Harry Potter #2

Clarification: I agree that each person needs to make their own individual decision. I think this is where legalism comes in. I do not feel right-unless it is a very obvious area in God's word-saying that if I am led by God to do something, that must be where God is leading everyone else. It would seem that this is possibly the biggest reason that unbelievers do not like Christians. Just a thought!

C. Admittedly, I may be mistaken on basing a lot of this on C.S. Lewis and J.R.R Tolkien's works. I simply cannot accept the fact that if they are morally fine and acceptable, then Rowling's are morally reprehensible and should not be read. However, it is certainly possible that there is more information out there that I have not been presented with and I could be wrong. Anyway, here is a quote from Jerram Barr's piece:
"Third, there is a misunderstanding in the response to the magic in the books. As many aware the same criticisms have been made of C.S. Lewis's and J. R. Tolkein's books, even though both of these authors were commited Christians. It is said that because magic is a part of the Narnia books, they may have the effect of interesting children in the reality of the Occult. The same charge is brought against Tolkien's Lord of the Rings. However none of these books are encouraging Occult practice. The magic is simply a part of the imaginative worlds that Lewis, Tolkien, and Rowling have created. In such an imaginary worlds people can become invisible; animals talk; mythical creatures like unicorns and centaurs exist; and rings and spells work wonders. Watch a little child playing, and you will observe many such magical things. But this does not equal an interest in the occult."
Very true! There is prolific use of magic in Lord of the Rings. I'm not saying that just because something is used for good it is fine. The end does not justify the means. However, I do think that in the context it is used-a fictional piece of literature in which theoretically, a person would not be tempted to involved in such practices in the real world.


D. So, one may ask why the books should be read if one decides they have objectionable content. That is up to each individual, but I do see two good reasons for it. First is Matthew 5:13-the verse which talks about salt and light. I think in order for Christians to be salt to the world, we need to be informed about the things of the world, including books, movies, and music. (I must clarify that if one is tempted by certain elements of these things such as sexual promiscuity, language, or violence, it would probably be a good idea to let another Christian that is not tempted in that area to cover that aspect.) Two, I think that no matter where we look in the world, God's truth and beauty are evident. I believe this is true even in areas that have been riddled with sin-basically everything. There are some examples that come to mind. Although things in nature-such as how certain carnivores eat-are effected by sin, God's beauty can still be seen in it. I think this principle can also apply to the area of aesthetic arts. In books, movies, and music, although the artist or writer may not have intended to glorify God or show God's craftsmanship, it can be seen. A non-Christian playing guitar can glorify God in that he or she is using a gift God has created in that person.


"Some 450 years ago John Calvin encouraged people to read books by the ancient writers from Greece and Rome. He wrote instructions for the teachers in the school system he designed in Geneva, Switzerland, asking that they have the students read the great classics of Greece and Rome that were pagan and non-Christian. And he asked that they not criticize them, but rather encourage the students to celebrate what is good in them, and to learn from the truth that they could find in them. Calvin said on another occasion that it is a blasphemy against the Holy Spirit to deny that pagan writers like Plato wrote many things that are true and helpful. We must be prepared to act similarly in our day when it comes to the Harry Potter series or any other product of our culture."


In conclusion, I think each individual person needs to make an informed decision about the gray areas in life. I believe it is important for a person to know what they think in order to give a reason for the hope that is in them (1 Peter 3:15). There are so many crazy things swirling around in our world that we need to know what we believe. I hope that no one would go solely off the passing comments of a person, but truly reach a conclusion for themselves.

Also, feel free to share any objections you may have. Let me know what you think!

More: In response to Pam in Colorado, I have a tendency to think that with our actions we show the world that we are Christ followers. With so many out there that are very judgemental and legalistic, I get the impression that many non-Christians have a bitter taste in their mouth. Is it possible that maybe issues like this could open up lines of conversation about Christ? Any thoughts?