witchcraft and harry potter

[jaimethepooh]

As the 5th Harry Potter book is being released, the debate over its moral and religious implications has been revived. Christians are arguing that J.K Rowlings's fictional tales are actually filled with true and accurate information on witchcraft, and that children will start casting real spells. Such things are Satanic and cannot be allowed. Parents are protesting and books are being banned across the country.

As a Wiccan and a witch, I felt the need to make a statement:


The Harry Potter books have nothing to do with real Witchcraft

The only "real" witchcraft elements in the books, are the real stereotypes that have dogged Witchcraft for decades. Flying around on broomsticks, pointed witches hats, and the shooting of lightning from magic wands, to name a few. To explain what "real" witchcraft is, goes beyond the scope of this little article. Even though Witchcraft and Wicca are not the same thing, I suggest you visit my What is Wicca? page and do a little reading. It may clear up some popular misconceptions. Many of those who are against Harry Potter tend to lump Wiccans and Witches together, which is incorrect.
As I searched the Internet looking for pro-Potter sites, I was absolutely overwhelmed by the number of articles and sites dedicated to "exposing the evil truths about Harry Potter". What surprised me even more was the blatent lies and false information they contain. The biblical references used to back up their claims are questionable at best, and all of them are focused on the evils of magick and Witchcraft. The connection between J.K Rowling's books and Witchcraft is all in their heads. The 'experts' don't really know anything about Witchcraft at all.

I doubt my little voice will be heard amongst the cacophony of Christian fear and outrage. But hopefully, some people will actually stop and think about their claims before protesting these books. My point here is not to debate the Christian position on Witchcraft, but remove harmless, fantasy novels from the fray. We Witches are misrepresented enough as it is.



http://paganwiccan.about.com/gi/dyna...jkrowling.html
profile of JK Rowling

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[Willow]

That's right. Real witchcraft is nothing like what goes on in Harry Potter books.

[jaimethepooh]

i just started reading these books, i'm on the second one.
and someone on this board said they won't let their kids read it because its about witchcraft?
this book is a kids book, and has nothing to do with witchcraft
if that someone is so scared of these books i hope they are not letting their kid read little mermaid, beauty and the beast, snow white, cinderella, and so on. those books are have magick and witches in them.

[chameleon13]

Sometimes, a book is just a book. It really bothers me when people put pressure on a book just because they believe something about it. If someone feels that the book is not right for them and for their family, that is their choice. I have never allowed anyone to tell me my opinion and I won't start now. I have read all of the books to date and seen the movies. I do not find myself thinking that I can cast real spells (although if I could, that would be AWESOME) nor do I think "HHHMMMMM, think I will start worshipping satan. It seems to me that if the "satan worshipping" aspect of the books really were there, then Harry Potter would do bad and evil things and good would not win out each time the book ends.
I do not presume to tell someone that their opinions are wrong...for them. I believe in a supreme being. But I am also interested in learning about other religions. I also believe in the basic goodness of most people. I teach my children the reality of life. That includes talking about what the see on the tv or movie screen. I tell them about Santa Claus and when the time is right, tell them about the spirit of Santa Claus. I also tell them the story of Christ's birth and the meaning of Christmas in that aspect. If that makes me weird and wrong, then so be it...but sometimes a book is just a book.

[jaimethepooh]

a book is just a book
i never said anyone's opinion is wrong i just gave my opinion of their opinion
and you know what they say about opinion's, everyone's got one
but this is my opinion
taking a book away, any type of book, from a child is wrong. it beats sitting in front of the tv.

[miccit]

My mom and her new husband believe that Harry Potter is evil. His whole family feels the same way. I just don't get it. My step-brother is a pastor. Their kids aren't allowed to read Harry Potter or even watch Caspar. Yet, they were allowed to watch Lord of the Rings. How is that any different? LOTR deals with good and bad just like Harry Potter. There is magic in LOTR just like there is in Harry Potter.

It is just a fun book/movie for families. I just don't get it at all.

[weebit29]

My moms church was all in an uproar over Harry Potter (but not until the first movie came out) and how evil it was. So I decided that before any of my kids seen any of the movies or read any of the books I would check them out. I ended up buying both movies and all the books, including the fifth one I started last night I love them. I see nothing evil about them and I read them to my 6 year old. As for wiccans and witches I knew little about either subject until I met a Wiccan couple last year and had several long debates with them and learned quite a bit of interesting things and read a few of their books......No I am not Wiccan and probably will never be, it just is not for me, but their life is their life and they are great people....and my mom says I will go to H**L for talking to them (rolling eyes) Remember when Kids were encouraged to read or use their imaginations instead of zoning out in front of the TV all day?

Missy

[jaimethepooh]

LOTR is more established than Harry Potter (been a big fan of LOTR since i was a kid!) i guess one could say.
who knows maybe in about 30 years from now Harry Potter won't be seen as evil but on the same level as LOTR.
I think these Harry Potter books is one of the best things that could have happened to youth books. Look at how many kids are now sitting down and reading instead of watching tv or playing video games.
well i'm off to start the 2nd book

[DaLilPeachy]

Strangely, my father and I were talking about this last night (brought on by the new witch barbies which irritate the crap out of me) I'm not super religious one way or the other but this whole issue seems a little overblown to me. The books are well written but I can guarantee that my daughter is not going to start casting spells on her PE teacher or anything. Fantasy is fantasy and to me that's that.

[Willow]

I saw those Barbies that do secret spells. I thought they were kind of neat.

[laughsalot]

I have read all of the Harry Potter books and I love them.