Marketing the Occult: Harry's Impact on "Christian Values"  (November 2005)

"Who cares if these friendly folks are all witches and wizards? Here paganism seems normal! ... In this enticing setting, the occult realm feels good to the unthinking audience. Those affirming feelings are important. They help the audience identify with the 'good' wizards and - through the imagination - participate in the action. When Harry triumphs, the viewers share the exultation. When danger threatens, they feel Harry's anxiety..."

Harry Potter: "Whatsoever Things..."  (29 September 2005)

"My purpose [in this article] is simply to highlight a few of the main themes and practices in the books and films, and ask the question: In reading J.K. Rowling's stories about witches and wizards, are Christians thinking on 'Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, [and] whatsoever things are of good report'?..."

Harry Potter: Politically Correct Paganism  (19 July 2005)

"Mysticism and love of the supernatural are thriving today even in some churches. Thus, the wonderfully mystical and emotionally awesome experience of Harry Potter fit right in. Today a lot of people crave the supernatural as well as 'experiences' and even 'signs and wonders'. We're just far enough into the last days' apostasy so that it's actually spun out of control.  J.K. Rowling's timed things well..."

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince  (July 2005)

"As Potter-passion soars to new heights, it's time to take another look at the young wizard's influence on Christian beliefs ... Why is Harry's virtual world so enticing? Could this new mythology become the great equalizer of all religions - fusing Buddhist, Muslim, Hindu and Christian communities with 21st century paganism?..."

Harry Potter: Is it Something that Christian Children Should Read and/or See?  (26 June 2005)

"My objection to the book series is from the point of the worldview represented, and the participation of the 'good guys' in occult practices specifically prohibited in the Bible..."

Harry Potter in the Bible  (March 2005)

"Are you aware that Harry Potter's favourite pursuits are emphatically condemned in the Holy Bible? ... The danger of occult practices is, by definition, hidden. It is a real and present danger deliberately concealed from participants. If people knew what it leads to they would not get involved..."

Straight Talk on Harry Potter  (30 January 2004)

"[The] appealing hero is Harry Potter, a nerdy orphan boy whose parents were killed when he was very young by an evil wizard named Voldemort. From this encounter, he has a lightening bolt-shaped scar on his forehead, and is raised by dull, cruel relatives (an aunt and uncle) who are 'Muggles', the Harry Potter term for non-wizards who don't like or believe in magic and who tend to persecute those who do..."

Harry Potter Witchcraft Repackaged  (07 July 2003)

"[T]alking to so many Christians that just love the book. They say they read it to their children, that they are besotted by it. I am just amazed that they don't understand God's viewpoint on witchcraft ... [they say] 'Well, it's just fantasy' ... the arguments are told to me that it is just imagination and its good for children to exercise their imagination..."

Who Stole Harry Potter's Phoenix?  (20 June 2003)

"Some 8.5 million copies of 'The Order of the Phoenix' have been printed for the U.S. market, and millions will see the cover of the colorful phoenix rising above the flames of a red hot fire on Saturday, but what is its significance? In Barbara Walker's Woman's Encyclopedia of Myths and Secrets, she says, 'The phoenix is part of Egyptian mythology and identified with the bennu bird, a spirit associated with the phallic obelisk. He rose to heaven in the form of the Morning Star, like Lucifer, after his fire-immolation of death and rebirth...'."

Boy Wizard Changing Teens into Witches?  (11 June 2003)

"harry Potter books have helped increase interest in witchcraft around the world, say representatives of a Wiccan group sponsoring a witch convention in Scotland this summer. The Wiccan group, Children of Artemis, has coordinated this year's local gathering of witches to be held in Glasgow, Scotland. 'There is a growing interest in the Wiccan religion ... Harry Potter has also had a positive effect'.."

Harry Potter: Christian Family Radio  (07 October 2002)

"What is very, very interesting about the Harry Potter phenomenon is that while in the 60's so-called religion in the form of the Ten Commandments and the Bible being read in schools was thrown out in classrooms, and yet here we are several decades later where Harry Potter, the first three books, came in as required reading in schools across America..."

Study: Potter Readers More Occultic  (30 June 2002)

"Teen-agers who have read Harry Potter books or have seen the Harry Potter movie were more likely to have experimented with psychic or occult activities than those teens who had not, a recent study found. ... The study revealed that 41% of teens have either seen the Potter film or have read one or more of the Potter books. As a result of watching the movie or reading the books, 12% said they were more interested in witchcraft..."

Harry Potter: "A Sorcerer's Tale"  (2002?)

"When was the last time you heard of a children's book wanted by every child? ... There are numerous books written on Witchcraft and the Occult, but one is more ingeniously packaged to attract the kids like this one..."

Harry Potter? What Does God Have to Say?  (2002?)

"I am writing this urgent message because I was once a witch. I lived by the stars as an astrologer and numerologist casting horoscopes and spells. I lived in the mysterious and shadowy realm of the occult ... As a former witch, I can speak with authority when I say that I have examined the works of Rowling and that the Harry Potter books are training manuals for the occult..."

Entertainment at Any Cost?  (09 November 2001)

"Potter fans have repeatedly told me this is all just harmless fun - it's children exercising their imaginations in a fantasy world. But at the risk of sounding like a broken record, I have to ask: Why are we allowing our children to be entertained by depictions of the very real world of witchcraft? This is not 'Space Invaders'. This is not pure make-believe, conjecture or childhood fantasy. The spiritual content in the world of Harry Potter was modeled, quote accurately, after the real-life worldview of witchcraft and paganism. Harry Potter's world, its creator and their impact have been glorified to such a degree that we celebrate them - even defend them - in many circles..."

Potter Books: Wicked Witchcraft?  (16 August 2001)

"Shortly [after the first Harry Potter instalment was released in the US], many parents and religious groups expressed concern that the story should not be taken lightly as mere children's fantasy literature. Critics disapprove of the books' presentation of the occult as a positive, virtuous lifestyle. To understand the controversy surrounding the books, it is necessary to review their content..."

Twelve Reasons Not to See Harry Potter Movies  (2001)

"Teachers are facilitating classroom discussions that train students to seek 'common ground' and conform to an ever-changing group consensus. While forbidding prayer in the name of Jesus, most schools seem to welcome spells and sorcery in the name of Harry Potter. The pressure to participate in the fun and frenzy is intense. So what can a Christian child do in the midst of such hype, hypocrisy and popular wizardry?..."

[Harry Potter and] The Power of Suggestion  (2001?)

"Popular fiction communicates images and suggestions that root in the reader's mind and imagination. The more gifted the author, the more seductive the suggestions.  J.K. Rowling, a master at her craft, inspires children to read her books again and again. Each mental immersion into Harry's exciting world strengthens the reader's identification with its characters. To many, this imagined world of occult empowerment soon feels as familiar as the real world - yet far more thrilling..."

Harry Potter, Sorcery and Fantasy  (June 2000)

"It is pointed out that Harry potter represents good fighting evil, and therefore, in the context of fantasy, this is okay. These views, however, raise several questions: Is the sorcery and magic in Harry potter just fantasy? If not, are fantasy stories using occultism as a model healthy reading? Is it Biblical to accept the use of 'good' magical power if it is used to fight evil? Is there such a thing as 'good' sorcery?..."

The "Magick" of Harry Potter: Part Three: Harry Potter's Religion  (2000)

"Witches have good reason to be excited about Harry Potter. the books series is giving the 'craft' a huge boost. No wonder that when interviewed by USA Today, a warlock endorsed Harry Potter and bubbled with excitement at the series' wide acceptance by the mainstream..."

The "Magick" of Harry Potter: Part Two: The Marketing and 'Schooling' of Harry Potter  (2000)

"Beyond the books, the marketing of Harry Potter is just now coming into its own. We found a website offering an assortment of kid's toys, such as capes, magic hats, wands, and fake tattoos, each one designed to emulate Harry Potter and each one based on occultism and magic. The advertisement of the items called them a 'starter kit for future witches and warlocks'. Another web site claims to provide everything you need for a magical Harry Potter birthday party..."

The "Magick" of Harry Potter: Part One  (2000)

"While we are aware that much of the world praises Rowling's stories due to the supposed life lessons and ethical content taught in them, we more than question how a biblical Christian could rationalize around the occult and increasingly more disturbing content in the Harry Potter series. Scripture demands that we have nothing to do with the deeds of darkness. This is not a story of good vs. evil. Once again, it is the story of white magic, (or magick as it is spelled in the occult) opposed to black..."

Harry Potter: The Hero for Modern Witchcraft  (2000?)

"Periodically in our society, mystical heroes penetrate our culture. Harry Potter, an orphaned witch, is one such hero who has captured the innocent heart of many children. When such a hero uses evil as a problem solving tool, we need to be warned..."

The Occult and Harry Potter  (1999)

"Many critics have said that no actual occult practices or teachings can be found in the Harry Potter books. Others have said that, while there may be things that resemble actual occult practices, they are harmless. We believe both statements are incorrect..."

Questions About Harry Potter  (1999)

"If we want to determine whether or not the Harry Potter books are presenting the principles of Witchcraft, we need to define what Witchcraft is. The Encyclopedia of Witches and Witchcraft states: 'Witchcraft is not unified or cohesive by any means. There's no central authority or liturgy. Various traditions have their own rituals, philosophy, and belief ... It has become increasingly acceptable to initiate oneself into the Craft and practice alone rather than as part of a coven'..."

Harry Potter: A Review of the First Five Books From a Biblical Perspective  (No Date)

"In defense of the books, people claim that... (1) Everything in the books is the product of a fertile imagination, which the author has made up in her own head just to tell a story; (2) Any talk of actual occultism in the books is ridiculous; (3) The books promote diligent students and obedience to the rules. Goodness, honesty and integrity overcome lies and deceit; (4) The story line in the series boils down to 'good triumphing over evil'. But is all this true?..."

Is "Harry Potter" Harmless?  (No Date)

"Children are understandably fascinated with the kind of power that harry and others in his world possess ... Certainly power is appealing, especially 'white' witchcraft like this that is made to look so innocent. Even some Christian leaders agree that it's 'just fantasy' and generally acceptable for the Christian reader..."

Is Harry Potter Just Harmless Fun?  (No Date)

"The Harry Potter phenomenon presents problems in three main areas: (1) real occult practices, beliefs, and people; (2) the assertion that people who do not practice magick have something wrong with them; (3) a serious blurring of moral and ethical boundaries..."

Harry Potter Books - My Concerns  (No Date)

"The magical world that J.K. Rowling would have us enter in to is not a world of 'make believe' but is based on a real world of magic that has its roots in the occult ... Harry Potter is depicted as the hero in defiance to the Dark Arts. However what role model does the hero Harry Potter present to children?..."

Occult Roots of Harry Potter Magic  (No Date)

"The story of Harry Potter is an allegory: It is written and packaged to look like fantasy, when, in truth, it is a carefully written true description of the training and work of an initiate in an occult order. In every instance, everything Harry does is an extension of his belief system. His foundation is in magic through will..."

What's the Harm in Harry Potter?  (No Date)

"Q: Why are the stories so popular?  A: The stories create an imaginary world that is compelling for children ... His character speaks especially to children who feel like they don't 'fit in', whether because of a broken home, or because they are very creative, intelligent, sensitive, or nonathletic. The stories also give kids a sense of a supernatural world that's bigger than themselves - one that allows them to access power that will change their lives..."

Two More Christian-Oriented Organizations Recommend Reading Harry Potter Books  (No Date)

"Both Christianity Today and Focus On The Family recommend Harry Potter books to Christian parents, continuing their downward spiritual spiral. We will discuss what they have to say, comparing their recommendations to Scripture, to our in-depth knowledge of the occult, and to Christian common sense..."

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire: Book Review  (No Date)

"This book chronicles Harry's Fourth Year at Hogwarts School of Wizardry and Witchcraft, a year in which Harry finds himself under the most severe attack yet by evil Lord Voldemort. The witchcraft portrayed here is once again very accurate and disturbing..."

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban: Book Review  (No Date)

"Late in the book, The Chamber of Secrets, Harry and his friends learned of a special prison for witches [who] were so evil they had to be removed from the world. The name of this prison was Azkaban, and it was rumoured to be a very horrific place. The entire third year of Harry's school is going to be consumed in fighting the most hideous imaginable evil - a prisoner that has escaped and who is rumoured to be out to kill Harry..."

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone: Book Review  (No Date)

"This story introduces us to Harry Potter, an orphaned boy sent to live with his 'horrible' Uncle Vernon, Aunt Petunia, and their fat, obnoxious son, Dudley. Since Harry's parents were powerful witches before they were killed by an even more powerful witch, Harry has Generational Witchcraft in his background, making it very likely that he will be a wizard when he grows up..."

Harry Potter: A Dangerous Hero for Our Children  (No Date)

"I do not want to scare your children, but it is my job to inform you so you'll not get involved in the occult without realizing it is the occult. I will show you through Scripture how to protect yourself and your family. Tonight's message is centred in a character named Harry Potter..."

Harry Potter: A New Twist to Witchcraft  (No Date)

"This page is for those who seek truth about the book series Harry Potter. Many think it is just harmless fantasy. True it is fantasy, but it is laced with witchcraft and demonology as are most books like it..."

Thus saith the LORD,
Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way,
and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls
(Jeremiah 6:16)

© Bayith Ministries     http://www.bayith.org     bayith@blueyonder.co.uk