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Belief is a powerful thing
Just because you or I dismiss aspects of the occult as (scientifically?) absurd does not mean that an individual's belief in that power, as anti-modern as it may be, doesn't have ramifications in their lives or the lives of others (potentially spiritually and physically). That belief may result in positive or negative outcomes. I am in complete accordance with the education thing; the best Christian parents take HP as an opportunity to discuss those issues/beliefs with their children (an eat the fish and spit out the bones approach so to speak) rather than try to ignore it. That is their right as parents, and is better than trying to ban the books from everybody else's children by having them boycotted from schools, etc.
posted by
Kripayne
on March 3, 2007 at 3:24 PM
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Kripayne - what deeper occult practices?
From my perspective that is the point, they fear that the acceptance of fantasy entertainment involving depictions of witchcraft is a stepping stone to propigating an interest in the occult. This suggests that the "occult" is more than what it really is. It is not something to be feared or branded as some great evil influence. It is something to be educated against. All magic, witchcract, occult practices, wizardry or any other aspects of the spiritual and mystic realms are the preserve of the ignorant. Education renders all of these practices, beliefs and traditions redundant and impotent.
posted by
gomedome
on March 3, 2007 at 2:52 PM
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Gomedome
They themselves wouldn't see it as "meaningless." However, I don't believe most of those people actually believe the silly incantations in HP are going to produce real world results. The fear is that the interest in HP will lead into deeper real occult practices. Whether you or I agree with that assessment doesn't mean the belief is not genuine or sincere. I am surrounded by many friends and family who are Christian, and despite what disagreements I frequently may have with them, none of them play or fake the part just to get along (I'm not saying there are those who do). Admittedly some people are infuriatingly obnoxious in how they communicate their belief. On the other hand, I've often been told what an obnoxious bastard I am as well (you should have seen the emails fly after I posted a picture of the emperor from Star Wars next to a pic of the Pope--I was amused, they were not), so it goes both ways. Have a great weekend.
posted by
Kripayne
on March 3, 2007 at 2:40 PM
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Presley - as I mentioned in an earlier comment, I wonder if the people who
object to this stuff so strenuously actually know the difference between fantasy and reality?
Do they actually think that there is a dark magic force that can be manipulated with the proper combination of words and actions? To object to fantasy entertainment on these grounds is nothing more than promoting ignorance.
posted by
gomedome
on March 3, 2007 at 11:40 AM
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Gome
It's sad that magic is viewed as a tool of the devil when what the books really do is feed the imagination and encourage children to read. I love the Harry Potter series. I suppose they'll call for the burning of the books next?!
posted by
Presley
on March 3, 2007 at 6:25 AM
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Kripayne - I often wonder how much the people who would object to this type
of fantasy entertainment are based in reality?
Do they actually believe that meaningless incantations can produce magical effects in the real world?
posted by
gomedome
on March 2, 2007 at 11:51 AM
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Yes, the fuss over HP
is more than a little absurd. I know plenty of Christians who adore HP as well.
posted by
Kripayne
on March 2, 2007 at 11:11 AM
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ariel70 - yep, that is the crux of the Talibanish mindset
Turn the calendar back to the days of our primitive ancestors and condemn anyone not willing to do the same.
The strange part about this latest brooha about the Harry Potter series coming from the Vatican is that it is not the official position of the catholic church regarding these books. This is just some crazy guy that has built a small empire within the monolithic catholic church by selling his exorcism services to those ignorant enough to think that they need his help.
posted by
gomedome
on March 2, 2007 at 10:15 AM
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Gome
Yep, it's true what they say ; the more things alter the more they stay as they are.
I bet JK's shivering in her boots all the way to the bank.
posted by
ariel70
on March 2, 2007 at 9:52 AM
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