At a first glance, one might see the Harry Potter series as a fictional book about harmless children adventures. However, this book has caused some controversy among Christian groups. Before I dig into this controversy, first is a little background about the book for those who didn't read it. Harry Potter is a series of seven novels. The book follows the lives of a wizard, Harry Potter, along with his friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger as they go to school at the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The main conflict is how Harry Potter deals with the evil wiz
ard, Lord Voldemort, who actually killed his parents when he was young. For more information, go to this site which tells more about the plot. http://en.wikipedia.org/Harry_Potter According to Wikipedia, since 2008, these novels have sold more then 400 million copies and has been translated into 67 languages.
Although it has been a successful series and motion picture, there have been several criticisms from Christian groups that the books promote witchcraft among children. I have to admit I have never read this series, but I have had several Christian friends who have read it. Are they wrong for reading these books because there might be a hidden tie to witchcraft? Or are these Christian groups over analyzing the ties to witchcraft and the effect it has on children?
As I was researching this series and the controversy, I found a Web site that shows the top ten most controversial books and Harry Potter was among them. Go to this site to look at other books. http://www.dirjournal.com/info/ten-of-the-most-controversial-books/
These Christian groups that are against Harry Potter support their side by providing evidence in the bible that witchcraft is of the devil. For exmaple they give the scripture in Leviticus 20: 6. "And the soul that turneth after such as familar spirits, and after wizards, to go whoring after them, I will even set my face against the soul, and will cut him off from among his people."
Also, there are several Christian Web sites that specifically state that parents need to not let their children read these books. Here is a quote from a girl who now wants to become a witch from reading Harry Potter. "I was eager to get to Hogwarts firts because I like what they learned there and I want to be a Witch." -Gionia Bishop, age 10. Should parents let there children read these books? Or is there little effect these fantasy books have on
children?
This evidence of children reading books can deal with Cultivation Theory. Just like television, I believe that when people read books they will become more likley to view it as reality the more they read it. Since these books have also turned into movies, children could believe the Harry Potter series is reality. If children reads these boooks, will they be persuarded to turn to witchcraft because of cultivation theory or are these Christain groups wrong in believing these fantasy books are harmful to children? What do you guys think!
If I thought witches had magic wands and adventures and an awesome school, I'd want to be a witch too. People need to learn to educate their kids instead of trying to white-wash the world.
ReplyDeleteI think it's ridiculous how these fantasy books have been banned. The Wizard of Oz wasn't banned! I like what Joseph Smith said when asked how he gets his people to behave so well; "I teach them correct priciples and they govern themselves."
ReplyDeleteI agree with Austin. If they're going to ban Harry Potter because someone might want to become a witch or a wizard, why not ban all the books that talk about cowboys or bank robbers or shady politicians. Parents need to take responsibility for what their children learn, instead of expecting the world to do so for them.
ReplyDeleteParents should be embracing the opportunities that the Harry Potter books offer. Children actually want to read them, and in a world of iPods, texting and wireless devices, that desire doesn't occur too often. The Harry Potter books give children the opportunity to understand the joy and learning that comes from reading. Part of that learning is being able to differentiate between fantasy and reality. If children are confusing witchcraft with reality, they should probably keep reading.
ReplyDeleteI think that the reason these books are so popular is because people want control over their lives. Kids feel out of control because they are told what to do at every turn. So was Harry. He had a rough and identifiable situation, then he gained control through magic. People want that kind of control over their own destinies. But, I feel that the only way to gain control over your life is by giving up control to God's will. These type of books take peoples focus away from God. Whether it is magic, romance, or sci-fi, there is a certain point when they become a god in your life. I think Harry Potter is an example of media as religion or replacing religion. That being said. If parents teach their kids, none of what I said makes a difference. But most parents don't instruct their kids very well.
ReplyDeleteI think it is sad really. Parents should welcome the chance to have their children wanting to read something. Kids usually don't read on their own unless they are forced to for classes. If they are willing to read the books I say let them. For all the kids I've seen, I have never seen any think they can become wizards. I believe most kids are smart enough to know fiction from reality, and since the books are wholesome, why not? Heck, with the kind of stuff that is available to kid just at their fingertips we more stuff like Harry Potter.
ReplyDeleteRecognizing the difference between reality and fiction is something that starts in the home. Banning these books would in some way be depriving children of having an imagination.
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