from reading the book?  No, but it certainly opens them up to be inclined to this when offered. The books present a positive picture on the world of Witchcraft and identify the practices in the religion of Wicca as beneficial  powers any child would like to have. This becomes major influence in the values and perceptions of the coming generation. When magic is presented as good,  what  prevents a young child from participating in this if they were to encounter an opportunity to explore the world of real magic later on in life? Will they be less able to resist its attractions or be more attracted?

The connection to occult worldview is subtle, but not hidden. These are only a few examples that researcher Berit Kos points out that are more than coincidental in Harry Potters books 1-3 and Dungeons and Dragons.

“It's a shape-shifter... It takes the shape of whatever it thinks will frighten us most.” (Book 3 -.133)

Shapeshifter” is defined and mentioned at least twice in Dungeons & Dragons 2nd Edition Player's Handbook

Hogwart's School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. (Harry Potter p.66)

“The magic universities... house many wizards and sages with various specialties.” (p 15-Forgotten Realms)

“The cloaked figure reached the unicorn... and began to drink its blood.” (Harry Potter 256)

“her appearance marks a rise in power and importance of the Unicorn.” (24)

“Hermione's rune translation....”

 “Wizards develop a signature rune.... used in all spells that require writing...” (15-FR)

“Transfiguration... turning something into something else.” (Harry Potter 125)

“Transmuters, the masters of the alteration school of magic....” (16-FR)

Parents are all repulsed by Satanism; but when we compare this to the greater evil, it does not seem so bad. But should we be comparing it backwards instead forwards, to the standard that God gave?

God has instructed us to be careful what we allow our children to be exposed to “These words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit... walk... lie down, and when you rise up. (Deut. 6:6-7)

With talking hats and potions to learn and spells and curses to use, creatures from the dead, etc. Harry becomes witch you can fall in love with.

Harry Potter is a charming story and many people have been CHARMED more than they think.

Well its just like having Halloween all year round.


For an excellent article that covers this topic in depth

http://www.lifesite.net/features/harrypotter/obrienpotter.html

 

 

 

 

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