Post by Kennedy Valak S6 on Dec 13, 2007 6:26:42 GMT
I wrote this a year or so ago for a class, and when talking to a friend I went back and found it to share. I figured I would post it up here to see if I might get any sort of structured conversation going about the topic. For those of you not wanting to read the whole thing, it is basically my take on how a parent coming from a Christian perspective should handle the Harry Potter series when dealing with their children reading it or not. I am not posting this here as a way to force my opinions onto others, and as I would love anybody to feel free to post their comments, in agreement or not, I am NOT looking for a debate. Any replies that attack my opinions will be disregarded, but any that are open for a healthy dialogue would be fine. 
I hope that you find reading it worth your while if you take the time to do so. This was an assignment I did for a Writing for Publication class in which we were able to chose our own topic to write about.
“What would encourage you to write books for children that are supporting the devil, witchcraft, and anything else that has to do with Satan?” Katie Couric asked renowned author J.K. Rowling during the October 20, 2000 episode of The Today Show. “Well nothing would encourage me to do that,” Rowling replied, “because I haven’t done that so far, so why would I start doing that now.” In the past decade, Rowling’s book series, Harry Potter, has been a flourishing addition to the world of literature. With the final book expected to be released in the next two years and the recent DVD release of the fourth movie, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, the issue of children’s involvement with the ‘Pottermania’ is not diminishing. As Harry’s world of magic grows in popularity, parents are still rightfully concerned and should be well informed when deciding if their children should be exposed to the material. The solution, however, may not be as black and white as many would argue. Parents must first examine the negative and positive aspects of the series and then make their decision concerning their child’s connection with the books.
One common claim shared by those who are opposed to Harry Potter is its tendency to blur the line between reality and fantasy. Some children are drawn into Rowling’s magnificent ability to bring the story to life. The July 26, 2000 San Francisco Chronicle published responses of young children who wished to be a real part of Harry‘s world. One eleven year old remarked, "It would be great to be a wizard because you could control situations and things.” Statements like this illustrate the danger that can arise if children are allowed to falsely assume reality in the Harry Potter series. Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, a school that only exists in the pages of Rowling’s books, has many children who live in Great Britain naively awaiting their acceptance letter from the school. For those children who are unable to distinguish between fact and fiction, parents either need to ensure that they understand the fictitious aspects of Harry Potter, or avoid the series completely. In conjunction with this topic, Andrea M. Stoltz, a writer for The Angelus, suggests in her article that, “if the authors encourage this blurring between real and fantastical, is it because they understand and desire the negative results that they know will follow?” Surely, Rowling’s quote from the Today Show gives reason to believe that this is not the case, yet this sense of blurred reality, even if not intentional, is an issue.
On the other hand, advocates of Rowling’s series argue that the books have a positive influence on young minds. By encouraging creativity and imagination, the books are appealing to even those who struggle with or simply dislike reading. After the fourth book of the series was published, a consumer report claimed that over half of the children in the United States that fell in the age group of 6-17 had read at least one Harry Potter book. Amy Whitley, a principal at St. Luke’s Episcopal Day School in Baton Rouge, Louisiana claims, “Children are reading these books who are not typically eager readers.” Obviously, Rowling has had a positive impact by promoting reading among children. Overall, however, the increased interest in reading that the series has sparked may be overshadowed by the number of readers who struggle to accept that the content of the books is merely fantasy.
Another issue that yields split opinions centers on morals that Rowling displays through the books. Many argue that she wrongly portrays Harry and his friends as noble and virtuous characters. Some claim that the supposed ‘good deeds’ are accomplished through immoral or questionable means, presenting the idea that they may indeed not be moral characters. One example used by Pastor David L. Brown in his article titled, “The Problem with Harry Potter,” is taken from Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. Brown quotes the book, explaining, “Headmaster Dumbledore says, ‘I seem to remember telling you both that I would have to expel you if you broke any more rules.’ He goes on to say, ‘You will both receive Special Awards… let me see- yes, two hundred merit points for Gryffindor.’” Taken completely out of context, Brown’s claim here is weak. Dumbledore was actually explaining to Harry and Ron that, despite breaking a rule, their choice to save a friend’s life was more important than a simple breeching of boundaries. In this instance, a stronger argument can be made to support the idea that Rowling’s morals are in fact honorable. The conflicted circumstances that Rowling provides for the main characters not only make the story more interesting, but also demonstrates that the easiest choice may not always be the best choice.
Overall, advocates of Harry Potter can more easily support the morality of the series. One main example of Rowling’s inclusion of positive morals is her portrayal of the power of love. Early in the series, it is revealed that Harry’s mother saved his life by shielding the curse that the evil Lord Voldemort had cast. In Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, when Dumbledore explains to Harry that, “Love as powerful as your mother’s for you leaves its own mark. Not a scar, no visible sign … to have been loved so deeply, even though the person who loved us is gone, will give us some protection forever,” he is showing that love is a powerful force that is far more powerful than the hatred of his enemies, for the love of Harry‘s mother protected him from Voldemort. In a different situation, Dumbledore presents Harry with another valuable life lesson. “It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities,” explains Dumbledore in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. Although great power can come of good and evil, this quote justifies that the choices one makes defines the type of person they truly are. Christianity Today published an article titled, “Why We Like Harry Potter,” which stated, “Amid the laugh-out-loud scenes are wonderful examples of compassion, loyalty, courage, friendship, and even self-sacrifice.” Obviously, the lessons that Rowling includes in the books are those of high morals, which can influence children in a positive way.
The final and most relevant area that causes many to counter the Harry Potter series is its close similarities to the occult. In a 1999 interview on the Diane Rehm Show, Rowling admitted that she studied witchcraft to ensure accuracy within her books. Later in the interview, she also revealed that at least one-third of the material in her books was based on actual occultism. Since then, the content of the books has unarguably gotten progressively more occult-like. In her latest book, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, the idea of a horcrux is introduced. Requiring a death of a person, a horcrux allows the killer to split their soul and have half of it remain in a designated object. When the person dies, they are not completely dead because they have an additional part of their soul remaining. Not only has the magical content gotten darker, but also, as the series evolves, there are more deaths. This inclusion of information that is of the actual occult turns many Christians from reading the series and should not be dealt with lightly when deciding whether or not to allow children to be exposed to such material. In another issue of Christianity Today, author Jacqui Komschlies explains, “Regardless of how magic is portrayed in the series, we need to remember that witchcraft in real life can and does lead to death-- the forever and ever kind.”
Since the books obviously do contain material that deals with issues clearly condemned by the Bible, a defense to this is hard to construct. Supporters of the books cannot argue the fact that witchcraft is not in harmony with biblical teaching. However, it is not right to assume that one who simply reads or writes about witchcraft is bound to an eternity in Hell. If readers understand that the books are a written as fantasies and realize that they are fiction, then simply reading them is not an act of defiance against the Bible. Parents who allow their children to read the books must be sure that they understand that witchcraft is not a good thing, stressing that in this context it is merely a fantasy. The series may not force the idea of occultism onto young readers, but at the same time, Rowling’s writing makes it seem that practicing witchcraft is acceptable. If they are going to allow their children to read the Harry Potter books, parents need point out verses from the Bible, such as Leviticus 19:26, “Do not practice divination or sorcery” or Galatians 5:19-20 which labels witchcraft as an act of sinful nature. Only if the children truly understand that the books are to be read merely for the sake of entertainment and that not everything within them is to be taken as truth, then it is alright for parents to allow them to be read.
In all, what should parents’ response be concerning this controversial topic? First, it is imperative that parents relate the issue on an individual basis. Some children may be able to read the series without getting caught in its world of fantasy, while others may have a harder time separating reality from fantasy. Unless a child is capable of understanding that the books are fantasy, it is not good for them to get involved with the series. In addition, age should be considered. The first three movies that were released as representations of the first three books carried a PG rating, while the fourth was increased to a PG-13 rating. The movies are closely synonymous to the books, making the ratings a good standard for deciding what age group is best suited for reading the books. It is no secret that the books are getting progressively darker, making them more unacceptable for a younger audience. Ultimately, parents should be involved if their children are reading the books. Knowing their children best, parents have the greatest knowledge needed to make a decision. If they do allow their children to read the books, they should first talk to them about the issue of witchcraft. Even reading the books to their children may not be a bad idea, as they would have opportunity to explain areas of question or even stress the positive areas where Rowling is portraying a morally sound lesson.
Overall, parents should maintain a wary stance concerning the issue. Harry Potter does include biblically rebuked material, but simply reading it does not necessarily result in harm. In the previously mentioned Today Show interview, Rowling comments, “A very famous writer once said: ‘A book is like a mirror. If a fool looks in, you can’t expect a genius to look out.’ People tend to find in books what they want to find, and I think my books are very moral.” Through this quote, Rowling illustrates that if a reader is looking to find something negative about the Harry Potter series, then they will find it. Alternatively, if a reader is simply reading the books for their intended purpose, entertainment, then they will realize that they are good source of moral entertainment when viewed in the right light and accepted as mere fantasies.
I hope that you find reading it worth your while if you take the time to do so. This was an assignment I did for a Writing for Publication class in which we were able to chose our own topic to write about.
A CAULDRON OF CONTROVERSY
by Kennedy Valak
“What would encourage you to write books for children that are supporting the devil, witchcraft, and anything else that has to do with Satan?” Katie Couric asked renowned author J.K. Rowling during the October 20, 2000 episode of The Today Show. “Well nothing would encourage me to do that,” Rowling replied, “because I haven’t done that so far, so why would I start doing that now.” In the past decade, Rowling’s book series, Harry Potter, has been a flourishing addition to the world of literature. With the final book expected to be released in the next two years and the recent DVD release of the fourth movie, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, the issue of children’s involvement with the ‘Pottermania’ is not diminishing. As Harry’s world of magic grows in popularity, parents are still rightfully concerned and should be well informed when deciding if their children should be exposed to the material. The solution, however, may not be as black and white as many would argue. Parents must first examine the negative and positive aspects of the series and then make their decision concerning their child’s connection with the books.
One common claim shared by those who are opposed to Harry Potter is its tendency to blur the line between reality and fantasy. Some children are drawn into Rowling’s magnificent ability to bring the story to life. The July 26, 2000 San Francisco Chronicle published responses of young children who wished to be a real part of Harry‘s world. One eleven year old remarked, "It would be great to be a wizard because you could control situations and things.” Statements like this illustrate the danger that can arise if children are allowed to falsely assume reality in the Harry Potter series. Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, a school that only exists in the pages of Rowling’s books, has many children who live in Great Britain naively awaiting their acceptance letter from the school. For those children who are unable to distinguish between fact and fiction, parents either need to ensure that they understand the fictitious aspects of Harry Potter, or avoid the series completely. In conjunction with this topic, Andrea M. Stoltz, a writer for The Angelus, suggests in her article that, “if the authors encourage this blurring between real and fantastical, is it because they understand and desire the negative results that they know will follow?” Surely, Rowling’s quote from the Today Show gives reason to believe that this is not the case, yet this sense of blurred reality, even if not intentional, is an issue.
On the other hand, advocates of Rowling’s series argue that the books have a positive influence on young minds. By encouraging creativity and imagination, the books are appealing to even those who struggle with or simply dislike reading. After the fourth book of the series was published, a consumer report claimed that over half of the children in the United States that fell in the age group of 6-17 had read at least one Harry Potter book. Amy Whitley, a principal at St. Luke’s Episcopal Day School in Baton Rouge, Louisiana claims, “Children are reading these books who are not typically eager readers.” Obviously, Rowling has had a positive impact by promoting reading among children. Overall, however, the increased interest in reading that the series has sparked may be overshadowed by the number of readers who struggle to accept that the content of the books is merely fantasy.
Another issue that yields split opinions centers on morals that Rowling displays through the books. Many argue that she wrongly portrays Harry and his friends as noble and virtuous characters. Some claim that the supposed ‘good deeds’ are accomplished through immoral or questionable means, presenting the idea that they may indeed not be moral characters. One example used by Pastor David L. Brown in his article titled, “The Problem with Harry Potter,” is taken from Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. Brown quotes the book, explaining, “Headmaster Dumbledore says, ‘I seem to remember telling you both that I would have to expel you if you broke any more rules.’ He goes on to say, ‘You will both receive Special Awards… let me see- yes, two hundred merit points for Gryffindor.’” Taken completely out of context, Brown’s claim here is weak. Dumbledore was actually explaining to Harry and Ron that, despite breaking a rule, their choice to save a friend’s life was more important than a simple breeching of boundaries. In this instance, a stronger argument can be made to support the idea that Rowling’s morals are in fact honorable. The conflicted circumstances that Rowling provides for the main characters not only make the story more interesting, but also demonstrates that the easiest choice may not always be the best choice.
Overall, advocates of Harry Potter can more easily support the morality of the series. One main example of Rowling’s inclusion of positive morals is her portrayal of the power of love. Early in the series, it is revealed that Harry’s mother saved his life by shielding the curse that the evil Lord Voldemort had cast. In Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, when Dumbledore explains to Harry that, “Love as powerful as your mother’s for you leaves its own mark. Not a scar, no visible sign … to have been loved so deeply, even though the person who loved us is gone, will give us some protection forever,” he is showing that love is a powerful force that is far more powerful than the hatred of his enemies, for the love of Harry‘s mother protected him from Voldemort. In a different situation, Dumbledore presents Harry with another valuable life lesson. “It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities,” explains Dumbledore in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. Although great power can come of good and evil, this quote justifies that the choices one makes defines the type of person they truly are. Christianity Today published an article titled, “Why We Like Harry Potter,” which stated, “Amid the laugh-out-loud scenes are wonderful examples of compassion, loyalty, courage, friendship, and even self-sacrifice.” Obviously, the lessons that Rowling includes in the books are those of high morals, which can influence children in a positive way.
The final and most relevant area that causes many to counter the Harry Potter series is its close similarities to the occult. In a 1999 interview on the Diane Rehm Show, Rowling admitted that she studied witchcraft to ensure accuracy within her books. Later in the interview, she also revealed that at least one-third of the material in her books was based on actual occultism. Since then, the content of the books has unarguably gotten progressively more occult-like. In her latest book, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, the idea of a horcrux is introduced. Requiring a death of a person, a horcrux allows the killer to split their soul and have half of it remain in a designated object. When the person dies, they are not completely dead because they have an additional part of their soul remaining. Not only has the magical content gotten darker, but also, as the series evolves, there are more deaths. This inclusion of information that is of the actual occult turns many Christians from reading the series and should not be dealt with lightly when deciding whether or not to allow children to be exposed to such material. In another issue of Christianity Today, author Jacqui Komschlies explains, “Regardless of how magic is portrayed in the series, we need to remember that witchcraft in real life can and does lead to death-- the forever and ever kind.”
Since the books obviously do contain material that deals with issues clearly condemned by the Bible, a defense to this is hard to construct. Supporters of the books cannot argue the fact that witchcraft is not in harmony with biblical teaching. However, it is not right to assume that one who simply reads or writes about witchcraft is bound to an eternity in Hell. If readers understand that the books are a written as fantasies and realize that they are fiction, then simply reading them is not an act of defiance against the Bible. Parents who allow their children to read the books must be sure that they understand that witchcraft is not a good thing, stressing that in this context it is merely a fantasy. The series may not force the idea of occultism onto young readers, but at the same time, Rowling’s writing makes it seem that practicing witchcraft is acceptable. If they are going to allow their children to read the Harry Potter books, parents need point out verses from the Bible, such as Leviticus 19:26, “Do not practice divination or sorcery” or Galatians 5:19-20 which labels witchcraft as an act of sinful nature. Only if the children truly understand that the books are to be read merely for the sake of entertainment and that not everything within them is to be taken as truth, then it is alright for parents to allow them to be read.
In all, what should parents’ response be concerning this controversial topic? First, it is imperative that parents relate the issue on an individual basis. Some children may be able to read the series without getting caught in its world of fantasy, while others may have a harder time separating reality from fantasy. Unless a child is capable of understanding that the books are fantasy, it is not good for them to get involved with the series. In addition, age should be considered. The first three movies that were released as representations of the first three books carried a PG rating, while the fourth was increased to a PG-13 rating. The movies are closely synonymous to the books, making the ratings a good standard for deciding what age group is best suited for reading the books. It is no secret that the books are getting progressively darker, making them more unacceptable for a younger audience. Ultimately, parents should be involved if their children are reading the books. Knowing their children best, parents have the greatest knowledge needed to make a decision. If they do allow their children to read the books, they should first talk to them about the issue of witchcraft. Even reading the books to their children may not be a bad idea, as they would have opportunity to explain areas of question or even stress the positive areas where Rowling is portraying a morally sound lesson.
Overall, parents should maintain a wary stance concerning the issue. Harry Potter does include biblically rebuked material, but simply reading it does not necessarily result in harm. In the previously mentioned Today Show interview, Rowling comments, “A very famous writer once said: ‘A book is like a mirror. If a fool looks in, you can’t expect a genius to look out.’ People tend to find in books what they want to find, and I think my books are very moral.” Through this quote, Rowling illustrates that if a reader is looking to find something negative about the Harry Potter series, then they will find it. Alternatively, if a reader is simply reading the books for their intended purpose, entertainment, then they will realize that they are good source of moral entertainment when viewed in the right light and accepted as mere fantasies.
Who wouldn't after reading how Rowling portrayed the plots and each character of the book. But, understanding that it was all fake, this site was my 'out of inspiration' you could say. I longed for the experience, so I made it myself here. I think after reading those books I wanted to be apart of it, so this was my vent. Understanding I was in control, It was a life I made the plot lines and everything that affected my character's life... It was my out. My parents did not need to tell me about the books being fake, I understood. But, I do believe some parents should tell their children if they believe their children would believe such a thing. I agree with you, that it is the parent's role they have to play in making the decision and being active in their child's life.