Harry Potter is for sinners!
This entry is part of an occasional series of articles written by Nicole, the blonde genius that taught me how to use note cards. She has her own views (some stuck to the back of her car) and I’m presenting them here completely unedited. As always, thanks for reading.
Austin is a pretty liberal, forward thinking place to live, usually. There are, undoubtedly, exceptions to every rule. I have plenty of my own conservative tendencies. For instance, did you know that the children’s series, Harry Potter, is a guide to witchcraft? The books weren’t written by J.K. Rowling, but rather a group of people, whose goal is to spread the satanic craft. Worst of all, are the innocent young readers who are falling victim to its text. They are violating the First Commandment by worshipping the books’ protagonist, Harry Potter, as their true god. All of this has even been substantiated by religious scholars on TBN (The Bible Network).
Alright, I don’t believe a word of what I just wrote, but last week at work something happened that prompted that little story. It started with a simple silver bookmark and a charm with the word “Faith” engraved on it. I was working with a client on assembling Christian friendly gift baskets, for a Christmas luncheon, with thirty of her top customers. I mentioned that I had the same bookmark in my Harry Potter book, only my charm read “Inspire”. She put her hands on me, and in grave seriousness, told me to, “Be very careful.” She explained everything from the first paragraph of this post, and warned me of the large presence of witches in Austin, Texas. She advised me to stop reading before it was too late, and to trade inspiration in for faith.
I smiled tightly and nodded, trying to keep my face from contorting into an expression of complete disbelief. All I could say was, “I had no idea.” But really, I do. I have an idea of why books like The Grapes of Wrath and Catcher in the Rye were ever on a banned books list. I have an idea of the blind fear that faith inspires.
Harry Potter talks about witchcraft but that isn’t what it’s about. The books are delightful. They mesmerize my little brother, Spencer, in the same way that C.S. Lewis’ series The Chronicles of Narnia, did for me. They are enjoyable entertainment. I believe in God. I even believe in the magic of books.
