Okay, I admit it. I am a Harry Potter fan. When the final book is released at midnight tomorrow night, I will be in line at our local bookstore. I am actually nervous about how the series will end. I am anxious, sad and excited. I can't imagine how J.K. Rowlings must feel. I love Harry, Ron, Hermione, Ginny, Neville and the rest of the characters. When I cried at the end of Order of the Phoenix, my husband laughed at me at pointed out that I was reading a "children's book." I quickly pointed out to him that Luke Skywalker isn't real, that ended that conversation. Now I know all the arguments against HP. (Especially within the church) However, I find it humorous that the same people who are against HP will allow their children to watch Star Wars. George Lucas himself admits that he sat out to provide a social commentary on the oppressiveness of organized religion. Don't get me wrong, I am a fan of Star Wars. But, why accept the magic in one series as o.k. but, in the other it is evil? It is all make believe. Just for fun. In SW we are suppose to believe that Annikan's conception was virginal. (Hum, where have I heard that story before) He was the one pre-destined to save the empire. (Again, sound familiar?) J.K. Rowlings does similar things with HP. He was saved from a gruesome death by his mothers unconditional and sacrificial love. It is Harry's ability to love and the sacrifices that are made in behalf of others that make the HP series so endearing. It is because Harry was once loved that he is able to show love. It is love that will defeat "he who must not be named." It is my guess that the defeat will also come at a great sacrifice. Hogwarts and Diagon Alley are fictional, as are Narnia, Tarabitha and far far away. Look for the teachable moments. I would never sit my kids down with a book, movie or TV show without first knowing what they were reading or watching. When we come across something that just doesn't seem right, we get down the Bible and have a family study time. Jeff and I pray that by tackling some of these issues in the safety of our home, we will empower our children with the ability to defend their beliefs when confronted with the same scenarios outside the safety of our home.
7 comments:
I like the way you explained that. Way to get all computer savvy on me. I love the pic you included. Very good.
I am not a fan of HP, but have never read any of the books, so my opinion is based on others and my limited knowledge of the premise of the story. My 'beef' has been the minimization, is that a word, of the danger of Wicca. I agree with your post there are many out there that do not take the time to know what their children are reading and then because they have read HP and it is widely and wildly accepted they look to other books which may lead to Wicca. But, this can be said about many things. I just go back to the scripture - Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things. Phil 4:8
After reading over my comment, I thought it was too much...so decided to do a quick google search for Wicca and Harry Potter and came up with this website.
http://www.espministries.com/index2.htm
Ok, I'm just going to hit publish....
I understand all of that. The Wiccas have made it that. It was never the authors intention. Most of the books are taken from other great works of literature. You would recognize many of the plot devices. She just managed to put it all together in a way that makes for an incredible story. In several of her interviews, J.K. Rowlings sites C.S. Lewis as one of her greatest influences. Put it this way, Wiccas have done with these books what another group has done with the rainbow. It wasn't theirs to begin with, but they somehow managed to highjack it.
Yeah, I hear you on the rainbow. What God intended for good, man has perverted.
Jena, basically I'm critical of most things, as Melissa can attest to. Don't even get me started on the Left Behind series.....
I really did enjoy reading your post and understood your point of view, completely. I agree with Melissa, I like the way you put it.
Trust me, I am in no way offended. I hear you on the Left Behind Books. I hate that Christians are often expected to support things that are labeled as "Christian". We are suppose to support them even if they are poorly written or made. I find that to be true with most Christian fiction. I love to read. I watch almost no TV. Give me a good, well written book and I'm happy. Like I said, I take no offense. I think that good open, frank and fair debate helps us to sort out our true beliefs. It is OK to disagree as long as we love each other while we do it.
well said....
Very well said. Great book, So Big by Edna Ferber. You may have already read it...but it is on my list of favorites.
Post a Comment