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I
THINK YOU ARE VERY FOOLISH
Subject: Newsletter_30
Date: Tue, 27 Nov 2001
From: Mary Jaber
to just blow
this over as cunning and cute.. You apparently read only what
you want from the Bible and as so many " LIBERAL RELIGIOUS " people
think, you apparently also feel that Satan is just this mindless
creature who isn't interested in destroying the Lord's people.
Where is Jesus Christ in this by the way??? I thought this was
a Christian web-site and I read here alot about God but nothing
about the Lord Jesus Christ!!! I am simply amazed at how stupid
some religious people are about spiritual things and how they
subject their precious children to domonic stories and movies
and think God will wink at them and say He understands... You
have a lot to answer for on judgement day because all of these
issues will be addressed by Him and then you go right ahead and
tell him that you think socerey is no big deal.. I'm sure God
will just think you are so much smarter then He is, right ???
You are really really off base IF you are a serious Christian,
but if not - close up this web-site because satan gets enough
help as it if from the secular world and you are running right
along with the rest of the other liberal religions who are really
going to answer big time.. Read the Old Testament... Jesus came
to fill the law.. not remove it... I am appalled at these e-mails
you have printed about this.. God help all of you... Mary J Jaber
mailto:
mjaber@reinhartlaw.com <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< Difficulties
mastered are opportunities won... Churchill
Response:
Thank you for your slam. Where is Jesus in Hollywood JESUS you
ask? Hmm, gosh beats me. By the way, I consider myself to be theologically
conservative. Your label of "liberal" was designed to
dismiss me. No such luck. Call me what you will, Jesus is still
my Lord. And the Bible is still my book. Remember who the father
of the lie is. May God bless you on your journey and help you
with your mouth. -David
LET
US USE THE OPPORTUNITY
Subject: Newsletter_30 harry potter
Date: Tue, 27 Nov 2001
From:
mary
i think the
appeal of fantasy is basically because the devil can only imitate
what God has created. some fantasy is allegorical, like C S Lewis'
"The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe". other fantasy may be demonically
inspired and will present counterfeits of God's truth. either
way, fantasy can fill part of that empty space God built into
each of us so we would hunger for Him. no wonder fantasy, myths
and legends have persisted through the ages! i don't have kids
at home any more; when i did i read books and watched movies with
them. i set standards, and also taught them the standard of God's
word. i wouldn't encourage my children to see this movie; but
i'm concerned about children who have. threatening them with hell,
disparaging them and their parents edifies no one, doesen't redeem
the time, and does nothing to further the gospel of Christ. Connie
Neal has witnessing tools relating to harry potter (read the bookmark
at http://www.connieneal.com) let's use this opportunity to preach
the gospel to a new, obviously hungry, generation!
mary
Response:
Thank you. It is a hungry generation. -David
LOVE
THE HP BOOKS
Subject: Newsletter_30
Date: Tue, 27 Nov 2001
From: K
My husband
and I love the Harry Potter books, we're reading them aloud for
the 2nd time. We are eastern orthodox christians, and they really
don't offend us. The stories are just so good! Evil is not glorified,
but is portrayed as real. I think it's important not to overlook
the fact that there is evil in the world, that there are battles
between good and evil. While the Harry Potter tales are not overtly
Christian, I do think they are moral and deal with many issues
that people of all ages struggle with, such as feeling alone,
working hard to keep your friends, feeling unjustly persecuted,
and fighting for what you believe in. The witchcraft is a sort
of background for very human stories. When I think of the books
I read as a child, many of them gave the main character special
powers or at least special insight into the world around them.
Everyone wants to feel special in some way, and the HP stories
address that need so well. My Christian walk has been a lot of
gut decisions. Until attending bible school in my early 20's,
I never had a lot of book knowledge to back up my gut instincts,
instincts that were developed through life in a Christian family
and church community. Harry Potter doesn't go against my gut instincts,
nor against the book knowledge I have. I don't really think that
these books will encourage young people to pursue witchcraft,
the sorcery in the books really takes a backseat to the human
drama. I do have my concerns about related merchandising of "spell
books" and the such, but as most of the "spells" are just the
latin or greek root words with some made up conjunctions, I don't
suppose there's much harm. Whew, that's a lot more than 2 cents
worth, but there it is :) K
Response:
Thank you. I agree with you. Very insightful. -David
thoughts
on harry potter
Subject: Newsletter_30
Date: Tue, 27 Nov 2001
From: rhonda
I believe
that we as God's Children are too easily influenced by the media
and other sources. What the devils means for our bad God can and
will turn it into something good for us. Harry Potter is a fictitious
character created by a person who is no different from any of
us. I have not allowed my children to go because I'd like to be
better informed of what the content is. That is not to say I will
not take them. I believe that it does promote witchcraft and divination.
However, it is no more evil or sinister than many of the cartoons
that I have to tell my children they don't need to watch on TV
every single day, not to mention the video, or computer games.
We have a responsibility to prepare our children for the real
world and if Scriptures tells us clearly that "we wrestle not
against flesh and blood but against powers and principalities
in high and wicked places" Should we not know how to battle our
enemies? We are told to put on our whole armor and not flee....
But to stand! We live in a world full of wrong doings and sin
is abounding we are to be Light in a dark and barren land. So
let's just be about doing what it is God has instructed us to
do. Pray without ceasing. Lift up one another and bear each others
burdens. Work out our OWN Soul Salvation with fear and trembling.
People that pray together stay together. We are not be afraid.
God did not give us the spirit of fear, but of Love Power and
a Sound mind. We need to begin to live that way, stop giving the
devil so much credit. God is still in control. I apologize for
rambling on so long, I just hate to think that we as God's children
forget our faith so easily and continue to roll over and play
dead "spiritually that is"
Sincerely, Rhonda Ferguson
Response:
Thank you for being a caring mother. I hope you are not too strict.
-David
THE
SPIRITUAL CHEESE IN THE MOUSE TRAP
Subject: Newsletter_30
Date:
Tue, 27 Nov 2001
From: Santosh Benjamin
Hi,
"Harry potter is fictitious but witchcraft isnt"
Im thinking
back to a few months ago when 'Charmed' was on TV screens (the
story of three teenagers who are witches , albeit 'good' ones)
... Interestingly withcraft organisations reported an increasing
number of teenagers calling up and inquiring how they could become
witches and of course the organisation was only to happy to tell
them how to be initiated...
Now , i hope
u dont think witchcraft is good . The Bible strongly condemns
it . Under this premise, i would argue against any advancement
of witchcraft and its aims , even if a seemingly innocent programme
is used to guide it .
so harry might
be a likable lad and the story may have some good themes , but
spiritually i think thats the cheese in the mousetrap ..havent
u seen programmes , even hollywood movies where people give in
to the devil because they get promises of greatness , powers to
do good etc and at the end , satan shows that they would actually
burn in hell ?
Remember the
admonishment "if anyone of u causes these little ones to stumble
..."
and theres
one more thing , what about the interview with JK Rowling where
she said some very unpleasant things about Jesus ? its one thing
to be neutral about him and another thing to be nasty about Him
...
Sincerely,
Santosh Benjamin
Response:
Thank you for sharing. I disagree with regarding HP. But, that's
okay. I always enjoy a good discussion.The witch craft that the
Bible speaks about is not what HP is about. Apples and oranges.
-David
WHY
THE FUSS?
Subject: Newsletter_30
Date: Tue, 27 Nov 2001
From: Brian
If the setting
of the Harry Potter stories been another planet and his magic
advanced technology, no one would be raising any stink.
The "magic
and wizard" background of Harry Potter books are only the settings
within which the tales unfold. The conflict is between good and
evil in each book. Harry being the good guy and various other
wizards being the bad guys. In the books good always triumphs.
The values
Harry holds and upholds are similar to those of Christian teachings,
without the specific references to God or Jesus. The choice for
parents to permit their children to participate in the "Harry
Potter" mania is individual. Harry Potter is nothing more than
the new "James Bond" or "Star Wars" or "Pokémon".
It is my opinion
that those who see devils and demons within Harry Potter are likely
to find devil and demons in any literature, film or play. "Harry
Potter paranoia" is irresponsible and destructive to God's teachings.
Persons suffering that level of paranoia should seek professional
help.
Response:
Thank you for your excellent comments. You are so right on. Again,
excellent comments! -David
MUCH
GOOD IN HP
Subject: Newsletter_30 Harry_Potter_Can_Be_Used_Positively_
Date: Tue, 27 Nov 2001
From: Rodney Simmonds
To me there
is much that is good in Harry Potter. In all four books Harry
Potter overcomes evil with good. Harry Potter is unselfish. In
the film just before the end we are told. You have overcome evil
because you have love deep down i n your soul. The film also makes
much of Ron laying down his life in the chess game so that Harry
can go obn and overcome evil just as Jesus laid down His life
for us. To me there is much that is good in Harry Potter. Harry
is concerned with others.
Rodney
Rev. Dr. Rodney C. Simmonds Home Page: http://www.ilovejesus.com/myhome/rodneycsimmonds/index.html
Response:
Thank you pastor. It warms my heart to know there are pastors
like you out there. If I were in your area I would visit your
church. Keep on brother. -David
WITCHCRAFT
AND CHRISTIANS
Subject: Newsletter_30
Date: Mon, 26 Nov 2001
From: L. Glenn
Dear Mr. Bruce:
This is the first time I have looked at your site, and was disappointed
at your favorable opinion of the Harry Potter series. It did reflect
the controversy swirling around the Harry Potter books and current
movie, especially within the "Christian" community.
Your opinions reflect relativistic logic and an acceptance that
Christian truth can be established through non/extra-biblical
sources. Scripture does not support your opinions. (You
are so wrong about my thinking. -David)
Some like
yourself try to justify your anti-biblical argument by saying
that God used this or that scenario to interact with or teach
man. True, He can, such as using an ass to communicate to Balaam
the false prophet. If your position is valid then you would accept
that Satan is a force for good because he can quote scripture,
as he did when Jesus our savior was being tried in the wilderness;
or, that Job came out better from his trial than he was previously.
God used Satan in Job's case, yet Satan only used evil and loss
to work on Job. So perhaps evil and Satan are good and God is....?
No, God is the ultimate in righteousness and goodness and He tempts
no man with evil, nor does He sanction witchcraft, sorcery, spiritualism
or those who believe evil is good. (No argument
here. -David)
Some claim
that a great deal of highly regarded fantasy would have to be
thrown out were Harry Potter to be relegated to the rubbish heap.
Those who hold this opinion do not comprehend the that none of
the other fiction takes place in the "real" world, that
the other fantasies do not set the scene in a school of witchcraft,
give vicarious lessons in witchcraft, or uphold witchery / wizardry
as a desirable goal. The wizards of these other fantasy pieces
are either phony, the end of their line, or as a player in a drama.
Some professed
Christian personalities and other prominent people have jumped
on the Harry Potter bandwagon. However, these people seem to have
set aside the authority of the Bible to vaunt their own opinion.
Since Christianity is a religion based upon the validity of the
Bible, the supremacy of God and of Jesus Christ one must look
at what the Bible has to say, what God through His inspiration
has said, not what people, whoever they are -- whatever their
station, have to say. These people, no matter their sincerity,
cannot offer, give or assure forgiveness of sin or salvation;
nor, do their opinions supersede or negate God's judgments and
laws. (True. The Bible is always the final
word. I do not disagree with you. This is strange because you
seem to disagree with me. I see no difference between us, except
in our different views of HP and what a Christian is. You seem
to suggest that Christians who view HP differently than you do
are not true Christians. -David)
The Holy Bible,
the only complete source of Christian truth, says, "There
shall not be found among you anyone who practices witchcraft,
or a soothsayer, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer.
For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft.
And many who had believed came confessing and telling their deeds.
Also, many of those who had practiced magic brought their books
together and burned them. But outside are dogs and sorcerers and
sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves
and practices a lie.
These examples
from the Law (Torah) to Revelation show there is no controversy
in the Bible about evil practices and beliefs.
(HP is not this, however. -David)
If we believe
in God, and we believe that the Bible is the word of the Living
Almighty God who will judge all mankind ('humankind'
would be a better word -David), it is not our opinion or
belief that counts, it is His sole opinion; and He in His book
has nothing good to say about witchcraft, sorcery, divination,
magickal practices etc. You say, "Point: Harry Potter can be used
to point to the positive truths." The Bible says, "Can two
walk together, unless they are agreed?" and "what communion
has light with darkness?" You cannot agree with God and with
the occult, or Harry Potter and his creator. (Again.
The Bible is always the final word. I do not disagree with you.
This is strange because you seem to disagree with me. I see no
difference between us, except in our different views of HP and
what a Christian is. You seem
to suggest that Christians who view HP differently than you do
are not true Christians. So sad -David)
You said,
"Statement: Harry Potter will not advance the cause of Satanists.
Harry Potter will not increase the ranks of so-called wizards
and witches." However, the Bible says, Proverbs 22:6 "Train up
a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not
depart from it." Proverbs 20:11 "Even a child is known by his
deeds, Whether what he does is pure and right." Children learn
by reading, seeing, mimicking, and through play (Harry Potter
toys, Ouija boards, Dungeons & Dragons ad nauseum.)
In summary,
the Bible continues: "And have no fellowship with the unfruitful
works of darkness, but rather expose them.", it does not
say embrace, promote, encourage or support the works of darkness.
Mr. Bruce you need to rethink your position in light of the Holy
Bible, not what is convenient or popular. Harry Potter, witchcraft,
sorcery, divination, mediums / spiritualism, psychic readings,
magick and related practices are of darkness. No Christian should
have fellowship with these practices. Witchcraft is sin, sin brings
eternal death --is Harry Potter really worth risking your eternal
life for? (Non-sense. HP does not equal eternal
death. God will NOT burn people forever just because they read
HP. Nonsense. Your view of God's justice is somehow wrong to me.
-David)
L. Glenn
PS: If you
are going to offer and try to establish a theological or doctrinal
position or opinion use a real translation rather than a paraphrased
text. (The translation I used is not a paraphrase.
Unlike the old Living Bible which is a paraphrase, the New Living
Translation is not as you state. It is a translation. You do not
know theology or biblical matters very well. You are very limited
in your experience and understanding. May God bless you and work
with you in expanding your heart to be inclusive of Christians
that think different than you. The difference between you and
I is that I can rejoice that you follow Jesus, whereas you can
not celebrate my life in the same way. So sad. If you are intolerant
toward certain brothers and sisters in Christ, I wonder if you
are even more intolerant toward nonChristians. -David)
GOOD
LESSONS IN HP
Subject: Newsletter_30
Date: Mon, 26 Nov 2001
From: Lori
I have read
all the Harry Potter books so far. Because of all the controversy
I wanted to be sure before I allowed my son to read them. I have
to say they are positive in a lot of ways. There's a good lesson
in each book (sometimes more than one). He also has enjoyed them.
Isn't that why the books are listed under "science FANTASY"? Thanks
for listening!
Response:
Thank you. -David
WHEN
IN DOUBT --LEAVE IT OUT
Subject: Newsletter_30
Date: Mon, 26 Nov 2001
From: Wendy Hamil
David: I just
finished reading various opinions about Harry Potter books, and
I wish to share this rule of thumb with you and others. This is
not original, but I have always discovered this rule to be practical
and safe. When followed I have never had any regrets. It is old
but true,"WHEN IN DOUBT, LEAVE IT OUT".
I am aware
that witchcraft is practiced throughout the world, and personally,
I want no part of it. It opens the gate to hell!! I don't even
read my horoscope any more. As parents and grandparents I believe
we have a responsibility to protect our children, and many people
are letting their children read the Harry Potter books and view
the movie without personally learning what this is about.
I think a
person should pray for the Holy Spirit to open their eyes and
ears before they begin the search, and before they let the children
read the books or view the movie.
We all know
satan is the biggest deceiver of all and many Christians will
be deceived. He is not worried about the unbelievers, his great
concern are believers.
I believe
our schools should practice the same policy about permitting the
children to read the books. Since some consider them to be witchcraft,
which is a religion, then they should not let the children read
them. Do public schools allow the Bible, Curran or other Books
of Faith to be read? I am a Christian, and would like to say I
am not in favor of audible prayers being said in public schools.
If one religion is allowed to pray aloud, then allow all religions
to pray aloud. THE GOVERNMENT CANNOT FORBID OR PROHIBIT ME FROM
PRAYING ANYTIME......WHEN I PRAY SILENTLY. I am in agreement for
a period of silent prayer in public schools.
So, if Harry
Potter is going to be read in public schools....let's dust off
the Bible and encourage the students to spend the same amount
of time reading it as they do Harry Potter. There are Bible for
all age levels, and many may be surprised how fascinating the
Bible is.
Thanks for
letting me share my opinion.
Wendy Hamil
Thanks for allowing me
Response:
You are welcome. -David
A
WONDERFUL TOOL
Subject: Newsletter_30 Harry Potter
Date: Mon, 26 Nov 2001
From: Linda
I think the
new Harry Potter movie is wonderful and I also think that the
whole Harry Potter series is the age old tale of good versus evil.
Isn't it amazing that in the movie the one thing that keeps Harry
from harm in the end is the Love of his Mother that she put into
him just before she died! Harry is a wonderful tool to teach our
youth and adults as well, that the things of true value are not
made of gold or silver but are instead the relationships we have
with our fellow human beings.
Response:
Thank you. -David
WAKE
UP AND SMELL SATAN!
Subject: Newsletter_30
Date: Mon, 26 Nov 2001
From: mike
My dear friend
I am not sure how I got your page, but I am glad I did. I address
you in love sir, not in hostility.
You too have
been duped by the devil, like thousands of others. There is nothing,
hear me son, nothing positive about witchcraft in any form. You
quote Paul, so listen to him here: "Finally, brethren (Christians)
whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever
things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are
lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue
and if there is anything praiseworthy, meditate on these things."
(Philippians 4:8 NKJV). Read about Samuel if you think witches
have anything positive to relate, read 1 Samuel 28 through chapter
31. You quote Scriptures, so let me give you one. You need to
use the whole chapter of Acts, not just an excerpt. I can take
one sentence of Scripture and interpret it to mean just about
anything. Paul said in verse 22 of that same chapter of Acts you
quote, " I perceive that in ALL things you are VERY RELIGIOUS.
(Emphasis mine.) The people had been duped into believing there
were numerous gods, so it was a bit sarcastic in a sense when
he made this statement to them, that you use in your quote.
Call me a
holy roller if you like, as the one lady did John Hagy. After
all, that is how Satan fools everyone else. Take "holy" away from
Christianity and you end up with religion. The difference between
religion and Christianity is heaven or hell. Consult Christ about
it in Matthew 15: 7-9: "Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy about
you, saying: 'these people draw near to Me with their mouth, and
honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. And
in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments
of men.'" One more bit of advice, if you happen to still be reading
this: Satan can sugar coat his antics with children, and even
puppies or kittens if he chooses and try to lead us to believe
there is nothing "wrong with it." Popular opinion is not always
the right opinion. It is not what you think, or what I think that
counts. It is what God says in His Word. All of His Word. Not
just bits and pieces.
I guess some
"Christians" may say the Exorcist was a "teaching movie" as well,
huh?
May God continually
be merciful and gracious unto you and yours!
In His Service and at yours:
Rev. Michael S. Ingo,
Associate Pastor, Draper Valley Pentecostal Holiness Church.
Response:
Thank you for sharing. I wish you had been more "mericful
and gracious" in sharing your opposing view. I would have
appreciated such kindness and heart. "The fruit of the Spirit
is love, joy, peace ..kindness" "The works of the flesh
are strife, quarrels, factions, malice", etc as you well
know. We may disagree, but we still follow Jesus and are part
of the same family. -David
COMMENT
Subject:
Newsletter_30
Date: Wed, 21 Nov 2001
From: sojourning
I feel sad
that I came down so hard just because I reacted like "they" did
and forgot the big picture. Thanks for increasing my vision. And
I pray any damage I did to a really close friend of my son's will
be healed. Help us, Oh Lord, to stop crucifying our own, over
and over again. No wonder Jesus said, "Forgive them, for they
don't know what they are doing." Now, I see...
Thanks, sojourning
Response:
May God bless you -David
CONCERNED
Subject:
Newsletter_30 Harry Potter
Date: Tue, 20 Nov 2001
From: "Marge Iden"
I am concerned
about Harry Potter; however, I believe we need to handle it without
a "witch hunt" or "satanic panic". I think we are remiss if we
don't view sorcery and witchcraft as God views it. His command
that "a sorceress should not be allowed to live." is pretty plain
in Exodus 22:18. Saul was stripped of his kingdom partly because
he consulted a medium, 1 Chronicles 10:13. Leviticus 20:27 indicates
God's command to put mediums and spiritists among them to death.
These are pretty strong words; and for us to simply wink at a
book that glorifies them makes me very uncomfortable. I am for
knowing the truth; and letting people make up their own minds.
However, in my experience there aren't many who know the truth
about what the Bible says about such things; and tend to disregard
them as unimportant today when they are taught. Having had experience
with men and women who were sucked into Satanism through games
and movies, I am probably feeling stronger about this than others
might. Even Webster's dictionary indicates the definition of sorcerers,
divination, wizardry, witches, etc. all derive their power from
evil spirits. I wonder why we are so quick to look to Harry Potter,
a wizard, to say some good moral teaching comes from the book
and movie, so they must be ok. It seems to me that it is like
saying, it's ok to commit adultery if something good comes from
it. I believe absolutes are undermined and the principle that
the end justifies the means comes into play. I suggest we teach
the truth, and let it speak when we do allow our children or ourselves
to watch and read things like this.
Marge Iden, Children's Minister
Response:
Go see the movie, it is very tame. Since you are a Children's
minister, you need to see it. Children are seeing it by the millions.
Thanks for expressing your concerns. -David
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