Christian, DISCERNMENT

What About Harry Potter? You Decide

I have avoided writing about Harry Potter for some time now. But today, I saw two different Christian children dressed in Harry Potter apparel, and it weighs heavily on my heart. I know that many Christians will reject my view. But, well, that never stopped me before.

A magical map that revealed the plan for Hogwarts School and tracked its human and ghostly inhabitants and their movements, using the Homunculus Charm. Photo by Klim Musalimov on Unsplash

We all know that Harry Potter is deeply rooted in the theme of witchcraft. When considering whether to allow your children to read these books and watch the movies, ask yourself this question: Is it pleasing to God?

 Ephesians 5: 10-11 says, “… find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness,”

In 2 Corinthians 5:9-10, the Apostle Paul tells us, “So we make it our goal to please him … For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.

“Now may the God of peace …  equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” Hebrews 13:20-21

To answer that question, we must search God’s Word. When we do that, we do not search for verses that will allow us to read these books. Rather, we must search for truth regardless of what we might find. Here are some verses to consider:

“The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.” Galatians 5:19-21

“Let no one be found among you who sacrifices their son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord;” Deuteronomy 18:10-12

As in so many decisions we face in this life, we must ask: Lord, Is this pleasing to you? You will find your answer in the Bible, God’s Holy Word. It doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks; only the Lord.

In His Love, Cindy

To learn more about Jesus, read Who Is Jesus? A message for the Skeptic

All Scripture from NIV

Featured image by Artem Maltsev on Unsplash

14 thoughts on “What About Harry Potter? You Decide”

  1. I didn’t have Harry Potter books or films in the house and did my best to dissuade my boys from taking the books out of the library at school. The thing is, youngsters will say, “Oh it’s just a story Mum, you over react!” Errr, no! My job as your mother is to protect you and teach you what is right in the eyes of the Lord! If we want to raise godly children we must be prepared to stick to our guns and explain why it is not good for them, or honouring to God, to get involved with certain things! Ironically, JK Rowling has put her head above the parapet to defend women only sports and spaces, for which I do respect her. However, I think she did a great disservice to a whole generation of children with her Hogwarts stories. I have read the testimonies of former witches who say that the “spells” and language used in the books is authentic. It’s also teaching children about the dark side of the spiritual world and making it seem normal and even heroic! I’m with you 100%, Cindy!

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  2. I would just add to that, that many years ago I had a conversation at church with a young mother, regarding Halloween (which we never participated in!) She was absolutely brainwashed to think it’s all just harmless fun and a bit of dressing up. Therefore, I was wrong and over reacting, denying my children the “fun” of trick or treat… Very sad. Don’t know if I’ve ever heard a sermon on Halloween OR witchcraft generally, that warns and teaches Christians through God’s Word, which is very clear on the matter!

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    1. You’re right! The Bible is clear about many things that you won’t hear in a sermon and witchcraft is a big one. I have never heard it mentioned in a sermon, either. Thank you for sharing your comments. God bless you today as you serve the Lord! āœļø

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  3. Thanks, Cindy, for emphasizing, ā€œLord, is this pleasing to you?ā€ Christians steeped in today’s culture need a neck-up checkup. They’re loving the very things God hates. For example, you could have written your post about artificial intelligence. The same scriptures highlight how misguided thinking about AI ignores its harm on children, women, and the mentally vulnerable. Keep beating the drum.

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  4. Just when you think that the Harry Potter debate is done, another generation comes along to be deceived by the subject of witchcraft. What is most worrying is the increasing amount of mainstream TV shows that focus upon the supernatural; some are soft sell, and worse still are those that hard sell evil themes. As children of God, we are called to be aware of the deceptions of the evil one in our world (Colossians 2:8). May our Father God continue to guide and bless you in His holy Word each day dear sister Cindy šŸ™

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    1. Alan, Thank you for adding your thoughts. Colossians 2:8 NASB 95 states,
      “See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ.”
      God bless you today, Brother! šŸ™

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  5. Some say it is the same as the fairy-tales from days gone by, but I don’t agree. It is not reading material that I would condone for people of any age.

    Maryann

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