Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s
Stone had a lot of hype surrounding it, but
the hype is somewhat deserved, because the book and its sequels have
sold millions of copies. Even so, however, parents and children need to
know the dangers that this cultural phenomenon poses.
Of course, theologically and morally, the occult, pagan
worldview of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone is abhorrent.
When the occult magic fails, what does a witch or wizard do? To whom can
they turn? Who’s ultimately in charge? Parents should ask their children
these and other questions, because occult magic represents an unhealthy,
selfish desire to replace God and to reject the Gospel of Jesus Christ
in favor of a lifestyle that ultimately will lead to unhappiness and
pain.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
also offers viewers a works theology, a form of elitism where those who
are most successful at doing magic are the best. Witchcraft is a
selfish, elitist form of Gnosticism, an evil theology of secret,
esoteric knowledge. Mitigating this works theology are the movie’s theme
about love and sacrifice, its rejection of false immortality, and its
warning about not getting lost in false dreams and desires. Regrettably,
however, the movie’s occult, pagan worldview also rewards the children
for disobeying the school rules at Hogwarts and lying about it.
Furthermore, the story gives a wink and a nod at the fact that no one
can keep a secret among the witches and wizards because of all the
gossip. Are these messages something you want to teach your children? We
think not.
The bottom line, however, is that God abhors
witchcraft no matter how sweet and subtle it is: "There shall not be
found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass
through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or
an enchanter, or a witch, or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar
spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer." —Deuteronomy 18:10-11
Below we offer Media-wise questions for children who
see Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone or Harry Potter and
the Chamber of Secrets. Please note that wisdom involves in part
understanding the consequences of your actions. These questions are
intended to promote wisdom. Please add questions that you find relevant
for your child.
1. Should we hurt others or take revenge on others,
even if they "deserve" it, when we are angry or scared? Would we want
others to hurt us or take revenge on us in secret using magic?
2. What is the purpose of magic and witchcraft?
3. Should we try to use secret power over others or
over our environment? Should someone else try to use secret powers on
us?
4. Why is witchcraft selfish?
5. The Adversary asks Adam and Eve if they want to
be as God. Would you like to be as God? Do you ever make mistakes? If
you were as God, how would your mistakes affect others? Are you smart
enough and wise enough not to make mistakes?
6. Would you want others to be as God, such as those
who could hurt you?
7. What would it be like in a world where everyone
had supernatural powers to manipulate other people in secret?
8. Would you like to have everything in your home or
schools always shifting round and changing so you never knew your way
to your room?
9. Magic seems to fail at times. Harry’s parents, as
powerful and adept as they were, were killed by another witch. Would
you like to know about a power that never fails and never makes
mistakes?
10. When the occult magic fails, what does a witch
or wizard do? To whom can they turn? Who’s ultimately in charge?
11. Would you like to know about a greater
supernatural power that is always good and always loves you?
12. Would you like to live in a world where the
better witch wins all the battles, even if that witch was not you?
13. Would you like to live in a world where good may
not triumph?
14. Or, would you like to live in a world created by
a good God who loves you and would never hurt you and who wants to
save you from all the bad people and things in the world?
