Brothers and Sisters greetings to you

This is not directly about the Harry Potter topic and yet in some small, “I stress small” ways it is similar. My son began playing a computer game when he was 13, he is now 14. I had checked the game over and found it to be what I thought was harmless enough. There was no killing of human beings, no graphic content, and it had a strong language filter on so that was not a problem. It did have some use of magic and casting of spells but I thought nothing of it. It seemed innocent enough to me, so I gave my go ahead. After awhile of him playing this game I noticed that he was spending more and more time on it. He almost seemed addicted to getting on playing the game as his little wizard character and completing his missions. I was shocked because before this he loved working with adobe and his graphic art. He spent much time in prayer, reading his Word and, time with his other brothers. Now it was just the game that seemed to consume his time. I spoke with him on more then one occasion about my concerns at first he seemed defensive, which should have been a huge warning sign to me. I waited awhile longer to see if he would take to heart what I had shared with him. During this time the Father also began working on my heart. I began to see that many things in our lives were eating up time, time that could be spent in service and helping others. I also began praying about the game itself and come to realize that it was not some innocent game. The magic, the characters, the beautifully drawn scenes, it was all to easy to get sucked in. In this game, he was strong, in control, he had powers to do what ever he wanted and the ability to do whatever he wanted. The only limits there were, was the ones he set for himself. This was very enticing to him. He is a very competitive young man and the desire to continue on to get his levels up in the game was in its own way consuming him. I could see irritation and defensiveness in his manner, words and heart every time I spoke with him about it. Finally I asked what is it that attracts you to this game, his answer was that he wasn't even really sure. I shared some teaching that I had been reading about how our time is not our own, in flash... in a blink...you...I ...all of us will be gone and we will give an accounting of what we did with the time Father alloted to us. I asked my son what will you say about the time that you spent on that game, what will be your testimony? IF the scripture is true and all that you have is His, then doesn't that mean our time also? I asked if he thought perhaps this might have become an idol in his life? This opened his eyes and more importantly his heart. I did not take the game away or forbid him to play it but I asked him to pray about it. I asked him to first not to pray whether he should play the game but rather to pray and ask Father to take the desire to play the game away. He did this for the next three days not playing the game at all, then he came back and shared with me that he was done with it and to get rid of it. He said he spent time repenting to Father for the time he had spent wasted on this game and for the compromises that he knew were not pleasing to the Lord so that he could continue to play the game. He also shared with me that it was interesting to him that in the end, it did not really matter if the game was ok to play, if it didn't really go against scripture openly, in the end it was enough that it opened the door to smallest of cracks and the enemy was crouching there waiting like a prowling loin to attack. In the end he had allowed his heart and eyes to be taken off of Christ and centered on other things and that is a very dangerous place to be. I told him I was sharing this with you all and he wanted me to also share that one thing the Father has been showing him lately is this,

“When it comes down to it as brothers and sisters in Christ we should love one another in such a way that we put that person first. If a brother or sister says to us, reading this book, or playing this game causing me to stumble then in our own hearts we should be willing to give it up. We should put others above our own self wants and desires and truly desire their good first. Its not putting the law on another person, of course they have the freedom to do what they like, instead its loving the individual person more then self as Jesus instructs us to do. Its a way of demonstrating service and love to others and by doing so we bring glory and honor to Christ. I also realize that just because we have the freedom to do something, does not mean that we should.”


Sorry this was so long but I just felt compelled to share this here. I am not saying that you should read Harry Potter or not, in the end each individual must read the Word and take it to the Lord. The question I put to you is this, "if reading Harry Potter causes one of God's children to stumble or be lost into the world of the occult (even if it does not have this effect on you) then is it worth it to read it????????

May God be glorified always
MaryJane

A friend of mine got caught up in the videogame world too. He stopped attending church, praying, or reading the bible- in addition to not doing his homework so his grades plunged. Almost all of his friends lost their scholarships because of that game. I wish I had known the danger of such games before he started. But losing his scholarship woke him up and made him stop playing... and now he reads his bible and goes to church again.

_________________
Melanie

I was addicted to a game called WoW. It was fun and seemed harmless, but in reality it was totally demonic and did little more than suck my time and life away. I tried to quit playing numerous times, but went back after getting bored and feeling I had nothing better to do. It might sound silly, but it truly held a massive hold on me. It cost money to play, I spent hundreds of dollars and hundreds of hours on it and in the end did little more than improve the life of a virtual character who didn't truly exist. I realized that while this virtual character was thriving in his make believe world, I myself was slowly losing a grip upon my own. It must sound silly to some, but its the truth. I sacrificed time, money, social gatherings, sleep, and potentially relationships, not to mention time with the Lord and being in his word, all for the sake of this make believe person and his make believe world. Little seeds grow quickly in the right places. Jesus helped me out and I haven't played it for about a year now. Anyone struggling with this must make a clear cut decision to stop, then follow through with it by deleting the game and all their characters etc. otherwise, you'll probably just go back. Jesus is King.

_________________
John

MaryJane, mostly wanted to say that I've appreciated all of your threads since you've joined on.

This verse has been on my mind for a while.

Deu 12:30 Take heed to thyself that thou be not "snared" by following them, after that they be destroyed from before thee; and that thou inquire not after their gods, saying, How did these nations serve their gods? even so will I do likewise.


Someone doesn't know they are in a "snare" until they're captured by it.

It's those things like they use to catch lions in.
A net hid under some brush and then once you enter into it, it pulls up around you and you're entrapped.

We think we are very wise sometimes and that what we put into our minds, "we can handle" .... That is the deception most times right there.

There is nothing out there that is "neutral".
It's all either from God or Darkness, yet we think there are things that are "just human".
Not so. There are no gray areas -- we live with a spirit in us in a spiritual atmosphere that has not "non-spiritual-voids" in it.

I think the main point was brought up on here already. Our "Time".

If you can't picture the early Church doing these things, than how do we excuse ourselves for sitting around watching or reading anything that they wouldn't have, because they were too busy either Seeking God or Serving God.

Our Time is measured in less than seconds at a time by God. We only see maybe days spent.

I'm not a legalist because truly Loving Him is giving our Love to Him in actions, not words alone. So how we spend our time is the tell-all of how much we do Love Him or not.


Thank you & Bless you MaryJane for all the edifying threads.
Much welcomed.

annie

I must confess... I am addicted to a particular video game too. I know that comes as a shock to everyone, but I just cant resist Madden NFL 2007.

I'm glad I got that out in the open.

:-)

Krispy

A review of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

By Berit Kjos - July 24, 2007

"Days before the release of the seventh and final novel in the series, youth leaders are being told they could use the popularity of the Potter books and films as a 'launch pad' for exploring Christian themes."[1] 'Use Harry Potter to spread Christian message'



"The story of Harry Potter is, and always was, a Christian allegory - a fictionalized modern day adaptation of the life of Christ, intended to introduce his character to a new generation....

"...knowing more about her [Rowling's] religious beliefs is not just crucial, not just enormously significant, but will blow the whole thing open, so that even a 10 year old will be able to figure it out."[2] Abigail BeauSeigneur



"The Harry Potter novels... address the need... we have for spiritual nourishment in the form of edifying, imaginative experience of life in Christ."[3] John Granger



"Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil..." Isaiah 5:20

"The story of Harry Potter is an allegory," observed Peter, a former temple-master in an occult order. "It is written and packaged to look like fantasy when, in truth, it is a carefully written true description of the training and work of an initiate in an occult order." Peter continues,

"...everything Harry does is an extension of his belief system. His foundation is in magic through will. The concept that magick is an extension of will is a foundational occult truth and is diametrically opposed to the Christian concept of will where every born again believer’s individual will is brought into submission under Christ."[4]

In spite of this unbridgeable chasm between occultism and Christianity, Joanne Rowling insists that she is a believer. She has kept the details of her faith a secret, explaining that such information would disclose the mysterious ending of her popular series. So when asked if she was a Christian, she gave this answer:

"Yes, I am, which seems to offend the religious right far worse than if I said I thought there was no God. Every time I’ve been asked if I believe in God, I’ve said yes, because I do, but no one ever really has gone any more deeply into it than that, and I have to say that does suit me, because if I talk too freely about that, I think the intelligent reader, whether 10 or 60, will be able to guess what’s coming in the books.”[5]

Now that the final book is out, there's no need to guess. We know the end of the story -- one that supposedly matches the author's beliefs. So what does it tell us?

Rowling created a hero with some noble characteristics. In this last book, Harry willingly gives his life. Responding to a message he magically received from Hogwarts' former Headmaster Dumbledore through Professor Snape's memories, the young wizard walks unarmed up to the evil wizard Voldemort, who points his wand at him and projects a killing curse. Harry falls down, apparently dead.

He awakens in a large hall. Noticing his own nakedness, he wishes to be clothed -- and some fitting clothes magically appear. [See A New Mask for an Ancient Secret] Then Dumbledore (who died in the previous book) arrives and praises Harry for his courageous sacrifice. Here are some glimpses into their long, mysterious conversation:

"'But you're dead,' said Harry.

"'Oh yes,' said Dumbldore matter-of-factly.

"'Then ... I'm dead too?'

"'... on the whole, dear boy, I think not....'

“'...But I should have died -- I didn't defend myself! I meant to let him kill me!'

“'And that,' said Dumbledore, 'will, I think, have made all the difference.' Happiness seemed to radiate from Dumbledore....

“So the part of his soul that was in me. ... has it gone?'

“'Oh yes!' said Dumbledore. “Yes, he destroyed it. Your soul is whole, and completely your own, Harry.'...

“'But if Voldemort used the Killing Curse... and nobody died for me this time — how can I be alive?'

“'I think you know,' said Dumbledore....

“'He took my blood,' said Harry.

“'Precisely!' said Dumbledore. 'He took your blood and rebuilt his living body with it! Your blood in his veins, Harry.... He tethered you to life while he lives!'

“'I live... while he lives? But I thought... I thought it was the other way round! I thought we both had to die?'...

“You were the seventh Horcrux.... What you must understand, Harry, is that you and Lord Voldemort have journeyed together into realms of magic hitherto un-known and untested.'" (707-709)

A Horcrux? What is it? Why is it important?

Fearing death, Voldemort had hidden pieces of his soul in seven Horcruxes (containers). By now, Harry and his friends had found and destroyed five of these magical receptacles. Two were left when Harry's near-death experience began.

One was Harry himself. So if Harry had simply killed his arch-enemy, a piece of Voldemort's murderous soul would still be hidden inside Harry. For some time, this soul-link between the supposedly "good" wizard and the evil wizard had given Harry a painful access to Voldemort's thoughts and emotions. Only by giving his life could Harry be freed from this bondage.

Now, the only remaining Horcrux is Nagini, Voldemort's huge pet snake. Knowing the challenges ahead, Harry continues his conversation with Dumbledore:

"'I’ve got to go back, haven’t I?'

“'That is up to you.' ....

“'Tell me one last thing,' said Harry. 'Is this real? Or has this been happening inside my head?'...

“'Of course it is happening inside your head, Harry, but why on earth should that mean that it is not real?'” (721-722)

Harry chooses to return to his lifeless body at Voldemort's feet. After some torturous tests to verify the absence of life, Voldemort declares that Harry is dead. He will soon realize his error, for the two rivals have yet another battle to fight. Harry must rise as the ultimate victor over evil -- bringing peace to a divided realm.

By presenting a counterfeit version of Biblical salvation, Rowling prompts her readers to imagine a false Christianity that embraces the occult. To most readers, it will feel true, for such dialectical lies (union of opposites) -- taught through occult systems such as the Kabbalah, Gnosticism, Rosicrucianism, and Unity -- have now become an accepted way of thinking around the world. Indeed, what God calls evil, now seems deceptively good![6]

Only by standing firm on God's Truth can we resist such tantalizing deceptions. Yet churches around the world are choosing to ignore politically incorrect Scriptures such as these:

"There shall not be found among you anyone who... practices witchcraft, or a soothsayer, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, or one who conjures spells, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead [necromancy]. For all who do these things are an abomination to the Lord, and because of these abominations the Lord your God drives them out..." Deuteronomy 18:10-12

"And you shall be holy to Me, for I the Lord am holy, and have separated you from the peoples, that you should be Mine." Leviticus 20:26

Merging opposites: good and evil, light and dark.....

As in Old Testament days, today's world sees God's guidelines concerning occult influences as a hindrance to their quest for mystical thrills. In contrast, blending good and evil makes sense to postmodern churches. And as Harry and his friend Hermione point out, such compromise serves the pluralistic vision for "common good."

John Granger, author of Looking for God in Harry Potter, may be the most effective promoter of this dialectical heresy. He puts the entire series into an occult context.

Notice the references to the union of opposites -- and to the occult use of Scriptures -- in Granger's quotes:

"...the principal activity of alchemy is the chemical marriage of the imbalanced 'arguing couple': masculine sulfur and feminine quicksilver. These two qualities have to be reconciled and resolved (die and be reborn) before then can be rejoined in a perfected golden unity. Opposites have to be reconciled and resolved for there to be a new life.



"Alchemists frequently cited Christ's words: '...except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.' (John 12:24) Alchemists took this verse and the hope of eternal life in Christ's death and resurrection as a scriptural confirmation that their doctrines were correct."[3, page 44]

Those who immerse their minds in Rowling's occult message enter into a virtual experience -- not of Christian redemption -- but of this magical merger of good and evil. God warns us to shun any such "common ground" between His Truth and the world's illusions. For,

"...what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: 'I will dwell in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they shall be My people.' 'Therefore 'Come out from among them and be separate,' says the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 6:14-17

"Walk as children of light for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth, finding out what is acceptable to the Lord." Ephesians 5:8-10

Rowling's twisted gospel clouds minds and corrupts the truth. It pleases man, not God. Yet, even global leaders like Rick Warren support this pagan movement. His "Ministry Toolbox" newsletter (June 21) included this promotion by James Emery White:

"Though the seventh and final installment is yet to be released (July 21, to be exact), when it does, it will be well-worth reading. Though some would disagree, I am one to put Rowling’s work in the camp of fantasy literature, along with Lewis and Tolkien, with her use of magic more mechanical than occultic. I found her earlier six volumes instant classics of the genre, and the final book will undoubtedly cement this series as among the best written."[7]

But our friend "Peter" (who left the world of the occult decades ago), warns us that

"It is not only foolish but it is also dangerous to dismiss the indoctrination of the adventures of Harry Potter with the excuse, 'It’s ONLY fiction,' 'it’s JUST a book,' something without a real agenda. The agenda of J. K. Rowling is very real — she is writing to instill in children a familiarity with occult 'truth.'"

The nature of Rowling's beliefs and savior

With this final book came the clues to Rowling's "Christian" beliefs. Ponder these comparisons:

1. Reimaging salvation and ignoring the cross. The true Christ was holy and sinless; Harry Potter was neither. From an occult perspective, he was a relatively "good" wizard, but his life and associations model the dark evil forces arrayed against God from the beginning of time. His powerful magic is an extension of his own will -- exercised not by faith in God, but by willful projection of an occult power usually channeled through a magical object. Representing the "beautiful side of evil," as Johanna Michelson called it long ago, his supposed likeness to Jesus is a mockery of our Lord. Remember how God views occult practitioners:

"...he practiced soothsaying, used witchcraft and sorcery, and consulted mediums and spiritists. He did much evil in the sight of the Lord, to provoke Him to anger." 2 Chronicles 33:6

2. Triumphing through human effort, not God's grace. The saving work of the true Christ was finished on the cross. In contrast, Harry killed Voldemort after his near-death experience. As a wizard, his "good deeds" relied on human strength and forbidden magical formulas used by sorcerers or occultists through the ages: mental concentration, purposeful visualization, and willful projection of an occult force -- usually channeled through a magical object.

"...what communion has light with darkness? ... 'Come out from among them and be separate." 2 Corinthians 6:14-17

3. Redefining the power of the blood. Christians are redeemed "with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish." (1 Peter 1:19) But Harry shed no blood, nor was sin an issue with him. But in today's postmodern, Biblically illiterate church, Harry is "good enough" and "near death" works as well as real death. Who cares about the facts, when the fantasy feels so good?

“If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin." 1 John 1:6-7

4. Seeking help from the dead, not God. Unlike Jesus who knelt in prayer to His Father before facing the cross, Harry met with the wizards he loved before his false death. His murdered father, mother, and special friends walked and talked with him before his surrender to Voldemort. Afterwards, he met with the dead (yet alive) Dumbledore. These encounters illustrate necromancy -- the forbidden act of communicating with the dead. Can authors who commend what God abhors be followers of Christ?

"There shall not be found among you anyone who... conjures spells, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead..." Deuteronomy 18:11

5. Loving unholy forces, not God's holy ways. Ultimately, any comparison between the world of witchcraft and the Kingdom of God is meaningless. Harry's actions are accomplished in an occult context that is abhorrent to our holy God. The domain of darkness will always clash with God's way, truth and life! [See God's Way versus Our ways]

"Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good." Romans 12:9

Since few mythical saviors have more power to draw crowds than Harry Potter, it's not surprising that Rowling's message is praised as a "launch pad" for "exploring Christian themes." All the more, we need to "be on guard" -- always ready to test what we hear by the light of God's Word.

"Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ." Colossians 2:8

God's way to victory

Unlike Harry's fans who relish occult empowerment and magical skills, the friends of Jesus can delight in the peace and promises of God:

"And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.

 "But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ... and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast." Ephesians 2:1-9

For “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." Galatians 2:20


[url=http://www.crossroad.to/articles2/007/harry-deathly.htm]A review of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows[/url]

Well Krispy, "Let's get refocused" then.

Are we really reading your thread or not ?

I'm not 'that' old, but I think about our influence on the young in Christ or just the young.

We're talking about how we spend our "time" on earth in Jesus' Eyes.
Life is just a vapor. It's poofed before we know it --- Very Short.
I liked brother Hulsey's thread on the "Jesus Coat" ... very edifying also.

I see coats being changed with every change in the direction of the wind on here too.
How we'll change our convictions based upon what someone we personally repect says, which is called actually, compromise.

Bless you & yours - with prayer.
------------------------------------------------

Good post Corey. Wanted to put that up but feared to.


How do we show our love to & for Jesus, second by second.


Love all.

to torch or blow up that be the question.

_________________
Jaron

Meant you no harm Krisp. I think you know I love to joke around. In fact I have to hold back quite a bit here with that, but I think the funniest people I've ever met were Menonites.

I could laugh with them all day and never feel I've come away from the Seperateness onto Christ.

They are really some of the funniest people I've met. :-D

I love laughing and know that when I get to heaven that HE will grant me that, because HE most especially has the very greatest sense of humor there ever will be.

I think ya know what I mean. I'm nuts too - but ... type of thing.

Holiness just means "set apart for HOLY use."

I may not be Menonite but I truly do admire how they run their homes.
I would love to live like they do, but right now I can't.
But their lives are Very beautiful and Christ Centered. Amen & Praise The Lord.

Love you Krispy!