Harry Potter:

Christian Icons  & Bad Advice

1 John 4:4:1 

"Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world."

 

Numerous icons of  Christian leadership have accepted and promoted Harry Potter as harmless and even helpful for young people. It stands to reason that if something is promoted as good for Christians, it should be able to stand the test of Scripture. Here are a few quotes from these 'leaders':

Chuck Colson, in his Breakpoint broadcast, praised Potter and his friends for their: "Courage, loyalty, and a willingness to sacrifice for one another-even at the risk of their lives."  Colson's essay can be found in his Internet site's archives at www.breakpoint.org.

"If your kids do develop a taste for Harry Potter and his wizard friends, this interest might just open them up to an appreciation for other fantasy books with a distinctly Christian worldview," Colson continued. "When your kids finish reading Harry Potter, give them C.S. Lewis' 'Narnia' books and J.R.R. Tolkien's 'Lord of the Rings' trilogy. These books also feature wizards and
witches and magical potions -- but in addition, they inspire the imagination within a Christian framework -- and prepare the hearts of readers for the real-life story of Christ."

Colson presented Potter's satanic practices 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."

Really???? All the ghosts, poltergeists, goblins, ghouls, elves and so on that they talk to, the divination, shape-shifting, use of spells and talismans, levitation, astral projection, demon possession, automatic writing and so on,  are not of the supernatural or occult world? Isn't witchcraft itself a religion contrary to God?

Let's take a moment and evaluate the following based on Chuck Colson's statements:

When Harry hears voices threatening his life --Inside cover of The Chamber of Secrets: Harry hears evil voices, sinister messages appear on the wall, 

--when Trelawney is demon possessed and channels a demon who speaks through her, 

--when Harry is demonically attacked several times, has psychic dreams, is involved in necromancy..., 

--when Voldemort possesses Wormtail and Ginny, and, quoting the evil Lord Voldemort who had possessed the body of Quirrell and who had his face on the back of Quirrell's head,  

"See what I have become?" the face said. "Mere shadow and vapour...I have a form only when I can share another's body...but there have always been those willing to let me into their hearts and minds...Unicorn blood has strengthened me...you saw faithful Quirrell drinking it for me in the forest...and once I have the Elixir of Life, I will be able to create a body of my own..."[ p 213 of HP & The Philosopher's Stone]

And from page 566, 568 of HP & The Goblet of Fire, Voldemort again speaking,  "I was ripped from my body, I was less than spirit, less than the meanest ghost...but still I was alive. What I was even I do not know...I who have gone further than anybody along the path that leads to immortality. You know my goal--to conquer death...I could possess the bodies of others...inhabited animals, snakes, of course being my preference-but I was little better off inside them as a pure spirit, for their bodies were ill-adapted to perform magic...and my possession of them shortened their lives...a wizard...I took possession of his body...I was not to be assured immortal life...the servant dies when I left his body....I could not hope to be sent another wizard to possess..." Page 574 of that same book presents demon possession and refusal of it. 

And the possession of Ginny---page 228 of The Chamber of Secrets, " [Voldemort] grew stronger on her fears, poured a little of his soul back into her..." 

---these are not of the supernatural? Not of the occult? Not making spiritual or religious statements that can impact a child or adult? Just imagination? 

Rowling made many statements in her books intended to have deeper meaning. Being a teacher she would be well aware of the impact a suggestion can make on a child. For example, on page 24 of the Philosopher's Stone,. Harry mentions that he had a dream about a motorbike that was flying, which is the form of conveyance used to transport Harry from his parents house to the Dursley's. His Uncle Vernon yells and states "MOTORBIKES DON'T FLY." Harry agrees and states it was only a dream. "But he wished he hadn't said anything. If there was one thing the Dursley's hated even more than his asking questions, it was his talking about anything acting in a way it shouldn't, no matter if it was in a dream or even a cartoon--they seemed to think he might get dangerous ideas." Shortly after this exchange they are in the zoo where Harry befriends and talks to a snake in 'parseltongue' and then, through his unknown wizardry, releases the snake. 

Several messages are being conveyed. Keep things hidden that your parents might not approve of. Teaching curriculum demands that children be taught that their parents views or beliefs are biased and that their own beliefs must be developed based on finding their own sources of information--which are conveyed to be good, regardless of whether the source is in fact good in God's sight. God says "train up a child," it is not to be left to them. Cartoons, dreams--including psychic dreams, and other sources viewed by parents as unacceptable, are harmless and good, if the child views them as such.  The incident of Harry talking with the snake is not unlike the snake in the Garden of Eden. 

On Page 187 of The Goblet of Fire, comes the idea, "You're not supposed to be old enough to deal with it...the sooner you know what you're up against, the better. How are you supposed to defend yourself against something you've never seen." Although this was talking about 'defense against curses and dark magic' the meaning and ideas are no different than that used in the promotion of sex ed and condoms and other problems. Many set aside the viewpoints of parents or at times the School board decision, in favor of 'doing what's best' for the children. The message was said very clearly in the Potter books where the "ministry of magic' didn't think they should have the information but the 'good' Albus Dumbledore and Moody decided they would ignore the rules and give the information they thought appropriate. 

The idea in real life is that children need all manner of information, the sooner the better, and hinges on promotion and acceptance of all manner of practices including homosexuality. The indoctrination of ideas begins in Kindergarten, where ideas are easily molded into innocent minds. The sell is that it helps children to be ready to handle the various situations by giving them 'the tools', and removes the bias of parental teaching and beliefs, placing teachers, etc., as 'good' sources of information. It's left on the child's shoulders to determine what is morally and spiritually right for them, based on seeking out and finding what they will, directed discretely by the beliefs of the teacher. What action they choose merely exhibits their willingness to make a 'fully informed' decision and handle the consequences, according to school curriculum ideas. We've seen how well these tactics work, as promiscuity, pregnancy, drug and alcohol use and so on have escalated while the age of the victim has plummeted. 

Now that the door is opened to studying and practicing witchcraft, how many will choose it as a 'good source'? God said to 'train up a child in the way they should go." He didn't say to let children have any and all information and let them decide what's best for themselves. That comes when they are older. Our thoughts as Christians are to be focused on the Lord. The wicked will not do that.

Psalm 10:3 "For the wicked boasteth of his heart's desire, and blesseth the covetous, whom the LORD abhorreth. 4 The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts."

Proverbs 6:16-18 16 These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:
17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,
18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,...

In The Chamber of Secrets, Rowling plants the idea that a desired birthday gift "would be harmony between all magic and non-magic peoples-though I wouldn't say no to Ogden's Old Firewhiskey." [p.78] How New Age! Harmony and peace between those who follow the god of this world and those who follow Jesus Christ. Harmony and peace between witches who are an abomination to God according to Scriptural truth, and those who reject witchcraft as that abomination. It cannot happen but it is the ideal the occultists, UN One World Religion and others are pursuing. Except, Christians will never be a part of that system. 

As far as an adult --a teacher at that--asking, what are portrayed as teenage students, for whiskey as a birthday present--does anything need to be said???

Another message that Rowling presented was found on page 114 of the Philosopher's Stone. Speaking of the history of Hogwarts, which was founded by " the four greatest witches and wizards of the age", "they built this castle together, away from prying Muggle eyes, for it was an age when magic was feared by common people and witches and wizards suffered much persecution.'...founders worked in harmony together, seeking out youngsters who showed signs of magic and bringing them to the castle to be educated..."

Conclusion: magic and witchcraft is acceptable and good today, although it wasn't years ago. Children and youth are capable of learning to be good witches and wizards---it's not just for adults. 

James Dobson's Focus on the Family made the following comment: "Harry Potter is a standard tale of good vs. evil, and good always wins in the end. Harry, the hero, often triumphs because of his upright character and pure motives. Unconditional love and courage are held as ideals of great importance. By following Harry and his best friend Ron, the reader gets a glimpse of true loyalty and friendship, as well as self-sacrifice."

Focus on the Family's Plugged In Magazine, presented 4 reviews of the Potter books, plus reviews of CS. Lewis and Tolkien writings. Presenting itself as " We've put together the best information available to help you and your family make informed decisions" and "Go to a source you can trust: Focus on the Family Youth Culture Analyst Lindy Beam."  http://www.family.org/pplace/pi/magic/

In the four Plugged In reviews of the Potter books, book two has the statement, "Very little change from the way witchcraft is portrayed in Book I. Again, magic is employed as a tool, an art, a diversion, and a weapon, yet nothing "occultic" is ever invoked." "...Harry also finds out that he's a parselmouth, or someone who can talk to snakes. At first he is frightened because the ability to speak in this tongue has generally been granted only to Dark wizards, but eventually it becomes clear that Harry will be able to use his parseltongue for good—to defeat the monster in the Chamber of Secrets..."  http://www.family.org/pplace/pi/harrypotter/A0018562.cfm

The review lists a startling amount of Positive elements, which quite frankly, are a gloss over of what the books are about. The third review, as lukewarm and lacking in it's Biblical analysis as the others, states, "....This is the closest that the books come to an appeal to an outside, or occultic, source ("The Sight"). Their instructor says to them, "We shall start by practicing relaxing the conscious mind and external eyes . . . so as to clear the Inner Eye and the superconscious. Perhaps, if we are lucky, some of you will See before the end of class." This Sight is referenced as a gift with a vague origin. Dark Magic is still seen as a great evil to be combated by good witches and wizards.   [bolding and underline added] http://www.family.org/pplace/pi/harrypotter/A0018564.cfm

The Fourth book review, again makes light and in fact dismisses the occult teachings of the books  and is a study of contradictory thought, fully omitting, as is done in the others,  the occult imagery, symbolism and actual practices of the occult.  "...Despite Rowling's hints that the books will become darker, it's not in the area of magic that the trend occurs. Little has changed from how magic is portrayed in the first three books: stereotypical; a skill rather than a power. ....Only one professor teaches magical skills as though they are connected to an outside source—professor Trelawney of Divination Class—and she is increasingly portrayed as silly and superstitious." http://www.family.org/pplace/pi/harrypotter/A0018563.cfm

Update: April 7, 2008.

A reader mentioned that Dr Dobson does not endorse Potter. From the press release, concerning an article in the Washington Post, in the following article:

"...In a story about Christians' views on the Harry Potter books and films, reporter Jacqueline Salmon wrote that "Christian parenting guru James Dobson has praised the Potter books."

This is the exact opposite of Dr. Dobson's opinion — in fact, he said a few years ago on his daily radio broadcast that "We have spoken out strongly against all of the Harry Potter products." His rationale for that statement: Magical characters — witches, wizards, ghosts, goblins, werewolves, poltergeists and so on — fill the Harry Potter stories, and given the trend toward witchcraft and New Age ideology in the larger culture, it's difficult to ignore the effects such stories (albeit imaginary) might have on young, impressionable minds. ..." http://listen.family.org/miscdaily/A000000593.cfm

End Quote

The question would be, why were the reviews not clearly renouncing the Potter books in the Plugged In Magazine, written by Focus staff? That information was not manufactured nor misinterpreted. It is what it is.

end update.

It should be noted that knowledge of the occult and it's practices, rituals and behaviors are learned over time. Many view it as levels of initiation, which incidentally, is found in the occult content of the books. To suggest that skill is not involved in real witchcraft is incorrect. It is skill mixed with and acceptance of the power that comes from the demonic. That is found in the very first book, where Hagrid makes the comment to Harry, "Not a wizard eh? Never made things happen when you was scared or angry? ...every odd thing .... had happened when he, Harry, had been upset or angry..."[p.47 ]

Harry's power supposedly comes from Generational witchcraft with his parents having been powerful Witches. Each of the students and teachers at the Hogwarts school are admitted practicing witches and wizards. Therefore, they already are of the demonic and have the 'power'. The students are simply learning the tricks of the trade, no different than in real life witchcraft and satanism. As the curriculum shows, the knowledge of the craft is added to yearly, just as in real life.

The various contradictions and omissions of occult practices will be addressed. What is shameful to me, is that there is little to no mention of Biblical truth in comparison to what is presented in the books. They are merely evaluated from a humanistic standpoint allowing for the very basic deception that there is good evil. God does not view wickedness and those who are of the occult in a pleasing manner. Rather, Psalm 7:11 states, " God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry with the wicked every day."

Roy Maynard, author for World Magazine praised Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone as: "A delight-with a surprising bit of depth ... 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." 

Since a wizard is a witch, pray tell, how can it not be about witchcraft, when the very school is a school of witchcraft and wizardry? Rowlings said the vehicle of the stories was witchcraft. One of Satan's greatest tools is the mixing of good and evil, that is, truth and error. To suggest that magic--which is forbidden and an abomination to God--has to have rules that keep the good from mixing with bad--is quite frankly, trash. 

We are reminded again that God clearly had written into His Word, in 1 Timothy 1:4 "Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do." So, how can those claiming to belong to God, teach something that is contrary to God's word?"

Can Satan cast out Satan? Can something that is an abomination to our Lord be called good and a defense against another part of that same abomination?

Mark 3:23 "And he called them unto him, and said unto them in parables, How can Satan cast out Satan?
24 And if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.
25 And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand.
26 And if Satan rise up against himself, and be divided, he cannot stand, but hath an end."

Wheaton College professor Alan Jacobs said that Harry Potter promotes: "A kind of spiritual warfare.... A struggle between good and evil.... There is in books like this the possibility for serious moral reflection ... the question of what to do with magic powers is explored in an appropriate and morally serious way."

One should pause here--'explored in an appropriate and morally serious way'. 

What to do with magic powers? There's no dilemma. It's really quite simple. Since magic and witchcraft are of the occult Christians are to have nothing to do with it. Since Rowling is not of the Lord Jesus Christ, hence not a source for providing sound doctrine or teachings, how can there be anything to reflect upon? She's clearly writing about spiritual matters and making very serious spiritual statements and teachings which contradict Biblical truth. In interviews she has quoted Buddhists sayings favorably and although queried about her religious beliefs and that of her parents, those issues remain hidden. That is, hidden and avoided in interviews, but not according to what one reads in these books.

Matthew 7:18 "A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit."

Psalm 1:1 "Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night."

Embracing the Occult 

Deuteronomy 18:12 

"All that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD." 

Christianity Today magazine published the following comment: "We think you should read the Harry Potter books to your kids. The literary witchcraft of the series has almost no resemblance to the I-am-God mumbo jumbo of Wiccan circles. Author Rowling has created a world with real good and evil, and Harry is definitely on the side of light fighting the 'dark powers'... Among the laugh-out-loud scenes are wonderful examples of compassion, loyalty, courage, friendship and self-sacrifice."

No resemblance to the 'I-am-God mumbo jumbo of Wiccan circles"????? No theology intertwined in the dialogue or practices that would lead a child away from Biblical truth? I disagree. On page 211 of the Philosopher's Stone, we read, "There is no good and evil, there is only power, and those too weak to seek it. "

Page 206, when the chess pieces come alive, and Harry won the match, the white king took off his crown and cast it at Harry's feet. Harry is of the occult.  The imagery is reminiscent of servants of Christ casting their crowns at His feet. Revelation 4:10

"Death is but the next great adventure" p 215  This was justification for the suicide of 666 year old Nicholas Flamel and his wife, who died 'for the greater good.' Aside from the wicked implication of 666 and the mark of the beast and anti-christ, it suggests that death merely moves one onto another life, ie. reincarnation. It in no way upholds the truth of God's judgment, eternal peace versus eternal torment and so on. Death is held up as glorious, but God says that we are to view death as something else.

Proverbs 8:36 But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death.

The mention of the 'Inner Eye' in the divination class, as well as the presentation of palmistry, astrology, tarot, crystal balls, tea leaves, runes and so on are all part of Wiccan mumbo jumbo--in real life and real time. Reverse writing is used in the mirror of "erised". Meaning desire written backwards. Something that real Satanists are taught--and required--to do.

Runes are occult symbols used to communicate with the subconcious, as talismans, used for charms and magic spells, divination, and shaman use them to communicate with the dead. The 'Inner Eye' or all seeing eye is the emblem of Osiris whose equivalent is the Indian god Shiva. In a nutshell it means Satan. 

And the 'I AM God" mumbo jumbo is found in the very name of Voldemort who epitomizes Satan. While Rowling had his original name as Tom Marvolo Riddle, she did not derive Lord Voldermort from that name. Rather the reverse is more likely true. The name means " I AM LORD Voldermort " Vol de mort --- is the French for 'flight or end of death', or possibly 'theft of death'. His pursuit for immortality through the 'Elixir of Life, and creating a new body is no different than what occultists have been trying to accomplish since the Garden of Eden, that is, to conquer death, be immortal and be God. That is precisely what is presented in various activities and dialogues in the books. The "good wizards" already have the Elixir of Life through Flamel and Dumbledore's alchemy, and as shown by the example of Flamel, live well beyond mortal years. 

One of the more disturbing messages is found in the Goblet of Fire. Certain occult imagery and blatant witchcraft will be addressed later, but the one message that caught my eye has to do with Voldermort, who is raised to full power in a satanic ritual which included grave robbing and drinking blood. After his followers are summoned through his mark on their arm---yes, the mark of the beast implications are clear--his worshippers arrive on the scene. They can't believe their eyes. Their leader was back in full power, and the wizards are arriving, "...Apparating. All of them were hooded and masked. And one by one they moved forwards...slowly cautiously, as though they could hardly believe their eyes. Voldemort stood in silence, waiting for them. Then one of the Death Eaters fell to his knees, crawled towards Voldemort, and kissed the hem of his black robes. 'Master...master...' he murmured. The Death Eaters behind him did the same; each of them approaching Voldemort on his knees, and kissing his robes, before backing away and standing up, forming a silent circle....thirteen years since we last met. Yet you answer my call as though it was yesterday...we are still united under the Dark Mark, then!..." They also call him 'My Lord.' 

What is taking place is devil worship. Voldemort came to power after a Satanic ritual. His followers worship him and call him master. That is clearly not of God.  Deuteronomy 32:17 They sacrificed unto devils, not to God; to gods whom they knew not, to new gods that came newly up, whom your fathers feared not."

Exodus 34:14 For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God:

Since people say fables like this can also have positive spiritual meaning, like Tolkien's Lord of the Rings, or Lewis' Narnia, we should be able to evaluate this from a Biblical perspective, since it is recommended as good for Christians. 

In a sense we could say that Rowling has set Voldemort up as a perversion of the Biblical account of the anti-Christ. Voldemort is practically destroyed in the Chamber of Secrets, with the Basilisk is killed with a sword. In the Goblet of Fire he again has his serpent --which he keeps close to himself--- giving him wisdom and power and he rises up again to full power of witchcraft and evil and causes his followers to worship him. He uses his power and determines to make war and destroy any that will not follow him. His followers "swore eternal loyalty", and he believes he has guarded himself from "mortal death" by being the most powerful wizard alive. Incidentally, the serpent is also the symbol of Satan.

Revelation 14: 13 "And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men,
14 And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live.
15 And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed."

Those who think this evaluation to be inappropriate and yet would promote Tolkien and Lewis from the same perspective, need to think carefully. If people are promoting Rowling, Tolkien and Lewis writings as good for Christians, tools of evangelism, allowing children to see a 'Christian worldview' through the occult, then we should be able to weigh these things to the Word of God and evaluate all in the same manner. 

As far as telling Christians that they should have their children read the books, that is no different than the suggestions planted in the books themselves. Page 15 of the Philosopher's Stone has the manipulative statement, "...He'll be famous--a legend--I wouldn't be surprised if today was known as Harry Potter day in future--there will be books written about Harry---every child in our world will know his name." With that came the suggestion in The Chamber of Secrets, "...You'd better hope Creevey doesn't meet Ginny, they'll be starting a Harry Potter fan club"...The last thing he needed was for Lockhart to hear the phrase 'Harry Potter fan club." [p. 77] And Harry Potter fan clubs, websites, writings and all manner of idolatry have blossomed worldwide. 

Consider carefully what these Christians are saying. Harry, a wizard/witch is 'light,' fighting 'dark powers.' If God views all witchcraft as an abomination to Himself, how can Christians call a witch or a wizard good and on the side of light? One can't be evil and good.

Matthew 6: 22 "The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. 23 But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!"

While presenting the good qualities of Harry such as friendship, loyalty and bravery, Colson, Dobson and the others, for the most part, neglected to describe the other character attributes and activities of Harry Potter and his friends, such as: lying, stealing, desiring revenge, hatred, uncontrolled rage, sneaking, swearing, jealousy, envy, covetousness, deceit, disrespect, rudeness, rebellion, envy, manipulation, black mail, gambling, murderers, diviners, witches and wizards, and so on. The fact that these are imaginary characters doesn't cut it. Children are taking them seriously, calling them 'just like us.' One could provide Scripture after Scripture which would show why these character qualities are not of God. 

Evil that is presented as good which then fights a "bad evil" is what these individuals are teaching and promoting. However, what God says about things is what really counts.  "Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!" (Isaiah 5:20). What these leaders are missing is that witches and wizards and witchcraft are an abomination before God. How can they then say it is good or acceptable fare for children? 

Since we are not to love the world and things in it, nor use man's wisdom or the occult for spiritual growth and understanding, one must ask why those claiming to be Christian's are promoting the things of the occult, witchcraft and all manner of evil as a means to know Jesus Christ. Fiction and fables, which are lies,  and the occult are viewed as the way for children, particularly, to come to know Jesus Christ, according to these  Christian leadership and their followers. 

Contrary to that thinking, Peter wrote, "2 Peter 1:6 For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty."

Think for a moment. Can you believe that Jesus, Peter, Paul, James or any of the other disciples, taught about 'good' witchcraft, wizards, elves, ghouls, poltergiests and so on as the lead in to get people interested in the Gospel of Jesus Christ? The presentation would be that amongst all these fables was a true story. Clearly a contradiction in theology and terms!

Many scoff at the idea that any child will be drawn into the world of witchcraft from reading the books or similar fare. However, The Associated Press reported that in Shanghai, an 11 year old said after seeing the movie, "The magic was awesome! I'm going to learn how to do that..." It was reported in Britain that the Pagan Federation has appointed a youth officer to deal with a flood of inquiries following the success of the Harry Potter books. The article, called, Potter fans turning to witchcraft related, 

The federation says the Potter books, by JK Rowling, and TV shows such as Sabrina The Teenage Witch and Buffy The Vampire Slayer, had probably sparked the new flood of interest.

Media officer Andy Norfolk said: "In response to the increased queries coming from youngsters we established a youth officer, not to promote paganism, because that would be against pagan ethics, but merely to answer these queries...

... parents should not be alarmed by their children's sudden interest in magic. "Paganism is recognised as a valid religion," he said. "In no way is it a cult and certainly it offers nothing untoward.

"We do not allow members under 18. As for children, I think a lot of young people think that witchcraft will help them sort out problems in a quick and easy way.

"Some of them may wish to find out more about paganism and they will discover that it is a nature-based spiritual religion which places responsibility on people's individual actions.

"However, for most it will be just a passing fad, and it is not something parents should be concerned about."

www.thisislondon.co.uk/dynamic/news/story.html?in_review_id=306029&in_review_text_id=250010

....© Associated Newspapers Ltd., 04 August 2000
Terms and Conditions
This Is London

If Harry Potter was just fun imagination, a worthy and helpful read and non-occultic as these leaders and many more would have us believe, then we would not find such resources as the following being sold at such sources as Amazon.com.

The "Sorcerer's Companion: A Guide to the Magical World of Harry Potter." written by Allan Zola Kronzex, a professional magician and educator who lectures on the history of magic and conjuring at elementary and middle schools. 

He is also the author of "A Book of Magic for Young Magicians and  The Secrets of Alkazar. Considered a must for Harry Potter fans, Kronzex's 'Sorcerer's Companion' allows Potter readers to look up anything pertaining to magic in the Potter books. [bolding and underline added]

From the back of the book we read, "Millions of readers around the world have been enchanted by the magical world of wizardry, spells and mythical beasts inhabited by Harry Potter and his friends. But what most readers don't know is that there is a centuries-old trove of true history, folklore and mythology behind Harry's fantastic universe. Now, with The Sorcerer's Companion, those without access to the Hogwarts library can school themselves in the fascinating reality behind J.K. Rowling's world of magic...allows curious readers to look up anything magical from the Harry Potter books....Wands and wizards, boggarts and broomsticks, hippogriffs and herbology, all have astonishing histories rooted in legend, literature or real-life events dating back hundreds or even thousands of years. Magic wands, like those sold in Rowlings' Diagon Alley, were once fashioned by Druid sorcerers out of their sacred yew trees. Love potions were first concocted in ancient Greece and Egypt. And books of spells and curses were highly popular during the Middle Ages. From Amulets to Zombies, you'll also learn: How To read Tea Leaves, Where to Find a Basilisk Today;...Who The Real Merlin Was; ...How to Get Rid of a Goblin;..." [Sorcerer's Companion >www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/stores/detail/-/books/0767908473/reader/35/103-6046765-4159058]

The section on "The Sorcerer's Stone" explains the ancient Egyptian art of alchemy... [Review>http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/stores/detail/-/books/0767908473/reviews/103-6046765-4159058]

From School Library Journal
....Each of the 84 alphabetical entries describes a subject studied (arithmancy, divination), an object used (wand, cauldron), or a creature that appears in at least one of the Potter books, including a specific reference to the title, chapter, and page number. Then, using references from ancient, medieval, and modern literature, legend, mythology, and religion (almost 100 sources are listed in the extensive bibliography), each entry goes on to describe where, when, and how that subject, object, or creature has also been part of Western history, literature, or oral tradition. Most entries are from one to three pages long,...-12 pages on magic and 14 on magicians throughout history. A fascinating history of the uses and abuses of medieval alchemy is buried within the article on the sorcerer's stone,... Sidebars highlight specific aspects in detail-the mummy's curse, alchemical frauds, animals on trial. More than half of the entries are illustrated with black-and-white drawings, woodcuts, or reproductions. ... The same readers who can't get enough of Harry Potter will enjoy learning about arithmancy, spell casting, and much more..." [Review]

Biblical Truth Versus Lies

1 John 2:21 

I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth. 

What Scripture would it be that would have Christians teaching that telling lies and promoting the falsehood of 'good evil' as being a positive and helpful way to teach about Biblical truth? God's Word literally destroys the arguments and fallacy of these people. Jeremiah 23:29 Is not my word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?" God reminds us in His Word, that lying is not part of Him.

Titus 1:2 "In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;"

1 John 2:21 "I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth."

James 3:17 "But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy."

Ephesians 4:25 "Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another."

In the first book, Dumbledore states, " The truth,' Dumbledore sighed. It is a beautiful and terrible thing and should therefore be treated with great caution." p 217.  That is entirely against what God states. It's noteworthy, that humanists believe there are no absolutes and that lying is okay. "On NBC's 'Today Show, January 22, 1990, Dr. Michael Lewis ...said, "Lying is an important part of social life, and children who are unable to do it are children who may have developmental problems..." [Burns, p.92]

Proverbs 12:22 states: "Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord." 

Colossians 3:6 "For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: 7 In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.
8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. 9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; 10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:"

Revelation 21:8 "But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death."

Revelation 21:27 "And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life."

Jesus said in John 4:23 "But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. 24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth."

Is it not true that in order for someone to come to know the Truth of Jesus Christ they have to hear the Word of God---not fables and lies?

Romans 10:14 "How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? 
15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!...17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."

It does not say any will come to know Jesus Christ or learn sound doctrine by  viewing as good, witches, witchcraft, fables and all manner of the occult. That goes against the Word of God. Witchcraft, the occult and fables are not evangelism tools as stated by such organizations as Focus on the Family, Chuck Colson, Rowling, Tolkien and C.S. Lewis Fans and many more, unless one is clearly showing why such practices are false. 

If one does anything with the occult it needs be to show how occult thinking has become part of Christian thought or practices. It cannot be presented in such a way as to make it or part of it appear good. 

Romans 1:21 " Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,"

Those who look to material in these books, or similar as a source of help and learning, who proclaim it to be good and who profess to know Jesus Christ, need to think again.

Ephesians 5:11 "And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them."

Philippians 4:8 "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. "

For Chuck Colson See: Evangelicals and Catholics Together

Next Section : Harry Potter: Real Names & Real Witches 

Copyright . All articles are the sole property of SeekGod.ca and Vicky Dillen. All Scripture King James Version unless otherwise stated.

God's Simple Plan of Salvation.
It concerns the most important decision
you will ever make in your life!
Don't let this opportunity to be saved pass you by.

If you don't know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, and would like some help understanding His gift of eternal salvation, please contact us. Saying a prayer won't save you. Prayer is merely expressing to God how you feel. Believing and repenting are just the beginning of walking with Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.