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Is Harry Harmless? by Anne Feaster

The Harry Potter Phenomena has spread very quickly all over the world with hundreds of millions of readers. It has been hailed as outstanding and imaginative story-telling, with the promotion of "good values," even by well known Christian leaders. It was even reported by the media that it had "Vatican approval" which is not the case. (One priest at the Vatican had made some positive comments.)

The truth is that the series glorifies witchcraft, and blurs the distinction between right and wrong . For example, in his books or movies, Harry displays rebellion, rudeness, and a feel-good revenge against others. (See articles by Michael O'Brien, studiobrien.com. or by Bert Kjos, News with Views.com)

However, the most dangerous aspect of the Potter series is that it makes witchcraft seem permissible and even exciting to children or teens who are still very impressionable, who are still forming their consciences. For example, "Rome's official exorcist, Fr. Gabrielle Amorth, who is also the President of the International Assn. of Exorcists, said bluntly, 'Behind Harry Potter hides the signature of the king of the darkness, the devil.' He maintained that many of the ideas expressed in the books were from the realm of darkness, that they contain innumerable positive references to magic, "the satanic art", and attempt to make a false distinction between black and white magic, when in fact, the distinction 'does not exist, because magic is always a recourse to the devil.' He also criticized the disordered morality presented in Rowling's works, which he believes strongly reinforces moral relativism."("Pope Benedict and Harry Potter" by Michael O'Brien, studiobrien.com) As we know, the practice of magic and witchcraft are strictly condemned in the Bible as very grave sin. (See II Chron.33:6, Exodus 22:18, Deut. 18:10-11, Acts19:18-19, Rev. 18:23, Rev. 21:8, 1 Cor. 10:21, 1 Tim 4: 1-2) The Catechism of the Catholic Church also addresses the occult in #2116 and #2117.

Pope Benedict XVI also warns against the Potter series. He said in a letter to a lady complaining about Potter: "It is good that you enlighten us on the Harry Potter matter, for these are subtle seductions that are barely noticeable, and precisely because of that have a deep effect and corrupt the Christian faith in souls even before it could properly grow." (March 7, 2003) (See www.gabriele-kuby de/resonanz.html)

The Bad Effects of the Potter Phenomena

According to research done by Catholic World Report magazine, there has been an increase of interest in witchcraft among the young. "In an interview with Newsweek, a spokesman for the Pagan Federation in England reported that he receives an average of 100 calls per month from young people who want to become witches-an unprecedented phenomenon which he in part contributes to the Potter books. An article in Dec. l7, 2000, issue of Time reports that a similar organization in Germany deals with an increasing number of inquiries, which it also credits to the Potter factor. Rowling herself expressed surprise at the volume of mail she receives from young reader writing to her as if Hogwarts was real, wanting to know how they might enter the school in order to become witches and wizards." The magazine goes on to say that "A recent search of the Internet for Harry Potter references yielded more than 500,000 "hits". Selective searches turned up more than 100 high profile websites under titles, such as "Learn more about the Secrets of the Occult" and "How to Become a Witch". It also stated that "Librarians in diverse social settings report that children in increasing numbers are requesting material from the occult sections of their collections. (The Catholic World Report, April 2001, p.58)

If the reader has introduced his/her children to Potter, I suggest that you talk to your child about his understanding of witchcraft. Does he/she know that this practice is serious sin and can cause depression, and direct contact with evil spirits? Does he/she understand that it cannot be done in real life? Let us hope that more people will stop to discern popular movies and books.