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July 12, 2001

WHAT'S A CHRISTIAN TO DO WITH HARRY POTTER?

By Michael Ireland Chief Correspondent ASSIST News Service

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA (ANS) -- In his latest interview article, ASSIST News Service Chief Correspondent Michael Ireland talks with Connie Neal, author of "What's A Christian To Do With Harry Potter?" Neal has been writing professionally since 1990, having written twenty-six Christian books and worked on five Bible projects: General Editor, Spiritual Renewal Bible, Assoc. Editor, Life Recovery Bible, and writer, The Kids' Devotional Bible, and Bible Exploration: Life of Christ CD-ROM. She has also co-authored with Bill McCartney of Promise Keepers and his wife, Lyndi; Stephen Arterburn of New Life, Dr. David Stoop Ph.D., and Dave and Jan Dravecky. In this piece, Ireland seeks to get to the heart of the controversial Harry Potter issue by interviewing Neal as an author. This is not a review of the book written by Neal, but an interview article seeking to delve into this popular discussion topic.
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Michael Ireland: What is your background in writing and how has this prepared you to write the Harry Potter book ?

Connie Neal: My writing background helped somewhat, but ten years as a Youth Pastor and sixteen years as a mother has done more to prepare me to write this book.

My BA in Communication from Pepperdine Univ. laid the groundwork for understanding the communication problems at the heart of this debate.

MI: What is your particular interest in this topic ?

CN: To borrow a popular phrase, "I am my kids' mom!" I didn't start researching this to write a book. As a concerned Christian mother, I realized Oprah was doing a show "Calling All Harry Potter Fans!" Therefore, I had to anticipate what my kids were going to face in popular culture so I could prepare them. That was 1998 when my kids were 8, 10, & 15.

MI: What prompted you to write the book ?

CN: I saw a need in the body of Christ -- namely Christians fighting before the watching world and getting nowhere (except maybe in the flesh and into factions). The Lord called me to do what I could to help sort out these confusing, complex, and difficult issues.

I saw tremendous opportunity to overcome evil with good, diffusing and using Harry Potter to educate kids about occult dangers, share the gospel in a relevant way, teach kids principled moral decision-making, and spiritual discernment. My friends convinced me that I could help Christians who aren't comfortable explaining Bible teachings as they correlate to popular culture.

MI: What are your aims and goals and what do you hope to achieve in writing it ?

CN: To give Christians the accurate information, biblical knowledge, and tools they need to make up their own minds regarding Harry Potter. To call Christians who have set up camp for or against Harry Potter, to try to understand how another sincere Christian could come to a conviction directly opposite their own, and still be right with God. Then to commit themselves to conduct any discussion of this disputable matter in a godly way (according to Eph. 4:1-3, James 1:19-20, and Galatians 5:13-26); to explain New Testament teachings that helps us make conscientious decisions on such matters. To protect kids from occult influences in the real world. I wrote one chapter directly to the kids at a 2nd grade level, teaching them what God forbids in our world and how to avoid it. Whether or not kids read Harry Potter, they are bombarded with occult references and influences. This way kids can be equipped to guard their own hearts. It also leads them to seek supernatural power ONLY from God Almighty.

For those who are free to read Harry Potter with a clean conscience, or to help kids who have already read it, I offer ways to use the stories for godly purposes.

MI: What are the issues at stake in the Harry Potter controversy ?

· Spiritual protection of children · How one interprets literature · Whether Christians are free to read literature popular in their culture that includes references to occult practices forbidden in the Bible · Whether some who interpret fantasy literature in a way that threatens their sense of well-being have a right to try to restrict its accessibility in the public domain (public schools and libraries).

MI: Why are these important issues to discuss ?

CN: What is more important than the spiritual well-being of our children? What is more frightening than to think that Satan could influence little children and lead them into danger? Remember Hansel & Gretel: that gingerbread house was a frightful sight because it would draw kids, and we knew the evil intent of the witch living within. Many see Harry Potter as the equivalent of that gingerbread house, thus their reaction makes perfect sense.

On another level, how important is literature, fantasy stories, and fairy tales? Those who treasure literature, literacy, and the richness of human experience it brings to a child, would say it's of utmost importance. This includes many Christians.

How important is our freedom in Christ? Paul told the Galatians, "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free."

How important is our free speech, freedom to read, think, and consider all manner of stories? The red stripes on the American flag remind us that our forefathers bled and died to preserve such freedoms for us. Need I say more? No wonder those who guard such freedoms are alarmed that some Christians are trying to have these books removed from classrooms and not read aloud at public libraries. Their concern goes back to the idea that a small percentage of the public interpret a piece of fantasy literature as dangerous, but want to impose their interpretation and conclusions on the many that do not interpret that way.

Thus we see why this controversy is so heated. Depending on what it means to those on either side the stakes are tremendously high.

MI: What are the pitfalls in writing and reading literature of this kind ?

CN: Your question begs a question, literature of what kind? To some these stories are classic children's literature, filled with all the identifiable markers of fantasy, fairy tales, mythology, fables, legend and folklore. Therefore, each person would have to determine the value of such to themselves and their children. There are those who see the continuation of such forms of literature as absolutely necessary for the continuance of the humanities and the arts; seeing such forms of expression as the highest form of creativity as we live out our purpose of being created in the image of God, who is the essence of such creative writing. Let me turn the question around another way, What would be lost if we eliminated such classic children's literature? Each person has to answer that for themselves.

Those who oppose Harry Potter do so for many reasons, but the primary objection is it's setting in a world where witchcraft, wizardry, and magic is seen as acceptable, used for both good and evil. If you mean literature of that kind, this presents another problem. Where does one draw the line? Do you get rid of all fantasy that has magic, witchcraft, and wizardry? If so, there goes Sword & the Stone, Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, and about two-thirds of classic children's literature. Some say, fantasy that uses these elements is okay as long as the author wrote it from a Christian perspective with a Christian purpose (arguments used for allowing Chronicles of Narnia,and Lord of the Rings, but disallowing Harry Potter). How do you do that? Do you really have to know the intent of the author? Do Christians only read that which is written by other Christians? If so, what of the folklore, legends, myths, and fairy tales that have no one author. And what does one do with popular literature not set in a fantasy world that uses "magic" or forbidden practices such as consulting with the dead and being led by spirits to see the future? Is that out too? If so, does that mean Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" would be unacceptable?

Therefore, we see the need for personal discretion applied with a clean conscience, by the leading of the Holy Spirit, which is precisely what 1 Corinthians 8-10 and Romans 14 shows us how to do.

MI: What are the benefits, if any ?

CN: I could go on for a month on the benefits of discussing literature with your kids. Just sharing a story and listening to what it means to your child gives parents great insight into the child. There are the blessings of being close while reading, etc. But a controversial story gives us much more to work with. We can discuss why our family allows or disallows that input. One woman who disallows Harry Potter because of her family's history of being involved in and delivered from the occult, was able to use my book and the controversy to explain this to her children and share the wonderful ways God freed them from bondage. She then helped her kids understand why they would NOT read these books, but also helped them understand that others do not make the same associations, therefore, they were free to read Harry Potter.

For those who are free in Christ to read Harry Potter with a clear conscience, I give several chapters showing ways they can benefit. Because the kids love the stories, they are a captive audience to receive any associated Bible teaching, character studies, and even to learn how to start a conversation with a friend about Harry and use that as an opening to share the gospel in a relevant way.

MI: What is your thesis in covering this topic ? How do you deal with the controversy surrounding the Harry Potter books ?

CN: My thesis is that sincere, Bible-believing Christians are coming to opposing conclusions and convictions. Their arguments digress into quarrels that Scripture warns against. Both sides see it clearly, but see it in differing ways, from differing perspectives, with differing definitions, deriving differing meanings, and differing implications. So I address both sides.

I believe that our battle is not against flesh and blood -- especially not against other Christians -- but against principalities, powers, spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly realms. Therefore, instead of seeking to promote building a wall to keep all potentially objectionable influences out, I show how to train and equip kids for successful spiritual warfare against the forces of real-world evil and witchcraft. This is helpful to those on both sides of the Harry Potter debate since that's our shared concern. I also see the enemy of our souls at work in the slander, gossip, hearsay, and condemnation that is flying through cyberspace faster than Harry on a broomstick. The devil is at work, but perhaps we should look carefully at the "works of the sinful nature" listed in Galatians 5:13-20. These include sorcery/witchcraft, but also enmity, strife, divisions, dissentions, and factions. I sound a warning against the unexpected snares of the devil Christians are falling into while being zealous against witchcraft.

My other thesis is "All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable." Christians who enjoy the Harry Potter stories, and see that as lawful, should go on to make it profitable for God's kingdom and the kids within their reach. There is a real possibility that kids without spiritual guidance could get the wrong idea about witchcraft by seeing it popularized so. Some of us Christians need to connect with those kids and use the spiritual discussions raised about Harry Potter for good. I show them how.

MI: Do you feel you have come up with a balanced view, what is your conclusion, and how did you arrive at this conclusion ?

CN: I tried to let the voices pro and con speak for themselves. The first chapter is full of direct quotes of various opinions. I did not elaborate on the position that says the Harry Potter books are evil because that has been the primary view passed around in Christian circles. I figured anyone who picked up a book called "What's a Christian to Do with Harry Potter?" was already familiar with the fears and concerns of those against Harry Potter. Therefore, I tried to help those who were worried about this to see why some Christians see these books as classic children's literature, even though I stressed that those who hold convictions against Harry Potter should not violate their consciences by reading it.

I did my best to set aside my personal opinion because the point is not to persuade anyone to share my opinion but to come to their own in a godly way. I must have done okay since one customer review on Amazon.com said, "It's obvious she's against Harry Potter," and another said, "It's obvious she's a fan of Harry Potter."

MI: What principles do you keep in mind while considering books such at the Harry Potter series ?

CN: I went to principles governing freedom in Christ, and the greatest over-riding principle of all "Love your neighbor as yourself."

In dealing with the division and resulting disputes, I drew from the teachings in 1 Cor. 8-10, and Romans 14, using those principles as applied to this "disputable matter." However, those who associate the magic of Harry's world with real-world witchcraft may dismiss these principles as not being applicable. I did double-check the biblical exegesis on these passages with my Pastor who has a Ph.D. in Bible.

I also used the principles that warn us against witchcraft, the wiles of the devil, and necessity of spiritual warfare, prayer, and wearing spiritual armor. I wrote them simply so parents and concerned adults could prepare their kids to be "in the world but not of the world" and trained in spiritual discernment.

MI: How can parents in general best approach the Harry Potter series of books with their children ? What suggestions do you have for Christian parents in particular ?

CN: Realize that your kids MUST be prepared to deal with Harry Potter -- whether or not you plan to let them read the books or see the movies. The best time to prepare is before the movie comes out. · If a child has read a Harry Potter book, the parent needs to make sure their child distinguishes between fantasy and reality, knows that witchcraft in our world is not the same as in Harry's world, and that God forbids all witchcraft in our world. · Parents need to understand both perspectives, and know enough about the stories to understand what kids are discussing. · Make sure kids know what the Bible forbids and how those forbidden occult practices are used in our world (by kids at their school, i.e.: horoscopes, lucky charms, seances, and so on). · Caution kids against condemning others whose family takes a different stand on Harry Potter. If you allow Harry Potter, teach them not to flaunt their freedom to a kid whose parents doesn't. If you disallow Harry Potter, help your kids understand why. Help them understand that it doesn't mean the same thing to everyone. So, they shouldn't assume another child condones or is into real witchcraft just because they like Harry Potter.

MI: In your opinion, is there room in a Christian's library for books of this nature to go alongside C.S. Lewis and J.R.R.Tolkien ? Why or why not ?

CN: Your question assumes that Christians would be fine to have fantasy works of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien on their bookshelves. In my research and discussions on these issues I've found several Christians who are firmly convinced that any use of magic, enchantments, wizardry, spells, incantations, astrology, crystals, and the like is wrong. They oppose Lewis and Tolkien for including these in their fantasy writings -- pointing out that they are not always used on the side of evil! You see how truly subjective such decisions are. A Christian who believes this, would be in sin by allowing that which causes them to doubt.

Each Christian should only have on their bookshelf that which they can approve without self-recrimination. Many Christians are completely comfortable with Harry Potter right next to Narnia, many are not. To make such decisions, I refer believers back to Romans 14 "Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind." (V. 5), and "So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the man who does not condemn himself for what he approves. But the man who has doubts is condemned if he eats -- or in this case, if he reads -- because his eating is not from faith, and everything that does not come from faith is sin." (V. 22-23)

MI: Should Christian authors use fantasy or allegory in their works ? Why or why not ?

CN: Scripture tells us "Whatever you do, do it heartily as unto the Lord." Those who are blessed with the ability, and have developed the skill of telling stories with elements of fantasy and allegory should do so to the glory of God. Jesus certainly used allegories and parables as one of his primary teaching tools. The human heart longs for more than this world. Fantasy writing touches that part of the person. When one seeks after "other worlds" they are following the longing God put within them for himself and His realm beyond. God help us all if the only writers who become skillful at touching this part of the human mind and spirit are those devoid of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, I pray for more dedicated Christian writers God can use in this way.

MI: Any other relevant information not covered above that you would like me to include ?

CN: I did not write this book to be an advocate for Harry Potter among Christians, but to help all Christians make the most of this opportunity because the days are evil (whether we think Harry Potter is or not!).

**Author's Note: Connie Neal asked me to "please be so kind as to stress that your article is about me as the author, not a description of the book." Neal stressed that "I worked carefully under the Lord's direction to make sure readers understood that: 1. I am absolutely against all forms of witchcraft and sorcery in our world, in keeping with God's word. 2. I do not want to persuade people to my opinion, rather I want to urge all Christians to come to the opinion that is right for their family before God. For some Christians, it will be sinful to read Harry Potter, if doing so violates they conscience. 3. I am trying to help people deal with the reality that Harry Potter has overwhelmed pop culture, one-third of all American homes have a child under 18 who has ALREADY read a Harry Potter story. My book gives concerned adults a way to know what they're talking about, and to WARN THEM AGAINST REAL WORLD OCCULT."

Neal added: "I just read a story in the Sacramento Bee that was provocative, suggesting that I have 'FAITH IN HARRY' -- I do not have faith in Harry ! I have faith in Jesus Christ, but if I can use Harry to do Jesus' bidding. I have become all things to all men so that by all means I may save some."

Neal concluded: "Thank you for being sensitive to these issues as you write about me. It's okay to share our personal approach, I just want to make it clear that I don't wholeheartedly endorse Harry Potter for everyone."

Connie Neal's website is at: www.connieneal.com

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Michael Ireland is a British freelance journalist in Minneapolis, Minnesota. A former reporter with a London newspaper, Michael is the Chief Correspondent for ASSIST NEWS SERVICE of Garden Grove, CA. Michael immigrated to the United States in 1982 and became a US citizen in Sept., 1995. He is married with two children. Michael is a frequent contributor to United Christian Broadcasters, Europe, Radio, a British Christian radio station. E-mail: mireland@usfamily.net.

**Other ANS stories may be found at and also at www.assistnews.net

** You may use this story with proper attribution.

** A photograph of Connie Neal will soon be available as a JPEG file upon request from Michael Ireland at mireland@usfamily.net

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