Let's Talk About Harry Potter

[Specter]

Section 1: Harry Potter

I really don't have all that much to say on this topic. All I know is, I used to feel that Harry Potter was evil. Now, I am of a different mind about it. Allow me to explain.

When a child is young, between the ages of five and twelve, maybe, the higher age being the estimate, he/she is more or less innocent to a lot of the things that much older people know about. Growing up, I thought kissing was gross, so there goes Harry kissing girls in Order of the Pheonix.

Anyway young children are oblivioius to Magic, the reality of it, and that it is dangerous. It is not something that is to be used, or practiced, and even so-called "white magic" is wrong, because it is manipulating elements that we're not meant to have control of.

A child could, after reading Harry Potter, want to learn about all this stuff that Harry learns about. He'll look it up at the library or online, and find more than he bargained for, about "real magic."

On the flip side, the book is clearly fantasy, and gives certain rules to the use of Magic. It makes it very clear that magic is not to be used in the "real world" and that Muggles (us) cannot use magic.

Also, if a child is raised properly, and is taught from the beginning that fantasy is not real, not that magic is evil, but that magic is what happens only in books and on movies, then they'll be able to understand not to touch magic. It falls on the parents to make sure the child knows. "No such thing bad student, only bad teacher."

What makes Lord of the Rings different, is that all "magic" is not "magic" but an ability, a skill, given by the creator. For them NOT to use their skills to help out their fellow man, hobbit, etc, would make them evil, as we are supposed to use our gifts for the greater good.

What makes Narnia different, is that yes, Magic was used, but Aslan protects them from using Magic later, after he lets it be known that magic should not have been used to get into Narnia in the first place.

___________________________

Section 2: His Dark Materials

The true evil. While Harry Potter is being slammed by the religious, this series goes under the radar.

In The Golden Compass, young Lyra Belacqua journeys to the far North to save her best friend and other kidnapped children from terrible experiments by evil scientists.

In The Subtle Knife, Kyra journeys to the shimmering, haunted otherworld called Cittágazze, where she meets Will Parry. Together they travel from world to world and discover an object of extraordinary power, and uncover the truth of their own destiny.

In The Amber Spyglass, Lyra and Will are in unspeakable danger. With help from Iorek Byrnison the armored bear and two tiny Gallivespian spies, they must journey to a dank and gray-lit world where no living soul has ever gone. The Amber Spyglass brings Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials to an astonishing conclusion.

Discover Lyra's Oxford, an exciting new tale set in the world of Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials saga. This collectible hardcover volume includes a short story by Mr. Pullman, plus a fold-out map of Oxford and various "souvenirs" from the past. The book is illustrated throughout with woodcut illustrations by John Lawrence. Coming in October.

Both Philip Pullman (in 'His Dark Materials') and CS Lewis (in the 'Narnia' series) are extremely popular fantasy authors. While Lewis's books are suitable for young children, Pullman's trilogy is written for more sophisticated teenagers or young adults. Both Pullman and Lewis have a worldview that influences their writing - Lewis as a follower of Christ, Pullman as an atheist - in fact, 'His Dark Materials' has been described as 'C S Lewis for atheists.'

Pullman has made no secret of his hatred of the works of C S Lewis. He describes them as:

One of the most ugly and poisonous things I have ever read, with no shortage of nauseating drivel.
http://www.facingthechallenge.org/lewis.htm

[Queen Trace]

I think with harry potter is magic is the secondary and it is his experiences with his friends and family that make him so relatable. It is not his ability to do magic that makes him popular but the everyday experiences that do for instance...his fights with the enemy of the book and his families feelings towards him and his friendships. It is those real experiences that make children want to read about harry potter more so than the magic. That part of the books is the novelty. It is his journey that makes him so enjoyable not his magical abilities. Well that is what I think anyway

Trace

[Lunis]

I agree with you, Trace. It may sound strange, but the Harry Potter books helped me be able to relate to other "kids" better, because of all the emotions Rowling carefully puts into words. She gives a nice window to the inside of childrens'-teens' heads, and I'm glad I read those books, even though I may not agree with all its philosophies. The author is not a Christian after all, but I won't condemn her, I'll just pray for her. :)

[Lunis]

I'm also very glad that Rowling made a huge and clear distinction between Good and Evil, unlike some other fantasy authors' books that I've read. ^_^

[Gleeleaf]

Yeah, I don't care what people have to say against Harry Potter. I feel that if you read them with a cautious mind, nothing will influence you. To the pure all things are pure to quote scripture. I do believe however, for those of you that are against Harry Potter, you shouldn't read it unless you are reading it with an open mind, ready for new oppinions and different ways of looking at things. If you don't you'll just end up being angry and getting mad at whoever told you to read them, not because the book is bad, but because you weren't allowing your oppinion to be changed. Am I making any sense whatsoever? :lol: Sorry 'bout that. ;)

[May Lafay]

No one should be greatly influenced from the books. Look at me, I have all the books in both hardback, and 3 in paperback, I write a harrypotter fanfic every month, and also love drawing fanpic for it. I send out for a fanclub t-shirt I love it. Yep every sunday I go to church and pray, I go the a teen bible study thrusdays, and work at "lift a hand" center in cary, nc once a week. I belive in God to the fullest, and harry potter hasn't destoryed my faith, if anything it's helped me through a whole lot, I would read it when I couldn't sleep at night, or listen to it. But never once did I think magic was real, I do belive in miricales. Small kids 7 or 8 shouldn't read it, but right when they can hit an age when they can tell the difference between good and evil or real and unreal.

[Gleeleaf]

There, May said it a lot better than I would be able to, but that's exactly what I think. Anyone easily influenced, don't read any books that might have something bad in them to influence you. Not that Harry Potter has exactly anything bad in it, just stuff that might influence.

[Queen Trace]

I guess when it comes down to it just look at the fact J.K Rowling is a great and wonderful writer. What she has done for modern day literature is something that hasn't been accomplished since the days of C.S. Lewis. She got kids reading again.

Although the content of her books might not be to everyones tastes, that doesn't take away from the fact that these are some of the best written books going. If these books get kids reading and loving other books (giving them a chance to explore worlds of people like Tolkien and Lewis), Regardless of the wizard factor shouldn't they be encouraged and given a chance?

Anyway, this just came to mind so I thought I would send it through

Trace :P

[Y. Fish]

Originally posted by Queen Trace@Apr 19 2004, 06:17 PM
What she has done for modern day literature is something that hasn't been accomplished since the days of C.S. Lewis. She got kids reading again.
Yes, she did-- I remember when I was at the Order of the Phoenix midnight-release party at my bookstore, I was walking past this group of girls about nine or ten years old, and they were actually saying, "Reading is so much more fun than television!" Made me so happy. :)

[May Lafay]

Then they'll grew up like you with mental breakdowns.

[Y. Fish]

Well... everybody seems to be talking about Harry Potter, but what about the other series? I have not personally read His Dark Materials, but it's on my list for the summer. I've only heard good things about it from my friends. I know it's got religious folk all in a tizzy, but just because there's a book out there with athiest views doesn't mean the world's going to end. Things that you read don't neccesarily dictate what you do.

And about Harry Potter: When compared, the magic in Harry Potter is very dissimilar to the magic practiced in the Wiccan religion. Kids reading Harry Potter, if they really want to learn magic, will want the stuff where you wave a wand and say some words and then POOF! a dragon or something appears. In Wicca, you have to draw power from the earth, balance the chi, medatate, etc. No flashy stuff. Very dissaponting to a kid expecting alohamora. There's not much chance that kids will convert because they read Harry Potter.

[Warrior-Poet51088]

I agree with all of you on this topic, but especially with Paul, Gleeleaf, and Lunis (no offense to the rest). Paul (Specter), it is very true that if a child is not taught what truth vs. lie, fact vs. fiction, good vs. evil, et cetera are, then they will get the wrong idea about the book. Sadly, in American pop-cultur, no one really takes the time to explain to their child what good and bad are. My 8-year-old nephew is one such case. His mom allowed him to come see RotK with us (I don't think he's mature enough to go), and after the movie, he couldn't comprehend that Middle-Earth was make-believe...fiction...NON-EXISTANT. He thought it was some place in the middle of the earth (not too bad for an 8-year-old...). He reads the Harry Potter books and thinks that wizards, warlocks, witches, and the whole lot of 'em DO exist. Maybe if kids had grown up watching Mr. Rogers' neighborhood, they would be able to see the difference between the real world and "the Land of Make-Believe."...Man! I loved that show! :D

[faeriechylde]

:blink: Wow, what a thought! An eight-year-old kid that can't discern fact from fantasy? How sad... although sometimes I wish I could be that blissfully ignorant :lol:
I watched TV cartoons like "The Gnome" on Nickelodeon (anyone remember that?) when I was only two, not to mention "My Little Pony," "Carebears", and "Lady Lovely Locks" (I really don't expect anyone to remember that last one...) My favorite movies as a little kid were "The Last Unicorn," "Fern Gully," and "The Little Mermaid." Yessir, I was certainly sold on Fantasy in general, but I always knew what was real and what was make-believe... I guess my mom told me when I was still a baby, because I don't even remember a specific conversation about it. I think that's the problem... a lot of parents ASSUME their kids are too young to understand the difference, or EVEN WORSE, that it's cute to let them believe what they want when they're little. But that just sets them up to distrust their parents when they're older and develop a cynical world view. Or, they might develop a habit of believing whatever the world throws at them and fall into worse problems. The important thing is, if you are influential in the life of ANY child, never assume that you can't talk things over with them because they won't understand. Kids have a lot more brains than we give them credit for.
Whoa, what a long post! You can tell what I'm passionate about :D That's why I want to be a teacher.

[Gleeleaf]

I've been looking up a lot of things on line for the new HP3 movie coming out, and I'm really excited. :D I've been reading the book again and watching the previews to see if I can recognize any of the parts they have filmed ... Oh, I can't wait! (hopping up and down with excitement) Does anyone else feel that way in here? Still 29 days away!!! :( :rolleyes:

Aaaa, they'd better not mess this one up - it's my favourite of the books! <_<

[Dragon Slayer]

I'm excited too, but I don't think I'm quite excited as you seem - "hopping up and down with excitement"? - oookaaay.

I am a little worried, though ... it's my favourite book too. :unsure: So far they haven't done what I'd call a great job on these movies, and if they don't do a great job on POA ... I don't know ... but I am worried.

[Y. Fish]

Odd... the third one's my favorite, too. And I think it'll be better. This one's got a different director, that guy who directed "Y Tu Mama Tambien" which my parents said was great.

[Gleeleaf]

Everybody I know that likes HP likes the third book the best. :blink: Maybe Rowling just did the best on it period. If it isn't so, let someone contradict me by saying they have another one that's their favourite. ;) :D

[Lunis]

Originally posted by Gleeleaf@May 8 2004, 12:09 PM
If it isn't so, let someone contradict me by saying they have another one that's their favourite. ;) :D
LOL, I'd love to contradict you, but then I wouldn't be being truthful. <_< ;)

:D

[autumn_spirit_play]

how far are they goin in the harry potter movie series thing... i heard they were only goin till the 3rd or 4th... :( :( :( :( :ph34r: :( :(

[Narnian warrior]

Harry potter is brilliant in my opinion its just as good as the chronicles of narnia!

[Specter]

Originally posted by autumn_spirit_play@May 19 2004, 02:51 PM
how far are they goin in the harry potter movie series thing... i heard they were only goin till the 3rd or 4th... :( :( :( :( :ph34r: :( :(
They're filming the forth right now, with a short break before they film the fifth.

[Gleeleaf]

They wouldn't stop in the middle ... would they? :unsure: It'd be so unfinished if they didn't do the whole thing ... um, duh. :rolleyes:

[autumn_spirit_play]

dunno, just heard they were since the kids were getting too old.... cant wait till it comes out!!!! june 4th, hurrah! :ph34r: :ph34r: :ph34r: :ph34r: :ph34r: :D

[Y. Fish]

Well, the kids get older with every book. That's why they have to make the movies one year at a time so the kids look just a little older in each film.

[Lunis]

Originally posted by autumn_spirit_play@May 22 2004, 10:31 AM
... cant wait till it comes out!!!! june 4th, hurrah! :ph34r: :ph34r: :ph34r: :ph34r: :ph34r: :D
I know!! I'm so excited!! :D :rolleyes: :lol: EXCITED!!!!! ^_^

[Gleeleaf]

ONLY ELEVEN DAYS LEFT!!!!!!!! :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

YAY! YAY! YAY!

[Gleeleaf]

Oh, yeah, I can't wait! :D

[autumn_spirit_play]

i know... me and a couple of my friends want to see it the day it comes out, but i dont know if thats gunna happen... :ph34r: :ph34r:

[Lunis]

Lol, yeah.., my sisters and I want to see it opening day too. ^_^ :D

[autumn_spirit_play]

how long until the next book comes out?

[Gleeleaf]

There are some weird rumors going around that it'll come out this fall, but that's a little too much to hope for I think. :(

[Y. Fish]

Yeah. It takes a loooong time to write a book, much longer than it takes to make a movie. I don't think she could possibly have it out this fall if it's as long as the last one was. Then again, it could be shorter... non ho so. All I've heard is that the last word of the last book will be "scar." Wanna see if that's true.

[autumn_spirit_play]

hmmm.... man, it took me like 2 days to read the last one... i dont think i can wait that long... lol ^_^

[Gleeleaf]

Are you sure you didn't miss anything? :lol: I've read all of them three times each! :rolleyes:

[autumn_spirit_play]

me too, but im sure i missed stuff. but i am a fast reader when i put my mind to it. like i read a book this morning... it was good.

[Lunis]

About "H.P.& the Prisoner of Azkaban":

Only 7 days till it comes out!!!!! :D ^_^

[autumn_spirit_play]

*starts to do wierd dance but stops when she realizes everyone is watching* woohoo!

[Y. Fish]

My parents must have a thing about Harry Potter and midight releases. I think my mom's already ordered tickets to see the movie at 12:01 the day it comes out at this little theater near our house, and she took my brother and I to the midnight bookstore parties for both the fourth and fifth books. Personally, I feel like I can wait to read it/watch it instead of sacrificing my slumber. Midnight showings (which my dad also took us to for LOTR Two Towers) just seem so irresponsible, especially when they're on a school night. But hey, you know parents. Can't do a thing with 'em. ;)

[autumn_spirit_play]

which is why i have the joys of older siblings...

[Lunis]

Originally posted by autumn_spirit_play@May 28 2004, 06:18 PM
which is why i have the joys of older siblings...
Agreed!!! I luv having Fae who takes us (Glee and I) to all the movies when we want to go. :lol: ;)

[autumn_spirit_play]

yea, and i recently aquired a sister in law, so woohoo! i have a sister... kinda... she'll take me to the girly ones my brothers refuse to see :lol: :lol:

[Gleeleaf]

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!FIVE DAYS AWAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[autumn_spirit_play]

lol, i think we're missing a "6 days" somewhere...

[Gleeleaf]

We're missing ten, nine, and eight as well! :lol: Well, here's four!

!!!!!!!!!!FOUR MORE DAYS LEFT!!!!!!!!!!

[autumn_spirit_play]

yea, but 10 9 8 are before seven, and 7 5 4 isnt conscutive, so.. i mean... um... are you as confused as i?

[Gleeleaf]

It's because I did eleven a few days ago, then I skipped 10, 9, & 8, and Luni said seven days, and then we skipped 6, and then I said 5 and 4. Hope that makes more sense. It's because we weren't on here every once in a while, so we missed some of the days. :rolleyes: Still four days away! :D :(

[Gleeleaf]

:wacko:

[autumn_spirit_play]

o, kk.... didnt see those posts :D :ph34r: :ph34r:

[Y. Fish]

Yeah, keeping up an acurate countdown on a forum can be difficult... as my sig would suggest.

[autumn_spirit_play]

yea...

[Lunis]

Three days away!!! (sort of)

:ph34r: :ph34r: :ph34r: (aren't these ninja dudes so cute?!) :lol:

[Y. Fish]

:( *sniff* I'll be away...

[Lunis]

Dude, that's too bad. :mellow:

[Gleeleaf]

I FEEL SO SORRY FOR YOU!!! :blink: Where are you going to be that you can't see it there? :huh:

!!!!!!!!!!!! IT'S TOMORROW !!!!!!!!!!!!

[Specter]

I'm seeing it TONIGHT! at Midnight! :)

[Y. Fish]

Goin' to Idaho, to visit my half sister. If the planets align, I might get to see it there.

[autumn_spirit_play]

wo... im a bit slow, as u can probly tell, but i just realized thats its already out...

[Lunis]

Well, I saw it, but I'll say nothing of it, so as not to reveal anything (like changes or cut outs from the book). :D ;)

[autumn_spirit_play]

grrr... i was gunna see it tonight wiht my bor, my friend kelly and apirl. my bro has the game meeting from 7 to who knows when, kelly has to babysit until 5, and the next showing is at 9 (at the moment) and im not really in the mood to have someone sleep over(from lack of sleep, i personally blaim swim team) and April was gunna come over and help me sell cookie doe (argh... why cant i remember how to spell stuff?) but she wanted to see it with her mom and only get to my house at 5 and i dunno if thats a good time to sell cookie doe, and i really wana see it with tom(bro) at 9 if possible, but i would feel bad cuz im leaving kelly out, buton the other hand she still hasnt seen the 2nd movie, so i couldsee the third now, wait till kelly saw the 2nd and go and see it agian with her. i really have to see it with tom cuz i said we would see hell boy together then i went and saw it without him. ive been waiting forever to see it and i know tom wants to see it and i wont be able to see it with april cuz i cant get ahold of her... grrr... sry.... ignore all i just said. im just frustrated.... sry... back to being happy becca.
so... was it really good?

[autumn_spirit_play]

:blink: :blink: wow... i wrote alot... all has been fixed though... sry bout the nervous brake down, lol... :blink: :blink: wow, i wrote alot...

[Lunis]

Originally posted by autumn_spirit_play@Jun 4 2004, 04:51 PM
so... was it really good?
I'm sorry to say You'll have to decide for yourself. :lol: ;)

Personally, I found it a bit rushed and not well explained(which can be especially bad for those who haven't read the book), but as a fan and reader of the book, I understood it well, and therefore liked it no matter how "bad" of a movie it was.
Does any of that make sense...sorry didn't get much sleep last night. :unsure:

Anyways, I definitely wanna see it again, and that fact must count for something, right?! :D

[Specter]

I wrote my review at http://sweetpaul.com/movies/2004/harrypotter3.php

I don't think it was rushed. I think they told what needed to be told. They're going to be dropping 50% of each of the next two books for the films, and losing a lot more. It'll be more like Lord of the Rings missing a lot of stuff too.

[Lunis]

Seriously, it was a great movie. ^_^ I mean, if one hasn't read the book than may be it doesn't seemed rushed. There were a few things I found strange.


****SPOILER (actually it reveals hardly anything)****







Lol, one thing I found odd is that Lupin never explains how or why he knows that the Marauders Map is a map, and, lol, Harry doesn't question him as to his knowledge.

[Specter]

At least not on the screen. We talked about that afterwards, and found that it was missing, but figured it was left out for a reason.

[autumn_spirit_play]

i dont really like the new director, man. it doesnt seem well explained, and there missing stuff. i mean, not like they left parts out, i knew they would do that. i mean like for instance they wore muggle clothes alot, even when not in a muggle area. the lake around the castle was missing(i think, it [was] pretty late) and ... yea... lots o stuff... *cries*

[Y. Fish]

I might be going to see it today, if I can. I've heard mixed reviews for it, but I really think I'm gonna like this one.

[Gleeleaf]

(after having seen the movie) ... wow ... :mellow:

[autumn_spirit_play]

wow as in yay, or wow as in nay?

[Specter]

I'm glad they got a new director. He knows how to make it magical. As for their "muggle" clothes... who cares? You need to have something to visually distinguish the films, and if they wore the same clothes every film, the movies would be nearly impossible to tell apart.

[Gleeleaf]

Originally posted by autumn_spirit_play@Jun 8 2004, 01:50 PM
wow as in yay, or wow as in nay?
I'm in shock cause it was really cool. B)

As for the muggle clothes, I would have rather them been in wizard's robes, but I just ignored the fact ... oh well ... <_<

[autumn_spirit_play]

i dunno, its pretty good, but it deffinitly didnt give the feeling the others did as i came out...

[Y. Fish]

Just got back from seeing it. WOW! I thought it was great! Though I did notice that they never explained about the Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot & Prongs thing. The picture looked pretty grainy at times, and I always pictured Lupin with longer, shaggier hair. But other than that, WOW! I'm especially amazed at how well they animated Buckbeak. It would be easy to botch a job like that, but it was almost impossible to tell he was CGI'd. BTW, was there anything at the end of the credits I should have stayed for?

[autumn_spirit_play]

like the thing at the end of shrek? :blink: :blink: :blink:

[Y. Fish]

Yeah, or more relevantly (is that a word?) the thing at the end of the credits in The Chamber of Secrets. (Anybody seen that? ;) )

[Lunis]

Hahahahahaha. Yes, that thing at the end makes me crack up every time. ;)

[Specter]

I stayed for the whole credits. It was fun watching the feet.

[autumn_spirit_play]

hmm? what thing? :blink: :blink: :blink:

[Lunis]

The thing Fishy and I were referring to is the scene at the end of the credits of The Chamber of Secrets, (wanna know more? watch it! I'm not telling, it'll ruin it for you. :D )

And as for what Paul was saying about watching the feet, that's during the credits of Prisoner of Azkaban, but I don't think you were asking 'bout that. :lol: :rolleyes:

[autumn_spirit_play]

i already saw the movie... please? *makes puppy eyes*

[Monkeh]

I agree with paul. It was fun watching the feet. My feet were moving at the same time as the ones on screen. But that may have just been the fact that I despirately needed to pee :(

[possumlover278]

i love harry potter!
it is the best book series in the world!
jo just writes just so amazingly u just cant put them down
i also love phillip pullmans his dark materials those r just so amazingly written

[autumn_spirit_play]

yea... o ... sweet icon thingy!

[Specter]

Everybody loves the homestar runner! :)

As for the ending of Harry Potter, I don't recall anything at the end of the credits.

[possumlover278]

thank u!
yes everybody does love homestarrunner
it i the best

[Lunis]

Originally posted by autumn_spirit_play@Jun 10 2004, 12:28 PM
i already saw the movie... please? *makes puppy eyes*
So, you wanna know what's at the very end of H.P.& the Chamber of Secrets... Okay, if any of you don't want to know this, don't scroll down! ;)



















At the end of the credits, the screen pans in on an article, which is hanging in a wizards' shop and is entitled "Who am I?", and on it is a picture of Lockhart. Poor bloke he looks utterly clueless. ;) But, he did deserve what he got! Messing around with oblivious charms on Ron's wand, honestly. :rolleyes:

Are you satisfied now, autumn-spirit? :lol:

[autumn_spirit_play]

yes... thank you very much... :D

[Lunis]

You're quite welcome.

[white_witch87]

I saw the whole two movies of "Harry Potter" and I'm so gonna see the third movie, too. :rolleyes:

[Lunis]

Wwow, that information just blows me away.

(sorry Luni sarcasm.. :rolleyes: )

Yeah, I think the 3rd movie is really good, now I'll just worry 'bout # 4. :lol: ;)

But what I'm really excited and a bit anxious about is book 6. :ph34r:

[autumn_spirit_play]

yea, i know... i cant wait till it comes out..

[jennyjenjen56]

I love the harry potter books and the first two movies. I did not like the movie version of prisoner of Azkaban. I read the first couple of pages of this thread and I have to say I agreed with the origional posts and the ones like it. I have heard that his dark materials is very anti-christian and anti- God. I haven't read them myself so I cant say for sure. Although if he writes books like that I feel sad for him. I know christians can paint a bad picture of ourselfs but you have to wonder what would have to happen to make someone hate christianity that much.

[NiennaTinuviel]

I didn't really like the His Dark Material's books. I couldn't get into them for some reason. I read them all though...waste of a couple of days really. I am SO EXCITED about the 6th book. I want to know if Mark Evan's is important at all. Oh yea and one of my friend's told me something about the last word in one of the books is supposed to be "scar" does anybody know if that's true or not? I can't imagine what the end would be like if it ends with scar...that would just be weird. But i really hope J.K. doesn't kill off anybody i like or make them turn traitor. I think Ron is a seer and he's going to betray Harry and Hermione and Dumbledore and everybody somehow. Don't know why but i do.
~Chantal

[Y. Fish]

Yes, I've heard that too. The last word in the last book is supposed to be "scar." I could think of a sentence that ends with scar-- "And with Voldemort vanquished, all Harry had to remember it by was his scar" or something like that, hopefully a lot better because that would be a wimpy ending for the series.

[NiennaTinuviel]

oh that wouldn't be too bad. hmm so it's definate that that's the last word...pretty cool. I love J.K. she is such a good writer...

[pacifiquesea]

Wow, what a thought! An eight-year-old kid that can't discern fact from fantasy? - Faeriechyld

Forgive me for resurrecting this thread on my first post, but I just had to say - I disagree with your post. Yes, it's true that the average 8 year old can tell that the magic in Harry Potter is make-believe. However, I think what Specter was trying to say is not that these kids don't realize that, but that it's difficult for them to separate themselves from the world of the movie, or book, or whatever media. Even adults who become engrossed in things have that problem.

I also watched Lady Lovely Locks and David the Gnome. I remember them very very well...


As for His Dark Materials, I read them a few years ago, and while I was completely drawn into the world, they definitely promote a worldview that is anti-Christian at the very, very, very least. Still a good story and an interesting read though. A lot of theology. If anyone else has read them, I wish they'd reply...

[NiennaTinuviel]

I read His Dark Materials. I didn't really like it that much. Normally I can get into a fantasy book if it's written well but I couldn't get in to those and there is no doubt that they are brilliantly written. It was too much theology for me and not enough story i think. Just my thoughts. It was interesting though, i couldn't stop reading it I just had a hard time getting thkrough it

[faeriechylde]

Originally posted by pacifiquesea@Jul 1 2004, 11:00 PM
Wow, what a thought! An eight-year-old kid that can't discern fact from fantasy? - Faeriechylde

Forgive me for resurrecting this thread on my first post, but I just had to say - I disagree with your post.
Hello, pacifiquesea! And welcome! That's okay about "resurrecting that thread" ... I just want to say that I was not disagreeing with Specter at all (I rarely do, ask him ;) ) I was replying to Aragorn, amazed that he actually knew a real-life example of a kid who literally didn't know the difference between fantasy and reality. I found it very sad. :(
I understand what you're saying about kids not being able to "separate themselves from the world" of fantasy, but that's not really what I was referring to. However, like you said, even adults have this problem, and I don't think it has much to do with age, either. I still believe that loving parents who know how to guide their children with purpose and adventure in real life won't have to worry about their kids becoming fantasy zombies.
I think there are a lot of "truths" in the Harry Potter series that I wouldn't want my kids to miss out on, at least once they were old enough to understand them (and for every kid the age is going to be different: some might be able to understand at 7, others won't till they're 12), and when I have kids, I intend to teach them how to do that.

[tgraveline]

Ok, i haven't read these books yet and it will be some time before i get to them. But i must make my peace with them. I just watched the first three movies and i must say the story is quite interesting and enjoyable and knowing that all books are better than their moive counterparts as long as the book was the original of course that they are better. I use to bag on them a lot but not now.

tg

[Soli_Deo_Gloria]

So no one has posted here in a while, but perhaps I can get an answer to my question.

. Does anyone else see a problem of rebellion in Harry Potter? I have read the first book and seen the three movies and my greatest concern rebellion. Harry never seems to be punished for breaking the rules and often takes authority to himself. I am in the military so I believe in using "chain of command". If there is a problem talk to the guy one on one. Then take someone else, then if nothing is resovled hand the problem to a higher authority.

. Harry does what he sees needs to be done and never suffers repercussions, and he is usually right. In conclusion, it seems end justify the means. I can give examples that I saw if someone wants but I am on a time crunch right now (why is so much work assigned before breaks?)

. I have not read the whole thread or many related threads so if this has been dealt with before or is being dealt with somewhere else do tell. :D

[legolas]

your in the military?! awesome!

anyway, he does get punished sometimes... sometimes he doesn't get caught. other then that i don't know what to say.

[Queen Swanwhite]

You can say anything about me but I think Harry Potter is evil. Sorry! I just think JK Rowling is trying to say that being a witch or wizard is good, it is totally going against everything that it says in the bible. Sorry!! :D ;)

[inkspot]

You can say anything about me but I think Harry Potter is evil. Sorry! I just think JK Rowling is trying to say that being a witch or wizard is good, it is totally going against everything that it says in the bible. Sorry!! :D ;)
Have you read the books?

[glamel]

If you've read the book. you'll see that he received warnings and then punishments, he was like an ordinary boy, who commits mistakes and get punished for it, only he got powers and magics.

It's a good book, and it does not tell that being a witch or a wizard is good.
Actually it teaches us to use our imaginations creatively,that we can create things in our mind if we want to, if we just learn how use our imaginations,

It does not tell us or teach us that witchcraft is good. It teaches us to think, think creatively and let our imaginations fly.
It's a story, okay. a creative story. a good one.

[PrinceOfTheWest]

One thing I think is a major theme of the Potter books, but few seem to notice (at least on this side of the pond): they're English Public School stories, in the same vein as Tom Brown's Schooldays and Stalky & Company. A distinctive genre, and the protagonists weren't expected to be good law-abiding boys - it was expected that they would be rascals. The recounting of their deeds was not meant to glorify them, but, in the end, to show that skirting rules and flouting authority never worked in the long run. The better ones, like Stalky show subtle character development and deal with difficult and complex issues (such as street-level justice used against sadists.)

Seeing the books in that literary line gives me much less heartburn about the hijinks of the protagonists. Yes, Harry breaks rules - and usually pays the price. I've got more problems with other aspects, but the "wizardry" is not among them. I've posted about that elsewhere.

[CSLewisFan]

Ms Queen Swanwhite,

You can say anything about me but I think Harry Potter is evil.

I don't think saying anything about you is the idea :) I think discussing with you is.

Sorry! I just think JK Rowling is trying to say that being a witch or wizard is good, it is totally going against everything that it says in the bible. Sorry!! :D ;)


What part of the story is unbiblical?

And finally, as my new friend inkspot(;)) asked, have you heard about the books from others or have you actually read them yourself?

-Austin

[Queen Swanwhite]

I have read them!!!! I just think (as a christian) that witchcraft shouldn't be practiced! Obviously everyone on this thread likes the HP books. I'll say no more.

[inkspot]

Feel free to say more.
You just don't like them cuz the Bible says not to practice witchcraft, and HP does magic, is that it?

See, because I felt like that until I read the books and saw that Harry's magic is pretty far from devil-worship or "real" witchcraft in our world. When I saw them as magic in a fantasy world, like the magic in LOTR and CON, I did not think they were evil, after all.

[Queen Swanwhite]

Well, if it does go against the bible, isn't that enough to make it evil. I mean, it must be evil because it goes against the Word.

[ArrowsOfSilver]

ok, forgive me if i get technical technical :o , i tend to do that...

its a little like my view on movies with cussing and violence: as long as you do not bring it into reality, it shouldnt bother you.

and they are doing magic...its not Wicca or anything like that. have u ever seen a character do a ritual? have they ever used the term "lord and lady"? have u seen them do anything pagan?

i mean, it would be nice for JK Rowling to mention the Lord once in a while...but we can take that as a sign that she has not been Saved.

just my opinions, i hope nothing offensive.

~AOS~

[LadyEm]

ok, forgive me if i get technical technical :o , i tend to do that...

its a little like my view on movies with cussing and violence: as long as you do not bring it into reality, it shouldnt bother you.

and they are doing magic...its not Wicca or anything like that. have u ever seen a character do a ritual? have they ever used the term "lord and lady"? have u seen them do anything pagan?

i mean, it would be nice for JK Rowling to mention the Lord once in a while...but we can take that as a sign that she has not been Saved.

just my opinions, i hope nothing offensive.

~AOS~

Well I am a passionate Christian, a well-studied theological one who graduated from a Bible College - I DO know the Bible.

I am also a writer who does not always mention the Lord in every novel I write. This is not because I am not outspoken about it, but it is because not every novel requires it in the story-line and God can speak through that just as much as something blatantly Christian.

Secondarily, "witchcraft" is not hocus-pocus spells. According to the Bible, Witchcraft is rooted in "rebellion against God," especially including worshipping nature and all sorts of pagan rituals. That is witchcraft.

This also denotes technically that we are all guilty of witchcraft in some form or another, even as Christians, because we are all guilty of "rebellion against God." The only way we can possibly be good is because of God's aboundless grace and mercy that we don't have to work for because of Jesus' death on the cross. It's handed to us freely.
We are all sinners, across the board, guilty of rebellion.

The only ones in the HP stories who use "lord" and "lady" (I suppose if there was a female evil witch) is Lord Voldemort, who is very clearly extremely EVIL. In the books he is the one who is evil and terrible and guilty of these things such as evil rituals and spells. HP and the gang at Hogworts most certainly do not do the same things.
Their "spells" are of the fairy tale sort.

HP is fighting *against* evil. He himself is not perfect but his wizardry is quite tame in comparison.

In some ways, Harry is less evil than we are in our own lives.

[ArrowsOfSilver]

excellent point, thank you, just one thing....lord and lady is a wiccan term. they r the two major icons in paganism. (i did a study on pagansim once)

witchcraft IS defined by the bible as "rebellion against God" but some view it as a religion. so we are all guilty, Christian or no.

good point about Harry though. you seem like a very interesting person.

and thnkx for calling me down about Rowling.

i will not rant on, as that is something i tend to do often.

~AOS~

[Queen Swanwhite]

Well, HP(i hope I don't start an argument) obviously thinks (I could be wrong) well, everyone thinks that HP is just as powerful as any other wizard. Therfore he can think he is just as powerful as God himself. Though I am quite young but I do understand what evil is.

[~Aravis'~Legend~]

You are entitled to your opinion, Queen Swanwhite, as is everyone here.

IMO, Harry Potter is not "bad" or "evil", he has a huge responsibility to rid the world of Voldermort, in the books. Even if he didn't want to do it or tried to pretend that Voldy doesn't exsist, in the books mind you, he would still have to fight because Voldy marked him or chose him as his enemy. The point I'm trying to make is: Harry is only powerful because of a few key things.

Harry's mother died protecting him, therefore, he was shielded from Voldy (I don't beieve in this outside of the Harry Potter world, when you die you are dead and you can't manipulate anyone's circustances any further in death)[list=2]Voldy 'marked' Harry when he tried to kill him, transferring some of his abilities to Harry that Harry would not have had otherwise, and made it so that as long as one lives, the other one cannot lead a normal life.

Harry did not ask for this, he is not the most powerful wizard, and he has been reliant on others for the duration of all the books. He may look independant, but he has always had help in some form or another. He may have had better results escaping because of the fact that he is 'marked' and his wand is brothers with Voldy's. If that hadn't happened with the wands, Harry would have been dead. I also think that Harry is finding out that he can't perform the unforgivable curses. He is to good and doesn't really mean them (at least that's what I think). If he does defeat Voldy, it will be because he did what was right, not what is easy.

[Green Knight]

According to some legends, King Solomon was supposed to command the Djinn, and he used their help to build the Temple. Daniel was also supposed to have been a magician, or at least he had training from the Magi, who where the Nuclear Physicists of their day. Also, the root word of wizard and witch is wise.

[will_moseley_fan_7]

I don't think everyone's gonna take Harry Potter seriously. Most people know it's a story.

[Kyle]

The sixth book was a real kick in the loins. very well written.

[pegasus62]

I would ask all on this thread to read the book "Harry Potter and the Bible."
It is both a 'reviewing' tool if you haven't read the book and wish to decline from the movies also, and has informative chapters on the various aspects of Harry Potter, for example wickenery roots and Satanism prospects. Even if you are not a devout Christian this book can answer the questionable material for young and old alike. :)

[ElectricJello]

Harry Potter is great!! :D If you like it there is a site called www.cosforums.com It is pretty much just like this! I love it!

[high_kingpeter]

The sixth book was a real kick in the loins. very well written.


So very true Harry is SO good! I was on dissendium, a good forum like this, but is got shut down apparently? Anyone from there here who can tell me was up with that?

But Harry is SO very good, it was one of the fandoms I got quite late into, but I love it none the less

[tgraveline]

i've heard of dissendium as i'm a member over at cosforums as well, but i didn't know that other forum was shut down. Interesting and no i don't know why. Maybe the owner couldn't afford it anymore or the broadband was too much too.

tg

[high_kingpeter]

It sucks, because they were having a virtual TWT there! I had a date to the Yule Ball and everything!

[high_kingpeter]

whoops, I have it one now.

[Mrs. Peter Pevensie]

i luv harry potter...... but draco malfoy is the hot one :D

[PrinceOfTheWest]

Have you Potter fans caught this (http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=13018)?

[*moseley*princess*]

For any Harry Potter fans out there, (just like me!) Mugglenet has announced that Evanna Lynch, 14, will be playing Luna Lovegood in OOTP. For a small pic, go to www.mugglenet.com!

[*moseley*princess*]

Hello??? I feel soooo alone!!!!!!

[*moseley*princess*]

Okay, think I'll go to the Williamnite thread now. :(

[tgraveline]

LOL, you could join some of us in another thread about harry in the other fantasy area. I'm trying to think of what to do about these two threads. Quite curious indeed.

tg

[CSLewisFan]

Who is playing Luna Lovegod? (http://www.rte.ie/arts/2006/0202/harrypotter.html)

[onlymystory]

evanna lynch. filming started yesterday btw.

[sarahnarnia1983]

im a huge fan of harry potter and ive got all the books. my mum and dad like it as well. my niece isnt that keen on it through as shes only six she loved the 1st film though. but weve not letting her watch the others till shre is older. narnia and harry potter both set my imgination of. though narnia is slightly better

[gunndreams]

Why did Snape kill Dumbledore?

[gunndreams]

Who do you think would win in a magic duel -- Jadis, or Voldemort? Remember, in the book "The Magician's Nephew", when Jadis was taken to London she had no magical powers other than her great strength. Voldemort, on the other hand -- AVADA KEDAVRA!!!! Nuff said.

[devils_advocate_for_evil]

lol i like that imagery there.....but the witch has her spear and her glare lol she scares people into fleeing just by looking at em!

[MyChEmIcAlRoMaNcE_rOcKs!]

hmm i dunno hu mite win.can voldemort do powers without his wand?can the white witch do stuff with out her spear thingy?

[devils_advocate_for_evil]

dude just looking @ her is scary LMAO

[ElectricJello]

dude just looking @ her is scary LMAO
I agree! :D .

[devils_advocate_for_evil]

lol but the actressin real life is pretty tho

[onlymystory]

i think voldemort would win outside of charn. but jadis in charn though and I think she'd kick his butt any day of the week.

[devils_advocate_for_evil]

jadis kicks absolute butt!

[jadisofcharn]

Who do you think would win in a magic duel -- Jadis, or Voldemort? Remember, in the book "The Magician's Nephew", when Jadis was taken to London she had no magical powers other than her great strength. Voldemort, on the other hand -- AVADA KEDAVRA!!!! Nuff said.
I think that although Voldemort is terrifying enough, the mere sight of Jadis would make him as submissive as Uncle Andrew!

[blackheart]

I still count on Jadis....

[devils_advocate_for_evil]

tya lol go jadis!

[Lucy the Marshwiggle]

i think jadis would win!

[devils_advocate_for_evil]

yay! go jadis!

[blackheart]

The Power of Jadis of the Lone Islands will stand forever even Voldemorts power cannot penetrate to her magical defences...

[devils_advocate_for_evil]

yay go Jadis supporters!

[The Dancing Lawn]

Yay!!!! No Voldermort in WW's palace - yay!!!!

[Mar]

yeah i remember in forth grade we had a feild trip to go see harry potter and my mom wouldnt let me go cuz she didnt like it how it was all like evil magic and stuff, so i was the only on in forth grade that didnt go! i was so upset..but than we went to the mall instead so it was cool ;)

[MyChEmIcAlRoMaNcE_rOcKs!]

wat do u think wil happen in the 7th book?wat were the initials left in the fake horcrux again?was it rb?hu do u think it is?

[onlymystory]

officially its RAB. and the current theory is that its regulus black. I forget his middle name but it starts with an A. there are a few hints to it being him because he tried to get out of being a death eater and voldemort killed him. the general theory is he was killed for destroying the locket horcrux.

[MyChEmIcAlRoMaNcE_rOcKs!]

officially its RAB. and the current theory is that its regulus black. I forget his middle name but it starts with an A. there are a few hints to it being him because he tried to get out of being a death eater and voldemort killed him. the general theory is he was killed for destroying the locket horcrux.
ya i was thinking it was regulus black.ohhh the next book will be sooooooo interesting!

[hypernessoftheworld]

I'm watching the third Movie right now...well i'm pretty much listening to it. lol

[Queen Swanwhite]

just one question Queen just wondering here how long you been a christian

and what books do you read instead of Harry Potter if u so state that the

Harry P books are evil

I've been a christian all my life. I have read the HP books, but I only read them once, and once is enough! lol :)

I read anything I can get my paws on! lol

[Queen Swanwhite]

Ah ok you like murder mysteries ?

Ha ha! Yes! But this in the wrong thread. ;) Let's talk by PM.

[inkspot]

Oh, well done Queen Swanwhite! Thank you for recognizing the conversation was veering off topic and switching to PM. You are to be commended! :)

[girl power]

i have just started this confersation :confused: :confused: umm
could u reinforce me with some detail ;) ;)

[inkspot]

i have just started this confersation :confused: :confused: umm
could u reinforce me with some detail ;) ;)
Welcome Girl Power.
You can just say how you feel about Harry Potter, what you think will happen in Book Seven, who you think RAB is in the locket, that sort of thing. Just any comments you have on Harry Potter.

[inked]

Here's what JK Rowling thinks about Harry Potter:

http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1572107/20071017/index.jhtml

Now, what do you think?

[inkspot]

It deals extensively with souls — about keeping them whole and the evil required to split them in two. After one hero falls beyond the veil of life, his whispers are still heard. It starts with the premise that love can save you from death and ends with a proclamation that a sacrifice in the name of love can bring you back from it.
Inked, you sly dog, where did you dig this thread up from?!

You know I agree with you, but I am opting out of the discussion because I have been told that by my strong defense of HPs biblical themes, I am making people who disagree with me afraid to post. :(

[supermeulen]

My belief on HP is that it is a fantasy like so many others, and was not written to display biblical themes, even though you could find some in there. The common debate about HP upholding magic and superstition has gone on too long. LOTR, Narnia, and Eragon all have magic, and were written by Christians.

[Eärendil]

Tim, there is one difference between HP and LOTR, LWW, and Eragon. They don't teach magic, as HP does. For example, many kids who have watched HP have gone into Wicca, and other types of witchcraft. LOTR, LWW, and Eragon never taught it.

Now one thing you said confused me. You said that you could find some Biblical themes in HP. I would like you to tell me what they are. I have a whole list of Biblical themes in LOTR, not so many in LWW, but I have no clue about Biblical themes in Eragon, as I've never read the book.

[Mrs Gil-Galad Took]

People please!!! Respect the opinion of those who love HP and of those who don't. I am tired of hearing this evil thing all the time. HP is just a great fantasy serie and we already had some difficulties in the past with this discussion about evil and not evil, so please stop it now.

[inkspot]

I can lock this one, too, if everyone can't play nice. For me, I am just opting out, since I scare people ...
:)

Inked is a friend of HP and wanted people to be able to see JKR's own thoughts on the subject; he pasted the link on the page previous to this one.

And another interesting link: the first one in this thread, from our own Specter, the Founder of TDL/narniafans:
http://www.narniafans.com/forum/showthread.php?t=103

[-Daughter of Eve-]

People please!!! Respect the opinion of those who love HP and of those who don't. I am tired of hearing this evil thing all the time. HP is just a great fantasy serie and we already had some difficulties in the past with this discussion about evil and not evil, so please stop it now.

I agree.
I think we should quit this discussion right here and right now.

[inked]

I see no one has bothered to see what JKR had to say.

I regret, Inkspot, that no one can seem to have a discussion on the merits of the case. So my arduous work in finding this ancient and decrepit thread has been of no avail.

However, I will say that an author who says that the words of Jesus and the words of St. Paul "epitomize" her works needs serious readers to have readers capable of grasping such themes. Just like another storyteller who lived in Palestine about 2000 years ago.........He needed serious listeners, though. It was a largely illiterate age.

[inkspot]

I know, Inked ... It turns out, over in the other thread, the people who were anti-Potter were afraid to post in there because they thought I would ban them for not liking HP. When they did post, the discussion got all crazy, and for some reason there was no more possibility for erudite/polite discussion like you and I, and even GR 22, had in the past. It was too bad.

[inked]

Well, to slightly change the subject to that of good and suffering :

http://fish.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/11/04/suffering-evil-and-the-existence-of-god/?em&ex=1194498000&en=db606127c37bce04&ei=5087%0A

[inked]

Hey, a major HP theme and nobody responds?

[inkspot]

I read the article ... but I was not making the connection with HP. Want to flesh it out for me?

[inked]

JKR talks about the struggle to believe. We may see that process throughout the HP series with Harry in particular but also in the cases of Ron, Hermione, and the OotP members. The problem of suffering, in particular, we may relate as JKR does, to her mother's MS and the process of suffering.

"Bart D. Ehrman is a professor of religious studies and his book is titled “God’s Problem: How the Bible Fails to Answer Our Most Important Question – Why We Suffer.” A graduate of Princeton Theological Seminary, Ehrman trained to be a scholar of New Testament Studies and a minister. Born-again as a teenager, devoted to the scriptures (he memorized entire books of the New Testament), strenuously devout, he nevertheless lost his faith because, he reports, “I could no longer reconcile the claims of faith with the fact of life . . . I came to the point where I simply could not believe that there is a good and kindly disposed Ruler who is in charge.” “The problem of suffering,” he recalls, “became for me the problem of faith.” "

Considering the role of Dumbledore as mastermind...these observations seem pertinent to JKR's portrayal:
"...Flew observes, ... “The only satisfactory explanation for the origin of such ‘end-directed, self-replicating’ life as we see on earth is an infinitely intelligent Mind.”

Does one ally oneself with the evidence or rail against it? Harry has such choices as do Ron and Neville, for instance.

The reviewer then comments:
"Both are serious inquiries into matters that have been discussed and debated by sincere and learned persons for many centuries. The project is an old one, but these authors pursue it with an energy and goodwill that invite further conversation with sympathetic and unsympathetic readers alike."

I think HP is a ficitonal way of getting readers into the discussion - both the sympathetic and unsympathetic to an intelligent Mind behind the cosmos.

A good start or a fizzle?

[QueenKaylatheLoyal]

are the ultimate kids stories of our time, as they are for adults as well. Narnia books and movies, in my opinion, are far more superior, but i am a HUGE HP geek with posters and CD's and shirts and all that.


if HP was evil i wouldnt read them. im a practicing Catholic, and i know the difference between good and evil; Voldemort is evil, Harry is not.



oh and i dont believe Dumbledore is gay. :mad:

[inkspot]

Welcome, Kayla. I didn't see you post before. I love HP, too. The books stand as they are written, and in the books, there is no indication of Dumbledore's having a romantic relationship with anyone, so you need not worry about whether he is gay or not.

As a matter of policy, on TDL we do not discuss homosexuality, because it can be divisive and strays into areas not family friendly.

Inked, I think for our kids here, the topic is too intellectual as regards HP. The discussion of whether there can be a God and still be suffering in the world, that would be a good topic for the Socratic Club Forum.

For me of course, I am on the side of CS Lewis, and Flew as you quote above, that the only logical explanation for human life and mind, for the complexity of diversity in the world in fact, is that there is a God who created it.

[inked]

Ah,the full interview with JK Rowling:

http://www.adeelamini.com/JKR/ESTE012C_adeelaminicom_JKR.pdf

Teaser:
"Moving on to a more contentious issue, Rowling has categorically said that she does believe in a higher power, a statement reinforced by her childhood church-going (”Till I was 17,” she clarifies). It must be difficult to reconcile her religious beliefs with those that denounce Harry Potter as anti-Christian, I wonder aloud. Rowling’s expression does not change a fraction. “There was a Christian commentator who said that Harry Potter had been the Christian church’s biggest missed opportunity. And I thought, there’s someone who actually has their eyes open.”

And, as ever, for intelligent thorough discussion of these matters, I recommend: http://hogwartsprofessor.com/

[inked]

Hmm, no takers, I see. :( Oi vay!

[inkspot]

I totally agree -- as you know, Brother inked.

HP has a totally Christan theme from start to the amazing finish. The Anglican church has, in fact, created a series of lessons based on it.

[phoenixgem]

i completely luv the harry potter books. my mom says that it's a bad influence. but i feel that it cant sort of take u away from the world around u. i mean, j.k. rowling did so well with her writing, it actually sometimes felt that i could actually see the characters and hear them in my head.

[inkspot]

Welcome, phoenixgem. I did not see you post before. I love HP, too, and do not find it a bad influence.

[Princey]

I find it difficult to see Harry Potter as anti-Christian. If anything, it's actually quite religious, with good triumphing over evil, isn't it?

[inkspot]

I find it difficult to see Harry Potter as anti-Christian. If anything, it's actually quite religious, with good triumphing over evil, isn't it?
I think so, especially considering Book 7. But many Christians are not convinced.

[faeriechylde]

I recently wrote an essay for a college class on this subject. The assignment was to defend a banned or challenged children's book (this was a children's literature class), and I chose Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. (Our teacher said if we chose Harry Potter we had to focus on the first book because she considered the following ones to be Youth Lit, not Child Lit. I tend to agree with her and wonder why all the libraries and stores put them in the kid's section... but I am getting off the point. :) ) Anyway, my teacher really liked my essay, but I'd like to know what you all think of it, since it relates to this topic. Should I post it here, or in one of the written works forums?