Harry Potter Series -What are your views?

[xbeatxofxmyxheartx]

Ok, so a lot of us are Christians on here, right? Well, there anyone who still likes the Harry Potter series? If you do, why do you like it? What are your views on reading HP with Christianity?


I don't really know exactly why I like the HP series, they are just very addicting. My grandma doesn't really like me reading them because of the witchcraft and stuff, but I know that's not why I love them. I think it's because of the way JK writes them....the characters and their personalities....the plot.....the suspense... I mean, them being able to do things that we can only do in our dreams does make it more interesting, but I don't think that people should make up their minds just because of that stuff. I think pretty much everyone knows that HP is just fantasy, and a lot of people like fantasy stories. I think people should truely be a follower in Christ and still be able to read the Harry Potter books. Just because they are filled with magic, doesn't mean that everyone who reads them believes in magic. They are filled with things like friendship, responsibility, and all those pillars of character too.


So, what do you think?

[hischild]

I was probably the first one in my community to read Harry Potter. I have friends in England who started talking about the first book before it became popular in the states. So I asked them to send me a copy. About the time I finished reading the book, it started being advertised here. I loved it through and through. I am not so fond of the movies though.

I have really enjoyed seeing the character developements of Potter and friends as well as that of Draco and the sinister ones. I was sad when that one good guy died but on the whole good triumphs over evil. Potter time and time again, shows love for good by placing himself in harm's way to protect, redeem, or save others from the clutches of evil and destruction. I see similarities between Harry and Jesus quite often. I recommend the books enthusiastically to parents who ask me but caution against letting younger children see the movies. I figure that they have to be old enough to read the book to not be freaked out by some of the scenes in the movies. (That was also my recommendation after seeing the first LOTR movie as well)

The books have lots of ordinary everyday life things that aren't included in the movie so the movies end up being a little too dark and intense for children under the age of 12 or so. As fopr the magic and "witchcraft" in the books and movies. . . if a parent thinks that it is evil, I point out that most fairy tales and Disney Classic feature length movies should be thrown out as well. Snow White, Cinderella, Pinochio, are just a few that come to mind. And then you also have to get rid of Power Rangers and Pokemon. . . By the time they get done weeding out all the magic they are left with Sesame Street because even Barney has magic. People are such idiots sometimes!

[Michael]

Well, my view on it is that I, personally, can't read it. I don't think that it is wrong to read them but I'm the type of person who has to inspect and dabble into what I'm reading. And I don't want to open any doors that I shouldn't open... so that's my weakness. But other than that, I don't see a major problem with the books. But I've seen previews of a moive and a little of another... and I don't like them. I don't know why but it was just a feeling I had... I don't know. But I don't think its wrong about them... it's just me personally... my weakness and all...

*NOTE: I'm not dissing any religion or practice... well, I don't know... No offense intended anyways.

[xbeatxofxmyxheartx]

I do think the movies are a little dark, but I think it's because you can't see everything that is in the book in the movie. They have to cut out so much so the movie doesn't get too long.

[Michael]

Yeah, they do... and the movie makers tend to exaggerate and take things out of context as well... So there's the reason.... lol....

[xbeatxofxmyxheartx]

Yepp. Too bad they couldn't put everything that is in teh books into the movies!

[admin]

I like all of the Harry Potter books I've read. I haven't read the most recent one yet, though, but do plan on doing that.

Yeah. I don't think that kids under 10 should read them or see the movies, because they are too dark. The longer the series lasts, the darker the books gets it seems.

I do like the movies as well as the books. But, I really love fantasy and sci-fi and so I am use to that kind of thing even when it gets a bit dark. I know how to separate fantasy from reality and know that it is just fiction. I really do enjoy them. And my favourite of all the books/movies so far is Goblet of Fire.

[xbeatxofxmyxheartx]

Yep, you're a lot like me. I think if someone really enjoys reading, like they read almost every book they can get sorta thing, I think it's okay if they read a darker book like the HP books. Most of the people that I know that love to read are mature for their age, so it is a bit different when they read those darker books than when someone that doesn't read all the time reads them. For example, my friends and I started reading HP in about the 2nd grade. But then my mom and our teachers always said we were mature for our age. I'm known for always having a book under my nose. lol. So really, I think it just depends on the person.

[Gwen]

i personally love the harry potter books (& i think i can safely say it has nothing to do with my faith) i love the simplicity of it good vs evil Yay!
but then, i was a fan of Enid Blytons 'Worst Witch' series when i was younger 6/half a dozen i s'pose xx