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Religious Urban Legends
Harry Potter Books and Satanism
Have the Harry Potter books and movies spawned a huge rise in Satan worship among children?
Has the author of the series maligned Jesus Christ in an interview?
Are there legitimate Christian concerns regarding the suitability of the Harry Potter books for children?
The answers to the three questions above are NO, NO, and YES. Please read this WHOLE page to get the WHOLE story.
Overview of the claims of the Harry Potter "Urban Legend"
According to a story appearing on some websites and being circulated endlessly throughout the world by email chainmails for years now, the fascination with Harry Potter books has led to a huge increase of the ranks of "satanic worship" around the world among children. The story includes alleged interviews with children who claim that the books have taught them such lessons as that "the Bible is nothing but boring lies" and "Jesus died because he was weak and stupid." And the claim is made that the author of the books, J.K. Rowling, gave an interview with the London Times in which she made outrageous and pornographic comments about Jesus.
The claims of this story are so inflammatory that it is necessary to state categorically, before quoting it here, that the entire contents of the sample email shown are an absolute HOAX, with no basis in fact at all. Details of the origin of this hoax will be given in the next section of this profile.
Typical text of the Legend
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2000 3:16 PM
Subject: fwd: this is scary
Got this today and think it is well worth passing on to others.Keep the faith and pray for the children each day.
Everyone, please read this. This is very scary. I read these reviews when the last book was being so highly advertised and thought "this sounds like it's straight from satan!" I think this confirms my fears. Satan has his sights set on destroying our children!!!
Subject: Harry Potter Books
YOU MIGHT WANT TO SHARE THIS WITH YOUR FLOCK.
Harry Potter Books?
This is the most evil thing I have laid my eyes on in 10 years, and no one seems to understand its threat. The Harry Potter books are THE NUMBER ONE selling children's books in the nation today. Just look at any Barnes & Noble Or Waldenbook storefront. Go to Amazon.com and read the reviews. Hear the touting by educators and even Christian teachers about how "It's great to see the youth so eagerly embracing the reading experience!"
Harry Potter is the creation of a former UK English teacher who promotes witchcraft and Satanism. Harry is a 13 year old 'wizard.' Her creation openly blasphemes Jesus and God and promotes sorcery, seeking revenge upon anyone who upsets them by giving you examples (even the sources with authors and titles!) of spells, rituals, and demonic powers. It is the doorway for children to enter the Dark Side of evil.
I think the problem is that parents have not reviewed the material. The name seems harmless enough... Harry Potter. But that is where it all ends. Let me give you a few quotes from some of the influenced readers themselves:
"The Harry Potter books are cool, 'cause they teach you all about magic and how you can use it to control people and get revenge on your enemies," said Hartland, WI, 10-year-old Craig Nowell, a recent convert to the New Satanic Order Of The Black Circle. "I want to learn the Cruciatus Curse, to make my muggle science teacher suffer for giving me a D." [A 'muggle' is an unbeliever of magic.]
Or how about the REALLY young and innocent impressionable mind of a 6 year old when asked about her favorite character:
"Hermione is my favorite, because she's smart and has a kitty," said 6-year-old Jessica Lehman of Easley, SC. "Jesus died because He was weak and stupid."
And here is dear Ashley, a 9 year old, the typical average age reader of Harry Potter:
"I used to believe in what they taught us at Sunday School," said Ashley, conjuring up an ancient spell to summon Cerebus, the three-headed hound of hell. "But the Harry Potter books showed me that magic is real, something I can learn and use right now, and that the Bible is nothing but boring lies."
DOES THIS GET YOUR ATTENTION!! If not, how about a quote from a High Priest of Satanism:
"Harry is an absolute godsend to our cause," said High Priest Egan of the First Church Of Satan in Salem, MA. "An organization like ours thrives on new blood - no pun intended - and we've had more applicants than we can handle lately. And, of course, practically all of them are virgins, which is gravy." [Since 1995, open applicants to Satan worship has increased from around 100,000 to now... 14 MILLION children and young adults!]
It makes me physically ill, people! But, I think I can offer you an explanation of why this is happening. Children have been bombarded with action, adventure, thrills and scares to the point Hollywood can produce nothing new to give them the next 'high.' Parents have neglected to see what their children are reading and doing, and simply seem satisfied that 'Little Johnny is interested in reading.' AND... educators and the NEA are PUSHING this crap with NO WARNING as to the effects or the contents.
Still not convinced? I will leave you with something to let you make up your own mind. First the URL to read some background of what I have given you: http://theonion.com/onion3625/harry_potter.html ( Harry Potter Books Spark Rise In Satanism Among Children ) and finally, a quote from the author herself, J. K. Rowling, describing the objections of Christian reviewers to her writings: WARNING: THE FOLLOWING QUOTE CONTAINS HIGHLY GRAPHIC DESCRIPTIONS OF A PORNOGRAPHIC NATURE AND SHOULD NOT BE VIEWED BY MINORS!
"I think it's absolute rubbish to protest children's books on the grounds that they are luring children to Satan," Rowling told a London Times reporter in a July 17 interview. "People should be praising them for that! These books guide children to an understanding that the weak, idiotic Son Of God is a living hoax who will be humiliated when the rain of fire comes, and will suck the greasy **** of the Dark Lord while we, his faithful servants, laugh and cavort in victory."
My hope is that you will see fit to become involved in getting the word out about this garbage. Please FWD to every pastor, teacher, and parent you know. This author has now published FOUR BOOKS in less than 2 years of this 'encyclopedia of Satanism' and is surely going to write more. I also ask all Christians to please pray for this lost woman's soul. Pray also for the Holy Spirit to work in the young minds of those who are reading this garbage that they may be delivered from its harm. Lastly, pray for all parents to grow closer to their children, and that a bond of sharing thoughts and spiritual intimacy will grow between them.
In service to the Lord Jesus, His honor and glory, Roger Lynn
Conclusion regarding the validity of the claims of the Legend
The origin of all of the "facts" in the above email are a story on the site of an internet magazine called The Onion--America's finest news source. It is painfully evident that some Christians have found this website, read the story there, and failed to look at the rest of the site before copying the story and sending it along as a valid news story to others. For The Onion is like Mad Magazine or the Saturday Night Live TV program. It is a satirical publication which spoofs modern society. The article about Harry Potter was intended entirely as a satire on what the authors of the site viewed as unreasonable criticism of the Potter books by some religious commentators. They thus spun a story of what would be the worst possible scenario that they assumed some religious people think might be the fall-out of so many children interested in the kind of "magic" in the Harry Potter books.
There is no doubt that the Harry Potter books do popularize "magic." Although how they are any different from the Grimm's Fairy Tales, or tales of Merlin the Magician in the legends of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table and so on most people in earlier generations grew up with is not clear. But it is amazing that anyone could read the pornographic alleged "quote" from the author of the Potter books, J.K. Rowling, in this article and not be suspicious that it might be an Urban Legend. Even if the author was a secret Satanist, such blatant public comments would obviously cut drastically into book sales!
And it is very easy to check on such a claim as that about this interview. The London Times is on the Internet. Their website includes an archive of all their past issues, including July 17, 2000, the date of the alleged interview. You can run a search on the Times site for any topic. Asking for the topics "Harry Potter" and "J.K. Rowling" will yield details of any articles about these. No interview such as that alleged in this email appears on the date in question.
It is also amazing that anyone reading the incredibly precocious comment for a six year old child that "Jesus died because he was weak and stupid" would not be suspicious that this also might be part of an Urban Legend. Since the email actually contains a link to the original article on The Onion site, it takes almost no effort to go to that article, and then look at another article or two on the site. Here is one that came up immediately.
Archaeological Dig Uncovers Ancient Race Of Skeleton People AL JIZAH, EGYPT--A team of British and Egyptian archaeologists made a stunning discovery Monday, unearthing several intact specimens of "skeleton people"--skinless, organless humans who populated the Nile delta region an estimated 6,000 years ago. "This is an incredible find," said Dr. Christian Hutchins, Oxford University archaeologist and head of the dig team. "Imagine: At one time, this entire area was filled with spooky, bony, walking skeletons." "The implications are staggering," Hutchins continued. "We now know that the skeletons we see in horror films and on Halloween are not mere products of the imagination, but actually lived on Earth."
Standing at the excavation site, a 20-by-20-foot square pit along the Nile River, Hutchins noted key elements of the find. "The skeletons lived in this mud-brick structure, which, based on what we know of these people, was probably haunted," he said. "Although we found crude cooking utensils in the area, as well as evidence of crafts like pottery and weaving, we are inclined to believe that the skeletons' chief activity was jumping out at nearby humans and scaring them. And though we know little of their language and means of communication, it is likely that they said 'boogedy-boogedy' a lot."
All of the material in the Harry Potter story on The Onion website was just like the "facts" in the story above. A spoof. All of it.
Are there legitimate Christian concerns regarding the suitability of the Harry Potter books for children?
This information regarding this Religious Urban Legend about the Harry Potter books and their author is not offered to promote anyone encouraging their children to read Harry Potter books. There are legitimate concerns that Christians may have about fantasy and fictional witchcraft. But if parents wish to censor the Potter books in their own home, it is best to do so based on legitimate, biblical reasons, rather than hysterical rumor.
The Potter phenomenon has been a popular topic on many Christian internet forums. After the release of the first Potter movie, interest again picked up regarding this topic on such forums. Here is just one representative comment from someone on one of the forums on which the webauthor of this site participates regularly. After reading comments by another participant who had seen the film, Monte noted ...
After I saw your post I decided to go see the movie. I agree that it was very well made. It did show the importance of friendship, loyalty, love and courage--through witchcraft. It was fun and very innocent--sort of.
The "muggles" (ordinary non-magical folks) were portrayed as stupid, cruel, and unenlightened; not like those bright young wizards and witches. Harry's mean uncle was trying to keep Harry from getting the invitation to the Hogwarts school, and from reaching his potential as a great wizard. But, he finally got it anyway and had many great adventures there.
It was all good, clean, innocent fun--or maybe not. For some reason, the Bible portrays witchcraft as something evil.
I remember a film clip I saw once on a documentary about Hitler. There he was, interacting lovingly with little children, picking flowers; and there was this silly song about his favorite flower playing in the background: "Adolf Hitlers liebling Blaume ist das kleine Edelweiss..." (sp?) It was all so charming; so innocent.
There is something grotesque about great evil portrayed as childlike innocence.
Monte
Monte's concerns are shared by many thoughtful Christians.
For those who would like a balanced, legitimate source of information and evaluation of the Potter books, below is an excerpt from a review of one such book which fills that need, Harry Potter and the Bible, by Richard Abanes.
***Note: Author Abanes has released an updated, revised, expanded version of this book in July 2005, now re-titled Harry Potter, Narnia, and The Lord of the Rings: What you need to know about fantasy books and movies.
A Book Review by Diane Cacchio
When I saw this book at a Christian bookstore, after just two or three minutes of thumbing through it I knew it was something I needed to read. This book is not just for parents, but also grandparents, educators, and anyone else who has wondered whether the Harry Potter books by J.K. Rowling are beneficial or harmful for our kids.
The Harry Potter series revolves around an orphan named Harry Potter (who is a wizard), and his struggles against the wickedest of wizards, Lord Voldemort (a.k.a. "He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named"). Harry attends a school called Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Harry is also a "parselmouth" – i.e., one who can communicate with snakes. (Who would want to do that!?) In Harry's world, "There is no good and evil, there is only power, and those too weak to seek it" (p. 291 of Sorcerer's Stone). Abanes shows that Harry Potter has a flagrant disregard for rules.
The author of Harry Potter and the Bible takes the time in the first four chapters to give the reader a brief summary of all four of the Harry Potter books that have been published to date. J.K. Rowling intends to write seven books in this series. The author quotes Rowling as saying that she believes the number seven "is a magical number, a mystical number." Warner Bros. has a picture deal with Rowling to make all seven books into movies, the first one to be released late 2001, with the others following at the rate of one a year.
Many people have said that Harry Potter teaches kids good values, and that the books are just harmless fantasy. They have compared them to C.S. Lewis's Chronicles of Narnia, or J.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings trilogy and The Hobbit. There is a chapter included in this book that compares the Harry Potter books and the above mentioned ones. The author shows you many differences between these various books …
One thing that amazed me was the fact that some of the characters in Rowling's books were actually witches or wizards in the past. I thought everything in her books came out of her imagination. During a 1999 interview, Rowling admitted that she studied mythology and witchcraft in order to write her books more accurately, stating, "I do a certain amount of research. And folklore is quite important in books. So where I'm mentioning a creature, or a spell that people used to believe genuinely worked – of course, it didn't . . . then, I will find out exactly what the words were, and I will find out exactly what the characteristics of that creature or ghost were supposed to be." Rowling goes on to say that roughly one-third of the sorcery-related material appearing in her books "are things that people genuinely used to believe in Britain" (See page 23 of Abanes's book) …
You can see the full text of the review at:
Another excellent review, evaluation and commentary regarding the Potter series and movie is available from the Crosswalk website. Below are a few excerpts from that review. The full text of the review can be seen at:
http://www.crosswalk.com/fun/movies/1108772.html
Potter Set to Make Movie History
By Holly McClure
Movie Reviewer
... I enjoyed this film for all of the amazing artistic elements that went into it, and I wish every children's movie could be of this caliber (at least those recreating literary works). But I am equally reserved on calling it "family-friendly" because the film deals with the theme of witchcraft, and like it or not, teaching children that all of it is "just make-believe" is far from the truth.
However, for those wanting to enjoy what they have read in Rowling's book or those who simply want to be whisked away to an incredible world of magical fantasy, this movie is your E-ticket ride. This is one of those movies (like E.T., Jaws, Raiders of The Lost Ark, Star Wars, The Matrix, Titanic, etc.) that's going to make "movie history" at the box-office. But more importantly, it's going to be remembered by the younger generation, on which it will leave an impression. This is "movie magic" at its best and can only be deemed as enjoyable entertainment.
The not-so-good: The PG rating is for "some scary moments and mild language" which leaves the area of discernment wide open for parents. Obviously the rating is key in giving this movie the "appearance" of being "family-friendly" and thereby guaranteeing parents will take kids of all ages, delivering the huge box-office expected for this movie. Parents need to be aware that this movie isn't a "light-hearted" children's story with a traditional good vs. evil fairy tale theme, but is in fact (by Rowling's own admission) a dark battle of good witchcraft (by definition a debatable term) vs. bad witchcraft, or good vs. evil within the world of witchcraft. That is the point parents need to weigh in trying to decide if this movie is appropriate for their child. The story is obviously about magic, which is in every scene, and a few scenes will be intense even for adults, never mind a wide-eyed 6-year-old who can't differentiate between what's real and what's "movie-magic."
My assumption is that much of the audience has already read the books, so I don't believe I'll be giving too much away by warning parents about the different magical levels. If you want to be completely surprised, read no further.
There are numerous imaginative scenes (too many to mention) for all ages: a talking hat that selects where the students should live, a cat "shape-changes" into a woman, friendly (and funny) ghosts fly around the school and talk to the students, a game of ball is played on flying broomsticks, a mirror reflects what you want most in life, staircases switch in mid-air, dining tables are loaded with wonderful candy and scrumptious treats, owls who (no pun intended) deliver the mail, and my personal favorite, a cloak that makes you invisible.
But there are scenes that go beyond "kid-friendly" in their intensity: a bank is filled with evil-looking goblin tellers, a giant grotesque troll corners a girl in a bathroom and tries to kill her, a giant three-headed dog guards a secret in a forbidden room, black snake-looking vines try to choke Harry and his friends, a dark forest contains a friendly but ugly half-man, a half-horse creature warns Harry, and a giant chess game uses pieces that kill the players.
Some dark scenes are necessary to convey the evil force Harry has to battle: a shadowy figure in a huge dark cloak drinks the blood of a dead unicorn and exposes its sharp fangs to Harry, the back of a man's head contains an evil creature, and Harry touches a man who turns to stone and explodes.
There is a long-standing debate among Christians about seeing this movie, or even reading the books. Many would argue that the influence of witchcraft wrapped in such an appealing package (a magical school that teaches spells and incantations to children who perceive these as fun and powerful) might, in fact, entice children, teenagers or perhaps even adults to explore or embrace elements of that religion. The fact that the characters are removed from parents (the only parents shown are silly, bullying or cruel) and told that their classmates and professors are their new "family" only adds to the subliminal message ...
My concern goes well beyond this movie or Rowling's first book, to the overall influence and acceptance of witchcraft as it becomes more and more embraced and accepted by our culture. This movie undoubtedly will cast the same enchanting spell as Rowling's first book. The impact of seeing the characters and magic come alive on screen will have a powerful and lasting effect on impressionable young minds. I liken it to a modern-day pied piper playing his captivating tune to charm children away from their religious beliefs and parental authority.
The subliminal influences and enticement of this film series could lead curious, initiated seekers, down the path of dabbling in the occult. This first movie is only an introduction. The other films that will follow will, like the books, only get darker. Director Chris Columbus has admitted as much. And for those who try to argue that there is a "difference between what witches and Satanists believe in" and that "witchcraft (white or black) is not dark or demonic because witches don't believe in Satan" - spare me your rhetoric. The truth is, all of it leads to the same end.
That said, the bottom line is, parents, it's really up to you. How you have raised your child to separate fantasy entertainment that they view in a movie from real-life beliefs and behavior and the level of maturity (both spiritually and culturally) of your child is something only you can judge. Your parenting decisions are between you and God.
Another resource on Potter information is an article on the Crosswalk webssite which reviews the book above by Abanes as well as another book that takes a more neutral stance on the Potter phenomenon, What's a Christian to Do With Harry Potter? by Connie Neal. Crosswalk reporters talk to both Abanes and Neal to clarify their positions. Excerpts of this article are below, and the full text of the article can be seen at:
http://www.crosswalk.com/news/religiontoday/1108898.html
While most parents are excited to see their children putting down the Nintendo and picking up a book, many Christian parents are concerned about the effects of filling young minds with so much fantasy. These concerns have sparked a huge debate between the series' fans and those with concerns over the book's seeming occult content. And in this debate, the gloves have come off.
One recent article referred to those who dislike the books as "holy rollers" and "paranoid kooks who see heresy in every page." It went on to speak critically of "20/20" reporter John Stossel for bringing to the nation's attention a new video produced by Jeremiah Films titled "Harry Potter: Witchcraft Repackaged - Making Evil Look Innocent."
Christians, too, are not without fault when it comes to public discourse on the topic. Many passed on a ridiculous e-mail hoax accusing Rowling of being a Satanist. Others are quick to be divisive in their churches over the books. One woman interviewed in a Border's bookstore told a reporter, "In our church I had a friend of many years who told me that, because I read Harry Potter to my kids, she says I'm not a good Christian and now she won't speak to me."
Two books have appeared this year to help Christians sort out this mess: "Harry Potter and the Bible" by Richard Abanes and "What's a Christian To Do With Harry Potter?" by Connie Neal.
In his well-researched book, Abanes takes the position that Harry Potter is not the harmless fun for children many would have us believe. His primary concern is that American society (including Christianity) is becoming desensitized to the dangers of occultism. "Occultism is everywhere now, books, movies, TV, the Internet," Abanes says.
"Harry Potter and the Bible" proves to be an excellent resource for parents who are looking to see how much of the occult the books contain. An award-winning journalist and a former researcher for the Christian Research Institute, Abanes provides a thorough and well-reasoned look at the Harry Potter series. In the first half of his book, Abanes goes practically page-by-page through the Harry Potter series giving the reader not only his insights on what aspects of the books he sees as linked to the occult, but also a good overview of the plot and characters. The second half deals with issues and controversies that have arisen among Christian circles about Harry Potter. ...
Abanes told Crosswalk.com in a recent interview that he wrote "Harry Potter and the Bible" to warn Christians that the Harry Potter books "unlike many other fantasy genre books contain real-world practices," practices packaged in such a way to be appealing to children....
Although Rowling maintains that her books are imaginary, according to Abanes her very real descriptions of astrology, numerology, divination, mediumship, channeling, and crystal gazing, fit nicely alongside contemporary occultism. "I'm not saying she's a witch or a Wiccan," clarifies Abanes, "but her books seem to embrace certain aspects of the occult."
Abanes feels that Harry Potter's magic could easily present spiritual danger to children. Yet how is the magic (or "occult") of the Harry Potter series different from the magic found in other beloved children's fairy tales and works of literature? Many, like the "Chronicles of Narnia" or "The Lord of the Rings," are embraced by Christians. According to Abanes, they differ quite a bit.
Many Harry Potter enthusiasts compare the books to J.R.R. Tolkien's work, yet Abanes notes some important differences, primarily in the way Tolkien treated magic. "Tolkien hated the word 'magic' but he had to use it because he couldn't find another." In "Lord of the Rings," he says, Tolkien's 'magic' is more an extension of natural ability, like singing or dancing, rather than mysticism or witchcraft.
Abanes also asserts that C.S. Lewis' "Narnia" and J.R.R. Tolkien's "Middle Earth" are mythopoetic places, meaning the stories take place in a fictional world or dimension far removed from ours. When creating a new world the author can then create new reality with new rules that have no correlation with our reality. This makes a clear distinction (especially for children) between fantasy and reality. While many say this is true of Harry Potter, Abanes says that this is a misunderstanding. "Harry's world is actually our own world," he contends. "Hogwarts exists in the Scottish countryside and interacts with our world, it's just invisible to 'non-magical' people."
Books like "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" use the standard symbolism of good versus evil, which Abanes says, Harry Potter flips around. "Harry Potter and the Bible" says the Harry Potter story is written in a relativistic "ends justifies the means" mindset. "We see [Harry Potter and his friends] doing the same spells that the evil [wizards] are doing. They are actually trained at the same school as the evil wizards. In order to overcome evil they must learn more of the same sorts of spells and powers."
The relativism is evident not just in the use of magic. "Sometimes they must lie, steal and cheat to overcome evil." Abanes believes such examples in the book send a message to kids that "you can be a great person and yet do all these bad things." His book quotes several children who say they love Harry and his friends primarily because they are so "mischievous."
Obviously not all Christians agree with Abanes' opinion on Harry Potter. Many high-profile evangelicals have spoken publicly about how the Potter books can teach valuable lessons. From another perspective Connie Neal's book "What's a Christian to Do With Harry Potter?" also seeks to help Christians deal with the issues surrounding the Harry Potter controversy. Neal's book does not contain much of an analysis of the books themselves. Rather, it is more of a plea for believers to treat each other properly.
"I do not defend Harry Potter," Neal, a mother of three, tells Crosswalk.com. "I just want to show there is not a 'Christian' position on Harry Potter. I want to help people understand this is a disputable matter." Neal recalls an instance when the subject of Harry Potter came up in a friend's Sunday school class. One little girl in class stood up and proclaimed that her mom says Harry Potter is evil and real Christians don't read it. Of course, there was another upset girl in the class whose mother had read her the Harry Potter stories. "You've got people on both sides, and their kids are caught in the middle."
"Whether or not we see the books as witchcraft," she continues, "Christians must be willing to let each other come to their own conclusions." And while most Christians would agree with Neal, most would also want to be warned if something their children might read is dangerous. ...
Unless otherwise noted, all original material on this Field Guide website
is © 2001-2006 by Pam Dewey.Careful effort has been made to give credit as clearly as possible to any specific material quoted or ideas extensively adapted from any one resource. Corrections and clarifications regarding citations for any source material are welcome, and will be promptly added to any sections which are found to be inadequately documented as to source.
Pam Dewey
Pam Dewey
Pam Dewey
