QUESTION: What about those Harry Potter books?

ANSWER: This is a composite question based on a number of requests I have had regarding the Harry Potter series.

I have not read any of these books, so I have to talk in very general terms. Two thousand years ago, the Corinthian congregation received some great advice from St. Paul. They thought that everything was permissible for them to do. Paul exhorted them: (You say...) “everything is permissible for me”—(I, Paul, say…)”but not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible for me—but not everything is constructive.” (1 COR. 10:23) A Christian always must ask: “What is good about it? Does this activity draw me to Christ or suck me away?” Some thoughts to ponder:

1. If these books are used to teach lessons of life and morality to a Christian, are their clear moral principles? Is good clearly good? Does God allow evil to happen for a reason?

2. Consider carefully the cognitive, moral and spiritual development of the person reading these books. Will they be draw to solidify their faith convictions, or be drawn to compromise?

3. In a recent interview on the Today Show, the author, J.K. Rowling said she didn’t think a child under 9 should be reading her latest book. This comment speaks volumes.

4. If these books are used for entertainment, consider carefully the faith stability and impressionability of your child. Read them yourself first, then read them with your child. It might be a great opportunity to teach depending on your child.

5. If these book are a lightly veiled attack on the beliefs and practice of Christianity, it pays to be “wise as a serpent, and innocent as a dove” (MT. 10:16). From commentaries I have read, there are many Christian leaders who believe this to be the case. (Check the Internet) This could be an opportunity to help your older child be aware of the spiritual war.

Parents must be very careful in exposing their children to evil in order to teach critical thinking skills and maintain a strong faith (See #2). The must know their child very well.

I thoroughly enjoy fantasy literature. I believe many people do because we have a God-given longing for the supernatural. Try reading Tales of the Resistance and Tales of the Restoration by David Mains. Watch carefully what you allow inside of your children’s souls; enough bad comes in already without our help and approval.