Harry Potter & Lord of the Rings

I've heard an argument about this before, and it was something along these lines. What's so troubling about Harry Potter is partially that the main characters are themselves children, therefore making them easier for a child to identify with. Moreover, the books themselves were written specifically with children as the audience, unlike Lord of the Rings. Also, while Lord of the Rings takes place in an entire other world (which would therefore not mean that magic is possible in this world), the Harry Potter books take place in the modern world, just with this whole hidden "witch world" added. I still think it's ridiculous that such a stink is being made about these books though. Children's books have involved the magical, mystical, and fantastical for a very long time. There's nothing wrong with it. In fact, learning the difference between fiction and the real world is a large part of growing up. Of course, a lot of Christians also dislike the Harry Potter books specifically because they believe they were created to indoctrinate children into pagan religions. Which is very funny because the characters in the books all celebrate Christian holidays just as much as any other holidays. Silly people making a big deal over nothing.

No you were right to tell here that. Both series deal with magic. They both have wizards, good and bad alike. They both have magical beings and mythical creatures. If you are going to ban one because it is dealing with magic then it should be both. It seems to me a bit like splitting hairs between the two. Yes Lord of the Rings deals with adult characters and Harry Potter deals with teenagers but what difference should that make? I agree so long s you explain things with your children then they will be fine. They are stories, make believe, ones to have fun with. They have some great morals to them and can teach children a great deal if one takes the time to look at them. Good luck with the sister-in-law.

Harry Potter, only recently. There are obvious witchcraft and demonic references in Harry Potter. It is too engrossed in this to be acceptable to me. Tolkien is different in a way that does not come through in the movie or the main book however. I have never encountered any witchcraft in J.R.R. Tolkien's books. The beings that are called 'Wizards' (like Gandalf, Sauroman, and Sauron) are actually angels. This comes through in the book "The Silmarilian" and some other writings of his. When I first started reading the Bible I immediately saw parallels in Tolkien's books and 'history'. I believe Tolkien was creating a kind of fantasy version of the Bible. And though there are allusions of magical items (in particular, the rings of power, BTW, which was expressly depicted as not being made by witchcraft) that COULD have been created by some form of witchcraft (and demons, that are not summoned, but again seem to be like fallen angels) it is never reveled in any of the books as such. If anything, it appears to be a skill passed on by the angels and learned by the races, primarily the elves. In any case, it is not the focus of the story like it is in Harry Potter. Though a lot of people think there is nothing wrong with the witchcraft in Harry Potter, a lot of people think there is nothing wrong with "little white lies" and cheating on their taxes. God says not to even bear with a witch to live, and that witchcraft is like idolatry. It is not a little thing with God. Harry Potter is too deeply engrossed in it, without apology, to be acceptable in my understanding of the Word of God; its entire focus is the details of witchcraft. Tolkien's fanciful story of angels and the created races, depicting a struggle between good and evil, both physically and spiritually... in my opinion is OK; I can find no objection of it in the Bible. God is my judge and teacher; if it is not so, he'll teach me.

I know many christians who like harry potter. I worked at a bookstore for 4 years and people kept telling me you dont read H.P.? I finally tried to read the first book and COULDNT get into it. The movie was freaky too! I just dont like H.P. on my own terms. I love Lord of the Rings. As a Christian I can see a little of their point. Its also and the biggest is the witchcraft. H.P. is witchcraft NONE of that is in LOTR! Also Lord of the Rings was written by a Christian author so it has Christian themes (as if Chronicles of Narnia!). But Harry Potter, I am pretty sure the author isnt a christian. Hope this helps. I am not that against the whole thing but I can their point of view too! :)

I can't speak for anybody else, but here are my perceptions and opinions. Both Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings are, at their core, stories about good vs. evil. I think that is apparent to anybody who has any familiarity with them. As such, while they are both fantasy and unlikely to occur in reality, there is nothing inherently wrong about the underlying theme. What people object to is the way in which that theme is presented. For some reason, a bunch of adult characters fighting off hordes of evil spawn is more palatable to certain facets of religion than a few young characters fighting against a primary villain and an assortment of minions. Admittedly, children do tend to have very vivid imaginations, and tend to indulge them in pretend play, emulating their favorite characters from books, movies, etc. Which group do you think that children would be more likely to relate to? Probably Harry Potter's group. And what are the main characters of the Harry potter franchise? Wizards and witches. The main characters in Lord of the rings? Well, the Fellowship is primarily fighters or warriors. Now, I can see why Christians might want their children to observe people who fight, which is a quite feasible real life activity, rather than people who wave magic sticks around and cause all sorts of occurences that are just about impossible to duplicate in real life. A negative effect on children? Perhaps. And that goes for both Harry Potter AND The Lord of the Rings. But parents, do you not believe that you are a positive influence for your children? How can a lifetime of your positive influence and example not counteract the much more limited influence a 2 hour movie, or even a series of movies, can provide? With all that said, however, everyone is entitled to their own opinions. They are also entitled to listen to other people's opinions as well. Ultimately, the parents have to decide what they will and won't allow, somehow. That is their responsibility. While this discussion is written from a Christian perspective, I'm curious as to whether other religions have similar issues. My $0.02 at the moment.

Well both the series are fictious and i am sure both are great for kids...I mean i have read the books and also seen the movies and they are great...it is a kids world to dream about magic and do things that are great....but if they feel that that was wrong i guess its wrong to even wrong for small girls to watch sleeping beauty and dream of their prince cos who knows maybe they ll be disappointed one day....i guess its wrong to watch Snowwhite too cos dwarfs dont exist right...

I remember being in a chat room when the first movie came out, with the christians ranting and wailing over the end of civilization as we know it because of it. The biggest argument at the time was that schools should not be teaching witchcraft. I said schools have always taught witchcraft - I remember in elementry school in the 60s of daily having spelling tests. Of course they won't have any objection to any course following their christian agenda in our public schools, to hell with children whose families follow other faiths. I could not believe they actually got some school districts in the United States to downplay evolution and have creationism as an equally viable alternative. This is in PUBLIC schools -- And they have a problem with fairy tales?

No I think people take this overboard. Like playing a track backwards are subliminal messages from lucifer. It's just people going overboard, nitpicking at every little thing.

Perhaps the Christian Watchdogs have done their homework about the authors and the fact that J.R.R. Tolkien was a devout Christian with a fasciantion for language and mythology makes a huge difference in the impact their fantasy world has. The true heroes of LotR wind up being Sam and Frodo, two simple, hardworking hobbits with no head for magic or any of the other nonsense out in the world. The hero in Harry Potter is a wizard. Non-wizarding folk in the story, at least our main picture of Non-wizarding folk is the Dursley's, and they paint a horrible picture of non-magic people. Perhaps they are afraid the kids will get the impression that magic and witchcraft is the way to make a better life and they'll lose their Christian focus. Personally, I think whatever reason they come up with will be a load of rubbish! They're books and stimulating the imagination of tomorrow is what will prepare them for reality.

I think you did the right thing. And on another note. Lord of the Rings is one of the best movies of all time. It has a story that teaches everyone to never give up, even when the whole world is against you, or when you think you cannot go on. It teaches of fellowship and brotherhood/sisterhood, and the true meaning of sacrifice and friendship. Anyone who bans these movies from their kids is banning their kids from an enjoyable story with lots of pretty colors, but they will also learn something from it. Another good movie to show kids, at least I think, is V for Vendetta, it shows the power of the human voice and love for one's nation, and what it can do to right the wrongs.

Both the Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter are as much fiction as the religion your sister-in-law follows. I have always found that it is adults who can't distinguish between fact and fiction and kids don't have a problem. That is why adults especially christian ones keep telling the kids that santa claus exits.

Yeah. I've heard of a couple instances where people are against Harry Potter. They believe it will somehow corrupt their children and make them do irrational things which will inevitably result in jail time and getting beat up by their big cellmate named bubba. I think people completely over react to small things these days. I think people need to lighten up and just take the Harry Potter books and movies as just that, books and movies. Yes, it does involve magic, but I don't see why people feel the need to label it "witchcraft". My god, it's magic, acted out by young actors and actresses. Better not expose your kids to the horrible movie of Finding Nemo. Watching it may just cause them to believe that fish really can talk, forever scarring them. It's imagination! Let your kids have their imagination and go crazy with it while they're still young enough to do so.

You are correct. You can also point out to here that the case of Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings is similar to Santa Claus, Disney and the Tooth Fairy. All involve fiction and magic, but none of them are harmful.

To be honest, Your right.. My real opinion about this is that churchs want to Make their opinion on everything and want all things in their way.. What is not correct.. Just because it has Wizards it will make negative effect on children? For me it makes no sense. :)

Most things that religious groups complain about in media forms such as movies and books...you will often find out that those complaining and accusing the works of such things have never even read the books themselves to know

If we really think like that we will become religious fanatics. It is not at all bad to see any thing which does not teach anything bad to children. Religion has forsaken it for its bad nature, but when it is presented in such a good way it is not at all bad. Instead they will teach a lot of things to them.

I have a problem with groups (like the Christian Watchdog) and with lazy parents. As your sister-in-law is too lazy to view both series and make her own decision based on her beliefs and intelligence, she relies on another's decision to raise her children. I've personally found Lord of the Rings 'darker' than Harry Potter, and wouldn't show it to younger children. I am not an expert on children, but I believe that what a child is exposed to, should match his mental and spiritual development. If you do want a bit of advice, enjoy your nieces and nephews and stay out of their upbringing. Parents are usually quite annoyed when someone butts in.

Oh I don't think you were wrong in telling her the TRUTH. And you are right, both of these books/movies are fiction and really...some people should be able to tell the difference. Even my 5 year old daughter knows that broomsticks can't fly. We are so afraid for the children, that they give negative effect and all those stuff, but we should realize that our children, even if they are still small are intelligent beings and as you said, if you explain it to them, they will definitely be fine. And these types of movies should just be enjoyed both by adults and children, and i stress the word enjoyed here, not dissect it to pieces and find all faults and folly in them.

this juste movie

no, you were right they both deal with magic and they both are soo great!!!