The topic I've chosen for this Saturday is Harry Potter. I'm curious if Novel Journey readers have decided to take the "Potter Plunge" or not.
There's no denying this is the most successful series of our age. I know as a writer, I've wondered what makes these books so popular. Yet as a Christian, I've not wanted to create an offense between my Savior and myself.
To non-Christians, this whole topic might seem silly. And indeed on Amazon, there's a forum ongoing right now (under the pre-order of Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows) called "Are the Harry Potter Books Evil?"
It is the hottest discussion with 98 replies—as of this morning.
People who are frustrated with those denouncing the books have these complaints:
1.) People are calling something evil that they haven't read.
2.) The Harry Potter books show values such as 'bravery, friendship, etc. . . and the good in the stories should be acknowledged.
3.) It's only a story. The Narnia tales have witches and magic and Christians don't ban them.
As for myself, over the Christmas holiday, I took the "Potter Plunge" to learn what makes the books tick and read books 1-6. I waited until I felt no check in my spirit, and even after I purchased them, I left them on my shelf for six months to be sure. I am currently dissecting them on my personal blog, both as a Christian and a writer.
I'm curious to learn what our readers think.
- How many here have read them? What is your opinion?
- How many have not read them? Why?
- If you believe the Harry Potter books are dangerous, do you believe writers have more liberty in this area, since their living depends on the trends of the publishing world?
- Do you think people are justified being frustrated that some are calling a book evil that they haven't read?
- Should we read the Harry Potter books, so we can talk intelligently about them?
The above is just some suggested topics. I'd really like to know your thoughts.
The great debate! Here's my take: where Narnia may have a witch, the witch is shown as evil adn there is a Christ figure in the allegory.
ReplyDeleteThe danger to me of Herry Potter, is the books glorify witchcraft as good. It isn't and the Bible clearly warns against it.
Witchcraft is NOT good, is isn't "white" and it does no good deeds. To lead children to believe that in my opinion, is dangerous.
We know Satan is the father of lies; the lie of witchcraft is that it's good.
I agree with Ane in that I wouldn't give this to a child to read. When I was researching witchcraft for my first novel, I learned that spell books and books on Wicca, etc., have enjoyed a huge surge in sales, thanks to Harry. It is dangerous, in my opinion because it depicts evil as good. If you believe the Bible is true, then you must also believe what it says about witchcraft being rebellion. Who needs to pray when we can just cast a spell for what we want?
ReplyDeleteBTW, I'm enjoying your dissection of the series on your blog, Jess. I am interested in what you think makes the books such a success and since I haven't read them, nor plan to, it's fascinating to me.
Passages from Harry Potter were presented in one of the writing workshops I attended at the ACFW conference as examples of great description, dialogue, etc. I've picked up the first book to read as a writer-wanting-to-learn. Would I give them to my daughters to read? Guess I'll have to decide after I read!
ReplyDeleteIf we want our children reading books with a good messege, we'd better get busy writing some for them that are as entertaining and well-written as HP! I'd love to see the Christian market putting our more EXCITING, FUN, and REAL fiction for teens.
I have listened to all 6 of the Harry Potter books on audio (Jim Dale's narration is astounding!) and I loved them.
ReplyDeleteIf I had older children (and I don't), I would have no problem letting them read these books. However, I would also take the time to discuss the books with them. There are wonderful themes of love, sacrifice, loyalty, friendship and a strong good vs. evil message in these stories.
I understand people's concerns with the "magic." But to me it's very much a "fairy tale" type. Tolkien's Gandalf was a wizard and cast spells, although LOTR never showed him being taught spells in a schoolroom. I don’t see the magic in HP any differently. It’s fantasy, not reality.
Do I think we should call a book evil that we haven’t read? No. Would any of us like to have our work criticized by someone who hasn't even bothered to read it? I doubt it. What happens when this takes place is like the child's game of telephone. By the time the truth gets around the circle, it turns into something entirely other than it was.
I think that if we, as Christians, would be slower to vilify, and more open to finding a common truth that we can use in dialogue, we would have many more opportunities to share the truth of the gospel with non-believers. Forums like this are a great example of prayerful, caring, and intelligent dialog. Thanks for opening up the topic Jessica :-) And I’m sorry this post got to be so long!
I think all debates aside, J.K. Rowling's creativity is just astounding. I read the first two books and just kept thinking, "HOW did she come up with that? She's SO clever." Gonna be interesting to see what she does next. Heaven knows she needs that next paycheck. ; )
ReplyDeleteThe only time I read a Harry Potter book was when I was tutoring a young girl who brought that book to our session for reading time.
ReplyDeleteThis girl didn't like reading anything but she enjoyed reading this book. I wasn't going to say Harry Potter is evil and discourage her from reading, but I did say a silent prayer to myself as we read it. As we took turns reading, I didn't find the book interesting. It's just not my style and I had this feeling that the message was contrary to the Holy Spirit. I can't quite pu tit into words, but I felt it.
I'm not saying I never watch or read anything witch related. I enjoyed Chronicles of Narnia, The Wizard of Oz, and Sabrina the Teenage Witch. I think people have to listen to their heart and the Holy Spirit when it comes to things like Harry Potter. To tell someone to totally disregard their convictions for the sake of popular entertainment is quite petty.
The Bible talks about things being permissble but not beneficial. Harry Potter falls into this category.
Hearing your perspectives is interesting. I'm glad you all shared. I'm also thankful that we can discuss differing convictions without poking fun or judging one another. I see Christ in that.
ReplyDeleteI don't think JK or her books evil but I am concerned at the surge of interest in Wicca, (many give credit to HP for their new "faith".)
I suppose if my children really want to read these someday, I'll have to read them myself first and form an educated and prayerful decision, (after teaching them what the Bible says about witchcraft). Until then, I'll just read Jess' dissection of the books from a Christian perspective. It's a fascinating series.
I've read and enjoyed the first four books of the Harry Potter series. I think a lot of it's success is due the its easy reading, and the imagination of a place we all wish exists. I feel that the first four books were an amazing work of fiction, but the last two installments have troubled me. In the first four books the focus is on the character and definition of Harry, which is a great focus. But in the more recent books (5 and 6) the ever increasing since of evil, and even the main character acting unlike a protagonist and more like a spoiled kid concerns me. The plot also lacks the strength in plot that Rawlings had in her first three books.
ReplyDeleteIt seems that a lot of the originality that the series had at the begining has been lost because of the writer conforming to her audience instead of staying true to her original market.
True more adults read the series than children, but in Rawling's interviews near the begining of her career, said that she wanted to write for young boys. She has lost sight of her goal, and in doing so lost passion in her writing, despite being one of the richest women in Great Britian.
Solshine said: "The Bible talks about things being permissible but not beneficial. Harry Potter falls into this category," which I thought was a good point.
ReplyDeleteValerie, like you, I picked up that the first three books had a "magical children's series tone," but then starting with book four, the whole theme became darker.
I was beginning to wonder if that was why so many people always prefaced their Harry Potter comments with "I've only read books 1-3," because they didn't want to talk about books 4-6.
I had been purchasing my books at Wal-mart, but they didn't carry book six (must have sold out for Christmas.) I was shocked when Barnes and Noble had the H.Potter books in the same section I buy Frog and Toad for my four-year-old daughter. Shocked because the themes seemed **way** too mature to be in the children's section. Yet, I admit, it was much harder to put books 4-6 down.
Thanks to everyone who responded so far!
i've read all the harry potter books at least twice, i'm listening again to book 5 in the car now (Jim Dale is an excellent reader) and am eagerly awaiting for book 7. i don't feel that there's anything wrong with reading the books if you understand that's it's just a story and know what the real truth is. this is the same argument people had about the Da Vinci Code. I read the book and found it to be good storytelling but I did not agree with the subject matter. however it gave me basis to understand all the controversy and allowed me to state my disagreements with background knowledge of the subject.
ReplyDeleteI feel that if you don't want to read, participate or have a certain belief, that's fine. I just don't like having other people try to tell me if I don't think like them, then I'm wrong. Read all the Harry Potter books and then come back with your opinions, and we'll discuss our differences.
i think though that books 4-6 should not be placed in the kids section. even without magic, the subject matter dealing with prejudice, race relations, and the government are too mature for younger kids. adults definitely get more out of the later books that children would.
As a children's librarian who has "only" read the first book, I get a lot of odd looks, and have been in several discussions!
ReplyDeleteI work with librarians who never tire of the excuse, “Well, if it gets kids to read …” How about pitting children against an ogre and saying, “Well, if it gets them to use their swords …” They forget that children have plastic armor.
Christians shouldn't condemn the HP books because they have witches and magic. Narnia has those. What we need to see is the way Rowling confuses the biblical standard of common morality, while Lewis, Tolkien etc. preserve it. Instead of evil witches, devilish dragons, and shining knights, Rowling creates some serious metaphor-morphing in the minds of plastic-armored kids. Harry is the Christ-figure in the end, and he is also the wizard.
Kids who have read HP gobble up spin-offs, and once in a while get a taste of the “other kind” of witchcraft. However, their concept of common morality has been inverted, and they very often dismiss the Real Thing with, “Well, we know witches can’t be that bad. After all, they eat Bertie Bott’s Every Flavor Beans!”
The wizards in LOTR is a good point ... however, if we read Tolkien's mythology of Middle-earth in The Silmarillion, we find that Gandalf is technically not a "wizard," but a lesser valar, an angelic minister sent to protect the inhabitants of Middle-earth. I have to wonder if Tolkien would have altered some of his terms if he lived in today's occult-crazed society.
Speaking of technicalities, you might be surprised at the non-fiction Rowling wove into her first, tamest book. I recommend this interesting article (I know, most of you have read a slew of stuff on this topic ... but this is by a former astrologer ... interesting). http://www.midwestoutreach.org/journals/potter.htm Also, a book that proved quite helpful is A Landscape with Dragons, by Michael O'Brien.
In struggling with this issue (listening to adamant defendants of both sides who have never-read and over-read the series, reading the first book for myself, and studying Scripture), I reached this conclusion. Though FBI agents are trained to recognize counterfeit money, their training does not consist of poring over a variety of imitation bills. Instead, they study real money. When they finally graduate, they’re so familiar with the genuine that they have no problem spotting the counterfeit. Study real money, money that’s been proven, money that squares with the themes of Scripture: Beowulf kills Grendel, St. George defeats the dragon, the Ring is destroyed, Jadis is vanquished. Satan and all he stands for is crushed. Yes, some things change as lit develops, but the fundamentals, the genuine bills, the permanent things, do not.
Noel
I work with librarians who never tire of the excuse, “Well, if it gets kids to read …” How about pitting children against an ogre and saying, “Well, if it gets them to use their swords …” They forget that children have plastic armor.
ReplyDeleteExcellent points, Noel. Knowing you're of the age group this series is aimed at makes what you say that much more powerful. I'm so glad you chimed in.
Wow, Noel. You never fail to impress me. Those points are well made.
ReplyDeleteWish I had more time to respond here -- suffice it to say I'm a huge fan of the books (actually wrote my college thesis on 1-4). I don't think that in and of themselves the books are evil, but like anything in the world at what age they'd be appropriate for children needs to be prayerfully considered.
ReplyDeleteThis is a very compelling and logically oriented discussion.
ReplyDeleteAnd to this end I am now compelled to at least go buy the first book, and read it for myself!
Thanks Jess!
Yawn. Isn't this like the church addressing "The Da Vinci Code" two years after it hit its zenith?
ReplyDeleteSome consider it a sin to eat food sacrificed to idols. Others do not. Be convinced in your own mind, Paul said.
I could write a lengthy diatribe on this, but it's been hashed out soooo many times. I hope there are some out there who are busier writing Spirit-inspired masterpieces that'll touch many kids' lives.
Sorry to keep you up, Eric. Jess blogged about this because she just read the series for the first time. It's relevant to her at the moment. Appreciate you taking the time to comment though.
ReplyDeleteConsidering that Deathly Hallows is ranked #1 in Amazon sales, I would hardly say the Potter books are on the decline or that the issue is no longer relevant.
ReplyDeleteNoel
The issue is always relevant, I agree. It's just been hashed out in so many books and forums and blogs and reviews and letters and sermons and...You get the point.
ReplyDeleteBack in the early 80s, I was one of those defending the validity of Christian rock music. Twenty-five years later, the argument still rages in some circles--while the generation of Christians I grew up with are dying spiritually all around me.
I wonder sometimes if these endless debates don't distract us from what we should really be doing, that's all.
Enough said on my end.
Eric
I know I'm late in entering this discussion, but something that I did not see mentioned is the input of the imagination. This is an area all writers must tread carefully on, and this is first and foremost the reason I would not let my children read Harry Potter books. I did read one several years ago because I wanted to know what all the hoopla was about.
ReplyDeleteBack to the imagination. The Bible talks a lot about the imaginations of the heart, often in the context of it being the seat of evil (for example, Genesis 8:21 "...for the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth;). When books and other forms of entertainment cause a person to set their minds on things that are contrary to God, then it takes them away from God. Is that what you want for your children? I don't believe this is a harmless story. It exalts what would be considered contrary to God when it exalts witchcraft (or wizardry). "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?" 2 Corinthians 6:14-15. I believe this goes with the Lord of the Rings series as well, and many other so called Christian books where too much time is used to illustrate the evil and the use of witchcraft, wizardry, and magic to bring about the positive solution or victory of good .
Now that doesn't mean that an allegory is wrong, when it is clearly illustrates truth, as defined by God's Word. Afterall, Christ used parables to teach, and the story of Jonah was an allegory of Christ's death, burial and resurrection (that is not to say that the story wasn't true and didn't really happen - it is true and it did!).
A whole sermon, and perhaps even a short book could be written on this topic, but suffice it to say that a question one should ask before delving into such stories (or allowing their children to) is how will it influence one's imagination, which leads to perspectives, worldview, and actions. Books can have such a wonderful affect on us, drawing out the best of character, but it can bring thoughts and desires to mind that should not be there.
Okay, I'm late in this discussion too. As a homeschooling mom, I've heard other moms say that they would never read them. However, I have read them and loved them all. The funny thing is that the witchcraft in it is all corny Latin jokes. All of the moms (homeschooling) have allowed their kids to read Eragon...now, I've read 1/2 of Eragon and couldn't get through it. But what I read had much more REAL magic than all of the HP books put together.
ReplyDeleteOne of my main reasons for becoming a YA Christian Fantasy writer is to give these homeschooling moms a fun alternative to HP. Maybe I'll be successful. If not, I've had fun!
The best thing about the HP books is the humor. I've let my son read them...but we discuss real witchcraft vs. fantasy.
I've read books 1-6 and I'm now eagarly awaiting the 7th book. I loved the series and I think JK is a genius. Harry Potter is not *evil* in my opinion. It's just a story! As long as you don't get OBSESSED with the books and you realize what's reality and what's not. It's fantasy, fiction and I don't believe that Harry Potter is evil witchcraft disguised as a children's book. God the Devil and Harry Potter, The Gospel According to Harry Potter and The Hidden Key to Hary Potter are books written by Christians in defense of Harry Potter.
ReplyDeleteI do agree that the last few books are more mature, but I feel like the books grew up with me. I'm 12 years old and I don't feel that the books have "filled my mind with evil" or in any way make me less faithful to God.
gp. The whole harry potter theme is not good versus evil. You cant pick that up. But...it is love versus hate. Sounds like its Christian eh? Harry is protected by his mother because of love...while Voldy is consumed by hate....Read the last book, and it makes sense
ReplyDelete