I think that Harry Potter isagreat book to read. I am a Christian youth (14 to be exact) and I read Harry Potter. I've seen all the movies, and I have all the books. I think that if you are mature enough to read them, you should be able to. Also, adults complain so much that kids don;t read. Now that we've finally found something to read, you want to take it away? Yes, I've read all the Narnia books and The Lord of the Rings. I have become bored with them. I am not obsessed with Harry Potter, I like it just as I like Narnia and Lord of the Rings. I personally would recommend them to a Christian. The Harry Potter series are great books, and I feel sorry for all those to close-minded to read them.

Thank you for the article on the Harry Potter and all the controversies. However, I couldn't agree that HP is about "good verses evil". The writer points out that the use of "magic" is a metaphor for power, but the question is: what is the sourse of that power or "magic"?

The HP clearly shows that Harry a 'witch' - and a "good one", apparently. No doubt, HP does demonstrates the battle of powers, and it even looks like "good", represents by HP, against "evil", represents by Voldemort.

My only problem with it is that Harry, though represents "good witch" (Biblically speaking, is there such a thing as 'good witch'?), gets his power from witchcraft and sorcery, and the same source for Voldemort.

If HP is about "good against evil", how do we explain both get powers from the same source? Doesn't the Bible clearly presents to us "good is good" and good gest his source of power from the One God who is good? Evil is evil, and evil has its source in Satan and demons.

I find it hard to believe that this debate continues. As a reader belwo has saaid, Colson has changed his position on this issue and does not recommend them anymore. I had emailed them some time ago and article by an ex-wizard (real life) who is now a Christian. He had approx 200 Witches covens under his authority at one time before CHrist saved him. He responded to Colson's & others' more liberal opinions by writing the following article from the perspective of a man who knows the power of the Enemy in this regard and is very concerned about our children.
He now has a ministry to victims of Satanic Ritual Abuse, among other occultic issues.
See http://www.withoneaccord.org/store/potter.html
for William Schnoebelen's informed views.
You can browse the site for other info by going to:
www.withoneaccord.org

Blessings!

Well said Beska!

Thank you for this article, although sadly with most controversal topics, people are too angry and passionate to listen objectively. I am a Christian, I love my Lord above all others, I am a young adult out on my own in the world and though I do not have any children of my own yet, I do have several siblings. That said, I absolutely adore Harry Potter and all of the books. I have never been so captivated by a series that was so well written and touching. I hate that a fictional book has become so consuming, and I pray that as adults you all pick up at least the first book and read so that you have a better knowledge of what you are arguing. Even if it does not change your mind, at least you can have a better basis instead of an ignorance merely going on heresay. And as a final note, please remember that Jesus himself lived amongst the sinners as friends and he did just that by understanding who they were. Raise children to understand and love the Lord, but don't put them in a bubble!

Ironically, the author of this article chose not to include any opinions that contradict his message. He even goes on to imply that Chuck Colson and others think the books are acceptable. Nor does he use the Bible as the measuring stick by which to measure these books (he's a theology professor???)

I went to Chuck Colson's website, Breakpoint.net and here's what posted today in article written by Chuck. "Now personally, I don’t recommend the Potter books. I’d rather Christian kids not read them. But with some 325 million of them in print, your kids will probably see them and hear others talk about them, and they’re probably going to read them anyway."

I even find Chuck's comment funny in that he rather not have "Christian kids" read them. Is it okay for non-believing kids to read them?

I think anyone who has had occultic experiences or has occultic knowledge can see how dangerous these books truly are. For a more spiritually-grounded commentary, go to Christiananswers.net.

I'm sorry; I still am in the camp of no to Harry Potter. My reasoning is this; they tell a beautiful friendship between 3 children. The danger of this particular line is that these three friends learn to rely on themselves and the magic they are learning about. There is NO reliance on God. Is this what you want to teach your kids? Wonderful story or not, you by allowing your children to read them, are leading them astray, and just to remind you: God says woe to those who leads any of these little ones astray; it would be better for them to have a millstone tied around their neck and thrown into a lake.

I for one don't want to anger God. So, why take a chance with your childre?

Thank you for a positive Christian viewpoint of the Harry Potter books/movies. I have not read or seen any of them, but most Christians tend to come across as narrow-minded and hateful toward the issue. I appreciate a positive Christian viewpoint.

The gentleman quite clearly knows very little about true occultism or "magick." Rowling bases a great deal of her material on very real, historically accurate occultism, including the "Hand of Glory", which is a black magick ritual where a thieves' hand is severed after hanging, dipped in wax and used as a candlabra. Read it if you want, sir, but those of us who have been delivered from the real world of black magick and the occult want nothing to do with it, because it IS a door to the occult, and only people who are blatantly ignorant of satan and his devices would EVER recommend it especially for children.

A very big list of credentials James but what does the Bible teach about teaching witchcraft?
Im not sure what James does not understand about a book that promotes witchcraft and the occult.
Richard Abanes wrote a very good book warning about Harry Potter titled "Harry Potter and the Bible".
Now Im pretty sure that Abanes knows Rick warren having written a book about him with Ricks blessing.
Im no fan of Abanes but here is a little about Richards book from Amazon.com maybe James and Rick need to read this book.

Book Description
In response to the heated controversy surrounding the Harry Potter phenomenon, Christian Publications is excited to present the book "Harry Potter and the Bible: The Menace behind the Magick." (The word “magic” refers to stage illusions by sleight-of-hand, where-as “magick” refers to occult practices.) In this timely book, Richard Abanes -- nationally recognized cult researcher -- skillfully answers the questions parents and others are asking about the mega best-selling series by J.K. Rowling.

From the Publisher
In Part One: "The World of Harry Potter, Abanes provides a brief but enlightening summary of each of the first four books. He then exposes the various forms of occultism, some subtle, some more glaring, that are woven into the Potter books. Abanes offers appropriate scriptural responses and discusses numerous psychological and spiritual dangers associated with the Rowling volumes.
In Part Two: Out of the Darkness, he presents a critical overview of occultism in America, the place of fantasy in Christian literature and the controversy surrounding the use of Harry Potter in public schools. The book concludes with an insightful explanation of why occultism is unquestionably condemned in Scripture