Wednesday, July 2, 2003

Children likely to come away ready to dabble in witchcraft

I am writing in response to Jennifer Gaynor's letter regarding the Harry Potter series [The Citizen, June 25]. She had some good points about the story being an allegory of good versus evil. However, she state's that Harry Potter in "no part ... glorifies evil" and implies that the series holds value for today's Christian family. I disagree.

Ms. Gaynor confuses God's vices and virtues. The Holy Spirit protects us from vice. This is the common sense that tells us NO to the vast majority of movies on display at the local video store. God clearly abhors witchcraft and directs Christians to stay away (Gal. 5:21).

Just as I would not subject myself or my children to sexually immoral literature, I will not subject them to witchcraft. Because Harry exhibits some Christian virtues does not change the fact that the series is about witchcraft. Just because it's popular doesn't mean it's a "must read."

As Christians, God expects us to make decisions based on his Word. While we have freedom to choose and know that God will love us apart from our performance, purposefully choosing to ignore His standard will have consequences. That should be enough for most Christians, though history has shown that at times we forget the standard or plain ignore it if it doesn't meet our agenda.

For me, the decision whether or not to participate in Harry Potter really boils down to one big and not so obvious question: Is the occult real?

The answer is YES! Are there actually witches and wizards out there? YES! Is there really a religion that tries to tap into a supernatural power apart from Christ? I know that the answers to these questions are YES.

Go to the Bible. Second Kings 21:6 states about Manasseh, "And he ... practiced witchcraft and used divination and dealt with mediums and spiritists. He did much evil in the sight of the Lord provoking him to anger." In the New Testament, Galatians 5:19 states, "The acts of sinful nature are obvious: ... sexual immorality ... idolatry and witchcraft ... those that live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God."

Go to the library or bookstore. You will find a multitude of books teaching one about the occult and how to become more powerful operating in such.

Webster defines Wicca as "a religion influenced by pre-Christian beliefs and practices of western Europe that affirms the existence of supernatural power (as magic) and of both male and female deities who inhere in nature, and that emphasizes ritual observance of seasonal and life cycles."

There are Wiccans in our schools and young people involved in the occult right here in Peachtree City. These are some of the most desperate and misguided young people I have ever encountered. The "coven" (their name, not mine) confessed to promiscuous behavior as part of initiation rights, extensive drug use and having ceremonies to try to bring curses and calamities on their enemies. To their credit, Wicca distinguishes between good and bad witches/wizards just as J.K. Rowling does.

To counter Ms. Gaynor's letter, Harry Potter is NOT a Christ figure; God has not changed his mind about witchcraft. Jesus was not a wizard nor a warlock. Harry Potter is NOT an allegory of Christ; Harry learns to operate in power apart from and opposed to Christ.

While there may be similarities, a major theme in most literature is overcoming adversity and the battle between good and evil. I doubt seriously that children who come out of the Harry Potter movies are saying to their parents, "Thanks Mom, this movie really showed me a picture of Christ." Such complex thinking is done by adults. Children are much more likely to identify with Harry's more pronounced qualities and become curious about witchcraft, perhaps even dabbling in something that God prohibits.

Many Christians have considered the issue and, like Ms. Gaynor, felt it beneficial to allow their children to read and watch Harry Potter. However, based on God's Word as well as my understanding of the occult, we'll pass!

Our young people are indeed hungry for the supernatural. They need to know that there is a God in Heaven who loves them and is full of supernatural power, that if they trust Him, He will fight for them. Hollywood cannot be a credible substitute for this truth!

Chris Turner

Peachtree City, Ga.


What do you think of this story?
Click here to send a message to the editor.


Back to Opinion Home Page
|
Back to the top of the page