My thoughts...on stuff: My thoughts on...Harry Potter: Prince of Darkness?

Wednesday, September 06, 2006

My thoughts on...Harry Potter: Prince of Darkness?

That's what Father Gabriele Amorth, the Pope's chief exorcist says. He says that, "behind Harry Potter hides the signature of the king of the darkness, the devil." He says that the books make many references to the satanic art of magic, and tries to distinguish black magic from white magic. A false distinction, because all magic is evil. This didn't surprise me, as this isn't the first time that Harry Potter has been bashed by the religious community. A while back, Mexicans, most of whom are Catholic, held a book burning featuring J.K. Rowling's best selling books. This all comes down to the separation of fantasy from reality, something this generation seems incapable of doing.

Personally, I love reading Harry Potter books. They are imaginative and well-written. I agree with the Pope's exorcist. Magic in all forms is evil. But at the end of the day, it's just a book, nothing more. If I see a British kid casting spells in my backyard, you can bet I'm gonna be the first guy to take a shot at him. The same thing applies with games like Grand Theft Auto. I like playing GTA. I sometimes laugh when I run over the pedestrians. But it's just a game, and I would never think of mowing down an innocent in real life. These religious figures should stop yapping about how Harry's gonna eat their kids and actually ground them with some strong moral principles. But there will always be people stupid enough to try what they see on TV or read in books. Maybe the Potter books should come with a disclaimer, "Do not try this at home." And if that doesn't work, well, there's always Darwinism.

15 Comments:

Comment by
Åñèè§å
@ 8:18 PM

body

I just think the movies are awesome!!!!!!! they rule....I try reading the book but I'm not much of a book person....
Comment by
aarond
@ 9:13 PM

body

Interesting: But Y take a shot at the British kid doing magic? Just let his imagination roam free, not much harm in it, unless of course his idea of magic involves the use of weaponry.

GTA is probably more of a threat than the potter books, I have not played it much but even as a rational grown man I still look at some things in the game and wonder if I could get away with them...just a thought
Comment by
Rose
@ 10:36 PM

body

Yea I've heard that black magic stuff but personally I couldn't read the book and fell asleep twice doing the movie. I am more of a comedy person.
Comment by
Anonymous
@ 10:38 PM

body

another possible disclaimer...

"Dont read at church"

If Harry Potter is such a threat...then all fiction should be reassessed...oh wait, wasnt that the theme of "Anthem"

We certainly cant have anyone doing some independant thinking
Comment by
Melody
@ 6:24 AM

body

Oprah once featured de editor who got Rowling her big break. B4 that editor, Rowling was reportedly just a struggling -- albeit striking -- writer. Editor told Oprah that $millions later, Rowling gave her a bouquet (or suppem similar) in appreciation. IMHO, that's witch-ism at it's worst 'cause as old-time people woulda say: "Ungrateful worse than witchcraft." How come de media never bun a fire fi dat?!
Comment by
Mad Bull
@ 6:50 AM

body

Melody, thats not ungrateful, is it? The editor is making a money off every book that sells, isn't she? Or are you saying that the editor was just another working joe like myself?
Comment by
Kingston Girl
@ 9:14 AM

body

just letting you know that i was here!
Comment by
Melody
@ 9:37 AM

body

MB, de editor was just a girl workin' at a publishin' house. Seems after Rowling's manuscript had been disregarded by decision-makers in de industry, that editor decided to champion her cause, brought it 2 de right person's attention, an' got it published 4 her. That editor's hunch was right, 'cause de book was a hit. So I'm sayin' Rowling's apparent ingratitude seems like de worst.
Comment by
BigKilla
@ 3:59 PM

body

"If I see a British kid casting spells in my backyard, you can bet I'm gonna be the first guy to take a shot at him."

Are you serious? That's one of the dumbest things I've heard all week. Magic isn't real. You seem to not be distinguishing between reality and fiction, which you accuse others of doing. People can't "cast spells."
Comment by
Leon
@ 4:39 PM

body

Bigkilla, allow me to enlighten your darkness. Magic (or rather witchcraft) is very real. There are unseen forces at work that you clearly cannot comprehend.
Comment by
Stunner
@ 9:17 PM

body

I'm not a fan of Harry Potter, never read the book, never watched the movie, no Obeah round here!!!
Comment by
Anonymous
@ 1:34 AM

body

"But at the end of the day, it's just a book, nothing more."

I completely disagree. Evil has recently been working in the world at a high degree and things have begun to converge on the side evil.

The HP books are satanic in that they prey on children in a very clever way.

Ask yourself this: How did the woman who was so down and out suddenly come up with such a hit? Answer: She gave herself over the one who could provide her with all she wanted in this world in return for her soul.

Many in Hollywood do the same thing. They make a deal with the devil, get a tattoo and join the liberal crowd, they are lovers of the world and money instead of God. They will face massive tribulations they are not prepared for because they are being deceived and lack discernment to see it.

The world is being set-up right now for a one world order with a coming one world religion. No, not by Bush as liberals would have you believe, but by the European Union and United Nations.

I urge you to look up and learn about The EU's "Recommendation 666" at this site
Comment by
BigKilla
@ 4:13 AM

body

"Bigkilla, allow me to enlighten your darkness. Magic (or rather witchcraft) is very real. There are unseen forces at work that you clearly cannot comprehend."

Wow. You should win some kind of award. Or be locked up. Believe me, I'd love to be slaying vampires and culling hordes of zombies, but it ain't happening.

That other guy talking about "Recommendation 666" should be observed by professionals as well.

This conversation is weird. Harry Potter is dumb. Magic is fake. God and Satan don't exist.
Comment by
prying1
@ 9:54 AM

body

I enjoy reading the books. Great stories and one thing I appreciate is it has a good kid for the hero.

I've been a born again Christian since the early 1970's. Before and eince that date I asked Jesus into my heart I was able to tell the difference between Science Fiction, Fiction (like Dickens and Swift) Fantasy, real life (like I walk through every day) and Non-Fiction.

If the Good Lord tells me not to read something that is one thing. If I decide on my own to give up an author (like Steven King) that is another thing. If my neighbor, or some toady for the Pope tells me not to read something that I will ignore...
Comment by
Leon
@ 9:26 AM

body

You're obviously an atheist Bigkilla, so it makes no sense convincing you. As for Anonymous #2, I hope you have proof concerning that accusation against Ms. Rowling (which I doubt). You sound like someone envious of her success. And are you saying that tattoos are the mark of the devil? Weird.