Again, we see daily the amount of ADULTS who cannot think for themselves, and also it is important to note that the acceptance of Occultism is not a sign of immaturity or "not thinking for oneself" - rather it is a rebellion based on what is termed "Mortality puttin on immortality".

It has nothing to do with them thinking for themselves...point is that the scriptures call these "seducing doctrines" that have even seduced the greatest Men of God (including King Solomon for a period of time)....

so, again, my opinion and studies keep me at my original stance at the beginning of this post...

Stay UP

P.E.A.C.E.

i*360°

well, that was simply put...

but what about children who can read, and then choose inappropriate materials...and hurt themselves or others...they can think for themselves, does that mean they should think for themselves, or should their parents monitor their behavior...
what do you think?

imagiin,
i respect your own oppinion, but i do have something to say. i think that you shouldn't under-estimate children. if they're old enough to read, they're old enough to think for themselves.
~ bekah

I am curious. How, on Christian bookstore shelves, I can see one book that tells people how they can find Jesus in the Lord of the Rings, next to another book that calls Harry Potter "demonic" (as the initial post here). Lord of the Rings are the foundation book that unleached all these "Sword and Sorcery" books and Dungeon and Dragons.

Well, Wally, though I respect your viewpoint and agree to a certain extent; I have to inform you that I did not buy into the whole "rumor" thing...actually, I have not only read the 4 books, but also have spoken in boards at harrypotter.com and such just to see if its as bad as "they" say it is. I would encourage you to do the same if you feel it is not a threat...see how many young children WORLDWIDE want to be witches & wizards...it is incredible how people are so desensitized to the reality of this, that they would rather ignore it than face the reality of it. And in this subject of Occultic Practices and Mystery School teachings, I do not just speak from a "fanatic christian" point-of-view...Occultic Sciences are my area of study and research...I study ancient texts, speak with mystics on a constant basis and vary in studies from Qabala, Freemasonry, and Rosicrucians to Satanists, Celtic Pagans and Greek Mystery Schools.

The reality of the sciences within the books of Harry Potter are astonishing! I, for one, have 3 children (one of them 5 years old), whom I would not his impressionable mind being filled with these teachings. You speak as if a child has the mind of an adult to reason between fantasy and reality - heck, most psychologists will tell you that adults have enough difficulty in this area as it is...

In regards to the Pagan symbology in Christianity, I do know what is being spoken of here; but to the individual that posted that - I would challenge you to define what Christianity is - once you have accomplished that - than and only than will you know the falsehood of that statement...

Love in Elohim

P.E.A.C.E.
(Proper Education Always Corrects Errors)

imagiin 360°

Zippy,

Hello! Would you be more specific as to what Wicca websites you visited that claimed an increase in interest in their religion due to the Harry Potter craze? I've been researching that subject as well, but I've come across just the opposite. In fact, the Wicca organization released a public statement around the time the movie was released and distanced themselves from Harry Potter by saying neither the books nor the film had any resemblence whatsoever to their beliefs. I've also looked at data from secular as well as Christian researchers who delve into this sort of stuff that shows there has been no marked increase in interest in the occult among the general population because of Harry Potter. There was, around the release of the movie, more emphasis on the occult in media outlets and liberal arts institutions because it was assumed that more people would want to know more about it. However, that interest apparently didn't materialize. One example was a college course offered in, I believe, New Hampshire. But a total of 2 people signed up for it. That reflects other situations around the country. I'm certainly not disputing what you say you read, but it's just interesting that it goes against everything I've seen. I'm just wondering if the people who authored the websites you looked at were simply quoting anecdotal instances. Just to let you know, I'm on the fence when it comes to whether or not Harry Potter is harmful or just plain wistful imagination. I'm still waiting to be convinced either way. If you would respond with that info, I'd greatly appreciate it. Thanks a lot and God bless!

I think a lot of people are missed informed here. Everyone is scared that there children will want to start studying the occult just because they read a book. However those of us who follow the Christian faith are following a faith based on old pagan beliefs. There is so much pagan symbolism and beliefs interwoven in to the faith I dont have enough time in the day to list it. I just suggest that you read about the history of Christianity before you begin to say that anything other than it is occult.

Wally,
I understand what you mean about Harry Potter promoting imagination and creativity.(I enjoyed Lord of the Rings) I don't have a problem with these things; However, I have a problem with any book or movie that's set in an occultic way. Harry Potter not only has real references to occultic practices, but the principles of witchcraft are accurately presented. There are even some occult symbols in the series. (Quija Boards, Crystal Balls, Wicca, witches, etc.) This brings me to question, Will some children or teens want to experiment with witchcraft after seeing this film or reading the book? It accepts witchcraft as a lifestyle. I find it disturbing that the author of this book mixes fantasy with witchcraft and occult practices. Instead of loyalty, friendship, honor and bravery we get lies and rebellious behavior that is often rewarded. I read in an article about a television special titled "Hollywood Spirituality," which aired last year on E! Entertainment, Raven Mounauni, a professing witch and owner of an occult paraphernalia store, credited the 1996 movie "The Craft" with inspiring young women to explore the world of witches. "I get a lot of teenage girls in here. You can always tell when 'The Craft' has been on TV, 'cause we get a big influx of girls looking for supplies."
Folks, Mounauni said it all. Programs that contain occultic material cause an interest in young people. And Wally this is my concern. I don't want my children growing up thinking it's ok to explore occultic evil practices.(Deuteronomy 18:10, Galatians 5:20)

imagiin,
I respect your desire to protect the young ones in your life, but I think you might want to examine exactly what you're protecting them from.
I don't think the Harry Potter books promote witchcraft. They instead promote imagination and creativity. The magic in the Potter series is not something that stemmed from centuries of occult activity (as you say), but from the imagination of J.K. Rowlings.
If for some reason, you really believe that magic in literature is of the devil, you might want to reconsider some other books as well: "The Wizard of Oz," "Alice in Wonderland," "The Chronicles of Narnia," "Lord of the Rings," "MacBeth," and "Peter Pan." These are all respected pieces of classic literature that - by your standards - promote the agenda of satan.
I also find it sad that we are discouraged to read Biblical concepts in school, but I do not feel that Harry Potter is the next step toward occultism. Nor do I feel that it encourages self-divinity. I simply believe that the Potter series helps the imaginations of young children around the world to flourish.
I understand that many Christians believe in the "garbage in, garbage out" theory, and fear that Harry Potter will implant satanistic ideas in the hearts and minds of their children. I happen to believe in the same theory (in fact, I don't listen to secular music of watch rated-R movies), but I think before parents decide what is garbage and what isn't, they need to look for themselves. Too many parents have already discarded the Harry Potter books as satanic without finding out for themselves that Harry Potter is nothing of the sort.
Yes, let's "open our eyes as parents and also men and women of God and see what the enemy is planning." Instead of focusing our attention on the harmless Harry Potter books, let's look at ways that satan is actually grabbing a hold of our loved ones and bring it to a stop.
God Bless you imagiin, and God Bless everyone that reads this message. Please just remember next time that we can't just discard everything on a rumor.

- Wally

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