Information Related to "The Bible and Harry Potter"

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British author J.K. Rowling is taking the children's world by storm. Her series of books featuring the fictional character Harry Potter are selling as fast as they are produced. After the first four books of her seven-book series appeared, her fans couldn't get enough. In November, amid fanfare and expectations of huge financial success, Warner Brothers released the movie Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, based on her first book.

What is this story that has mesmerized so many young readers? The books, set in Britain, chronicle the life of a boy named Harry Potter, son of wizard parents who were killed by the evil wizard Lord Voldemort. When he turns 11, young Harry is invited to attend the prestigious Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry to develop the powers he inherited from his parents. Each book describes a year at the Hogwarts academy.

Innocent fun?

Many people describe this story as simply innocent fun-noting J.K. Rowling's great literary style and celebrating the fact that the books do encourage
children to read.

But not everyone agrees. Given the books' presentation of the occult as a positive, virtuous way of life, some parents and educational and religious groups have been at odds with those who believe the books are appropriate reading material for impressionable young minds. A few toy retailers have refused to stock Harry Potter merchandise because of its connection with occult sources.

In all fairness to the Harry Potter books, it should be noted that, while Harry and his friends are labeled as wizards and witches and learn to use wands and cast spells, much of their resemblance to actual witches is superficial. The Harry Potter stories are set in a make-believe world that includes flying cars, chocolate frogs, gnomes who ruin gardens, mer-people, unicorns and the like.

Read the full article at www.gnmagazine.org/issues/gn38/harrypotter.htm

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