Is Harry Potter Evil?

[A. Christian]

Veggie tales are cartoons about vegetables that teach children about bible stories. However, they are fiction and fantasy so if a person doesn't agree with fantasy and fiction than there would be a problem

 

[Sue D.]

Its not that I skipped it. Ok maybe I did but that is because you havent read chronicles of narnia and I'm finding it difficult to explain exactly. In narnia there are evil gods in opposition to Aslan and there are also mention of lesser gods that are good and serve Aslan maybe we can equate them with angels.

Doesn't that sort of give the impression that 'gods are gods' -- some being good 'gods' and others Not so good. While God's Word says that there is but One real 'god' that God the Father is The Only God.

God's Word Also tells us that God created the angelic world. Well -- we Can equate angels with --well -- Angels.

so -- Maybe -- if 'we' want to be teaching our kids and Ourselves the Truth -- go to where the truth Is. God's Word.

 

[Brother-Paul]

Re: lying to children about Santa Claus. We raised 4 kids. We didn't do Anything about Santa Claus. Don't recall it ever coming up?! We did the Christmas tree and the account in Luke about the birth of the Christ Child. I really don't see Santa Claus As a dangerous lie. After looking it up. In Turkey there was a real St. Nichalous -- got presents for the very poor kids who's parents couldn't afford to get them anything. Our Santa Claus is the American version Of Old St. Nick.

Greetings Sue

You are right St Nicholas, was from southern Turkey, there are a couple of legends about him, the most common being that he was told of a man who could not get the money together to provide dowries for his three daughters. Because of the man was planning to send his daughters to work in a brothel. St Nicholas, a Christian bishop, saved them from this fate by throwing three bags of gold through their window one night. Hence the sack of presents at Christmas, with a lot of materialistic additions, country to country over the years.

 

[Sue D.]

Veggie tales are cartoons about vegetables that teach children about bible stories. However, they are fiction and fantasy so if a person doesn't agree with fantasy and fiction than there would be a problem

Okay -- it would depend on what kind of fantasy and fiction is being talked about. How accurate the veggie tales are presenting of Bible stories. I'm going to look that up.

 

[Sue D.]

Greetings Sue

You are right St Nicholas, was from southern Turkey, there are a couple of legends about him, the most common being that he was told of a man who could not get the money together to provide dowries for his three daughters. Because of the man was planning to send his daughters to work in a brothel. St Nicholas, a Christian bishop, saved them from this fate by throwing three bags of gold through their window one night. Hence the sack of presents at Christmas, with a lot of materialistic additions, country to country over the years.

That's certainly Not what I'd read about him. The American concept is certainly Not That. Besides what is Dangerous about 'santa and his elves working to make gifts for good little boys and girls' After a while -- kids discover that Dad and Mom have gotten them their gifts that are under the tree. It's meant to be about giving to one other. But not 'breaking the family piggy bank' to Do it.

I never took Santa Claus seriously.

 

[A. Christian]

Greetings Sue

You are right St Nicholas, was from southern Turkey, there are a couple of legends about him, the most common being that he was told of a man who could not get the money together to provide dowries for his three daughters. Because of the man was planning to send his daughters to work in a brothel. St Nicholas, a Christian bishop, saved them from this fate by throwing three bags of gold through their window one night. Hence the sack of presents at Christmas, with a lot of materialistic additions, country to country over the years.

When researching Nicholas myself I found that there was very little about him that wasn't some folktale. So I don't know much abput who he actually was. But I can tell you that the santa our culture now has is a product of the Coca Cola company and has virtually nothing to do with any historic figure outside of having a common name.

 

[Sue D.]

Okay -- I just Did 'google' Veggie Tales -- very popular. It's been the most successful faith-based Christian franchise ever. I was reading the Wiki article. Sounds like I missed a good children's series.

 

[Brother-Paul]

That's certainly Not what I'd read about him. The American concept is certainly Not That. Besides what is Dangerous about 'santa and his elves working to make gifts for good little boys and girls' After a while -- kids discover that Dad and Mom have gotten them their gifts that are under the tree. It's meant to be about giving to one other. But not 'breaking the family piggy bank' to Do it.

I never took Santa Claus seriously.

There are a couple of legendary story's going back to him in southern Turkey, the dowry one is the one I have known about for a long time.

It does vary from country to country, how celebrated, colour of tunic etc.

It doesn't really matter, the theme is the same, the lie today is the same.

Jesus is the reason for the Christmas season.

 

[A. Christian]

That's certainly Not what I'd read about him. The American concept is certainly Not That. Besides what is Dangerous about 'santa and his elves working to make gifts for good little boys and girls' After a while -- kids discover that Dad and Mom have gotten them their gifts that are under the tree. It's meant to be about giving to one other. But not 'breaking the family piggy bank' to Do it.

I never took Santa Claus seriously.

I did read the same story about Nicholas and the man with three daughters it is pretty common.

First we must be careful because a story about elves and flying around the world in one night with magic reindeer sounds like it might be close to what you were condemning several posts back.

Now the real danger in santa is that he is a figure that often replaces Jesus in our children's hearts around christmas. Even if you tell them christmas is about the birth of Jesus, Jesus will still pale next to Santa who brings actual toys for them. In addition the naughty and nice list and the presents awarded to each child based off of whichever list they are on reinforces legalism and does not teach grace.

 

[Brother-Paul]

I did read the same story about Nicholas and the man with three daughters it is pretty common.

First we must be careful because a story about elves and flying around the world in one night with magic reindeer sounds like it might be close to what you were condemning several posts back.

Now the real danger in santa is that he is a figure that often replaces Jesus in our children's hearts around christmas. Even if you tell them christmas is about the birth of Jesus, Jesus will still pale next to Santa who brings actual toys for them. In addition the naughty and nice list and the presents awarded to each child based off of whichever list they are on reinforces legalism and does not teach grace.

So true, I asked the grandchildren what they thought Christmas was about, the reply I got was... Present!

Sad, really sad.

 

[A. Christian]

Okay -- I just Did 'google' Veggie Tales -- very popular. It's been the most successful faith-based Christian franchise ever. I was reading the Wiki article. Sounds like I missed a good children's series.

did you know that the problem that we have to deal with when using google is that it is designed to show you what you want to see. When using google it will show the side of the argument that you will most often agree with based off of your past searches.

 

[Sue D.]

Greetings Sue

You are right St Nicholas, was from southern Turkey, there are a couple of legends about him, the most common being that he was told of a man who could not get the money together to provide dowries for his three daughters. Because of the man was planning to send his daughters to work in a brothel. St Nicholas, a Christian bishop, saved them from this fate by throwing three bags of gold through their window one night. Hence the sack of presents at Christmas, with a lot of materialistic additions, country to country over the years.

I just looked that up. St. Nick saved a man's daughters from being forced to work at a brothel because their father was broke -- he threw them bags of gold one night and That money was given to the 'bad guy' to pay what their father couldn't and There fore he rescued them from that life. so St. Nick was known as a person who rescued people and helped uncover the bad things and bring people to justice.

Perspective.

 

[Sue D.]

did you know that the problem that we have to deal with when using google is that it is designed to show you what you want to see. When using google it will show the side of the argument that you will most often agree with based off of your past searches.

Oh, so I'm Not supposed to research by Google but rely on someone Elses' opinions. I Never just blindly look at Google articles and take everything at face value. I look at the source Of the information -- what group is putting it out.

I don't know how You use Google, but apparently I don't research the same way You do. I don't agree with Lots of the sources. That which I research Usually has many perspectives listed. When I Don't agree with a particular perspective I go on to another article. I hold fairly conservative views on lots of subjects.

Don't Most of the search engines do that? A person types in the subject and finds out what's 'out there'.

It Will tell me how many times I've looked up any particular article.

Kind of like a World Book Encyclopedia. Tons of info in it. Ya look up something and see what's listed.

 

[Sue D.]

So true, I asked the grandchildren what they thought Christmas was about, the reply I got was... Present!

Sad, really sad.

Christmas is what a person makes it to be. Society takes Christianity out of most every aspect of life. We Can do Our part to keep Christ's birth As the central theme. The wise-men/ shepherds brought gifts to the Christ child. So -- we can get gifts for each other. Something personal that is meaningful.

Kids Like gifts -- most of us Do. Nothing wrong with it.

the best gift of All was God giving us salvation through His Son Jesus Christ. We simply need to Accept that gift. A great way to introduce gift giving while everyone is sitting around the tree. Or however Christmas is 'done' at Your house.

 

[Sue D.]

I did read the same story about Nicholas and the man with three daughters it is pretty common.

First we must be careful because a story about elves and flying around the world in one night with magic reindeer sounds like it might be close to what you were condemning several posts back.

Now the real danger in santa is that he is a figure that often replaces Jesus in our children's hearts around christmas. Even if you tell them christmas is about the birth of Jesus, Jesus will still pale next to Santa who brings actual toys for them. In addition the naughty and nice list and the presents awarded to each child based off of whichever list they are on reinforces legalism and does not teach grace.

Okay -- let's get 'real' here. You're going to be 'down' on Christmas as an example of 'our' being down on Harry Potter?
What do We allow -- as parents -- to Be put in our children's hearts.

Do WE allow Santa to be upheld More than Jesus Christ? Where are Our priorities.

so Now you're bringing legalism and grace into the discussion.

Maybe 'we' need to take God's Word a bit more seriously. A Lot more seriously.

You Do realize that a person's eternal home is determined here on earth. Are We teaching our kids // ourSelves // the Gospell unto salvation ?! Or are 'we' letting the 'church' or pastor do that For us. So then 'we' blame the Church for not preaching God's Word like they should be.

 

[A. Christian]

Okay -- I just Did 'google' Veggie Tales -- very popular. It's been the most successful faith-based Christian franchise ever. I was reading the Wiki article. Sounds like I missed a good children's series.

did you know that the problem that we have to deal with when using google is that it is designed to show you what you want to see. When using google it will show the side of the argument that you will most often agree with based off of your past searches.

Oh, so I'm Not supposed to research by Google but rely on someone Elses' opinions. I Never just blindly look at Google articles and take everything at face value. I look at the source Of the information -- what group is putting it out.

I don't know how You use Google, but apparently I don't research the same way You do. I don't agree with Lots of the sources. That which I research Usually has many perspectives listed. When I Don't agree with a particular perspective I go on to another article. I hold fairly conservative views on lots of subjects.

Don't Most of the search engines do that? A person types in the subject and finds out what's 'out there'.

It Will tell me how many times I've looked up any particular article.

Kind of like a World Book Encyclopedia. Tons of info in it. Ya look up something and see what's listed.

I am sorry if I offened you. All I was saying is that we must becareful. Say for instance I am Catholic and I'm always looking up and reading news about the catholic church. Then one day im in a discussion about where the pope's authority comes from and I google it. It will show me a lot more results where people are saying that the Pope derives his authority from authority given to Peter.

All I am saying is that we need to be careful not to reinforce beliefs that are wrong. If you are already aware of this then that is great. Though some people are unaware that search engine filter results based off of past searches.

 

[A. Christian]

Okay -- let's get 'real' here. You're going to be 'down' on Christmas as an example of 'our' being down on Harry Potter?
What do We allow -- as parents -- to Be put in our children's hearts.

Do WE allow Santa to be upheld More than Jesus Christ? Where are Our priorities.

so Now you're bringing legalism and grace into the discussion.

Maybe 'we' need to take God's Word a bit more seriously. A Lot more seriously.

You Do realize that a person's eternal home is determined here on earth. Are We teaching our kids // ourSelves // the Gospell unto salvation ?! Or are 'we' letting the 'church' or pastor do that For us. So then 'we' blame the Church for not preaching God's Word like they should be.

Yes I believe that the Santa lie reinforces legalism in children.

Do you remember the last time we discussed christmas and how that converstation ended? Roughly it was about the hypocrisy of legalistic people in regards to christnas but after giving evidence as to why Christmas is dangerous as a holiday, I agreed with you that it is up to the person to try and make what they want out of the holiday. I agreed that if a person's conscience did not convict them about it then there is no sin in celebrating it. It is all between them and God how they use the holiday and the traditions attached to it. Was it unfair of me to expect that the same consideration be given to the subjects that we were just discussing?

 

[Sue D.]

Maybe it's just 'me' -- but in some respects this discussion is getting a bit ridiculous.

You Seem to be trying to rationalize Everything to have it be the way You want it to be. That there's Really nothing wrong With -- such and such Because ...... and, I'll admit -- it gets tiring.

so I'll bow out.

 

[Fragrant Grace]

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Philippians 4:8

Harry Potter is demonic and laced with witchcraft.
Stay away.

Why is it even being debated here?

You cannot ever mix the occult with Christianity and say it is okay


Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
1 Timothy 4:1-2

 

[Brother-Paul]

Thank you sister.

The reason for the debate is when someone cannot see the dangers we have a God given duty to explain it, in His love.

Bless you