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Harry Potter Meets His Dark
Material
Over the years we have seen the Harry Potter craze
rise to record levels. We have also seen many different opinions as
to whether or not there is any danger in reading these books. Some
prominent religious leaders have spoken against them while others
have seen no danger in them at all. Now that the seventh and final
book has been released and the story has concluded the craze will
die down some. Though I fear that we may have seen another layer of
ground work laid down for even more acceptance of those things of
the dark spiritual realm.
What’s next? “His Dark Materials” by Philip Pullman.
Now we get down and dirty with some direct attack not only on
Christianity in general but on the Catholic Church itself. With the
movie “The Golden Compass” coming out, which amounts to an
introduction to the trilogy, His Dark Materials, we will inevitably
see more debate and opinion as to whether or not these books could
be damaging to the young minds that they are targeting. And of
course the prominent religious leaders as well as every parent and
teacher, will have to decide once again where they stand.
In this world where there is a growing crisis of
faith and an increase in cult worship and atheism, it is sad and
dangerous that so many people will not heed the advice of one who
has been in the thick of battle against the enemy.
Father Gabriel Amorth, the chief exorcist of Rome
writes in his book, "An Exorcist Tells His Story". "I can state that
the number of those who are affected by the evil one has greatly
increased. The first factor that influences the increase of evil
influences is Western consumerism. The majority of people have lost
their faith do to a materialistic and hedonistic lifestyle."
Father Gabriele goes on to say... "it is a
well-known fact that where religion regresses, superstition
progresses. We can see the proliferation, especially among the
young, of spiritism, witchcraft, and the occult."
Speaking about television, books, music and movies
he writes... "I was able personally to verify how great is the
influence of these tools of Satan on the young. It is unbelievable
how widespread are witchcraft and spiritism, in all their forms, In
middle and high school. This evil is everywhere, even in small
towns. (pp. 53,54)
"Sorcery is also the most frequent cause that we
encounter in those who are struck by possession or other evil
influences." (p. 57 "Scripture warns us that witchcraft is one of
the most common means used by the devil to bind men to himself and
to dehumanize them. Directly or indirectly, witchcraft is a cult of
Satan." (p. 143)
One of the most common arguments that I have heard
in support of the Harry Potter series is, "But at least it's getting
the children to read."
But what is it getting them to read and what
might it be doing to the most important part of your child? Is it
worth the risk of infecting the mind and possibly the soul of your
child with these ideas of magic and witchcraft? I encourage you to
reread the previous quotes from Father Gabriel Amorth.
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