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Harry Potter Lures
Kids to Witchcraft
with Praise from Christian Leaders
by Berit Kjos
<crossroad.to>
(used by permission)
Note: We are
not trying to ban or censor Harry Potter books. Our aim is to answer
questions from concerned parents and help them understand the threats
to their children’s faith from a Biblical perspective.
"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. [1]
"I
like the third book because here [Harry] meets his godfather and
Professor Lupin, a really cool guy [This really "cool
guy" is a shape-shifter who turns into a werewolf]...."
Harry Libarle, age 7. [2]
"The
Pagan Federation has appointed a youth officer to deal with a flood
of inquiries following the success of the Harry Potter books which
describe magic and wizardry." Potter fans turning to
witchcraft (see my website)
"Dressing
up as wizards and witches, concocting fantasy potions and telling
stories were just a few of the games Rowling played as a child with
Ian Potter..." Harry Potter and the source of inspiration
(see my website)
Might Harry
Potter seem as real as life to his young fans around the world? Do
children accept Harry’s lessons in practical witchcraft as an open
door to an occult reality? Many Christian leaders have denied any such
danger, but author J.K. Rowling admits that this happens. In an
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." (The Return
of Harry Potter—(see my website)
While
children everywhere crave supernatural thrills, Great Britain, the
birthplace of Harry Potter, has been a wonderland of options for
exploring practical witchcraft. And plenty of youth have caught Harry’s
vision. They want to learn his wizardly ways.
Two British
reports on this phenomenon show us the obvious: popular forms of
occult entertainment "have fueled a rapidly growing interest in
witchcraft among children." Naturally, the island’s Pagan
Federation is pleased. Though it refuses to admit new members under
age 18, "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." [TV shows fuel children’s
interest in witchcraft] (see my website)
"It is
quite probably linked to things like Harry Potter, Sabrina The Teenage
Witch and Buffy The Vampire Slayer," explains the Federation’s
media officer, Andy Norfolk. "Every time an article on witchcraft
or paganism appears, we have a huge surge in calls, mostly from young
girls." [Potter fans turning to witchcraft] (see my
website)
This
trend worries John Buckeridge, editor of Youthwork, a British
Christian magazine. Unlike U.S. church-leaders who back Harry Potter,
he spots danger ahead. "The growing number of books and TV shows
like Harry Potter and Sabrina the Teenage Witch
encourage an interest in magic as harmless fun," he warms.
"However for some young people it could fuel a fascination that
leads to dangerous dabbling with occult powers. So what starts out as
spooks and spells can lead to psychological and spiritual
damage." [3]
But
Mr. Norfolk disagrees. His reasoning makes witchcraft sound both safe
and responsible. "Our youth officer will explain things like the
principle ethic of witchcraft," he assures skeptics, "that
you should not cause harm to anyone—and that it’s not just an easy
way to get a new boyfriend!" [4]
A more
"noble" religion
It’s not
surprising that the timeless craving for power and magic has soared
with the spread of pagan television shows and Harry Potter books. But
today’s pagan revival began years earlier.
Almost
a decade ago, a Wiccan student wrote a promotional article for The
Talon, her high school newspaper, about witchcraft. What
happened shows both America’s cultural shift and the growing
preference for paganism. The student, Leah Mowry, based her
conclusions on interviews with several other student witches at Los
Altos High School in California.1[5] In her article, she boasted that
her religion
•
was more tolerant than traditional beliefs
•
taught people to take better care of the environment
•
helped people to empower themselves
•
and only used "good" magic.
Soon
afterwards, a Christian student, also an editor for The Talon,
asked if he could write about Young Life, a Christian group active on
their campus.
"No,"
was the response, "because witchcraft is underexposed in our
society and Christianity is overexposed." In other words, witches
could give public testimonies about the benefits of their religion,
but Christians were no longer allowed to express their faith and
testimonies. [6]
Christianity
simply doesn’t fit, and Mr. Norfolk of the Pagan Federation thinks
he knows why. The Christian Church has failed to provide "the
right degree of spirituality for young people," he explains. In
contrast, paganism involves "direct communication with the
divine."
From the
Biblical perspective, he is tragically wrong. But that matters little
to the masses that want spiritual power without Biblical
accountability. With help from television, books, movies and other
media, Christianity’s reputation has been badly smeared. Blamed for
hatred, conflict, wars environmental abuse, it has inspired countless
"Christian" leaders to re-imagine their faith and embrace a
more "tolerant" view toward the world’s fast-growing
fascination with pagan practices.
Strange
council from Christian leaders
Typical of
our times, a recent report in Christianity Today seems to base
its approval of Harry Potter, not on the Bible, but on popular
consensus among admired Christian leaders.
"As far
as I can tell," writes author Ted Olsen, "while no major
Christian leader has come out to condemn J.K. Rowling’s series, many
have given it the thumbs-up. If our readers know of any major
Christian leader who has actually told Christians not to read the
books, I’d be happy to know about it; but in my research, even those
Christians known for criticizing all that is popular culture have been
pretty positive about Potter."
To prove his
point, Mr. Olsen quotes seven Christian leaders and
publications:
1. Chuck
Colson, in his Breakpoint (11-2-1999) radio broadcast,
commended Harry and his friends for their "courage, loyalty,
and a willingness to sacrifice for one another—even at the risk of
their lives." Colson dismissed the pagan 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…. [It’s not]
the kind of real-life witchcraft the Bible condemns."
2. World Magazine
(5-29-1999) praised Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
as
"a
delight—with a surprising bit of depth." Author Roy Maynard
assured World readers that "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."
3. World’s
second article toned down the enthusiasm. "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)
4. The
British Christianity magazine praised the series. In an 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."
5. A Christian
Century (12-1-99) editorial, "Wizards and Muggles,"
states,
"Rowling
is not the first fantasy writer to be attacked by conservative
Christians. Even the explicitly Christian writer Madelein L’Engle
has taken heat for the ‘magic’ elements in A Wrinkle in Time.
Such critics are right in thinking that fantasy writing is powerful
and needs to be taken seriously. But we strongly doubt that it fosters
an attachment to evil powers. Harry’s world, in any case, is a moral
one."
6. Focus on
the Family gave a mixed review. According to Ted Olsen, the advice
offered by Focus’s critic, Lindy Beam was simply, "Apart from
the benefit of wise adult guidance in reading these books, it is best
to leave Harry Potter on the shelf."
7.
Wheaton College professor Alan Jacobs concludes that Harry Potter
stories promote "a kind of spiritual warfare…. A struggle
between good and evil…. There is in books like this the possibility
for serious moral reflection…[and] the question of what to do with
magic powers is explored in an appropriate and morally serious
way." (September/October Mars Hill Audio Journal) [7]
Is it
really? Take a look at the other side of this issue.
Biblical
answers to occult seductions.
The mass
media’s promotion of contrary values have prompted even Christians
to replace or distort the pursuit of God with the pursuit of pleasure.
So God’s standards would hardly win a popularity contest
today. Popular versions of Christianity have wisely rejected some
of the stiff legalism of the past, but it has also tossed out God’s
much-needed guidelines and warnings. The result is license to do
almost anything that feels good. Christians who refuse to compromise
are often demeaned as old-fashioned kill-joys who bring reproof and
embarrassment to those who fear offending the world with the whole
truth of the gospel. That’s why Jesus warned us long ago,
"If
the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you
belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do
not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That
is why the world hates you.... Remember the words I spoke to you: ...
If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also.... for they do
not know the One who sent me." (John 15:18-21)
God gave us
His Word that we might know Him. The Bible reveals His heart, will and
ways. It alone can show us what is truth or error in those seven
public responses to the Harry Potter phenomenon.
1. Chuck
Colson praised Harry and his friends for their "courage, loyalty,
and a willingness to sacrifice... for one another—even at the risk
of their lives." Those qualities can be found in almost any
culture. But, according to the Bible, a brave person is no more free
to pursue paganism than a coward. Harry’s occult skills—witchcraft,
sorcery, casting spells, spiritism, interpreting omens and
"calling up the dead" fit into a category God tells us not
even to discuss. "For all who do these things are an abomination
to the Lord...." (Eph. 5:10-12, Deut. 18:9-12)
Colson’s
dismissal of the dangers of delighting in such evils as "purely
mechanical," makes no sense from a Biblical perspective. He says
that "Harry and his friends cast spells, read crystal balls, and
turn themselves into animals—but they don’t make contact with a
supernatural world…." Where then does their power come from?
Natural rather than supernatural forces?
Of course
not. Rowling doesn’t acknowledge the source, but anyone who has
researched witchcraft and talked with contemporary pagans will see the
alarming parallels between contemporary occultism and Rowling’s
seductive message to children. (If you find this hard to believe,
please read chapters 4 and 8 of my book A Twist of Faith)
2.
World Magazine (5-29-1999) made the same error. Calling Harry
Potter’s world "a delight... safe, inoffensive, and
non-occult," is misleading assurance. True, "magic must have
rules," but the primary rule of the occult is that Satan doesn’t
offer free and easy favors for long. He may indulge seekers in a free
ride for a while, but as soon as his victims have been captivated by
his lures—all of which are counterfeits of what God offers those who
follow Him—he begins to demand his payoff. Suddenly the bright side
of evil turns dark indeed. Attempts to resist or turn back usually
lead to spiritual terrors and oppression. [8]
As World
indicated, "good does not—cannot—mix with bad" but not
because "good" motives are always "good," even in
a pagan context. God’s good is corrupted when adapted to a pagan
setting. In fact, God doesn’t want what He considers good to be
linked to the occult. He sends us out to pagans to share His love, but
we cannot delight in what He calls evil. God shows us His reason in a
most politically incorrect message:
"What
fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between
Christ and Belial? What does a believer have in common with an
unbeliever?... For we are the temple of the living God.... ‘Therefore
come out from them and be separate," says the Lord.’" (2
Cor. 6:14-17)
3. World’s
second article maintained that "the real world of witchcraft
is not Harry Potter’s world. Neither attractive nor harmless, it is
powerful and evil."
Actually,
today’s pagan movement is attractive to anyone disillusioned by
unfriendly churches. It entices seekers by showing the
"light" side of occultism. Contemporary witches—both men
and women—that I have met are sincere, often compassionate, usually
well educated and frustrated with today’s rampant materialism. Few
look evil. Instead, they demonstrate God’s warning in 2 Cor.
11:14-15, "For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of
light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers
also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness...."
The younger
generation of pagans show another side. Many dabble in black magic and
the other "dark arts" that are so seductively taught at
Hogwart’s School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.[9] Apart
from the fantasy setting and dramatic demonstrations of magic, there
is little difference between Harry’s skills and the real world of
the occult.
4. Mark
Greene’s endorsement in the British Christianity raises some
serious questions. What does he mean by "Harry—fine lad you
know.... Comes from a good stock...." Is he referring to Harry’s
parents—a witch and a wizard? Is he speaking as director of
London Institute for Contemporary Christianity, or is this
simply his personal opinion?
One thing is
certain. This attitude is driving the current transformation of the
Church. It’s time for serious Christians to "count the
cost" and be ready to stand uncompromisingly strong in the Truth
God has given us.
5. The Christian
Century denies that Harry Potter "fosters an attachment to
evil powers." It calls Harry’s world "a moral one."
It’s wrong on both points. Just review the testimony from the Pagan
Federation, which reaps the fruit from the soaring interest in
Witchcraft.
Second,
Harry and his friends may show loyalty to each other and courage in
the face of danger. But they also lie and steal. Would you call that a
moral world? Kenneth McCormick adds this insight:
"stealing,
lies, hate, revenge, and even murder are presented in a complete
absence of moral conflict. Lying exists, of course, in the plots of
many children’s books, but there is normally an at least tacit
recognition that lying is a moral problem of some sort."
6. Focus on
the Family critic, Lindy Beam came closest to the truth. The last part
of her counsel is right: "Apart from the benefit of wise adult
guidance in reading these books, it is best to leave Harry Potter
on the shelf."
As for the
first half of her counsel, it might be good to remember God’s
definition of wisdom: "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of
wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding."
The fear of
the Lord involves a sober awareness of what He loves, of what He
despises, and of the consequences of disobedience and rebellion
against Him. It leads to a sincere desire to please Him, heartfelt
gratefulness for His mercy, and unending delight in His loving
presence. So when we choose to "fear the Lord" we will heed
Romans 12:9, "Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good."
Among the
obvious evils are the practices listed in Deuteronomy 18:9-12:
witchcraft, sorcery, spellcasting, divination, calling up the dead,
etc. In other words, children who delight in Harry’s occult world of
spells and magic will naturally learn to enjoy evil and crave more.
But they cannot "cling to what is good" while they love
evil. The two are incompatible. (Visit the Kjos Ministries website, www.crossroad.to
to find a comparison of Deuteronomy 18 with passages from Harry
Potter and the Goblet of Fire.) In other words, "wise adult
guidance" would most likely choose to "leave Harry Potter on
the shelf."
7. Wheaton
College professor Alan Jacobs suggests that the Harry Potter books
offer "the possibility for serious moral reflection…[and] the
question of what to do with magic powers is explored in an appropriate
and morally serious way." His words make no sense from a
Biblical perspective.
Since white
magic, like black magic, is "an abomination" to God—and
since white magic is far more deceptive and seductive—neither is
good. Books written from an occult perspective cannot explore magic
powers in "an appropriate and morally serious way"—without
redefining the word moral and rejecting the Bible. A context or
setting that approves occultism will turn God’s values upside down.
Praising the practices God condemns, Professor Jacobs illustrates the
timeless message of Isaiah 5:20: Woe to those who call evil good, and
good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; Woe to those
who are wise in their own eyes, And prudent in their own
sight!
Tempting
options and wide-open doors
Ted Olsen
ended his defense of Harry with a quote by J. K Rowling:
"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."
The
fact is—whether Ms Rowling heard it from a fan or not—many
children are pursuing the real-life versions of witchcraft because
they have learned to love Harry’s world. Ten-year-old Gioia Bishop
said it well, "I was eager to get to Hogwarts first because I
like what they learned there and I want to be a witch." [10]
It’s no
wonder a talented story-teller such as J.K. Rowling can so effectively
inspire children. She grew up loving the occult. The article, Harry
Potter and the source of inspiration, (see my website for link)
describes her childhood fascination and those who inspired the main
characters in her books. For example, her early view of Harry was
shaped by her playmate Ian Potter "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."
Apparently,
Ms Rowling knew how to find the books that nurtured her fascination
even as a child. Now she, in turn, spreads her love for the occult to
children around the world. Without a firm foundation in Biblical
truth, they have little resistance to her seductive call. And since
most older children have been thoroughly immersed in the multicultural
world view in their public schools, they are likely to prefer paganism
to Christianity.
From the
world’s perspective, why shouldn’t they? Why not follow the crowd
and seek a new consensus in the name of peace and unity?
After all,
"paganism is recognized as a valid religion," says Mr.
Norfolk of the Pagan Federation. He sees no reason why parents should
be alarmed by their children’s sudden interest in magic.
Nor
did a spokesman from the Roman Catholic Church. "I haven’t
heard anything within the Catholic religion that suggests this is
anything to be concerned about," he said, following the pattern
of unbiblical tolerance touted by his Protestant and Anglican
counterparts. Apparently, the division between church leaders who
support Harry and those who don’t runs through many nations and
denominations. [11]
Our local
library held a Harry Potter party on August 2. About a hundred
children showed up to decorate Wizard hats and paint the lightening
mark of Harry Potter fans on their foreheads. They provided a captive
audience for adult fans of Harry’s world view. Parents had to wait
outside.
Preparing
children for spiritual battle
Remember,
this is spiritual warfare. God’s enemy fights as hard as ever to win
the hearts and loyalties of our children—and he has added all kinds
of high-tech tools to his armory.
To resist
his strategies, they first need to understand the Biblical world view.
That’s why God told His people long ago to base all conversation—day
and night—on His unchanging truth:
"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)
Everything
we say must reflect the reality of God, His love and sovereignty, His
promises and His warnings. To prove that our God is far greater than
the pantheon of alternatives, our lives must demonstrate faith in the
midst of difficulties and His triumph in the midst of turmoil. This is
possible, not by our own strength, but by His power and grace. Then,
seeing His greatness, children learn to trust His promises.
Likewise,
the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18) begins and ends with the power of
His Word. First, we "put on the belt of Truth," which holds
all the other pieces—His righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation—in
place. The last part, "the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word
of God," is simply His truth and promises memorized, remembered
and affirmed as we face each day’s challenge.
This
two-edged sword is our main weapon in every battle. It exposes lies
and uncovers deceptions while it strengthens our faith and lifts our
hearts. The world can’t understand it, and many so-called Christians
despise it. But to those who love God, it brings the hope, strength,
joy and perseverance needed to walk with Him in peace no matter what
happens.
"For
though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For
the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for
pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing
that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every
thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ...." 2
Corinthians 10:3-5
Footnotes
Malcolm
Jones, "The Return of Harry Potter!", Newsweek
(Online), July 1, 2000, page 4. Apparently, this article which was
originally posted at <www.msnbc.com/news/428200.asp> is no
longer available at the Newsweek website <www.msnbc.com>.
I have a printed (not digitized) copy of the article, which I had
downloaded before its removal.
[1]
"What Readers Think About Goblet?" San
Francisco Chronicle, 7-26
[2]
"Harry’s Biggest Fans," San Francisco Chronicle,
7-26
[3] Potter
fans turning to witchcraft
[4] TV
shows fuel children’s interest in witchcraft
2[5]Leah
Mowery, "Mystical Misconceptions Haunt Students," The
Talon, 7 June 1991.
[6] Based
on the above Wiccan article and on personal interviews with the
Christian student
[7] Ted
Olsen Christianity Today
[8] See A
Twist of Faith)
See Under
the Spell of Mother Earth
[9] Potter
fans turning to witchcraft
[10]
"What Readers Think About Goblet?" San Francisco
Chronicle, 7-26.
[11] Potter
fans turning to witchcraft
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