Picture from Fox NewsThis morning on Fox News I heard quite a discussion concerning the banning of Harry Potter books. I’ve heard such discussions before, but this is the latest one. It seems Laura Mallory has tried to have these books removed from school libraries in Gwinnett county, GA. Subsequent to the superior court judge ruling against her, Ms. Mallory is now threatening to take her case to the a federal court.
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. — The adventures of boy wizard Harry Potter can stay in Gwinnett County school libraries, despite a mother’s objections, a judge ruled Tuesday.
Laura Mallory, who argued the popular fiction series is an attempt to indoctrinate children in witchcraft, said she still wants the best-selling books removed and may take her case to federal court.
“I maybe need a whole new case from the ground up,” said Mallory, who was not represented by an attorney at the hearing.
Superior Court Judge Ronnie Batchelor’s ruling upheld a decision by the Georgia Board of Education, which had supported local school officials.
Ms. Mallory argues that the Harry Potter books idealize witchcraft, and even cited statistics which she said indicate that large numbers of students, after reading these books, have inquired about the process of becoming a witch and are being directed in that way.
I have never read Harry Potter books, and have heard pros and cons about their merits. On one hand, I know there is a real surge among the world of black, ugly, and gothic darkness, which no doubt is a negative force among our young people.
On the other hand, I read Fairy Tales when I was a child, (and have read them to my children and grandchildren). In an honest look at those stories now, I see that some of them involved what might be considered unacceptable material. Think bubbling cauldrons, and cackling witches. Are those things harmful?…or innocent childhood stories? Are Harry Potter books harmful? Are they innocently written, or do they indeed glorify witchcraft, and lead youngsters down that road?
I’m interested in your opinions.
___________________________________________________________________
My devotional is here.
These stories are fiction. Fiction by defintion is not based on truth. It’s for fun. I haven’t read any of these books, but I have seen the movies and they are fun.
When we take the fairy tales out of childhood, we’ve destoyed childhood. So what if kids confuse truth with fiction. They have their whole lives to realize there’s really not that much difference.
Without our imaginations, we take ourselves too seriously.
Rent one of the Harry Potter movies. Harmless fun.
oh boy…
Hansel and Gretel?
Fee Fi Fo Fum I smell the blood of an Englishman.
I remember reading several books as a child that involved semi occult themes. I didn’t want to do them they scared the crap out of me. Which is why I liked’em.
I think the Harry Potter Movies are beautifully rendered but empty of content. I only got past the first one. Never read the books.
Anyone ever see bednobs and broomsticks? My brother and I went around repeating the “magic words” for weeks.
Look at me now. I hope everyone can be as well adjusted.
ROFL!
I’ve read all of the Harry Potter’s so far. In fact, it’s a family thing. Mom reads them out loud to the family, meaning that we never find out the ending until months after everyone else. Try getting your teenage daughter and scientist husband and kindergarten son in the same room at the same time long enough to read a chapter out loud!
We’re devout Catholics, but my husband flirted with witchcraft and the occult before he met me (he dated a witch) and he says there’s nothing in HP that looks anything like real witchcraft, any more than Buffy the Vampire Slayer dealt with “real” demons (her creatures said, “Oh yeah, like we have time to look up the REAL stuff). If you can learn how to make someone levitate by reading Harry Potter, I’d like to know how. I’ve pointed sticks at things and some vaguely Latin sounding thing, too, and nothing happens.
Imagination is a wonderful thing. Too bad some people want to squelch it.
Those same people should look around a book store. There’s plenty of other fantasy we need to ban if we ban Harry.
Wizard of Oz, Alice in Wonderland (drug use endorsed!), Most Disney stuff, and even Dr. Seuss (gotta be something there!)
If you don’t want your kids reading Harry, DON’T let them, but don’t tell me I can’t!
Rob and I have both read all of the HP books to date. They are indeed fun to read, and we have enjoyed them very much. However, the last one or two books were read after we TRULY gave our hearts to the Lord. At first we didn’t want to read them, citing witchcraft, etc. But finally we decided that it was up to us to read those things which we knew our niece would come across at friends’ houses or at school. We read them and still liked them.
Really, it goes both ways. I understand WHY we aren’t supposed to like them or let our children read them. But they’re FUN. And therein lies the issue. If I as an adult am having so much trouble deciding whether or not I could/should read the HP books, then how could I expect a child to make the decision for herself? Based on fun? The child will read the book.
And even if you say NOT to read the book, you can’t be with them 100% of the time, so I guess just make sure your kids are taught well at home and then send them out into the wide world and trust that they’re in God’s hands… because they are.
When my kids were much smaller, I used to go to the public library quite often. I had heard of the Harry Potter books but had never really looked at one. I spotted one at the library and picked it up. I looked at the front cover and then just randomly turned to a page in the book. I don’t remember what I read, but I do distinctly remember feeling a nudge from God to put the book down. Not too long after that our pastor at the time recommended to the church not to let our children read these books because of their strong dealing with the occult and witchcraft. Our pastor was and is a praying, Spirit filled man whom I greatly respect, and his recommendation was enough for me. I also had a friend whose son began having nightmares. He had never had problems with nightmares before, and after a while, it came out that his teacher was reading Harry Potter at school, and some things that he heard in the book made him afraid. His mom was able to get him taken out of class while the books were being read, and his nightmares stopped.
I think there are plenty of other books out there that are FUN for kids and adults without controversial themes.
Well, my husband is an elementary substitute teacher and from the excerpts he has read, he doesn’t like them. He said there are some specific recipes given to create spells and actual incantations are spoken. Also, like writeathomes pastor, he feels there are plenty other books to read besides HP and has suggested refraining from the HP books. Our kids haven’t read them and have never asked to read them. My ten year old said he looked at one at the library and he didn’t like it. I think the difference between these books and Disney fairytales, is that there is a stronger feeling of the occult in HP. Also, the Disney fairytales have extreme situations with the animated characters that keep you in “fairytale” mode. The HP books are considered more “real” than “fairytale” to the children reading them.
I agree with writeathome and Jana. These books are ones I avoid as well as my children. In today’s society we say “Oh it is harmless” yet look was has happened in our schools because someone deemed a book or song harmless. These harmless tools are having an effect on our kids. Not a positive one either.
Years ago when the HP books came out and there was lots of controversy, I came across an interview with the author asking about the “witchcraft”. Her reply (paraphrased, I will have to try to find the interview)was these books were written with the intent to draw children into “witchcraft”.
To me–that does not sound harmless. Also–my Pastor preaches against them and thats good enough for me.
Have a great day and God Bless!!!
I’ve read them and they seem to be completely harmless! As long as you have instilled the faith in your children that you want them to have, they shouldn’t have any bearing on your children in a negative way! These books are just modern day fairy tales, purely fiction with a fictional world. Good post Shirley!
If you haven’t read the books then you are speaking from a place of ignorance and prejudice. The Holy Bible itself isn’t a 100% pure and clean text. There’s murder and adultery etc. But it is held up by religions as a book worthy for all to read and study. How about this wacky thought. Read the Harry Potter books. Go beyond the surface and really read them, study them, the way you study your precious Bible. See for yourself what the teachings are. You will find as I did that they are many of the same moral lessons you are trying to teach your children as Christians. As I teach mine as a Christian and a Wiccan (and understand that Wicca is NOT Satanism. It does not harm. It in fact spreads the teachings of no harm from people to the very Earth that God blessed us with).
Speaking out against something you know nothing about is what is evil and wrong. Do not put the blame on books, movies and music. Put it where it belongs. On parents that ignore their children and what they are doing. Parents that let their children pig out on junk food and become obese. Parents that abuse their children with other violence or neglect so they believe that violence is okay. or they seek harmful gangs that promote violence, drugs, sex as a good way to live. Parents that would rather spend months trying to tell the world how to raise their children instead of focusing on their own. I would not want to be Mallory’s children right now. Because they will likely be taunted by other children for their mother’s attempts to play censor to the world. But that’s not likely something Mallory cares about because her quest to rid the world of something she can’t prove is really causing any harm to anyone is more important to her than her children, despite what she says with the words from her prejudical mouth.
People who want to ban things scare me. I am 36 years old and a well adjusted member of society. I grew up reading Snow White (think evil queen), Wizard of Oz (think wicked witch), Cinderella (magic), Sleeping Beauty (dragons!) and the Hobbit….. I also drank from a garden hose, rode my bike without a helmet and probably lived in a house with lead paint. I have no known health issues physically, emotionally or mentally. Get my point? I have never read Harry Potter but I know it is FICTION and if you don’t want your kids to read it….. then don’t let them read it. Just don’t tell other people what they can and can’t do. It’s silly……
I was censored as a child and never endured criticism. I look back and am glad that I never watched Smurfs and MTV. No Dungeons and Dragons for me. I think it is our responsibility to guard our children’s hearts and minds. Why would I let me three year old watch any movie or read any book that would teach them something unsavory? None of my four kids are allowed to watch the three Spiderman movies. After all they are PG-13. Am I being unfair in censoring them? On the contrary, I believe I am showing wisdom. I wouldn’t allow my kids–heck, I don’t allow myself–to watch The Omen. I don’t need to see that kind of evil in order to be entertained. Keeping each child’s capacity to understand in mind, there are plenty of books and movies out there to entertain. And plenty of fairy tales. After all, Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty are fairy tales. And there are plenty of movies and books about make-believe. Now, in today’s age, I don’t believe she is going to be successful in having Harry Potter removed from the library. But there are plenty of other books in the library to be read.
Jennifer – no one banned anything. There have been recommendations and suggestions from the leadership of our churches, but no one is holding a gun to our head shouting “NO!” I have made the choice to follow the suggestion. Furthermore, my husband has read many excerpts and that was enough for him. If he can find evil in just excerpts, I’m sure the entire book would contain much more. Also, no one is telling YOU what to do. This is just a forum where people offer their opinion. Your opinion is respected and mine should be too. By the way,
“Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire” (2005) was rated PG-13 for sequences of fantasy violence and frightening images. These ratings have a purpose and, like iamweiser, I feel better to withhold these types of ratings from my children.
If I may quote someone who posted a comment at a different site, I think her exact words should speak for themselves. (I really am opposed to paraphrasing or giving the ‘jist’ of a quote- it is nearly ALWAYS mis-interpreted)
“I am a free Christian who has been given the God given right to think for myself and decide for myself. I too once feared Harry Potter’s influence over my children. I feared getting carried away by deception. Five years ago my 7 and 1/2 year old daughter and I took a church trip to Baltimore, MD and the movie played on the bus was “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone”. I was concerned that she would be too young and frightened by it. I decided to allow for it. She asked me to let her watch it. I sat with her and we both loved it. I am so thankful that things turned out that way. A year and a half later, she’d read half the books and a year after that, she’d read the other half, plus reread the other ones. She loves the adventures of Harry Potter and now and is an Honor student in 7th grade.(plus she is mildly autistic). What a wonderful gift from God is Harry Potter. He is rich in life lessons about people who are good and evil and not just the ones who our kids think are good or evil. Status and wealth often corrupt good people. Prejudice is a real issue that exists today between the church and “heathens”. We are not Christians because we attend church or live right or anything else. We are Christians because God loves us and saves us. Period. That woman is fearful and does not trust that God needs no help to defend him. He allowed for Harry Potter for a reason. She is not fulfilling God’s law to love.(How could anyone interpret her actions as love?) Harry Potter does not condemn us to hell. Those who fear and do not love and live in ignorance condemn themselves and that is the worst hell anyone can live in. Thank God, he ended all our suffering with his death on the cross. Hell and death has been condemned. We are free to love. Harry Potter can be there along side our children. He can teach them so much.
Comment by Theresa Hickin ”
Think on it, and enjoy.
Not sure if my 15 year old opinion is quite what you’re looking for, but I’ll give it anyway.
I’ve read all the harry potter books. At least 4 times each actually. I have never had ‘nightmares’ from there, or ‘pathological needs to practice magic’. I’m pretty sure I’ve turned out quite alright.
My parents taught me from a young age the difference between real and not. Harry Potter is fiction, not real. Won’t ever happen. It’s just an addictingly awesome series about good and evil, and its actually quite relatable, dealing w/ issues that teens deal w/ it.
It teaches some good lessons if you are intelligent enough to look beyond the supposedly ‘witchy’ aspects. I forget half the time the book has anything to do w/ magic, its the relatable characters and plot that pull me in.
If I may respond to Jana… I was not directing my comments regarding the banning of Harry Potter toward you…. I was responding to the original post by Sis. Buxton regarding Laura Mallory calling for the removal of Harry Potter from school libraries. I certainly respect your opinion (and read your blog daily). Personally, my children do not read nor watch Harry Potter. I was merely trying to suggest that the decision to let ones children read Harry Potter should be kept in the home and out of the courts. I am for personal responsibility rather than mandated indoctrination. I am also one of those crazy people who do not believe there should be a law requiring us to wear seatbelts. Yes, it makes sense to wear one but why for heavens sake does the governement have to get in our car with us and tell us to put one on? Just use common sense. Thats all…
To Jennifer – I understand your point and I realize there are some fine lines we need to carefully watch. If the books are banned, then that means someone can fight to have the Holy Bible banned. Unfortunately, personal responsibility flew the coop with respect, courtesy, common sense, and so many other ideals with which we were raised. Yet, I also think people who strongly believe in something should fight for it. In my opinion, some laws are for our good just like a parent guiding their child in the best direction. Seatbelts? It used to be a personal choice, but too many were dying from not using them. If it were left up to personal choice, you would have people filling their cars everyday with unrestrained children who would never learn what is right and some would die everyday. If common sense were still in the world, we wouldn’t have to create such laws.
It has been fun talking with you and understand this – I really do know how to agree to disagree. Blessings to you!
Greetings,
I don’t think it’s necessary to ban these books. I mean, we watch the Lord of the Rings-movies (even though J.R.R Tolkien was a Christian). If they ban this book, why don’t they ban the Da Vinci Code that really is quite ‘dangerous’? (but that book is very good though). Banning books means that they are dangerous, and then the children will do anything to read them.
I have watched some of the Harry Potter movies and they were good but quite scary. But I wouldn’t ban them. Harry Potter is just a fairytale.
I will not get into an argument with anyone, we all have our own opinions. But my question to all is, WHAT WOULD JESUS DO?
I think even if the were to remove Harry Potter from schools the kids would still find a way to read them at school or at home. My kids can’t wait for the 7th book.
I have read a couple of the Harry Potter books–before they were a true HIT (back in the day around 7 years ago) and my son’s third grade teacher was reading them in class. I prayed about it and felt that the Lord impressed upon me that it was not right for my family. In fact, I studied how God in scripture perceives “fantasy.” Do you know there are really no references to this? However, there are many references to how God abhors witchcraft and how we are not to have ANYTHING to do with witchcraft. God perceives witchcraft as a form of idol worship–forbidden by the 2nd commandment. Anyway, I am a well-read lawyer who is always questioning and I do not believe in censor. However, I feel that there are SO MANY WONDERFUL THINGS TO READ OUT THERE. Why chose to dull our minds with thoughtless fantasy about witchcraft.
One more thought. Harry Potter is a witch. It is clear. In the fairy tales I read as a child, the “good guys” were clearly good and the evil clearly evil. Harry Potter is a bratty, disrespectful WITCH…..I believe it is a book about dark against darker and not good against evil. The lines are muddied. Thank you for allowing me to express my opinion.
JL
My response:
http://b3nny.wordpress.com/2007/07/14/harry-potter-menace-to-society/
Thank you for bringing up this discussion
Hello to all of you have written here. Thank you for your interest and your taking time to comment. Welcome to my blog. Hope you’re here often.
Of one thing I am quite sure–it is dangerous to have governments banning books. Although I may violently disagree with material that is published, if we begin banning such, we no longer have a free press.
It behooves each of us to carefully guard our hearts and our homes.
Blessings
I only read the first Harry Potter. I didn’t think it was any great shakes as a book, but I guess I would have to agree with you. I read fairy tales and I read them to my kids. Some of their subject matter was quite objectionable. When my kids were at home, I tried not to ban any books. Instead, if I had a doubt, I read what they read so we could discuss. I’m sure that didn’t solve everything, but at least we talked about it.
Becky-
I know you are a wise and caring mother. It shows in your writing.
God bless you
These are purely innocent stories! If kids truly wish to be part of witchcraft after reading these then it’s just most likely a phase!
(word removed by blog owner) LAURA MALLORY FOR ATTEMPTING TO KEEP CHILDREN FROM KEEPING THEIR MINDS OPEN AND MAKING THEIR OWN DECISIONS!!! ALSO FOR BEING SUCH A SHALLOW AND DEVAPID (word removed by blog owner)!!! READ THE (word removed by blog owner) BOOKS THEN BASH THEM STUPID (words removed by blog owner)!!!!
Akuma, I’ve removed words that are offensive to me and that I don’t wish posted on my blog.
Do you have any idea why you are so angry, and seemingly full of bitterness? It’s one thing to disagree with another, and to speak of those disagreements with honesty–and even with passion. But your hostility is misplaced here.
I do wish you peace.
This goes way to far out of hand. Its a book! Fiction has almost no fact in it. The series does not reflect real magic and is most deffinatlay not making you convert to magic afet you read them. Honestly if you have an issue with your kids reading them then feel free to adress that how you wish. Whatever you do, do not try to get a following and make everyone convert to your psycotic ways. ITS A FREAKING BOOK!
“Fear of the name only increses fear of the thing itself” ~ Hermonie Granger
Thats right I quoted the book. Deal with it!
I need to do hw and i need Pros and Cons for Harry Potter Help!!!!