Harry Potter: Banning 

the 

Master of the Name

James 1:12 -16

"Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. 

13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: 

14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 

15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. 

16 Do not err, my beloved brethren."

 When J. K. Rowling determined to write the Harry Potter series, she said she chose to write it as something she would like to read as an adult. It was written for adults, yet is craved by children and adults alike. Her statement that the series came to her while on a train ride is all the more interesting, as she planned the whole seven book series in that short time. She states she has written the books extensively at a favorite restaurant. A query submitted by this author to her literary agent concerning the religious background of Rowling and her parents, has never been answered. However, according to one article, she's a member of the Church of Scotland. 

A recent interview reveals she admits that about one third of the content for the books came from British folklore and the other two-thirds from her own imagination. "but about a third of what I incorporated into these stories was from the folklore of Britain—things people used to believe really worked." [Christianity.com> http://www.christianity.com/partner/Article_Display_Page/0,,PTID1000|CHID2|CIID1137600,00.html] 

She has also apparently said that she did not mean the witchcraft as "real-world witchcraft." Yet, that contradicts other statements where she said the vehicle for the books was witchcraft and she wanted the evil to be real. Since witchcraft itself is real and evil, what are the distinguishing attributes of 'pretend' witchcraft? Since the occult has literally exploded into every aspect of life, what is pretend about it?

Since it has been shown that even with Book One being based on the very real current occult pursuit for the Philosopher's Stone and immortality, mythological figures and so on, it can be presumed that Rowling has an incredible memory for things she has read over the years, or has deeply researched the occult, or has firsthand knowledge of it. Further if this is just a book that uses the ideas of things that "people believed used to work,"  and "folklore," we would not be able to parallel the practices to current witchcraft practices or beliefs. Would that not be a correct and fair assumption? 

One could not have knowledge of names such as Paracelsus, Flamel, Geomancy and so on without prior knowledge. This information didn't just come from a flight of fancy as it is very real historical sorcery and is also current to today's witchcraft. That in itself refutes the idea the information was from folklore and things people 'used to believe.' 

In fact, it has come out in various interviews that Rowling wants children to research the names and information used in the books, many of which are found in Greek mythology--which is taught in most curricula. Greek mythology is dealing with the occult. It deals with false gods and goddesses which were worshipped by people. That's religious information and in fact, some are still worshipping those gods and goddesses today. While some character names will be discussed, it seems pointless to discuss all the figures used found in Greek mythology, as many are being discovered by supporters of Harry Potter books.

Many in fact have tried to see that The Potter books and similar fare are banned from schools. If one wishes to ban occult books, its not going to be on the basis that they promote witchcraft, but rather it violates the rights of religious freedom. That said, where does one begin to ban the occult books in schools and public libraries as well as books that are part of curriculum and on required reading lists? Those utilizing the books and purchasing them for that use, are being selective over thousands of other titles available. They see it as presenting a valid cross-section of available literature. 

Perhaps one might be able to suggest that other books be selected, but one will never ban the occult from school study or public consumption, which is why Christians do not belong in that system. Nor can we ban it from any other media. We do not belong to this world, so really have no control over its choices. We're reminded in:

Hebrews 11:13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. 14 For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. 15 And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. 16 But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.

1 Peter 2:11 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; 12 Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.

 Hebrews 13:14 For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.

Jesus said they wouldn't listen to Him, why would they listen to us? John 15:20 Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also."

Many books used for study are called classics, such as Shakespeare, Poe and others, and all revolve around the occult. In fact one would be hard pressed to find non-Christian books that do not present some manner or principle of the occult. It's difficult enough to find "Christian" books that haven't perverted Scriptural truth in some manner. Christians do not view things the same as non-Christians.

Romans 8:5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.

1 Corinthians 2:13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.

On the flip side many schools, including elementary are adding the religions of witchcraft and shamanism to their studies because of the Potter Books. One example is reported by David Cloud:

HARRY POTTER PROMPTS COURSE ON WITCHCRAFT. Friday Church News Notes, March 1, 2002 (David W. Cloud, Fundamental Baptist Information Service, P.O. Box 610368, Port Huron, MI 48061, 866-295-4143, fbns@wayoflife.org) 

The Harry Potter books and movie have generated such interest in sorcery that Adelaide University in Australia has started a 12-week course on witchcraft. The course will explore African witchdoctors, South American shamans, and witchcraft from the 16th century. The university said there have been dozens of inquiries.

We are reminded in Jeremiah 10:2 " Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them."  It should be pointed out that knowing about the devices of Satan is not the same as learning the devices of Satan.

2 Corinthians 2:11 "Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices."

It has been said by youth pastor Connie Neal in the Christianity.com interview article, Harry Potter and the Disputable Matter which is a promotion of Neal's book, that "the biblical Daniel as an example of someone who immersed himself in a pagan culture and yet kept himself from sin." But knowing about something and learning, studying, enjoying and meditating on or practicing it are two different things. Children are not in a position to discern the difference and parents have a responsibility to teach them. 

In fact, right from the moment Daniel went to the king, Daniel 1 shows that  "8 But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself..." and was able to, even on the issue of food, avoid sinning before God. He didn't partake of what the king had ordered, and he didn't become pagan in thought or deed. He didn't immerse himself in the things which were against God. As a result, 17 " As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams." 1:20 "And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm."

Were they wiser and more knowledgeable because they learned the lessons of astrology and witchcraft as Neal implies? Is there a Scripture that says that Daniel became proficient in astrology, witchcraft and magic in order to answer the kings inquiries? Does Daniel's wisdom come from the occult or God? The skill and understanding that Daniel and the other children of Judah used came from God, not from astrology or divination, which involves familiar spirits. Daniel did not defile himself and God honored that, providing wisdom and understanding that came from Himself--not astrology or magic. Daniel never consulted the stars, witches or occult writings for wisdom or understanding.  In fact we don't know precisely what Daniel and the others studied, but we do know God will not contradict Himself.

Daniel 2:23  "17 Then Daniel went to his house, and made the thing known to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his companions: 18 That they would desire mercies of the God of heaven concerning this secret; that Daniel and his fellows should not perish with the rest of the wise men of Babylon. 19 Then was the secret revealed unto Daniel in a night vision. Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven. ...23 I thank thee, and praise thee, O thou God of my fathers, who hast given me wisdom and might, and hast made known unto me now what we desired of thee: for thou hast now made known unto us the king's matter."

The wisdom that Daniel and the others showed started with the fear of the Lord. God said "Learn not"--and Daniel and the others learned not. The wisdom and knowledge that they used started where all wisdom comes from---Proverbs 1

2 To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding; 3 To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity; 4 To give subtlety to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion. 5 A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels: 6 To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings. 7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Daniel was held by the king---he didn't have much choice as to where he was to be. The world is inundated with the occult and it is going to continue to get worse. That's Scriptural. We do have a choice as to what we bring into our homes and what we read, watch and what we buy.  

We are reminded that our minds are to be focused on God, in Isaiah 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

We have a choice as to how to raise our children, and what they are taught and taught with, in the admonition and love and fear of the Lord, or filling their minds with non-Christian tripe that points their thoughts to the occult, not Jesus Christ. That is what happens when one reads Potter and similar fare. Images of witches on broomsticks, occult imagery, evil, casting spells, charms, demon possession and so on are the pictures that are painted--one cannot deny that. Children are memorizing the pages, and learning the vocabulary of witchcraft. The study is expanded in the schools, not only to discuss the books themselves but the mythology, witchcraft and occult terms used. Non-Christians are teaching these things and none will get the Biblical perspective of good and evil, or that their is no 'good' witchcraft.

What if a child chooses to research on their own and does a search on the Net, for example, of Inner Eye, Geomancy, Palmistry or Runes? These are current witchcraft practices. Do the search yourself and see what doors are opened for minds, by those occult sites and their information. Christian children are immersing themselves in the tales of witches, dragons, elves, and fairies--all of the demonic-- spell casting and so on and all current thought in the occult.  Non-Christians are lapping up occult writings --Potter is just one of the many. 

Are children safe from the demonic, the occult and in fact demon possession if they open their minds to these things? Are they given better and safer judgment to withstand evil than adults? Scriptures tell us otherwise. 

Mark 9:17 And one of the multitude answered and said, Master, I have brought unto thee my son, which hath a dumb spirit; 18 And wheresoever he taketh him, he teareth him: and he foameth, and gnasheth with his teeth, and pineth away: and I spake to thy disciples that they should cast him out; and they could not. 19 He answereth him, and saith, O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him unto me. 20 And they brought him unto him: and when he saw him, straightway the spirit tare him; and he fell on the ground, and wallowed foaming.
21 And he asked his father, How long is it ago since this came unto him? And he said, Of a child. 22 And ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him: but if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us..." And Jesus did cast out the demon and restored the child.

We're reminded of the wicked choices of Manasseh, child king, in 2 Kings 21:21:1 "Manasseh was twelve years old when he began to reign, and reigned fifty and five years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Hephzibah. 2 And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, after the abominations of the heathen, whom the LORD cast out before the children of Israel. 3 For he built up again the high places which Hezekiah his father had destroyed; and he reared up altars for Baal, and made a grove, as did Ahab king of Israel; and worshipped all the host of heaven, and served them. 4 And he built altars in the house of the LORD, of which the LORD said, In Jerusalem will I put my name. 5 And he built altars for all the host of heaven in the two courts of the house of the LORD. 6 And he made his son pass through the fire, and observed times, and used enchantments, and dealt with familiar spirits and wizards: he wrought much wickedness in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger."

According to the Scriptures, demons are waiting opportunity to possess the unprotected mind and soul. Jesus said in Matthew 12:43-45 "When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none. Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished. Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation."

We are also reminded that Satan himself waits for opportunity to destroy a soul--child or adult. He doesn't care which. 1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.

Part of the argument for reading Potter and similar fare is that we don't want to hide our children from the culture of today and we want to be able to teach our children discernment and spiritual warfare. The idea is that we're hiding our children from the reality of the occult by keeping things like Potter from them. It is actually double-minded thinking. On one hand individuals like Mrs. Neal say Potter is just fantasy but in the next breath its occult and part of occult culture. Which is it??==fantasy or based on real witchcraft and real occult ideas? 

I can prove the books are based on real witchcraft. Is it then alright to encourage children to read them? 

Romans 12:9 "Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good."

In an interview on Religion and Ethics News Weekly, in the article The Spiritual Dimension of Fantasy, PHYLLIS TICKLE, (PUBLISHERS WEEKLY) stated: "What fantasy really is, is its author or creator's description of how he or she sees the interior world. It's what make-believe is. It's a world you've made out of thought, and those are always spiritual worlds.... What the child at nine reads as a story and takes into himself or herself becomes part of the building block of a life, and that child, turned 39, will have in his or her repertoire of understanding of theology, of religion, of morality, of spirituality, the context and the message of that story. So story is a very subtle thing, always...." http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/week512/cover.html

Which is why God commands us to "train up a child in the way he should go."

If a fiction book was written for adults with the same presentation of witchcraft-that is, presented all manner of divination, demon possession, charms, spells, drinking of blood, etc., ---would that be acceptable and edifying for a Christian adult to read? Are books or movies such as Hell-Raiser, or Rosemary's Baby, just fables that we can simply view and enjoy for their "entertainment value" or do we put a different indicator for adult material that determines acceptable levels of witchcraft or satanism? 

If it's presented in an amusing manner--is witchcraft less of the occult? Is it spiritual or just cultural--or is culture based on spiritual belief? What if an adult indulges in a little tarot or palmistry--which are in the Potter books---is that acceptable? Or do we say it's okay for that adult to enjoy watching psychics practicing their witchcraft--consulting familiar spirits-- on television but we shouldn't go to one in person?

James 1:8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

Proverbs 12:20 "Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellors of peace is joy."

Do we in fact need to embrace such things to learn or understand what God constitutes as evil? I can read the Scriptures and see that Saul consulted with familiar spirits and that God punished him for that. I can see where many times Israel was admonished for going into witchcraft and sorcery and after false gods and how God said their thoughts were to be focused on Him, not on the things of the pagans or of witchcraft, which was then and still is, all around us. I can learn of all the different false gods different cultures worshipped and how God dealt with them, in the Word of God. 

The reality is, the Word of God does not hide us from the occult and the very real evil that permeates all society. It shows how people disobediently have sought those things and how God views that behavior and his reaction when His people become involved in things contrary to God's Word. It reveals how we are to view evil.

Proverbs 4:13 Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life.
14 Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men.
15 Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away.

Proverbs 8:13 The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.

Proverbs 11:18 The wicked worketh a deceitful work: but to him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward. 19 As righteousness tendeth to life: so he that pursueth evil pursueth it to his own death.

We do have a choice in learning to discern evil, and it doesn't come from disobediently learning fables. Yes--disobediently learning fables, according to God's very Word. 

1 Timothy 4:7 But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.

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.

2 Timothy 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

Hebrews 5:13 For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. 14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

Strong meat belongs to them that are of full age----who have learned the word of God and have used it to discern both good and evil. Children are not of full age--either physically or spiritually. Adults that do not learn and use the Word of God are just as immature in their understanding as a child or babe in the Lord. 

Mrs. Neal, who recently appeared on Pat Robertson's Television show,  also stated,

 "When C. S. Lewis was asked about elements within a work of fiction, he said, "Within a given story any object, person, or place is neither more nor less, nor other, than what that story effectively shows it to be." If you go with that interpretation, you are saying, "OK, I understand that the author has created a fantasy world, and I am going to get my definitions from within the story." " 

C.S. Lewis also stated the Word of God was full of myths--does that add credibility to anything he might say? One cant' pretend something that is real, particularly religious belief, is just a fantasy, just because someone said it was part of a story.[ Please see: The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by CS Lewis]

Proverbs 14:22 Do they not err that devise evil? but mercy and truth shall be to them that devise good.

Lets, as Lewis suggested, get a definition or application of the use of Divination from the Potter stories. It is found in the Divination class and various forms of it are part of the classroom study.  Divination is consulting with familiar spirits to foretell the future.

Runes, the letters of witchcraft used for divination, are introduced in The Chamber of Secrets on p. 187, "Arithmancy, Ancient Runes, Divination", p, 188,  Hermione is reading, "Ancient Runes Made Easy." In the next book, the Prisoner of Azkaban, Divination begins on p. 78. Trelawney, makes the statement, p. 79"...descending too often into the hustle and bustle of the main school clouds my Inner Eye....If you do not have the Sight, there is very little I will be able to teach you. Books can take you only so far..." p. 80 "Many....are unable to penetrate the veiled mysteries of the future,'...'It is a Gift granted to few...We will be covering the basic methods of Divination this year. The first term will be devoted to reading the tea leaves. Next term we shall progress to palmistry....In the summer term...we shall progress to the crystal ball--if we have finished with fire-omens..." P. 81---'...drink until only the dregs remain. Swill these around the cup three times with the left hand, then turn the cup upside down on its saucer; wait for the last of the tea to drain away,  them give your cup to your partner to read. You will interpret the patterns using...Unfogging the Future..." 

Children have just been taught how to read tea leaves-albeit a few idiosyncrasies which may or may not be used. But tea leaf reading is current witchcraft. My grandmother and mother did tea leaf reading and my grandmother may still, as she has never accepted Jesus Christ. The Inner Eye is witchcraft and is also called the third eye, which is recognized as being necessary to awaken or open. From that comes clairvoyance, levitation and astral projection and so on.  Crystal balls are current witchcraft. It's not a game. If you need proof go to Psychic Realm which presents: Tarot, palmistry, dream interpretation--Harry does have psychic dreams- Runes, Astrology, Numerology and so on.  http://www.psychicrealm.com/pn/index.phtml?2994700420

To continue, we are next presented with divination revealing the superstition of a death omen called a Grim--it supposedly is revealed through the Divination of the leaves. Making a mockery of divination, Rowling then validates it on p. 84, by saying "True Seers are very rare..." 

And later, Trelawney is possessed and has a 'familiar spirit' speak through her. That's also called demon possession and is not only dealt with in the Scriptures, but is a current witchcraft practice. It is promoted through television and all manner of reading material. What makes Rowling's rendition any more acceptable than those who invite people to partake of their 'Gift'? Children are given a first hand description of it in action and are also taken into actual TM in order to 'See' into the crystal ball and divine the future. p.218-219. It's real witchcraft and presented in such a way as to open a child's mind to think it acceptable.

Mrs. Neal and the interviewer view the Potter issue as being where cultural and spiritual issues overlap. However, witchcraft is a religion which is diametrically and purposefully opposed to God. Just because the vast majority of people enjoy or accept it, does not mean Christians should. Mrs. Neal stated, 

"....some people will say, "We condemn Harry Potter because the characters on the side of good practice witchcraft, suggesting that witchcraft is acceptable." There’s also the complaint that the Potter books bring in elements of astrology, the use of crystal balls, and spell casting. But all of these elements are also in the Narnia books! In The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, one of the good characters, a little girl named Lucy, casts a spell to make invisible creatures visible again. Now, what is the literal interpretation of that? That you can do spells as long as they are the "right" spells, and you cast them under Jesus’ authority? " [Harry Potter and the Disputable Matter > >http://www.christianity.com/partner/Article_Display_Page/0,,PTID1000|CHID2|CIID1137600,00.htm]

So, the same elements being in the Narnia books is the argument that makes Potter acceptable fare?

... If we apply the same kind of censorship to other pieces of literature as we do with Harry Potter, where does it stop? If you say, "I will not read a story that has any wands or spells," then you have to get rid of over two-thirds of classic children’s literature, including Cinderella, Peter Pan, and Beauty and the Beast."  Harry Potter and the Disputable Matter

And that's Bad????  What Scripture actually supports the reading of witchcraft and fables to children when they are filled with the same occult imagery and practices? That's the most important question. It is not about opinion. It is about what God says. It is not censorship to not read Potter or other occult focused material, myths and fables. It is being selective and discerning. One does not choose all books in a bookstore. Why? Is it due to censorship, choice, or in the case of Christians, Biblical discernment?

Phil. 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. 9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

2 Timothy 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

Neal went on to say, 

"....The similarity with the Potter books is this: Reading Harry Potter is not practicing witchcraft. But it’s doing something closely associated by some with the practice of witchcraft. If reading the Potter books represents real-life witchcraft to you, and you read them anyway, you are in sin because in your own heart you just sinned. But if reading them doesn’t represent real witchcraft to you, you are free in Christ to read them. As long as parents are able to distinguish the fantasy witchcraft and wizardry of Hogwarts as being separate and distinct from occult practices forbidden by the Bible, these stories can be taken as classics of good versus evil." Harry Potter and the Disputable Matter

According to Mrs. Neal it has become sin to show Biblically why Harry Potter and similar occultism is not for Christians. It becomes sin to not go by opinion but rather,  discern and show why promoting these things is contrary to God's Word, and many are sighing in relief that she has rationalized a way around Scriptural obedience. 

Mrs. Neal rationalizes her stand by using the argument of the meat and idols in 1 Corinthians. Then states, 

Obviously, we must not disregard or disobey God’s direct commands, such as the clear dictates that we are not to practice witchcraft, divination, sorcery, and the like. But in subjective matters, including whether it’s okay to read a story with such references, we must employ personal discernment. If you think reading Harry Potter is wrong, don’t slide on that because another friend whom you really respect, whom you know is a good Christian, happens to feel particularly free to read Harry Potter. And if you know that God has allowed you to read these books with your children in a way that is then helpful to them, and if you know before God you have a clear conscience, don’t slide to the middle.

In my book I try to help readers see that good Christians can come down either way on the Potter books. We need to understand how this is possible so we can continue to be unified even though we disagree on the interpretation of the stories. Bottom line: The people who are calling other Christians names and attacking the reputation of other believers because they take a different stand on this, they are in sin. In Galatians 5 (14-21), God puts strife, selfishness, enmity, anger, and disputes in the same category as sorcery. Fighting against one can never justify engaging in the others. " Harry Potter and the Disputable Matter

The resulting conclusion is that we're supposed to agree to disagree and while Mrs.Neal supposedly presents a balanced argument for fence sitting the issue, she herself promotes reading the books. So--we're to have unity in diversity on spiritual issues, and agree with her. I prefer the Word of God.

1 Timothy 4:6 If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained. 7 But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.

Mrs. Neal and many others say they enjoyed the books. I read them and researched them and feel that the occult content level to be no different than that of the kabbalah. Much I immediately recognized as occult imagery and symbolism, while some information took but a short search on the net to reveal the current witchcraft ideology or practice. I did not enjoy the books whatsoever, and if the Lord had not convicted me, I would not have read them. I simply had no desire to read them. 

To me there was no issue, it was not of God. A Non-Christian wrote stories about witches and a school of witchcraft, where there is good and bad witchcraft. All contrary to Scripture. I hate evil as did David.

Psalm 119:104 Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way.

Psalm 119:128 Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way.

Psalm 97:10 Ye that love the LORD, hate evil: he preserveth the souls of his saints; he delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked.

Lets assume for a moment that witchcraft is not presented as good witchcraft and bad witchcraft in the books, which idea is a lie. Let's assume that it is a whimsical tale about witches who pretend to use real witchcraft and the good witches triumph over the bad witches. Lets assume we're in agreement that we're not to practice witchcraft, divination, spell-casting, cursing, sorcery, and so on. 

Is there a Scripture that should keep a Christian from enjoying the concept of witchcraft itself--even for entertainment?

Galatians 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,  21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

Romans 8:13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.

Colossians 3:5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:
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: 

1 Peter 1:15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; 16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

Can we as Christians call the occult good -no matter how it is packaged, and be Biblically obedient?

Isaiah 5:20 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! 21 Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!
22 Woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink: 23 Which justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him!

There is a concept about voyeurism-- that is, enjoying sin practices that you yourself would not do. It is found in Romans 1:32 ...Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

If we know that witchcraft and all its elements is not only of the occult, but of the flesh, and we know that living to the flesh means facing God's wrath, how can we look upon it in enjoyment, knowing those that do involve themselves are going to hell? 

Isn't God saying in this verse that to have pleasure in those that practice the long list of iniquities, is no different than practicing those things yourself? How can a Christian call these things good when the non-Christian that reads them is going further in having their hearts and minds prepared to accept the occult and the anti-christ?  How can a Christian view something which God calls "of the flesh" as acceptable before God, when God says things of the flesh cannot please Him?

Mrs. Neal went to great lengths to portray the Potter books as an evangelism tool. Others have also said Potter, Narnia, Lord of the Rings all hold a Christian world view and could be used as evangelism tools. It's highly unlikely a non-Christian is going to present the Gospel of Jesus Christ in a fable which portrays witchcraft as good and fun, witchcraft which is an abomination to God. That would go entirely against the Scriptures. In fact to suggest that it holds the Gospel goes against what Mrs. Neal has just stated, quoting Lewis, that what the author intends is what we're to define things by. J.K. Rowling said the vehicle of the story was witchcraft and it was amusing to think of wizards and witches walking among us. However, Mrs. Neal, going against her own statements, has said that the Gospel is precisely what she sees in the Philosopher's Stone, which we are reminded is about the real occult search for immortality through witchcraft and alchemy. 

Mrs. Neal stated:

I said, "I personally enjoy the Harry Potter books, and I have actually found the Gospel in the first story... look at the story line. You have a wizard who went bad. He came into the wizard world and he had the curse of death. He is wielding this curse of death and everyone is in terror because no one is safe. He uses this curse of death to kill Harry’s dad. He throws the curse of death at Harry, but Harry’s mother jumps in front of this curse. She takes the curse of death, and she dies in Harry’s place. The evil wizard then throws the curse of death at Harry, who is a baby at the time, but something has happened. The curse rebounds on the evil wizard; it breaks his power, and Harry lives. How did he live? His mother laid down her life. She took the curse that was meant for him.

At the end of the story, Harry has a showdown with the evil one—Voldemort—and Voldemort can’t even touch him. Harry says, "Why couldn’t he touch me?" His mentor replies, "Harry, to have been loved as much as your mother loved you, that kind of love stays with you forever, and it gives you protection that remains forever."

Then I said to my friend, Let me tell you another story. There was an angel who went bad; the Bible calls him Lucifer. He tempted Adam and Eve in the Garden. He lured them, they fell, and they sinned. Death entered into the equation, and the curse of death was on all mankind. Everyone lived in fear of death until "God so loved the world that He sent His only begotten Son," and Jesus laid down his life for us. He jumped in front of the curse of death because the Bible says, "Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree." Jesus hung on the Cross. He took the curse; he took our sin, and therefore the power of the evil one was broken. We no longer have to live in bondage to this fear of death.

In the Harry Potter books, the kids have to constantly be on guard against an evil one who is now invisible. Real life people have to be on guard against Satan who is now invisible.

Do you realize what Mrs. Neal has actually done? She has equated an imaginary witch who died, with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She has paralleled, as is done in the Lewis and Tolkien books, Jesus Christ and His saving grace, to sorcery and witchcraft. Occultist have been attempting to do that since Christ walked this earth. They have called Him magician, sorcerer and all manner of blasphemy and now we have people claiming to be of the Lord, doing the very same thing. Occultists have paralleled Christ to the unicorn, to griffins, witches, lions and everything imaginable to present Christ as someone who fits their myths and fables and therefore aligns with the occult. Think about it. Harry, a "good" wizard, is protected and saved by his mother, a "good" witch, who dies, --which whole premise is based on a lie--- equals Jesus Christ saving us from sin, because Jesus died to save us. 

Are we Christians then, paralleled to being the "good witches" and those who do not accept Christ, the "bad witches"? or is all mankind the 'good witches'? I make no apology--we're not buying it. There is no good evil or witchcraft. There is no such thing as good witches. We do not parallel witches, nor does Jesus Christ parallel a witch. I can think of nothing more disgusting than to suggest He does. 

Mark 3:29 But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation: 30 Because they said, He hath an unclean spirit.

Those who have made a stand to Scripturally show that things like Harry Potter are not acceptable to God, stand firm. But stand knowing that the cup of iniquity must be filled and all nations are going to drink fully of that cup. That means the occult will have the acceptance of non-Christians, albeit there will be varying levels of tolerance, with some readily accepting for example, intellectualism and humanism over faith, and false gods and idols over the one true God. They will not turn away from such unless their hearts turn to Jesus Christ. God has shown us those truths in the Word of God. 

Ephesians 2:1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins:
2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: 3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. 4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)"

Next Section: Harry Potter: The Fruitless Deeds of Darkness

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.