Harry Potter

More on Harry Potter

More on Harry Potter…

November will see the worldwide release of the second movie based on author JK Rowlings controversial series - Harry Potter & the chamber of Secrets.

Having carefully scrutinized much of the background and ethos of the book, following are some conclusions we would like to draw to the attention of parents:

Ø The plot and characters proceed in a much darker vein than in book one. The level of occult practice intensifies and the lead character – Harry Potter is revealed as having much stronger supernatural powers, including the ability to communicate with snakes.

Ø Various, very real occult and magick practices and items are commonly used by many of the characters: - parallel tools, enchanted objects, divination, hand of glory, non-transient spells, mandrake potions, secret wording & pronunciation, levitation & transfiguration, and possession.

Ø Ghosts, Ghouls, Elves, and Familiar spirits feature more prominently than in the first book

Ø Unrepentant lying, rebellion and disobedience are rife. (All of which is overlooked when Harry comes to the rescue of his school.) In addition, the teachers regularly lie to the pupils.

Ø Suicide is portrayed as a viable option to ‘life’ of depression and ridicule.

Ø There is an underlying macabre sense of humour running through the book involving callous comments, sadistic actions, and merciless teasing. All of which are treated as a running joke.

Parents, please simply ask yourselves the question - are these really the sort of thoughts, actions and images I want my children’s minds to be full of?

As we have said before children have an incredible God-given hunger for the supernatural. Given so that they (& we) may enter into a personal relationship with the creator of the universe! Yet, our enemy knows this only too well, and he does all he can to use that desire to draw them away from the things of God by offering a substitute that seems very enticing.

Clearly from a Biblical stand point there is no argument. The Lord makes it very clear these things are detestable to Him – Deuteronomy 18: 10-13.

Parents, do not underestimate the dangerous doorway that films such as these offer! In the past year, we have ministered to children that have been badly affected by reading the books & then later going on to watch the first film. Respectfully, we strongly advise, if your children have been allowed to be exposed, please seek the Lord as how to best deal with consequences.

So how about offering some good, fun alternatives to your children when the film comes out:

When you do your grocery shopping that week, take the children along (!) and give them some money, equalling that of the cinema ticket fee, to buy whatever food items they wish.

One night that week, all sleep together as a family in your living room/lounge.

Take them on a special outing, keeping the destination a secret, but offer clues throughout the week.

Allow them to have midnight feast of all their favourite sweets & candy.

Invite their friends around on the weekend for a wacky ‘Its not my birthday’ party.

Make Saturday an ‘Upside-down, inside-out day.’ Everyone wears their clothes back to front, inside out. Dare to go out in public like that as a family!

Hire a good family video; turn your living room in to a cinema, and parents become ushers. Serving popcorn & ice cream etc.

These and others you might like to try will provide great memories for years to come, in addition to a conversation piece when your children are asked, “Have you seen the new Harry Potter yet?”

Whilst reflecting on the above it is worth noting the close parallel between some of these parenting issues and an incident in King Hezekiah’s life, the recording of which is found in 2 Kings 20.

That great and godly King, who had achieved so much during his reign, makes a very foolish mistake that has grave consequences not only for him and the people of his day, but also for future generations.

He openly exposed his treasures to foreigners – all that was most dear to him was able to be viewed and accessed by envoys from Babylon (2 Kings 20:12-13). The prophet Isaiah then brings the word of the Lord into the situation, warning the King that there will now come a day that will see all his treasures, and even his descendents, carried off to Babylon.

The lesson here for parents is a clear one. Children are our greatest treasure (Gifts from the Lord – Ps. 127) entrusted to us for a season. One of our primary roles is to guard those treasures. Not allow them to be exposed to the enemy by foolishly allowing to watch, read, or be involved in anything that is occult in nature or ethos.

Providing an open invitation to the evil one, to rob, steal & destroy.

For children that are very open spiritually, the long-term consequence can be dire. Look, what happen to Hezekiah’s son in 2 Kings 21:1-6.

As much as we desire to protect our children from physical and emotional danger, so it is vital, we guard them from spiritual danger. Be ever watchful, discerning and wise!