It took a parochial school to take action. It’s more than a decade overdue, but better late than never. I’m talking about the Catholic school in Nashville, Tennessee that has banned Harry Potter. I don’t know of a single evangelical Christian school that has demonstrated that spiritual courage. The compromising born-again bunch has mostly waffled on this issue for an entire generation of youth. But the generational rise of interest in the occult can be significantly blamed on the spiritual seduction of millions of youth raised on the wizard of Hogwarts.
The school pastor referenced above said in an email, “These books present magic as both good and evil, which is not true, but in fact a clever deception. The curses and spells used in the books are actual curses and spells; which when read by a human being risk conjuring evil spirits into the presence of the person reading the text.” Amen and right on.
The seven Harry Potter books have sold more than 500 million copies worldwide, in 80 languages. The first of the series “The Philosopher’s Stone” sold more than 120 million. “The Deathly Hallows” had the largest initial press run of any book in human history, 15 million. Add to that a billion $ theme park, a Broadway Show, and eight Potter movies.
Here’s the damage done: Brainwashing millions of youth into believing that witchcraft can be good or evil, depending on how it’s used; Suggesting that the paranormal is spiritually neutral and can be employed (without any biblical framework) to further friendships, display courage, and overcome adversity; Luring impressionable young minds into experimenting with demonic spells and conjurations.
The truth is this: All supernatural is either good or evil, emanating from God or the devil. Witchcraft is always spiritual rebellion against Jehovah; Death, suffering, spiritual bondage, and demonic possession are ALWAYS the result of trafficking in scripturally forbidden practices (Deuteronomy 18:9-14). Those who don’t believe in banning Harry Potter may themselves be banned from heaven, or at least suffer a Harry Potter hell on Earth.
An encouraging word: LYING PSYCHICS
Diviners see visions that lie; they tell dreams that are false, they give comfort in vain. Therefore the people wander like sheep oppressed for lack of a shepherd (Zechariah 10:2 NIV). If ever there was a scripture that speaks to our day when soothsayers of all kinds hold so much sway, this is it. I’m sure some psychics mean well, and they may even believe that they are helping people. But lies never lead to a good place. Don’t listen to shamans, New Age conjurers, mystics that mutter or psychics on TV. Whether or not they intend to, the Bible says they lie because their information is from the Father of Lies (John 8:44) — the devil.
