MovieChat Forums > Harry Potter: Witchcraft Repackaged Discussion > Grr....

Grr....

posted 20 years ago by valar88601
25 replies | jump to latest

Is this about those stupid comments like 'Harry Potter is witchcraft' and stuff like 'only people who worship the devil read Harry Potter' and so on and so forth? I haven't seen the movie, so I'm just asking.
If this is so, may I just say that's a stupid lie! I believe in God, I pray, I'm a Christian, but I also enjoy Harry Potter! It's a good fantasy, along with Lord of the Rings, to take us out of the real world, which I believe everyone needs sometimes. If not, we'd all go insane! Why? Because the real world is cruel and hateful. Yes, we pray that cruel and hateful people will leave or something like that (that's the good way of putting it), but we can also read books like Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings to make us feel, for a little while, like we are in a different world with different people and different creatures.

If that is not what this movie is about, I apologize deeply.

P.S. For all those who believe Harry Potter is for kids, that is incorrect! I'm going to be 16 in April and a friend of mine is 15 and another is going to be 20 soon.

[–] dcybele 20 years ago

You are exactly correct about what this video is about. It was on television here recently in southern california and it discussed AT LENGTH the "connections" between Harry Potter and witchcraft, satanism, and paganism.

[–] jana-amanda 20 years ago

I would love to get stoned and watch this. Religion, to me, is bizarre. So restrictive and exclusive. Boring.

What channel was this on? Just curious...

[–] sekhmut 20 years ago

I've seen it too. My best friend brought it home from her church. She and I watched it together. My eyes hurt from all the rolling by the end of it. Worse, my friend, who doesn't know much about Wicca, bought into some of it.

[–] saucyminxx 20 years ago

I am a religious person but I still love Harry Potter. And I think that films like this are so freakin' ridicoulus.. I'm like laughing my ass of whenever I hear of someone calling Harry Potter the "devils work". But it pisses me off sometimes too. Why do people think that anything this fun could ever be related to evil. HP is all about friendship and loyality and love. So there's evil and some parts (Voldie) but evil all HP is against.

[–] nisamak 20 years ago

First of all, to one of the above posters- religion, I believe, is a good thing that as all things can be used in a bad way. personally, I'm very religious, but in no way do I think Harry Potter is the least bit "evil" or "Satanic".

It's funny how both my Christian friends and my Wiccan ones are insulted by these kinds of people. To agree with one of the reviewers' comments, I do not worship Satan nor have I tried any spells nor desire to paint my house with pentagrams of blood because of these books. I'm disturbed that people read so much into a fictional teen/young adult series.

-=All your base are belong to us.=-

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[–] sailorcora 19 years ago

Extremely retarted, my step mom told me Harry Potter was evil and I laughed in her face. Also, my best friends grandma said Harry Potter is evil, yet she's a fan of Lord Of The Rings, I am personally a fan of them both and believe any accusations that they are evil are extremely illogical and based on ignorance, I mean how many people who have accused the series of being evil actually read them? The whole point of the bible is to teach people to love their enemies and their friends. Harry Potter survived because his mom loved him, any connection? I see one.

[–] andrewxc 19 years ago

I hate to think that anyone would agree with the ideals of this documentary. It's about as biased and fundamentalist as you can get. I agree with a couple of you in that there are devout followers of this film who have never laid fingers on the book, except perhaps to hurl it into flames. Those who believe that this is the "righteous" thing to do are missing out on a fine example of literary work, and a good story with good morals, including standing up for what you believe in and facing your fears.
The fact that Harry and friends practice magic holds no implication that they do not believe in God, despite their absence from any churches, cathedrals, etc. Nor does it imply that they have any sort of connection to "Satanic" organizations or cults. Not to mention that the word "Satan" is completely made up. It was created back around the time of Galileo and the scientists' break away from the church. The church wanted a word that sounded dirty to describe these "heathens" and found a word in Arabic, "shaitan," which meant "enemy of God" (Allah, but you get the idea).
The only reason that "Satanism" was born was that a rogue group of scientists became furious at the accusations that they would slaughter animals and worship the devil at their meetings, none of which was true... Until some of these scientists acted out the part to mock the church, but it sort of backfired and they were hunted down one by one. The scientists who were trying to stitch up relations between science and religion suffered because of the radicals and their actions on both sides.
The fact that Christian media like this and "Chick's Tracts" (Evangelist web-comic that makes non-fundamentalists like me roll off my chair at the mere insinuation that Dungeons & Dragons is really a portal into the realm of the occult and "real" magicks) actually survive in today's society is a wonder to me. Such pushing of beliefs down other people's throats supresses free-thinking of other people around the globe.
That's enough analyzing for now.

[–] charlemagneinsweatpants 18 years ago

you might want to check your facts on some of that. For example, satanism was first used as a term to describe any belief/system of belief that strayed from those of the Abrahamic religious orthodoxy, especially in cases of expansion on the original Abrahamic beliefs by Christian and/or Islamic peoples.

see, you put kittens in one end and poptarts come out the other end. we're gonna be rich.

[–] cwilliams12 19 years ago

I haven't really looked into any of the websites or documentaries claiming that only people who worship the devil can support Harry Potter. I've only heard parents go on and on about the books and whether or not they let their children read them and for what reasons. I've also heard a few times about churches trying to get the books banned. These people that think the books are about Satan or against God's teachings are driving me crazy. It's a freaking book (or movie) for crying out loud! It's FICTION! As you said, it let's us escape from our crazy world and relax and live out fantasies in another. The world that J.K. Rowling has created in her books is for fun. It is full of beautiful imagery (which is good for a childs mind. stimulating). And as far as the books being only for children, I agree, absolutely not true. I've got ya beat though, buddy. I'm 28.

[–] luiscl-1 19 years ago

I'm a devout Catholic and I greatly enjoy the Harry Potter series. The Church has tought me to value friendship, loyalty, courage, love, and tolerance. All of these values are reflected in Harry's story. To me, the Magic in Harry Potter is simply a device to bring fantasy into the book. It's not wicca or anything. Harry Potter is not an instruction manual on how to become a witch, if anything it's more of a latin lesson since most of the "spells" are derived from latin.

As innocent as I find the series, I would still be skeptical about allowing my 5 year old to read it. My fear would be that my child becomes confused. While Harry Potter is not about becoming a witch, an impresionable 5 year old might not see the difference. If want to raise my child beleiving that there is one God, then I might want to avoid presenting him a story in which little children learn "witchcraft and wizardry" Again, although there is no relationship between actual witchcraft and Harry Potter, the idea might confuse the child.

[–] cwilliams12 19 years ago

I wasn't trying to say that a 5 year old should read the books. Just as with any other book on the shelves out there, there are certain considerations that need to be taken in. Obviously a 5 year old wouldn't understand the book. He probably wouldn't even know what half the words meant. My 12 year old cousin doesn't even understand the books as fully as someone older, such as myself. I'm also not saying that every child of a certain age should read the books. It's the same as deciding which video games your child can play, or what movies he can watch. You have to consider the maturity of the child in question, as well as the level of comprehension.

[–] Lucy3003 19 years ago

I am not particularly religious - I don't attend a church or say prayers regularly but I do bleieve there is something more after this life and I do pray for others/myself when things such as 9/11 or the tsunami affect me deeply. Therefore i feel i can't really take a religious standpoint on this matter but i can express my feelings as a fairly sensible and unbiased Harry Potter fan.

What i can't really understand is that some people don't seem to realise that the Harry Potter stories are basically very moral - they emphasise the imporatance of friendship, of unity between different groups and the difference between good and evil.

I get angry when i hear about Harry Potter "book-burnings" etc. Think of the groups in history who burned books - Hitler and the Nazis and (i believe) Pol Pot etc. Do the people who burn Harry Potter really want to be associated with these kind of people?

As has been mentioned before surely if it gets kids reading rather than sitting in a darkened room all day playing video games or watching TV surely it can only be a good thing?

I understand that some people don't agree with the content of the books. Well don't read them then!! It's your choice, just because you don't like them doesn't mean you should go around slating everyone who does!! Everyone should have the opportunity to make there own decision.

I don't feel as if i've covered half the things i would like to have done but this message is long enough already - just wanted to add some of my ideas to the thread.

Thanks for reading.

[–] cwilliams12 19 years ago

Very well said. I actually didn't know that there were people burning the Harry Potter books. Can't say that I'm surprised though. The ignorance of the people who inhabit this planet seems to get worse everyday.

No one should ever destroy literature. No matter what it is. In my opinion, even the Necronomicon (i'm sure i've misspelled that) should not be destroyed. Books are learning tools. Whether fiction or non. No matter the subject. Books are to be cherished, well taken care of, and most importantly, respected. They are a gateway to another world, where we can go to disappear for a few hours and not have to ponder about about everything that makes us unhappy in our daily lives.

I was very saddened last week while visiting my Aunt. My cousin, whom with I have shared a passion for the Harry Potter books, has stopped reading the 6th book with only 10 chapters left. While his mother (my aunt) and I try to encourage him to keep reading, his father pushes us miles back by telling him that reading is uncool, and that he doesn't need to read....Go play with his friends, or his Playstation 2. I was amazed to see that a parent would ever discourage their child from reading. And I have to say, I was also furious. I've tried to explain to him all the wonderful reasons to read. And also make sure that he knows that by no means do I expect him to read as much as I do, or his mother. But my pleas seem to fall on deaf ears.

He does still want to go see the movie with me. And I'm torn as to whether or not I should take him. Any advice?

[–] Shade534 19 years ago

Err well i dunno how much you'll value the advice of a complete stranger, but here goes anyway :P It seems that the main problem your facing is that you dont want to get on the wrong side of your cousins father, but at the same time, you think he's wrong to discourage his son from reading. am i right to assume that much?? Well assuming im mostly right, and that im not babbling like an idiot....my advice to you is that unless your cousins father raises any stong objections, you might aswell go to the cinema with your cousin. His father cant possibly say going to the cinema is uncool. However if just flat-out forbids his son from reading harry potter or having anything to do with it, then it dosnt seem theres a whole lot you can do...but hey thats just my take on the situation, i hope i helped :)

[–] cwilliams12 19 years ago

I guess I should've been more clear when asking for advice. The only reason I have a slight problem with taking my cousin to see the 4th movie is because he has no interest in reading the books anymore. I just don't feel like if he has no interest in reading the books, why should I encourage him to take the easy road and only see the movies. Maybe I'm just being stubborn (i am known to be). His father won't have a problem with him going. He also won't forbid him to read. He just doesn't encourage it. My cousin is only 12 years old, and really needs the benefit in other areas of his life that reading can provide. He's kind of a slow learner, and it's been shown that reading helps with that. This is the main reason why it infuriates me that my uncle doesn't just not encourage him to read, but discourages it by saying that it would make him uncool.

Maybe I've made my situation more clear?

[–] Lucy3003 19 years ago

The obvious (and I believe wrong) answer would be to tell your cousin that you aren't going to take him to see the film unless he finishes the book. This would definately not encourage him to read for the reason he should - the pure joy of it.

Maybe you could talk to him on his own - maybe, because he has problems with learning, he is finding the book difficult and has been looking for a reason to give up - his father has given him the perfect reason to give up without feeling like a failure.

Maybe you could read it to him - im guessing you're quite a bit older than him - and if you do it, it won't seem as patronising as if his mother or father did it (I only say patronising because you mention he's twelve and as he's nearly a teenager he probably doesn't want his mum and dad reading to him!)

Perhaps you could explain that if he doesn't read the book he won't understand fully some parts of the film - or emphasise (as we all know!) that the film is NEVER as good as the book!

Is there anything you could say to his father - I don't want to cause a family rift obviously! - but maybe you could explain that your cousin, more than anyone, would benefit from reading. This isn't to say that he should never go out with his friends or play on his computer but because of his learning difficulties he SHOULD be encouraged to read, especially books he enjoys.

Finally you could try asking if his friends are reading the Harry Potter stories - could he and a few friends get together and maybe read out loud to each other or even play act the scenes - he might find this a bit childish though!

Hope i've helped a bit - you obviously care a lot for your cousin and I can't think of anything that shows your love more than trying to encourage the gift of reading.

Let me know how you go on!

[–] kermiekid 19 years ago

the problem with your comparison of Lord of the Rings and Harry Poyyer is that TLOTR was written by a christian author and Harry Potter's writer reasearched actual witchcraft and uses real chants and spells in her book. Most of the book is fantisy but there are too many actual links with withcraft that a Christian should not agree with or be part of.

P.S. belief in God isn't enough to be called a Christian you want a relationship even the Devil believes in God.

[–] heyduckbandit08 19 years ago

Too bad this movie doesn't very many good reviews

They're very funny

[–] clarkmr1 19 years ago

Well first let me clear this up... Harry potter contains no real chants or spells... All the chants are simply the latin words for what they what they are supposed to do for example 'Colloportus' Seals a door, making an odd squelching noise in latin (colligo" L. to bind together + "portus" L. door). It's latin thats it... and the king James VI bible the one read today was originally Latin so does that mean the bible is witchcraft and therefore evil???

The potions in the book contain items which don't exist... dragon scales etc. So they are not magic.

The only reference to actual magic or witchcraft I can find in the books is 'Chamber of Secrets' when Ron Weasly tries to curse Draco Malfoy and it backfires. The rule of three (or threefold law) is an important tenet in Wicca. It states that both the good and the evil that one creates in the world will be returned threefold (in joy or suffering). It is therefore seen as a pragmatic reason for ethical behaviour and compliance with the Wiccan Rede.

I don't even think the Harry Potter books are anything special... And no I'm not a witch or wicca... Nor do I hate Christians... I have a problem with extremists of any belief system who use unfounded falsehood and reasoning to justify condeming things they don't like... If you want to beleive in a Christian god good on ya, but don't force it upon every one else. And don't be so self righteous the christain faith is quite frankly based on shakey foundations if you did your research you'd know this. If you want to beleive in god thats great however you chose to acknowledge it.

P.S. belief in God isn't enough to be called Christian It would seem you have to hate all other belief systems even though the bible promotes tolorance and respect for all others. even the Devil believes in God.(well seeing as the Catholic Church created the Devil I'd say even God believes in the Devil is more accurate)

In fact the only thing you got right and that I agree with you on is that Tolkien was Christian.

Please do the reasearch yourself don't be a sheep!

[–] charlemagneinsweatpants 18 years ago

Maybe it's just me, but you seem to be completely ignorant of anything outside of your own religion.

see, you put kittens in one end and poptarts come out the other end. we're gonna be rich.

[–] myrab51 18 years ago

You know, an interesting thing I have come across as a Christian and a Harry Potter fan, is other a few other Christians telling me it is wrong for me to read the books or view the movies because of "links to evil." The thing that gets me about it is, these are the same people watching evil in other forms and think it's ok. How can someone tell you Harry Potter is wrong and go home to watch Die Hard or even Princess Mononoke? Watching movies full of blatant violence, drugs, sex is really just as bad, probably worse because they are much more tangable. I do watch all sorts of movies, but as a reasonable adult, I know how to seperate entertainment from real life. I know my faith and a movie is not going to change it. I still go to church on Sundays, say my prayers, and take my communion. I have never thought about trying to actually put a bat-bogey hex on anyone. I do not need to watch a video that does not give me credit for that made by people that feel the need to force their opinion on all. On the other hand, I can see why some people would not want their younger children reading the books or viewing the later movies. I have a 4 and a 6 year old that I do not allow to watch the 3rd or 4th movie. It's not that I am being hard core. I just don't feel that my two children, 4 and 6, are old enough for werewolves, people cutting off their hands, or the Voldemort's return scene. That is a decision within our house though. It's not my place to condemn anyone else for not making the same one within theirs.

PS...The Care Bears use magic, have an evil wizard named Dark Heart, and a mythical creature named Beastly in their series. Why don't we see any anti-Care Bear sentiment? That's next!

[–] 18 years ago

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