Posted on 08/01/2007 6:59:32 AM PDT by ParsifalCA
I am warning those who have not finished the series . . . and there must be still a few of them by now. . . that there are spoilers ahead. I have just finished the last book . . . having spent an enjoyable evening with it thanks to Sam’s Club and an indulgent wife.
I am done with Harry Potter and enjoying the literary aftertaste the way one enjoys a fine meal almost as much after it is done as when it is being consumed . . . though it is a bit sad that the series is finished.
And it is really finished . . .
Will one be able to re-read the books with pleasure?
I think the answer is only a tentative “yes.” If one knows the “puzzles” and “the secrets” of the book, it will not take away the charm of the characters or the fun of a good Quidditch match, but the first read will always be the best.
The strength of these books is in the plot and the second read, when everything is known, will be satisfying for finding all the clues to what happens . . . but I am hard pressed to know if I will want to re-read them a third or fourth time.
A really great book is as good on the fourth read . . . and some children’s books (Little White Horse) are better.
I deeply enjoyed the last book and thought the ending satisfying. For those who found them quite Christian, they will find much in this last book to give strength to their idea.
(Excerpt) Read more at exilestreet.com ...
And if that swill he spews isn't Parseltongue, I don't know what is...
And the bankers are GOBLINS!
Since I chose the books my children read, when they were younger, it wouldn't matter. Since they are now almost 18 and 20, they can choose their own. If they DID read a story written about such carp, I'm sure they'd recognize it as such, and not be encourage to act like the characters in the book, because they KNOW better.
2. The movie's foundation in fantasy, not reality, doesn't diminish its power to change beliefs and values.
"But they hearkened not, nor inclined their ear, but walked in the counsels and in the imagination of their evil heart, and went backward, and not forward." Jeremiah 7:24
That first is an OPINION about a FILM. The same could be said for that old claymation show, Davy and Goliath, with the Christian boy and his TALKING DOG! You do realize that in the practice of Voodoo, it is common to cast spells that cause animals to speak in human voices, don't you? So, is Davy and Goliath trying to convert children away from Christianity and towards Voodoo? COULD it cause them to seek out information about Voodoo? What about your TALKING VEGETABLES in Veggie Tales? That's certainly "founded in fantasy", is it not?
The verse cited is taken out of context and does NOT even support the opinion. God does not assume we are all to stupid to use the gift of free will He gave us.
3. Each occult image and suggestion prompts the audience to feel more at home in this setting.
BZZZZT! An OPINION once more. Perhaps the author felt this way. I certainly did not. Continues:
"Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness.... Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, And prudent in their own sight!" Isaiah 5:2-21
Fortunately, it says NOTHING about those who call the "harmlessly entertaining" evil!
4. God tells us to "abhor what is evil" and "cling to what is good
This one asuumes that Harry Potter movies are evil. It tries ti use the premise to support itself. It is circular logic.
5. Immersed in Hogwarts' beliefs and values, children learn to ignore or reinterpret God's truth.
Not MY children. They are growing up with an understanding of God. They are of strong Christian minds and can discern.
6. This inner change is usually unconscious, for the occult lessons and impressions tend to bypass rational scrutiny
As does belief that Harry Potter movies have a bigger impact on children than a loving, Christian home.
Look, I read every one of the reasons on that website and I can't find a single PROOF that Harry Potter books and movies are designed the thwart the will of God and/or cause children to turn away from God. Furthermore, even if that WAS the case, children properly raised in loving, Christian homes have little if anything at all to fear.
I could use those exact same arguments to "reason" that that watching a David Copperfield's "magic" act is equally dangerous.
Corin,
There was a table display - half HP & half real occultism.
Weak minded FOOL, you!!
I can’t believe nobody’s mentioned interracial dating yet.
Evil does walk at Halloween, how else can you explain the tykes making the rounds with their UNICEF boxes?
If you know anything about retail, you know that economy of space is a major issue.
But thanks for admitting that Harry Potter isn't "real occultism."
Ah, so THAT'S why Ron says at the end that everyone is staring, because he's famous! ;o)
Well she IS a *cough*mudblood but I was too polite to point it out...
That is quite admirable, PM. Many, many more parents should do that very thing. My opinion is that you are being led away from REAL dangers (like BRATZ dolls?) and being kept busy "burning cycles" on Harry Potter.
Oh, yes, he would live his life and still be funny and grounded, but he would be twinless and people who lose twins never really get over it.
I had a taste of that kind of loss when I lost my beloved sister who was also my best friend. There’s always a big empty space.
Oh, carp! Now you've gone and done it!
Well I love politics and I love Harry Potter. I have seen all the movies and bought all the books. I have not read the last book yet, but I surely will and I’ll still be ate up with politics.
I think you can buy flame-proof underwear in bulk on Ebay. You're gonna need LOTS!
“If you know anything about retail, you know that economy of space is a major issue.”
A table, in front of the children’s section, with half HP and half real occultism???
Are you serious?
“But thanks for admitting that Harry Potter isn’t “real occultism.”
HP isn’t “real” occultism in the sense that it is a how-to manuel on spell casting or demonology - but it contains real occult practices and similar termenology.
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