What should be the Christian view of Harry Potter?

Response

As the Harry Potter series continues to gain popularity, Christian parents are faced with challenging questions. Some view the magical world of Harry Potter as harmless entertainment and fantasy. Others are concerned that these books and movies may promote involvement in the occult. Regardless of a parent’s perspective, Harry Potter has become ubiquitous, prominently displayed on the shelves of children’s bookstores, public libraries, and schools. Undoubtedly, Christians should have reservations and exercise discernment when deciding whether to allow their children to delve into the realm of Harry Potter.

The Harry Potter books and movies prominently feature typical magic. Witchcraft and wizardry are central themes, with wizards, witches, and other magical beings in leading roles. While the characters engage in spellcasting, divination, and the like, they do not engage with spiritual or supernatural forces. While this aspect may be viewed positively, a clear drawback is the absence of any higher authority to be accountable to.

In contrast to other fantasy children’s tales involving witches, such as C. S. Lewis’s The Chronicles of Narnia, the Harry Potter series lacks a positive biblical perspective. The line between good and evil can blur as both “good” and “evil” characters practice various forms of witchcraft and magic. The Bible explicitly condemns all forms of witchcraft, sorcery, and spiritism (Deuteronomy 18:10-11). Philippians 4:8 advises to “focus your thoughts on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and honorable.” Does this imply that Christians should completely avoid Harry Potter?

For some families, the answer is affirmative. The Harry Potter seriesMay not be suitable for young or spiritually immature children, as they might lack the ability to differentiate between reality and fantasy, right and wrong, or good and evil. At the very least, they could end up feeling perplexed about God’s stance on the occult, and at worst, they might be captivated by the enchanting world of Harry and his companions, potentially becoming desensitized to occult practices. Furthermore, there are concerns such as violence, deceit, and mildly inappropriate language that each Christian family will perceive differently.

Conversely, there are positive elements to be found in Harry Potter. Love is portrayed through acts of selflessness and self-sacrifice; Harry’s own mother gave her life to protect him. There is a theme of justice, with good consistently prevailing over evil. Harry confronts his fears and discovers bravery, even putting his life on the line for the greater good. Friendships are characterized by loyalty and unwavering dedication, extending to the point of ultimate sacrifice.

For any family grappling with the decision of whether their children should engage with Harry Potter, wise counsel can be derived from the Scriptures: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7). The Bible reassures us that God is concerned about our well-being, and thus we should entrust all our concerns to Him, “casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you” (1 Peter 5:7).

Christian parents bear the responsibility of instructing their children about virtues that are pleasing to God and about the spiritual adversaries we contend with, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”

h places. », (Ephesians 6:12). When a child reaches a stage where he or she develops a personal connection with God and can accurately distinguish between good and evil based on God’s principles, engaging in a conversation guided by parents about the Harry Potter books and films could be a means to impart divine discernment and nurture intelligent Christian individuals.