I am so long overdue on this subject. The final movie (Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows pt 2) is out in theater. YAY!!!
I say "Yay!" not because I like Harry Potter. I say "YAY!" because this is the LAST and FINAL movie being made. Glory! Why am I not thrilled with Harry Potter? Why don't I read the books and line up at the movie theater? Why do I spend time writing a blog post about this subject? I will tell you....
Simply put. Witchcraft.
Yes, I know. "For heaven's sake, Kristen, it's just a book! It's just a movie! It's just....it's just...."
How often we justify something ungodly and spiritually decapitating by using the opening two words, "It's just...."
Many use the argument that Harry Potter is just fantasy literature. Yes, it is a fictional, fantasy novel. So, what's the problem? There are two. First, our God never said that it is okay to indulge in anything contrary to His Word...and we all know that witchcraft and wizardry is not of God (more on that in a minute). Fantasy or not, it is evil and we are to flee. Secondly, if you want to plead the "fantasy case," than that line of reasoning would say that it is also okay to indulge in fantasy pornography, fantasy violence, fantasy anything.... Right? Using that defense would make it easy to defend anything else; any choice sin. Where is the line? How far do you go?
The fact is - Witchcraft is not fantasy; it is a very powerful, very sinful reality in our world.
Please, please, please let us have listening ears and opened eyes so that we may hear and see truth. Not opinions. Not preferences. Not even convictions. Just pure, Biblical truth.
The Harry Potter books are in 200 nations and are published in over 40 languages. A U.S. consumer research survey reported that “over half of all children between the ages of 6 and 17 have read at least one Harry Potter book.” That troubles me.
This series of books by the British author, J.K. Rowling, focuses on the plights of young Harry, who is selected to attend the 1000-year-old Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Harry is an orphan boy, his parents (who practiced white magic) having been murdered by the evil Lord Voldemort. Young Harry is given a strange marking on his forehead. “Through the sacrificial goddess magic of his mother’s love, baby Harry is saved and his blood is given magical powers. Unable to kill Harry, in revenge, Voldemort sears a death curse of a lightning bolt on Harry’s forehead.” (cue red flag)
Surely.....SURELY....that paragraph alone is enough to "flee the appearance of evil." (1 Thessalonians 5:22)
Surely....
One would think.
At this occult school, Harry Potter learns how to use witchcraft. He also learns a new vocabulary, including words such as "Azkaban", "Circe", "Draco", "Erised", "Hermes", and "Slytherin" - all of which are names of real devils or demons. Another red flag. This is fact. These are not characters of fiction! How serious is this? I say VERY serious. By reading these books and watching these movies, many millions are opening themselves up to "seducing spirits" (1 Timothy 4:1) and ignorantly putting themselves in the cross hairs of the devil.
J.K. Rowling, a graduate of Exeter University in England, is very familiar with occultic practices, using elements behind “pagan religions, celtic religions, the religions of the druids, witchcraft, and satanism. Okay. And this is author of the Harry Potter series? Yet another red flag.
Two British reports on the Harry Potter phenomenon said this: "Harry Potter has fueled a rapidly growing interest in witchcraft among children." Though it refused to admit new members under the age of 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."
So here comes the big question. What does God have to say?
Deuteronomy 18:10-14
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. For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD: and because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee. Thou shalt be perfect with the LORD thy God. For these nations, which thou shalt possess, hearkened unto observers of times, and unto diviners: but as for thee, the LORD thy God hath not suffered thee so to do.
Exodus 22:18
Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live.
Galatians 5:19-21
Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 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.
I am sure my words will fall in deaf ears to some. But how about a quote from a High Priest of Satanism?.... "Harry is an absolute godsend to our cause," said High Priest Egan of the First Church of Satan in Salem, MA. "An organization like ours thrives on new blood (no pun intended) and we've had more applicants than we can handle lately. And, of course, practically all of them are virgins, which is gravy." Is this as shockingly horrifying to you as it is to me? Did you know that since 1995, open applicants to Satan worship have increased from around 100,000 to 20 MILLIONS children and young adults?! We are at war, friends.
Thankfully, there are many Christians who oppose Harry Potter, banning him all-together (which is what should be done with anything evil and anti-God). In the case of our children reading these books, I have to ask, "If you put sorcery in, what do you expect to get out?"
Simply put..... Harry Potter and Jesus do not mix.
1 Timothy 4
Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
Romans 12:9
Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
Luke 11:35
Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness.
1 John 1:5
This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
1 Thessalonians 5:5
Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.
Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.
1 Peter 2:9
But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;
But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;
33 comments:
Kristen, I just recently read another blog by a christian writer who had the opposite view of Harry Potter. I was trying to find the blog so I could provide a link, but it's not a blog I follow and I don't know where I read it. Anyway, they were citing the Christian symbolism in the movies and even had quotes from J.K. Rowlings, saying she is a Christian. Very interesting. I personally have not read any of the books or seen the movies, for the reasons you have pointed out. But I have read the Lord of the Rings trilogy and saw those movies.
Just interesting to read two completely different views on the same movie.
Many blessings!
Amen, Kristen!!! I TOTALLY agree!!!!
Even without any quotes that may be misquoted sources, the scripture itself is enough for me to send out a loud and clear AMEN! Even if it is a "it's just" situation, and "maybe this" or "maybe that"... the maybe's and effort at justification makes it enough of a lukewarm area to run, no SPRINT, from! He said cold or hot... the lukewarm will be spewed... Why even tempt the situation when it can be avoided it all together?!
It only takes one or two "just this once" scenarios to make the third one more comfortable, then eases in the fourth instance, and before you know it everything the enemy throws our way becomes easily justified.
Thanks for the bold and clear cut post... well written and well clarified with scripture from a very real and living God!
Amen, Jennifer! You said that perfectly! I couldn't agree more!
The Harry Potter series has been a big part of my life for 10 years now. I read the first book when I was only 10, and from then on, I've waited in line at midnight for every book and every movie...the biggest shocker is, I'm from a devout southern Baptist family! And, my parents allowed this. Now, I am a 20 year-old college student who still loves Harry, but I am also deeply in love with my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Growing up, I always knew the books were fiction, and I never came away from them wanting to do magic. At the core of these books is a story about good vs. evil, friendship, family, and love. The other stuff is just pure fun! Despite the fact that some of the quotes are misquoted (Rowling's quote about leading children to worship the devil is from a satirical website), I was impressed with the scripture, and I respect your opinion. I do have to ask though, if witchcraft is a reason to avoid Harry Potter, then shouldn't most Disney movies be banned? I can't really think of too many Disney classics that don't have witchcraft or some kind of magic in them.
I agree with what Lauren said! These are just fun books and movies for all ages!! My husband and I love them and don't even think about witchcraft. There are far worse movies you need to talk about and leave Harry Potter alone!!!!
It is people like you that turn the non-believers off of Jesus!Just like the Westboro Baptist Church does!!!!
Kristen, good blog...I have a response to Lauren...you said,"At the core of these books is a story about good vs. evil, friendship, family, and love. The other stuff is just pure fun!" So, it has good stuff in it so the witchraft is okay? Just pure fun... extra bonus? You come from a southern Baptist family and love the Lord, but the verses Kristen shared don't seem to let you know that God doesn't think witchcraft is "just pure fun"...he says it's an abomination. It's fine to ask if Disney films should be banned too, and I would like to hear Kristen's take on that as well. I have wondered myself if the fairies good magic in Sleeping Beauty was offensive to God. If I read scripture he tells me IT IS. The Bible tells us to seperate ourselves from the world's standards...what do you think he's talking about exactly? If you love the World, the love of the Father isn't it you? What does he mean by that? REsponse to Anyonymous (after Lauren)..."there are far worse movies"...well, AGAIN, in the verses Kristen referenced, witchcraft is right up there with the best of the sins...Anonymous after anonymous:Kristen isn't condemning people to hell because they read Harry Potter so comparing her to the hate church isn't productive. If what she said BACKED by scripture turns people off to Jesus then that is their decision. Following Christ isn't a life for the weak willed. People aren't rejecting Christ based on Kristen's words, they are rejecting Christ based on God's words.
Kristen...ALWAYS back up your sources..people will eat that up and everything that is true, like the WORd of GOD, will become irrelevant to the people who are trying to find a reason to justify themselves.
I disagree with your views on this subject but certainly respect that you have every right to have them & write about them on your site. However, I must bring out this point - the quotes you posted from the High Priest of Satanism and J.K. Rowling are not real quotes. They are from a satirical news article from the satirical news website, The Onion. The Onion is meant to be humorous, not taken seriously.
Lauren, you asked if witchcraft is a reason to avoid most Disney movies. Actually, I have been doing some heavy thinking and praying in this area as is my husband. We have ony two Disney animated movies in our home and are praying about the content and what we will allow our son to watch. This is not an issue of upbringing (I, too, was raised in a strong, Baptist home). This is not an issue of never being tempted to do witchcraft because of the books/movies. This is not an issue of being more in love with Jesus than Harry Potter. The issue is, 1) Witchcraft, which God says is an abomination; 2) Darkness, which is of Satan. WE serve a God of light; and 3) Separation from sin and the like. It isn't about riding the fense and making excuses. It is about seeking the will of God on EVERY issue, no matter how small of a thing we think it is.
Anonymous #1 - These books appear fun, yes. But whether or not you think about witchcraft while watching the movies or reading the books, it doesn't change the fact - the truth - that it IS about real witchcraft. So the simple question here is....Would Jesus play around with this? If HE said witches must be destroyed in my land, would He allow us to be entertained by one? If HE said witchcraft and anything of the sort is not only a sin, but an abomination, would He think it no big deal to read about them, watch them on TV, pay for more? I say no.
You mentioned that there are far worse movies that I need to talk about. Of course, there are other ad movie. But Harry Potter is 1) "popular," to put it mildly, and 2) dangerous. People need to know truth and be watchful and aware. Just because there are other bad mnovies does not mean I will leave Harry Potter alone. The fact that it is Harry Potter who has taken the world by storm, while promoting witchcraft, is why I addressed it now.
Anonymous #2 - Though I gave clear Scripture that speaks for itself, I am labled as a "hater" who turns people off of Jesus? Friend...those are not my words. GOD said it is wrong. I am His echo. If He said it, it goes. If He said it, it is truth. If He said it, it stands (and will stand forever).
LeeAnn - You are right and I am sorry for not including the source. TheOnion.com is a news website. You can find her quote there.
In closing.....Demons. Witchcraft. Homosexuality. Adultery. Parental disrespect. It's all Satan. It is all to be fled from.
2 Corinthians 4:6
For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
Stephanie, if I made a mistake in the quotes, then I apologize.
But I have to ask.....what about the SCRIPTURE that is posted? Surely, you cannot justify Harry Potter after reading what GOD said. Not me. Not even J.K. Rowling. But God?
"LeeAnn - You are right and I am sorry for not including the source. TheOnion.com is a news website. You can find her quote there."
To reiterate - TheOnion.com is NOT a legitimate news website. It is a SATIRICAL "news" site with articles that are completely tongue-in-cheek. Do not believe or accept anything you read on there as truth - it is purely for entertainment value.
Of course I agree that God commands us to abhor evil, but I do not see Harry Potter as evil. I see it as entertainment and quality, fictional literature.
I didn't comment with the intent to attack or argue, I just felt it right to point out that TheOnion.com is not a news website and the quotes you posted are not real quotes - they are made up and intended to poke fun.
I definitely agree about the whole Harry Potter thing! I want nothing to do with it. However, my two year old watched Mary Poppins and Cinderella just this week. I grew up watching these movies and consider them wonderful "family movies." Would you think that this is bad for her? Just curious as to your thoughts about this.
I woke up this morning and had a thought about the comments here...If Harry Potter were a REAL boy, would this be okay? There are a lot of social issues that the Bible seems to leave a littly hazy, but withcraft, stealing, and lying are all pretty clear in the Bible as EVIL...If Harry Potter glorifies these things, no matter what he is using them for, it is still EVIL. Whether Harry is fictitious or real, he uses things the LORD abhors. If he were a real person and continued in this lifestyle, according to the Bible he would go to hell...As christians are you okay with that or would you teach him the gospel and hope he stopped practicing this things God abhors,but that you seem to find so wonderful and fun and entertaining.
Amen!!! Harry Potter glorifies witchcraft, pure and simple.
Frankly, I think Christians need to just quit going to the movies altogether. Why give *any* of our money to Hollywood. Even when you see a 'good' movie the money goes toward making more movies that take God's name in vain and glorifies sin.
And in my humble opinion Christians need to leave Disney alone too. Magic is magic and there is no 'good' magic.
I think as Christians we should live in the realm of reality instead of fantasy.
Good post!
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Please understand. The onion.com made up that article. It was totally made up. The Onion is just like Saturday Night Live and the "commercials" that they do. Just like there is no such thing as Litter Critters, Oops I crapped my pants and Brownie Husband; their quotes from the HP author are just as made up.
I also wanted to add that I agree with you on the Harry Potter thing. I have never read one book and don't want them in my house, however, please, I beg you, stop using the onion.com as a source. It is not real. Nothing of that sort was ever ever said.
As I said, I apologize for the misquote mistake. Honestly, no quote by anyone is needed, except a quote from Almighty God. And His word, His scripture is clear enough on the subject of witches and wizardry. And from His own mouth we can see that Harry Potter is evil.
Just a thought.....I am a devout, Born again Christian and definitely believe that Harry Potter and all of the darkness that surrounds it is something to stay far away from. However, I think that that type of story is very different from say..Cinderella's fairy godmother turning the pumpkin into a coach. Are we being sinful when we all teach our children about a jolly old man at Christmas time who magically comes down the chimney at night and flies in a sleigh with reindeer? I believe in issues being black and white, but where is the line between staying away from things that are truly sinful (like I believe Harry Potter is) and just looking for something wrong with everything? Anyways....not trying to argue, just thinking and discussing.....
I have those same things. Actually, my husband and I were discussing Disney vs Harry last night. Personally, we believe that we should judge each movie individually.
What does it promote?
What is the message?
Is evil praised?
A difference between some (and I say "SOME") animated Disney movies (say, Sleeping Beauty, for example) and Harry Potter is the message.
In Harry Potter (and movies like it), darkness abounds. Evil is praised. Witches are "good." It's about good magic vs evil magic. Basically, in God's terms, it's "good evil vs bad evil." Pretty ridiculous. No such thing.
In many other movies, the good triumphs over evil (and witches and witchcraft according to the Bible, are evil). Evil is destroyed (as it should be). Witches are killed (Biblical). It is the same prinicple with impurity. The Bible speaks of whores and prostitutes....yet when the Bible says to rid the land of such, Playboy has a different agenda, glorifying the lifestyle and making it "not so bad, afterall."
Hope that makes sense.
I say, with each and every movie - judge. What is it promoting? What is it teaching? Is it full of darkness and fear? Is it full of anti-God messages? Let the Spirit lead us in these (and every!) situations.
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I am a born-again, evangelical believer who has studied the Bible for many years. I agree that God's Word should be enough evidence for any decision. However, when you make a mistake like quoting a satirical site as if it were real news, it delegitimizes your argument for many who are not believers, or not as dependent upon His Word. Also, how do you know the names of real demons? Are there any mentioned in the Bible? If you could include references for those names, that would be helpful.
Thank you.
Look each of those names up and cross reference them with the Wiccan religion.
I'm glad you did a post on this, Kristen, I was hoping you would.
For those who have commented who have shared that they grew up in believing homes and are believers themselves, yet have no problem with Harry Potter and have never been drawn to practise witchcraft and magic and etc, perhaps one ought to take into account that they have Jesus living inside them, as their Lord and Redeemer, and as such, He would protect them from such inclinations and temptations. Other non believing or unsaved children and readers would not have that, and would be drawn into that sort of thing.
Just a thought.
If anything Harry Potter is a Biblical allegory. Ms.Rowling was clearly sarcastic in her quote you so nicely dug up after Googling "Sacreligous J.K. Rowling Quotes". I'd be willing to wager (oh, wait, gambling is a sin too!) willing to think that you would defend C.S Lewis and his Chronicles of Narnia in the same breath even though it also uses magic. Or Tolkien's Lord of the Rings. Or Whinne-the-Pooh, or any other books written by proclaimed Christain authors. Think about this: Harry is destined to die for a greater good. He dies for the sins of humanity and comes back. Dumbledor is the all wise all good father figure in his life. Voldamort is quite a devil, that one. Harry defeats the devil after being resuurected and it is actually this fact that kills the devil. Sound like something else? Just because you sound like the type of person whose knowledge is mostly derived from Google searches, it's the story of Christ
I would like to begin by politely asking you to drop the sarcasm. I am well aware that you think I googled up "Dirt on J.K. Rowling" but I assure you, I am in search of 1) FACTS and 2) Biblical truth. The fact is, I made a small mistake by using an unreliable sourse, yes. HOWEVER, is SCRIPTURE - that is God-breathed, God-inspired, holy, and given for instruction in godliness - is SCRIPTURE not enough??
Before we debate or judge ANY movie, book series, author, music or the like, the question MUST be asked:
* WHAT does this glorify? *
Harry Potter glorifies witchcraft. Plain and simple. Period. End of book, end of story. Harry Potter, whether he "saved the world from "evil" magic" or not puts a big stamp of approval on witchcraft - something Alighty God said is an abomination. Period.
I'm in awe over some of these comments. Our God is one of love and encourages edification among His people. Bashing the author of this post does neither of those things.
I see it this way, Kristin is obeying God's word as it is stated in Philippians 2:12-13 (KJV) "Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure."
She is digging and studying God's word to better her life and walk with the Lord, and in turn, sharing with us what she learns from that studying, which also aligns with the word of God as found in Acts 28:31 "Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him" as well as in Colossians 1:28 "warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus".
Kristin, I encourage you to continue your studies of God's word and stand strong in where He is guiding you. We are ALL at different stages in our walk, learning as we go... and this is where He has you at the moment as you study to show yourself approved before Him. Thank you for sharing your revelations for those that are in the same stage of the walk as you. Just remember, Matthew 10:22 says "And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved."
God bless you all!!
I want to add, before my comment is attacked, that Kristen has acknowledged and apologized for the mis-quote from the author of the Harry Potter books. Aside from that, I agree with her, the scripture itself should be quote enough... and yet nothing was commented on such. The Word of God cannot be argued... It was, is, and always will stand. If error is found, especially by those of us claiming to be a child of God, let's give correction in love in a way that uplifts, not condemns. Stone throwing should only be done by one without sin, yet love can be shared and appreciated by all.
Thank you, Jennifer. Please continue to pray for me - that I will be a humble yet loud mouthpiece of God. I don't want to bring anger by what I post, however, I deeply desire to echo what God has already said in His word. Thank you for the encouragement and I agree with you as well. :) Blessings. :)
Sorry just reading today and I have to say bravo! I have refused and will continue to refuse to see Harry Potter. Simply because of witchcraft which the Lord clearly against. And don't worry bout the misquote, happens to a lot of folks. The people responding to that instead of the scripture posted showed how they are not serious about the Lord. Just keep seeking the Lord's direction. Its hard to be different from everyone else. They see what you have and know they don't have it so they try to trip you up. Thats how Satan works. People need to open their eyes and see this witch stuff is real and WILL be dealt with when the KING OF KINGS returns. I sure don't want to be on that side!
Thanks Joe. That was so encouraging. Thank YOU for standing upon the Word as well. :)
Due to, yet, more comments about my small mistake, I have 1) deleted the quote from the blog post, and 2) I have implemented a comment policy.
Amen! I read them all and regret it to this day... After discovering your insightful blog, I spent the past week ridding my house of all my harry potter memorabilia. I burned it all and boy was that a great bonfire... It was a collection probaly valued at 3000 but after reading what you read, out it went. Any Other vastly popular franchise that I should worry about? I think That lion witch and wardrobe should have a stern look at too!
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