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| Yes! |
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 I've contemplated this review ever since I read the final line and closed the book. Ultimately I can't not share my thoughts so I will preface this by stating I am NOT here to debate the books. I've seen/been a part of those debates and no one ever changes anyone's mind. So let's just not go there.
What struck me most about this book is the undeniably "Christian" themes in books so often accused of not being Christian. No, the author doesn't specify God or a particular religion, ever. ( I myself am thankful for tha because fewer people would have read themt.) Yet from book one straight through to seven her views are there if you are willing to look.
There is always a battle between good and evil...and we must choose a side.
Evil can be easy to see...and incredibly well hidden so you must hold love and forgiveness in your heart and try to see truly.
The characters, especially Harry, derive their greatest strengths from LOVE. (And love, the ability to love comes from only one place if you ask me.)
Even if you do the wrong thing for the right reason there is a price to be paid.
The ones that scream out from book seven though?
That if you are lost you must let light into your heart to find your way back.
That if you've done things that have ripped apart your soul the only way back is repentence, to willingly acknowledge your sin and to feel the pain of that.
That striving for earthly power is the path of destruction.
Over and over ... there is no greater love than to lay down your life for a friend.
I have enjoyed all of these books. But this one, wow. It made me hold my breath, literally sit on the edge of my seat mentally begging God not to let what appeared to be happening happen, made me weep, and cheer. This series is nothing short of an incredible testimony. And the themes in this final book will open doors to sharing the gospel in ways I never would have imagined before. Right through someone's well loved book.
Praise God! |
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I hear you about the books. We struggle with this debate in our on home. Dad says no to the books, kids say yes, & mom? Well, I don't feel they are terrible. Alot of times I side with those against it just because everyone else says it is wrong. But my own convictions are shady in this area. I know the scriptures are clear about staying away from sorcery, astrology, etc. These books contain magic & spells I believe. I have not read them. I tried to watch them movie, and did not find it interesting. So, I find myself in a bit of a waivering on it. My thinking on the matter is this. Harry Potter is no different then: Lord of the Rings, Merlin, Power Rangers, Pokey Mon, Dragon Ball Z, & so on. I really like Lord of the Rings personally. I just dont feel that christians should critisize one and not the other.
I am glad that you found joy in the books of Harry Potter. Yet, I am afraid that you will have some debates pop up by expressing that to the community!
We search our souls, & work out the salvation of our souls, ( mind, will, & emotions) daily unto the Lord. I'll not judge you about it! You answer to God, not me.
Be blessed!
Shannon |
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ROTFLOL
Shannon,
I'm with you, when the same people that turn purple over Harry Potter hand their kids Lord of the Rings I am astonished. Yes, the books talk about magic...though its not the central focus of the books, and there are "spells" generally simply the latin word for the action the character wants to happen. It is by no means a book of useful spells. In the way magic is treated in the books, it is very much like Lord of the Rings. Simply a fact of the environment created by the author. That the children go to school to be taught to use/control a gift they were born with doesn't strike me as horrible. While the gifts are different its what happens to every child at some point.
The central story of the book is a wonderful way to share with a child (or adult) just what difficult tasks God can create you for, and how hard it can be to always move forward in faith, and find strength in the most awful moments.
People can try to debate, I'll just ignore it :) One of the beauties of our faith is that while the core beliefs about our Savior are the same for all of us, nothing else has to be.
Don't side with people just because everyone says it's wrong. Please. Just say you've chosen not to read them so you don't have an opinion. OK, it's really none of my business...sorry. Just drives me crazy when people do that. I've seen quite a few people finally read the books to form their own opinions after having been against them based on what others say .. only have to them walk away liking the books and finding nothing wrong with them. Even the most fundamental, super conservative Christians I know like these books. And it all started with my former pastor asking to borrow my book (10 years ago) because so many people in the church had read it was awful and were pressing him to denounce it. He formed his own opinion...and eventually so did everyone else.
Have a great day!
Virginia |
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| Call 'em like you see 'em Virginia. Good review. Thanks. |
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| Wow! That's really cool. I never really thought about the books like that. You have a great perspective :) |
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Thanks for your transparency and honesty. I personally believe that fiction is just that, fiction! How big is your God, if you are afraid of a little magic and a few flying wizards??? The battle between good and evil was won once and for all through Christ. Enjoy the fantasy of book travel! We are a blessed generation to have such creativity available to us. It is a far cry from the old classics, and yet, only an addition to what already is. Appreciate literature! I'm probably sounding like I own a publishing house. I am an author of non-fiction and am embarking on writing my first fiction book.
Dr. Thomas Michael |
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I'm with you Virginia - There is magic in the Harry Potter books, but the stories are not *about* magic. They're about people with feelings and choices they make, and the consequences of those choices. There is lots in there that a Christian family could enjoy reading & discussing. (No, I don't work for a publishing house either.) Good discussion. - June
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I know very little about the books. I've never read any of them and have never seen any of the movies. I don't doubt that the author was very likely not trying to influence anyone into witchcraft by making these stories, but I've seen that children are drawn to want to be like the heroes of these stories and so they are checking into magical powers and such.
I don't hate these books, but I don't like their influence in the younger generation. I wish that something about the great deeds of God in an adventure story could capture childrens' interests in the way that this does. If that were to happen and children were drawn to discover more about the mighty acts of God, that would be fantastic.
While it's true that this is only fiction, witchcraft is NOT fiction and it is dangerous to the souls of these easily influenced children that are not guided in the right direction. Even if it's not that bad, it's potentially bad, and a little fire may be fun to play with, but it can burn you up too. | |
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| Yes choices have to be made and my choice based on what has hapened to two of the youth in my family is to not read HARRY POTTER The first yout effected had many issues was a product of rape and was not told by family at age 19 the rapest told him. It messed with him and his love for my brother who had married his mother knowing her plight and wanting to save them both. Some one introduced the boy to Harry Potter and Wickens at the same time no one could reach him on any leavel ov love. He committed suiside in a satanic ritual hanging himself over a pentagram. The second is My sisters daughter who has always had a thing about soome thrill of being afraid. As a child she used to ask Mom's companion our "uncle" to read the bible to her and pray for him to find Jesus. Then he introduced Harry Potter to her and along with his views of atheism she is now quite disterbed and on mental meds. She is so young she is not aware of the spiritual warfare nor is she prepared not enough Bible training or Hope in her life. Pray for her I do often please pray for me to se that hope is stillalive for her. |
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Great topic! I love the Harry Potter books and applaud all those who are willing to think for themselves, rather than follow the crowd. Regardless of what anyone else may say, I have yet to find any satanic rituals spelled out, magical spells listed with components or chants to summon demons in any of the Harry Potter books, Lord of the Rings, Chronicles of Narnia or any other fantasy work.
Cheers!
Walt |
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NaYe |
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August 18, 2007 at 1:50pm |
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I am right there with you Dr. Thomas...I’ve always said fiction is just that FICTION! and people seem to forget the fact that it's getting kids to read! which is always a plus...I myself enjoy reading very much and i found the Harry potter books to be very interesting and enjoyable, but it is quite tiring to have to defend what i like to people every time the subject comes out. I hold the philosophy...it is what you make of it, money can lead to self destruction or it can lead to a shelter for you family and food in the table why should harry potter be any diffrent....
Blessings To all!!
NaYe |
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You all who say that it's great how open minded you are and you are glad you aren't like the rest of us who refuse to read the Harry Potter books, just remember, you came to your decision based on what you believed was right and so did we. You would allow your child to read it, I would not, but that's not a reason to say that I am a prudish fuddy dud. I just want to do what I feel is right without getting smacked around for it the same as you...This cuts both ways...remember this...
Rom 14:1-6
1 Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.
2 For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs.
3 Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him.
4 Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.
5 One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.
6 He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.
(KJV)
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| I am not judging either party. I hope them wasn't fight'n words! LOL. |
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| Not in the least, Shannon. Seems like you've thought it over and come to your conclusion. My beef is with those that think that since some people choose NOT to participate in reading this series because of religious reasons, that we've somehow just followed the crowd and haven't thought it out. It is possible to think this out and come to a different conclusion. | |
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Aaron,
No one here has made negative comments about anyone choosing not to read the books. My only comment at the beginning was for people to be honest about why they weren't reading. I've got no issue with those who decide not to, or who read them and dislike them. There are however quite a few people out there denegrating the books without knowing anything about them and choosing not to read them without investigating or searching their own hearts.
If your heart says not to read them than I applaud your decision. Whatever side of the issue folks fall on they can't/shouldn't try to force their opinions on others. I think all of us here agree that we each have to make our own choices. Not only with books but with most everything in this world.
I'm genuinely sorry if you've been encountering others who made you feel the way you do. I've been in the same situation only with issues far different than what books I read and its never fun to feel judged by other Christians. Would be a wonderful thing if we could all live up to the verses you listed.
Virginia |
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Your words are indeed very true. I have followed the books myself and I tried to get one of my friends to read them because he was against them by what others said. Also, yes it is just fiction and fun reading.
Plus, what child has never dressed up as a witch, wizard, vampire, or even a werewolf for Halloween??? Or even played a game where they acted like the supernatural things were just a part of life???? Such as playing that they had a majic wand like the fairy Godmothers or trying to be a psychic just to solve some really hard case. I know that I did when I was a child with an over acted imagination.
Once again great views and I understand how strong the battle of good v. evil was in the books by reading them myself. |
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Jacki |
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August 21, 2007 at 8:11pm |
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| I understand both sides of the argument, and don't judge anyone who is pro or against the books. I've read them all and loved them. I am reading them again with my son. My frustration is with those who judge the books without reading them, and judge me for having read them. If you're willing to see them, there are great Christian themes throughout the books. |
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