Are Harry Potter stories evil?
By dreamertink
@dfollin (25371)
United States
July 8, 2008 4:29pm CST
Iam a christian(baptist)and I feel as well as most of the people in my church,including the pastor that Harry Potter stories are of course fiction.And if we understand and teach our children the difference between reality and fiction then there is nothing wrong with Harry Potter stories as well as some of the fairy tails that have been read to children for many years.I have family and friends that feel that way too.I met a woman at the book store at the selling of the last Harry Potter book,who is christian and her kids go to christian school.And she made a point too,that I thought was very smart.She said that the Harry Potter stories were not specifically about witchcraft,but good against evil.Think about it,it's true.I mean they celebrate Christmas.They don't go to church,but they celebrate it the same way human (muggle),non church going people do.
Then,my mother and uncle go to a different baptist church then I do and the people there think that the Harry Potter books are soley about encouraging witchcraft.My friend goes to a bible(christian)church and they even had a speaker come in and talk to the congregationn about the evil's of Harry Potter.
What do you think?
Then there
3 people like this
23 responses
@TessWhite (3146)
• United States
9 Jul 08
Whether the books are about witchcraft or not should really have no bearing on whether or not someone considers them evil. Witchcraft, for those of us of the Wicca faith is not about practicing evil magic. Its about using nature and the energy around us to help ourselves, our family, and our world around us. Think of it as the Wiccan form of prayer. Yes, there are those out there who do use some witchcraft for evil. But then there are also some Christians who are evil as well. So, I ask those of you who are Christian to not look at witchcraft as an evil practice, just realize that this is OUR way of celebrating the powers around us and worshiping the God and Goddess.
As for Harry Potter - I've never read the books, but I have seen a few of the movies. And all of them have been relating to good against evil. So how could that be considered a bad thing?
2 people like this
@dfollin (25371)
• United States
9 Jul 08
Iam a christian and I was always told that Wicans believed in Witchcraft.Thank you for enlighting us on that.
@AlephWren (135)
• Argentina
9 Jul 08
Well look, I'm not baptist but Catholic, but well not much differences anyway... Harry potter for me isn't a bad book, but if taken seriously, it can pervert the kids' minds, and that is a pity because there is a whole world called "New Era" where things related to paranormal things are in it, and they call you as a God, and that you have superpowers inside.... blablabla..
The Pope Benedict XVI said that "Harry Potter takes away the Childs' Soul from them" (like a thief that book does...)
Sorry Harry's fans, just to get noticed.
2 people like this
@dfollin (25371)
• United States
9 Jul 08
The woman that I said I had met at the bookstore that said the story was about Harry being the good guy fighting against evil was catholic.That is the whole point it's a story,it should not be taken seriously.But,the issues of friendship,honesty and loyality should be seen as a great lesson to the kids.
@jennifer611 (2514)
• United States
9 Jul 08
I'm not going to try to put someone else down for allowing thier children to watch it, but as for me I wont let my children watch it.
anything with wizards or magic or whatever, I don't want them watching because I myself feel it's not of God.
I am not saying that I am perfect, but this is just something I don't want to allow my kids to do.
what if they find it attractive and want to get into exploring in witch craft stuff?
I'd blame myself for allowing them to watch this type of junk and opening their minds to it.
Not all christians are going to agree and be all for OR all against something, were only human.
just because one does or doesn't do something doesn't mean we are all going to follow them and it doesn't mean their right or that their wrong. we have to follow our own hearts and do what WE feel is right, not what everyone else is doing.
2 people like this
@krayzietam (832)
• United States
9 Jul 08
This is well put. I agree with you. We also have to remember that we have to communicate with children.
2 people like this
@wachit14 (3595)
• United States
9 Jul 08
I've heard other people argue these very same points regarding the Harry Potter series. Like you, I believe the struggle between good and evil is the most prominent thread that runs through these books. There are many bible stories that represent the very same struggle, although not quite exactly the same, the message remains the same; that good will overcome evil as long as those who choose to be good stick to their beliefs. The fact that the author uses witch craft to prove her point is really irrelevent. It's just brillian story telling on her part and she has gotten kids to open up a book and read and that's a pretty good thing.
2 people like this
@dfollin (25371)
• United States
9 Jul 08
I don't think JK Rowling was using witchcraft,she was using magic as fun.There are magic show's all the time and they have been around for years.And yes I think Jo did a great job creating a fun story that has touched so many in a good way.
@nanajanet (4436)
• United States
9 Jul 08
No matter what religion someone does or does not belong to, it's all about teaching children right from wrong, plain and simple. All of the religions I know teach that.
A smart parent will allow children to learn all aspects and all religions and then instill in them the tools they will need to be productive, and good human beings.
The parents who shield children from things that they don't believe in are doing them a disservice. They need them to learn that the whole world will not be the same and should not be the same.
There is no evil in Harry Potter but maybe in the minds of the people who find evil in those books. If you look for it, you will find it, good or bad.
2 people like this
@dfollin (25371)
• United States
9 Jul 08
Yeah,you are supposed to be looking for the good in things,not the bad.My mom was saying a few months ago that it is a sin to explore other religions,that it says so in the bible.I asked her where and she could not remember.So,I called my pastor and the pastor at her church,that I used to go to.And they do not know what she is talking about.
@krayzietam (832)
• United States
9 Jul 08
This is a good topic, which has been discussed over and over again. I am a Christian, I go to church, but I have read the Harry Potter series (after being reluctant for a long time) and I actually liked it. Personally, I just look at it as a story and I don't believe in it so it has no affect on me. On the other hand, I have heard other Christians say it is demonic and one should be careful what they allow to be entered into their spirit, which is what they read, what they watch, what they listen to, etc. That also has some truth in it as well. For example, some people who watch a horror movie, or has the tv on when they sleep, chances are they have a nightmare or a dream about what they just watched. I may not grasp the full understanding but I do believe it depends on the person.
2 people like this
@dfollin (25371)
• United States
9 Jul 08
Thanking for thinking this is a good topic.I do not recall seeing this topic before.Maybe it was before my time here,there for the newbies and other's that joined after me can answer it.And thank you for your reply.Iam sorry,I did not mean to bother anyone.
@JoyfulOne (6232)
• United States
9 Jul 08
Henry Potter books evil?! No way! I think that kind of thinking is ridiculous and must have been started by that pastor who swore that the Teletubbies are gay. Entertaining...yes, evil No. Henry Potter teaches kids about right and wrong, and the right way wins in the end...how can that be evil?! It sends a positive message and one that reinforces good prevailing over evil. The kind of thinking that says it's promoting witchcraft isn't going too deep. It's fiction for cripes sake lol, and it's no more harming than reading about Captain hook and Peter Pan...in that kind of thinking, would reading about Cap'n Hook promote pirating? Or would reading Tom Sawyer promote delinquency? Heavens no, for even those have their redeeming qualities, and again, the prevalance of good over evil. (Just my humble little opinion lol)
1 person likes this
@dfollin (25371)
• United States
9 Jul 08
I forgot about that the Teletubbies gay! A few weeks ago I believe it was here that someone posted that a christian teacher was saying Tiger and Eyore are gay.That's what I said earlier as well,it is not much different then the fairy tales that have been read to our kids for years.Yes,how can teaching right from wrong be evil? Someone had said earlier that these people putting down the book's probably haven't read them.
@Debs_place (10520)
• United States
9 Jul 08
I have read all of the books and seen all of the movies, multiple times. If people want to look for evil, they will find it.
This book is about the triumph of good over evil. That is how Harry survives the 1st attempt on his life, his mother's love protects him.
They are absolutely not evil, their is love, their is friendship, their is teamwork but not evil.
1 person likes this
@buldwgz (1489)
• United States
9 Jul 08
Evil? no way. It's getting kind of old really. I find that the Harry Potter books are very good because it has gotten so many people reading that otherwise would not. Evil is not an issue really. Our morals come at home, not in a work of fiction.
1 person likes this
@dfollin (25371)
• United States
10 Jul 08
Exactly,the morals come at home,not in a work of fiction,very well put.Iam not bored with Harry Potter.I am excited for November to come.No not the cold weather (I don't like cold weather,lol),but the Harry Potter movie! I hope she deceides to start writting about their kids.
1 person likes this
@tthom64 (535)
• United States
8 Jul 08
I am Christian too and me and all my kids have read the Harry Potter series. I feel that it is more about good vs. evil and has good examples of friendship, loyalty, and bravery. My children, as far as I'm aware, are not aware of the occult or any "real" witchcraft being practiced in real life and just see Harry's powers as being fictional and fantastic. A fantasy that we all have about being more powerful. They, nor I, see it as actually encouraging the practice of witchcraft.
But I sincerely respect the opinion of others that it is not right for them. There are many things that I try to keep away from my children that others don't seem to see the harm in.
2 people like this
@dfollin (25371)
• United States
9 Jul 08
Yes,they are good examples of friendship,loyality and bravery.You explained it perfectly.I too respect other peoples opinions.But,they judge me,unlike christians should, about my parenting skills.
Iam not a rich person and do not have a car.I have a friend(so called) that sometimes gives me rides.But,if this person knew I read Harry Potter then I wouldn't get the rides any more.
@joliefille (3690)
• Philippines
9 Jul 08
It's not an evil book. It's about good triumphing over evil. I've heard some narrow-minded teachers not allowing this book in their libraries or spreading the misconception that it's anti-Christian. Magic is fascinating and we should thank Jo Rowling for coming up with a fantasy-filled adventure like Harry Potter because she was able to use those elements beautifully in the books.
1 person likes this
@vivianchis (60)
• Colombia
9 Jul 08
Well, I don't really like Harry Poter's books but I thinks this story is not evil... But parents need to explain their children about the idea that the book's author wants to express... It's a good story and children enjoy it, parents ´please explain your children what's the objective of telling this kind of stories.
1 person likes this
@tamarafireheart (15384)
•
9 Jul 08
Hello dfollin,
Have any of those so christian watched or reasd the Harry Potter books? Please why do so many so christians thin witchcraft is so evil? are they afraid that the real truth will come out or are they just hideding behind the church? Harry Potter is about witchcraft and yes its all about the good fightting the evil, Harry Potter is a witch who fight the evil.As for celebrating Christmas !Please! Pagans celebrate the changeing of the season when the Holly King over power the Oak king which is the winter solstic,Yule 21/23 Dec: Do the christians know thar Christ was not born on the 25th Dec:? No I dont't think so.
Tamara
1 person likes this
@_sketch_ (5742)
• United States
9 Jul 08
What kind of a world are we living in where we worry about such stupid things as this. The Harry Potter books are fiction. The kids are fighting bad guys. Who cares if they are using "witchcraft"! They aren't worshipping the devil, or playing with quigi boards or anything. And as for the fact that they dont go to church in the stories, virtually no books or movies show their characters going to church. Basically the only time characters go to church is when the story is about church or religion itself. Harry Potter is not in any way a religious story and that's why they dont go to church. The books and movies never say anything about any religion. They never imply that they are either for or against any type of religion. Maybe they all do go to church and they just dont mension it. And devil-worshipers dont celebrate christmas, I'm sure, but the characters do. We all need to stop worrying about things like this so that we can spend more time worrying about things that really matter. Really, kids could be doing a whole lot worse things than reading books about make-believe.
1 person likes this
@dfollin (25371)
• United States
10 Jul 08
I don't know,but they sure worry about it.Don't they? You are absolutly right,the could be doing alot worse.They celebrate Christmas.They could be going to church.Who knows,like you said they don't show it.That don't show that they take showers.The only time I can remember is when Harry was taking a bath and Moaning Myrtle showed up.That was funny!But,they all looked clean enough.These people will say that they used witchcraft.They didn't show them going to the bathroom either.
That was funny!But,they all looked clean enough.These people will say that they used witchcraft.They didn't show them going to the bathroom either.
@MrHappyAsthma (212)
• United States
9 Jul 08
People just over-react to everything. It is a story of words completely made up. J. K. Rowling did not write this story with the thought that "I'm gonna stick it to religious people real good" trying to tick off as many people as possible. She just wrote a good story that appeals to a large audience.
1 person likes this
@dfollin (25371)
• United States
10 Jul 08
J.K. Rowling did such a tremendous job pulling up that creativity starting in a coffee shop with babies in tow.She was not trying to hurt anyone,she simply wanted to make a buck or two to feed her family.She didn't expect this to become such a hoopla! She certainly made enough to buy many meals for her family and a lot more families too. Iam so glad that someone who actually deserved to get rich and popular did.
Iam so glad that someone who actually deserved to get rich and popular did.1 person likes this
@elshaddai123 (3981)
• Kottayam, India
13 Jul 08
witchcraft in any form should be avoided, rather read Bible and meditate on it.
@ANTIQUELADY (36440)
• United States
8 Jul 08
i have wondered about that myself & if it's really good for kids. i have not read the books or seen the movies, just didn't care anything about them even tho i read all the time .i have seen the previews on tv & that didn't change my mind about them.
@1stshawty (116)
• Trinidad And Tobago
12 Jul 08
they are in no way evil i am an avid harry potter fan and when it comes to books its one of the best for kids.maybe i'm bias but the stories are good and its diffrent fom muppets and imaginary friends but thats just me
@babyfirefighter (568)
• United States
13 Jul 08
I go to a baptist church also where they belive that the Harry Potter books are evil. I think that it has to do with the witchcraft in it. Personally I dont thin that it is a big deal either cause of course I read the books myself. Everyone has their own opinions so.....
@humra7 (178)
• United States
9 Jul 08
I'm also christian(catolic) and so is my family.
I like Harry Potter films and i don't think they are "devil's films" as my family said.
When they saw me watching that film they unplugged my TV and grounded me for whole 2 weeks.
Since then when that movie appears on TV that day i can't watch TV at all.
1 person likes this
