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What's a Christian to Do with Harry
Potter? |
Not Going to See Harry Potter Movies? Consider These Alternatives:
If you
have made a conscientious decision NOT to see the Harry Potter movie,
help your children understand why. Besides with all the media coverage
and excited conversation among kids about the movie, they will need your
instruction so they do not imitate practices the Bible forbids. Also
help them understand that many people see the Harry Potter stories as
make believe, so they are not endorsing real witchcraft by enjoying this
movie. The Bible also strongly commands Christians not to judge or look
down on other Christians who enjoy debatable interaction with their
culture. See Romans 14.
The Bible
Spells Out What is Forbidden
Below is a basic checklist against occult practices
from Deuteronomy 18:9-14. If you need help explaining these to your
children, you will find help in “What’s a Christian to Do with Harry
Potter?” Chapter Seven, Protecting Kids from Real-World Occult
Practices, is written in kidspeak, to be read aloud by a parent to a
child.
· No human sacrifice -- hopefully not an issue!
· No practicing divination (any attempt to get guidance or foretell the
future from any supernatural source other than God). This includes
astrology and horoscopes.
· No sorcery (using magic powers)
· No interpreting omens (trying to discover hidden knowledge through
signs or superstition like reading tea leaves, or -- in Bible times --
the liver or entrails of animals.
· No casting spells
· No consulting or being a medium or spiritist (those who contact
spirits and allow the spirits to communicate through them)
· No trying to consult the dead
· No engaging in witchcraft (appealing to occult powers -- any
supernatural power or spirit other than God, the Holy Spirit) Witchcraft
is also associated with the use of drugs, incantations, spells, potions,
charms, amulets and so on, to experience something supernatural or to
ward off evil spirits. Known today as Wicca, modern-day witchcraft is a
pagan religion in which nature and goddesses are worshiped.
Discuss this with your own kids. Don’t argue about
it with other Christians who don’t
see Harry to be promoting real witchcraft. If they see it that way,
they are not free to involve themselves with it. Don’t try to get them
to accept your personal interpretation.
If
you have decided not to read or watch the Harry Potter stories but
want similar entertainment options that many Christians feel more
comfortable with consider the following: (Even with resources from
Christian sources, be sure to consider your children’s age,
sensitivities, understanding, and maturity level.)
·
The
radio theater versions of The
Chronicles of Narnia produced by Focus on the Family available at
www.family.org
·
The
Lord of the Rings movie
opening December 19, 2001. That fantasy also has wizards fighting on the
side of good, however it was written with decidedly Christian
intentions. You can help your children draw out the Christian lessons by
reading Finding God in Lord of the
Rings by Kurt Bruner, available at www.family.org.
Alternative Books:
·
The
Chronicles of Narnia
by C.S. Lewis (Be aware these books include some magic, witches, and
violent battle scenes. The characters from the fantasy world sometimes
cross over into our real world. At times even good characters cast
spells -- Lucy in Voyage of the Dawn Treader, practice magic, Coriakin in Voyage
of the Dawn Treader and use crystals -- Dr. Cornelius in Prince
Caspian. There are mentions of astrology being used by characters on
Aslan’s side, and references to gods / spirits of the trees etc.
However, all of these are clearly in a fantasy world created by a man
who openly proclaimed his Christian worldview, therefore many Christians
are more comfortable with this than they are with Harry Potter.)
·
Forbidden
Doors Series by
Bill Myers This series, by an excellent Christian writer, addresses
interest in the occult, showing the dangers in our real world.
·
The
Cooper Kids Adventure Series by
Frank Peretti (While featuring a Christian family, these Indiana
Jones-style adventure stories have some very scary and violent scenes.
Not for younger kids. Definitely pre-read. Probably not bedtime reading,
but older kids love these stories.)
·
The
Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkein. Also read Finding
God in Lord of the Rings by Kurt Bruner.
·
The
Indian in the Cupboard Series by
Lynne Reid Banks (Not
Christian, but a well-written fantasy where plastic toy Cowboys and
Indians come to life and complicate the lives of the boys who started
out just playing.)
·
Charlie
and the Chocolate Factory by
Roald Dahl
·
James
and the Giant Peach by
Roald Dahl
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