Catholics and Harry Potter
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 10 ต.ค. 2019
- Music written and generously provided by Paul Jernberg of the Magnificat Institute. Find out more here: magnificatinstitute.org
I’ve read and listed to people who are utterly opposed to anything Harry Potter, but have often been disappointed by signs and hints that they haven’t even read the books themselves. And then I’ve heard others who have a special enthusiasm in favor of these stories who completely gloss over the legitimate concerns that might be offered by the other side.
And now, more recently, I saw some headline about a Catholic Priest removing copies of Harry Potter from his school’s library over concerns that the books lead children into dimensions of supernatural evil. This, of course, erupted into endless online “debates” between the two committed factions and, as far as I can tell, not much was accomplished.
I want to start by trying to compose an argument against the Harry Potter books in a succinct way because I haven’t really come across something like this. I’ve seen a lot of false equivalencies between historical notions of witchcraft and the magic portrayed in the books as well as a lot of emphasis on the possible risks associated with an immersion in this subject matter, but that alone doesn’t fully establish the degree of risk contrasted with possible benefits.
So, how’s this for an argument?
1. The Harry Potter books draw influence from and implicitly endorse elements of pagan folklore and belief.
2. Pagan notions of spirituality and the supernatural are incompatible with Christian notions of such things and Psalm 96 says, depending on your translation, “For all the gods of the nations are demons.” And St. Athanasius described pagan idol worship as demons who took their abode in rivers, trees, and stones, deceiving people that they were gods.
3. Therefore, the Harry Potter stories impose a similar demonic deception by portraying such pagan superstitions in a positive way.
So if you agree that this is a good argument against the Harry Potter stories, then lets scrutinize it from a Catholic perspective to see if it holds up.
Twitter: / briankeepsworth
Facebook: / brianholdsworthmedia
Business: www.holdsworthdesign.com
Let me address a couple themes that are emerging in the comments.
Some have said that I didn't address the main complaint that this priest or others have had with the Harry Potter books which is that there are real spells in the stories and this poses a danger to anyone who recites them. This is either simply false or a false equivalency (like I alluded to in my video). The stories don't depict "real spells" because real spells don't exist in this way. You can't recite Latin incantations and have supernatural things occur. That said, there are plenty of things in the stories that are drawn from pagan folklore and influence which would include spiritual practices that could be called "magic". But this magic isn't real or effective and it's portrayed in an entirely different way in the stories. To believe in it is to indulge superstition and that's the real danger for both those who practice it and those who are fearful of it. That said, there is a danger in earnestly trying to procure supernatural powers. This is the kind of thing that could expose you to demonic influence. So the intention of the person who is deliberately trying to access power or knowledge that goes beyond what a fallen human has access to could leave them open to this kind of exposure and this is what I meant by Pagan influence and spirituality in my argument. At no point in the stories do characters try to summon spirits or fallen angels to do their supernatural bidding because they themselves have magical capabilities like a Jedi in Star Wars. It's described as a genetic trait, not as something gained from appealing to "higher" powers which is what spells and curses are in the real world. So to say that the magic in Harry Potter is the same as "real" magic is a false equivalency.
That said, I'm sure there have been cases in which someone has allowed an unhealthy enthusiasm for the stories to lead them into real spiritual danger in this life. I'm sure that Plato's symposium has allowed for an unhealthy interest in pederasty or idolatry. I'm sure there are cases in which someone has had an unhealthy enthusiasm for alcohol that led to addiction. Very few faithful Catholics would say that alcohol should be banned. The Church fathers wouldn't say that Plato's symposium should be banned. And I'm saying that Harry Potter shouldn't be banned, while still recognizing the bad elements within it.
Lastly, regarding the Lord of the Rings. Yes, the Valar and Maiar have been described as Angelic beings, but that's an analogy. They've also been described as "gods" and Tolkien frequently refers to the "gods" in his cosmology from his letters which confirms the point I was making which is that his cosmos is essentially pagan. I understand that it is a monotheistic one in that there is a supreme being, but almost every pantheistic system also has a supreme God above all others. That doesn't reject the notion that LOTR is a Catholic book because it still exemplifies lessons and virtues that the Church endorses - and that was the point I was making. We can use mythology and other cultural elements to teach the faith to people.
I'm not trying to say that Harry Potter is as good as ancient epics or LOTR. I'm just saying that in most cases, banning the books is misguided based on the arguments I've made.
You say the spells aren't real.
Exorcists say they are, witches say they are, satanists say they are.
It's clear who we are going to trust here.
@@LesIsMoreFilms You trust witches and satanists? How about a citation. My arguments cite sources. Where are yours and what spells exactly do they claim are real? Have they read the books? Do they know what the spells in the books mean or are they just saying that the words are the same because that's a false equivalency if so.
I agree with everything besides the Tolkien part. I still believe you are a bit off on that one. The One God in Tolkien's cosmology is not just the supreme god like Zeus or Odin. He is Eru Iluvatar, "The One God", "He that is Alone", the Supreme Being of Tolkien's cosmology. He is transcendent, only he can create reality and give life. Eä, meaning "let it be!" (Genesis 1) in Quenya (Elvish), was the word spoken by Eru Iluvatar by which he brought the physical universe into actuality.
Tolkien did refer to Ainur as both angelic beings and gods. So which one is it? It seems to me that their role and description in Tolkien's cosmology is much closer to that of angels than of pagan gods. The term gods might just be a description of their relation to the physical world where they might be perceived as gods, or a way to signify the authority they have. Just like in the Bible, in Psalm 82,6 and John 10:34, where the term "gods" was used to signify the authority of the judges of Israel. It certainly does not make Tolkien's universe (or the Bible for that matter) "essentially pagan".
Morgoth is clearly inspired by Satan, the most powerful of the Ainur that turned to darkness and fell. Tolkien's universe is not a dualistic one, with a "good God" and an "evil God". Morgoth, even though he was more powerful than all the Ainur, is still not comparable with The One God.
Also, the whole "Tolkien hated allegory" (I saw you referred to it in another comment) is often misunderstood. Tolkien hated childish allegory that was forced upon readers, with only one correct interpretation. This is why he disliked Chronicles of Narnia, because it was an obvious, plain and simple allegory. That doesn't mean that he didn't draw major inspiration from other works, or that he didn't create analogies or had clear symbolism in his mind while developing various concepts of his world. He himself said that: "The Lord of the Rings is of course a fundamentally religious and Catholic work; unconsciously so at first, but consciously in the revision."
He was obviously heavily inspired by pagan stories and folklore as well, which is why your point in comparing it to the Harry Potter books still stand, but to say that that makes his world pagan would be a stretch. Parts of the Bible were clearly inspired by pagan stories as well, and I don't think that fact alone makes Bible pagan.
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I disagree. As I said a responding comment above, Fr. Amorth, now deceased, (God rest his soul) was the chief exorcist in Rome for decades, said the Prince of darkness is behind Harry Potter. Uh, I think I would heed his advice. Pope Benedict also warned against Harry Potter, saying that it perverts Faith in young people before it has the chance to be formed. Look up quotes of both of these spiritual giants regarding Harry Potter. People have experienced the diabolic reading these books, and yes, they have the names of demons in them.
Lily Potter sacrificed her life in order to protect her infant son, Harry from Lord Voldemort. This placed Harry under magical protection, so that when Voldemort cast the Killing Curse at Harry in turn, the spell backfired, leaving him unharmed (save for a lightning-shaped scar on his forehead) and Voldemort bodiless. Harry became the only known person to survive the Killing Curse because of the power of his mother's loving sacrifice
I read the Harry Potter books so I could be prepared when my children did. I highlighted the many great qualities within the books, highlighted that the evil is vanquished by good and that the only magic we should believe in are the miracles of God. Being prepared and having Mum like the books ensured that they were a passing phase. Pax
I am a huge Harry Potter Fan and the main focus of the books lies in the power of (motherly) love and that it can break every spell.
..and the prophesy of a saviour who will free the world from evil, who is born in obscurity and grows up to fulfil his purpose by sacrifcing himself for his friends and the entire world (not just the wizarding world)
Exactly, completely in line with catholic faith.
??? not sure where you got that..
Demonic activity
@@crimsontwins6612 Not at all
"Test everything, hold fast to what is good".
Good call ... not sure if the same context, but the principle is spot on. Truth will always prevail.
I'm intrigued ... what are you implying here?
@@Krshwunk It goes along with the quote from St. Basil that Mr. Holdsworth adduces, take what is helpful and discard the rest.
@@josephconder9074 Ah, yes. Amen.
@@Krshwunk I was thinking on the lines of 1 Thessalonians 5 19-22 - "Do not quench the Spirit. Do not treat prophecies with contempt but test them all; hold on to what is good, reject every kind of evil." I was thinking Paul is talking about being aware of false teachers.
Wow wow wow, I have to stop you right there Brian and correct you on Tolkien. The Valar and Maiar of Middle Earth are most definitely *not* "essentially pagan gods in a pagan cosmology". That's a pretty wicked oversight on your part.
The cosmology of Arda is thoroughly and completely monotheistic, to the point where Tolkien himself said that Illuvatar was a fictionalized version of God himself. Gandalf, Saruman, Sauron, etc are all angels set to watch over the world as God's vicars. The villains are fallen angels.
Thank you! Lol
Tolkien hates allegory though
@William Cloud ok... didn't God order the construction of the Arch of the new Covenant. ( 2 statues of Angels)
@@mkznan5963 He had something specific in mind. Namely C.S. Lewis' wildly unsubtle Narnia chronicles.
Sorry, but if I'm wrong for referencing the "gods" in his cosmos, then so was Tolkien who did so often in his letters. It's not wrong to call them angelic beings because that's a fitting analogy but it's also not wrong to call them gods because that is also a fitting analogy and Tolkien did so himself. They aren't literally angels because angels are real whereas the Valar and Maiar are not. Furthermore the latter participated in forming the world which is something that is more akin to pagan gods than it is angels.
My wife and I were literally just (as in two week ago) saying we should ask you about doing an HP video.
I am a practicing Catholic and have four kids now grown as youngest just started college. I had no problem with the books or movies. My kids and I read the books and watched the movies. They didn't turn evil or start worshipping satan...lol.... if people get into darkness and choose to make these books horrible then that is their problem.
Unfortunately that's too level headed of a Christian response for 'true believers'.😂
Well said as always. As a Catholic and a Harry Potter fan, I think you hit the nail on the head.
It seems that Harry Potter is not too different than Macbeth's 3 witches or even the Wizard of Oz. When read from a Christian perspective they pose no harm.
I'm actually a catholic and I like Harry Potter
Rarely have I seen someone so grounded in Christ and prudent in his judgements. You (your surname) are a real example of the Latin phrase: nomen est omen - you hold worth! Please tell me what is the music used in the video it is truly heavenly. God bless you and keep up the good work. Kind regards from Croatia!
looking forward to your insights on the Synod;
Man, your intro music gives me goosebumps!
I think everybody kind of misses the point here. Stories like Harry Potter are archetypal where a hero has to go on a quest to conquer evil. It's all about a battle between good and evil. J. K. Rowling just used conventions from fairy tales. But the point is that goodness eventually will triumph. You can't accidentally summon demons by saying a made up Latin spell. Most of her spells are puns or just plain out Latin words for something. However, I agree with Brian that schools can have discretion about such things. There is no reason why a Catholic school HAS to have Harry Potter in its library. So if a priest in charge is uncomfortable with it, then so what. It isn't like if you want to read Harry Potter somehow you can't. Families who disagree can just get their own copies. Or go to the public library. But if the priest feels he needs to do his duty by pulling the books, that's fine. What I always wanna know is who ran to the press to tattle on him???
Avada kadavra or whatever - abra kadabra
I think properly formed individuals can participate in secular society. It seems people are so scared of everything. I dont get what holy men and women have to fear? The rosary is your weapon and will protect you from any spiritual warfare people sre scsred of.
@@kodingkrusader2765 The rosary keeps you protected as long as you do what is needed to remain in a state of grace.
The problem with Harry Potter is:
1. all the spells are real
2. the author used automatic writing (she names it "stream of consciousness") to write the books, and this type of writing is a form of demonic channeling
So, it all boils down to using common sense and intelligence to stay away from trouble.
Putting kids to watch the movies and/or read the books is extremely risky, since they can be easily influenced, and repeat any of the spells/incantations just to fall under demonic influence.
@@gus.f762 None of the spells in Harry Potter are real (if you disagree, please elaborate on which spells are real ... be specific ... the burden of proof is on people who make that claim), and writing with a "stream of consciousness" does not automatically translate to being possessed by the devil ... obviously. Please stop perpetuating such slanderous nonsense.
@@gus.f762
- "All the spells are real"
If only it were that easy, man....
-"the author used automatic writing (she names it "stream of consciousness")"
These are two different things. "Stream of consciousness" is a modernist literary technique where the author writes exactly what's on his mind at that very moment. So you end up with one day in 2000 pages. Nowhere does it say to commune with ghosts, demons or other similar entities. What, because Joyce was a sorcerer? Should we burn "Ulysses", "Finnegan's Wake" or other of his books?
"it all boils down to using common sense and intelligence"
And that's why you should have first checked what "stream of consciousness" actually is.
Also, if I have to be in a state of grace to be protected by the rosary, then screw the rosary! Who needs something that weak and useless then? Isn't it supposed to protect you (PERIOD) ? Then what is the point of a hardcore sinner to use it?
Христо Мартунков, граф Лозенски I agree with your point. I would go further the rosary or other catholic ideas go against even elements within the Bible. “Ye shall make you no idols nor graven image, neither rear you up a standing image, neither shall ye set up any image of stone in your land, to bow down unto it: for I am the Lord your God.” The Catholic Church however does this. I am a fan of Harry Potter books however as I love reading and fiction we should find enjoyment in other texts. I am not all writing is great to read. But reading and book selection is personal choice. As a child my parents had text from Shakespeare, Darwin, Mark Twain and others. I have read other books in high school and college that caused more issues emotional then other. For example reading a book about individual being lynched in the south, books about being stoned in the Middle East, or books about being sexually assaulted. These text might even be recommended text in schools and colleges in the public setting. But to believe Harry Potter is being dangerous is ridiculous. My parents have always have been open in conversations with me about books I read as a child and making me understand what is real and fiction. Within my fathers family he had family that were priests, monks, and nuns. Two of my aunts are nuns. My father has always seen the value of literature to the point that I never needed to go to a library. My father would take me at least 2 times a month to Strand books in nyc and allowed me to pick 10 books and then we would discuss my reasoning for my book selection and we would review what would be appropriate at every age into my teens.
It's fantasy. Fiction. Not real. I've read the books and watched the movies. I didn't know any of it was pagan. Now that I do it doesn't change my opinion of the books. They are just stories.
I'm a devout Catholic. Im not confused in any way by those books. You don't need to keep these stories from you children. Just raise them correctly.
Y'all are making this much more difficult than it needs to be.
Kent, I totally agree!!!
Don't understand why confusing fiction for religion... This books and movies are nothing but entertainment
@@suegz139 exactly. If anyone keeps these from their kids for religious reasons then they're just bad parents
I fully agree with you!
Will we ban Cinderella next? Magic wand and all....Bibity Bobity Boo!
Murder made God's top ten list..... Thou shall not kill. So , do we ban all murder mystery novels?
Nancy Drew, The Hardy Boys, I think not! What about the children's favorite series for beginner readers, The Magic Tree house books. Do we ban those. Or Narnia with the White Witch using spells and incantations? This is just crazy......
This is one of those things I like about Catholicism, I am from Iberoamérica and have found that I have a common ground with people on the other side of planet; not beeing the ideas itself, but the approach to things. Due to my place of living I was oblivious to this HP matter but we have experienced the same with japanese animation (mostly Dragon ball Z) and the reaction was very similar and the anwser was the same. Thanks for the your work!
¡Bendiciones a todos!
There was an evangelical pastor that spread a lot of defamatory misinformation about some anime and videogames, most notably DBZ. That message spread very fast even for people who wasn't of the same denomination.
@@luisoncpp well the chi in real life is nothing more than a psyche out. What I mean the chi is not real because man fighters walk right through a chi attack.
@@luisoncpp Back in the 80s there was (again!) some protestant pastor who condemned He-Man because he was "demonic". God only knows what madness these people will come up with.
If I had a nickle for every Christian Mom who condemned Harry Potter but secretly read "50 Shades of Grey," I would have more money than JR Rowling and E.L. James combined. Now THAT is a series that is decidedly anti-Catholic and against all traditional, and even simply rational, values of sexuality (And it is also anti-woman...and anti-English language for that matter!) Yet it doesn't get a tenth of the condemnation from the pulpit that a fantastic story for school kids receives.
If they read 50 shades secretly, how did you know?
Reading is not the same as condoning.
I was afraid because of the title. But you didn't disappoint. I love you more and more with each video.
I really appreciate this take on the Harry Potter argument. It’s not too often that I see Catholics talk about the virtue demonstrated in the Harry Potter books and that’s vital to the argument.
I am confused by all of this. There aren’t any instances of actual witchcraft being portrayed positively in Harry Potter, is there? All they do is wave wands?
Thank you for being a voice of reason amidst lunacy Brian! Obviously, some people don't understand things like metaphors and allegories. Very disappointed that fellow Catholics are so anti-literature.
So here's a series I began as a seminarian on HP and Catholicism. th-cam.com/video/OrX_qrm9XYA/w-d-xo.html
Not to argue about the contents, but Harry Potter isn’t what one would call high literature
@@TheJmlew11 That's entirely subjective.
Elvish Mist I don’t think so. Those who are well read even a bit would tell you that the books are fine, just very surface level.
@@TheJmlew11 You obviously don't understand the meaning of the word subjective, do you? I won't debate with a fool. Case closed.
Where do you get the music you listen to?
I absolutely love this. You show both sides fairly. The Harry potter series can actually teach good things if you know how to distinguish them from all the hocus pocus. Btw, Minus the magic, the Weasleys strike me as a very typical, close Catholic family!(English/Irish)
Thank you, Brian, for a well-laid out explanation. I have struggled with this issue for years with my own kids. We did read the books and I was surprised that there was so much good in them and, really, just a good story. As a Catholic, this makes a lot of sense. I've always enjoyed your videos and appreciate you tackling this one.
"But the truth is, that when a Library expels a book of mine and leaves an unexpurgated Bible lying around where unprotected youth and age can get hold of it, the deep unconscious irony of it delights me and doesn't anger me."
- Letter by Samuel "Mark Twain" Clemens to Mrs. Franklin G. Whitmore, 7 February 1907
I'm reading the Harry Potter series, me and my boyfriend are huge potterheads and im going to universal studios soon. Me and my boyfriend also grew up Christian, more me than him, my parents never encouraged me to read it, but I wasn't a reader as a kid, I hated reading. When I was 18 I went to universal for the first time and went to Harry Potter world, I fell in love with the series now as an adult. It is a wonderful story, that's exactly what Harry Potter is, a story.
I had friends who never read Harry Potter and never celebrated Halloween because of Christian reasons, and one day I asked my mom about that, and she said to me, "Look, God knows the difference between real and make believe, therefore he's not gonna hate you for liking something for fun and entertainment. Halloween is just a day where you dress up and get candy, they're idiots, you're free to do whatever you want, afterall you're in America."
We're in America, we're free do express what we love. If you want to ban it from your own house fine, but you are not a president or God by telling thousands of people that a story is evil. Christianity guides my life and makes me a good person and God has definitely answered prayers recently for my life, my fandom in the Harry Potter series is because I wanna feel like a kid again.
This was realy helpful and interesting, thank you! :D
Love from a norwegian lookalike, youthpastor and HP fan!
Brian, you once again took the argument from my head and shared it with eloquence. Well done.
I think your focus should rather be on the conduct of the characters, and the means through which they select and achieve their goals. The pagan elements are just for narrative purposes.
What is this "Alelluja" singing called.
Love of God by Paul Jernberg
What is the music in this video?
When I listen to this angelic music in the background, I feel like I'm gonna agree with everything you say :D It is so powerful. Possibly the most beautiful performance I've ever heard.
I wasn’t allowed to read them till I was 13 and after my sister did. My parents use to hate HP, my father still does, but my mom decided to sit and watch the movies with my sister and realized that it wasn’t what she thought it was. She always says “Poor Harry 🥺” every time we watch them lol. Still she thinks kids under 10 shouldn’t read them and I honestly would agree, as I think they get a bit “scary” for a kid at point’s especially in the 4th book.
Why does your father hate HP? How can you hate something that you didn't even read?
@@user-kj1pq6zh3x my dad mind doesn’t it change, once he hears it’s “anti-Christian” he’s going to believe it for the rest of his life
"Also many of those who were now believers came, confessing and divulging their practices. And a number of those who had practiced magic arts brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted the value of them and found it came to fifty thousand pieces of silver. So the word of the Lord continued to increase and prevail mightily."
Acts 19:18-20
That is Scripture. Indeed. Praise be to God. Please, share with us your point.
Alright. Thanks. You don't have to answer.
"But the truth is, that when a Library expels a book of mine and leaves an unexpurgated Bible lying around where unprotected youth and age can get hold of it, the deep unconscious irony of it delights me and doesn't anger me."
- Letter by Samuel "Mark Twain" Clemens to Mrs. Franklin G. Whitmore, 7 February 1907
I too have read all the Harry Potter books, as have my kids. I’m sorry, however, that I found out too late about passages in these books which require parental involvement. I’m talking particularly about the 4th book which introduced graphic descriptions of necromancy and cold blooded murder as being appropriate reading material for kids under 10 years old. I got lulled into thinking the series was OK because the first 3 books didn’t seem any worse than other kids material, like Goosebumps, and the HP stories were engaging to read.
I read book #4 after my kids, then IMMEDIATELY had some very serious discussions about those disturbing chapters. I explained what bothered me, why it was wrong, and talked about how to deal with the evil.
Unfortunately, by that time the kids were hooked on the series so I made a deal with them. I knew that I wouldn’t be able to prevent them from reading the books, and didn’t want them to be sneaking around me. I agreed to buy each of the remaining books on the release date and read them myself right away, then discuss with them any other disturbing themes the books contained before allowing them to read the books themselves.
JK Rowling has some pretty self righteous ideas about why it’s OK to immerse young kids in death, demons, necromancy and evil. I agree that dealing with bad things is part of life. But dealing with such issues in real life is normally done with the support of adults who can protect kids and put things in context. That doesn’t happen when kids just pick up a book and try to process the horror it contains all by your 9-year-old self.
They do escalate pretty quickly. They get pretty dark by the fourth book.
"But the truth is, that when a Library expels a book of mine and leaves an unexpurgated Bible lying around where unprotected youth and age can get hold of it, the deep unconscious irony of it delights me and doesn't anger me."
- Letter by Samuel "Mark Twain" Clemens to Mrs. Franklin G. Whitmore, 7 February 1907
Except the necromancy and evil...were done by characters who were evil...
Evil isn't presented as good.
Hello Brian, I'm highly interested in your opinion about the Narnia series. Hope you can make a video about it!
SAME.
I applaud you for doing this video! I’ve read all the books as a child/teen before reverting to Catholicism in my 20s. I loved the books. We personally stay away from the books as a family just to play it safe. In my mind, there are too many GOOD books to read (too many to finish in a lifetime) to spend time on books that are iffy. Also, spiritual warfare is real, I don’t want to risk it.
I'm with what
Joe Ransom said, every single claim is addressed in apologetics, that's just defamatory propaganda.
I try to not judge other Christians for understanding the doctrine differently than us, and I even think that there could be well-intended criticism to Catholic Church(when it's aimed towards pointing out things that could be improved, that was even the original intent of Luther, but then their dialogue failed), but attacking so destructively without even trying to listen what the other part has to say is so wrong.
Attacking the Church is attacking the body of Christ, it doesn't matter if is using scripture, it can be used in a very manipulative way, even the devil can quote the scriptures.
For William, if you really believe in Jesus please reconsider, the one that is moving you to attack in this way may be Satan, I'm not asking you to convert to Catholicism, just to read apologetics before giving criticism and then try to discuss the theological points in a more open and civilized way instead of trying "to convert" others (the truth is that you don't convert other people, they are the ones who decide to convert themselves based on multiple sources and experiences).
@William Cloud
"church fathers started out with faith alone, grace alone, Jesus alone, Bible alone"
Errr, have you *read* the works of the Church Fathers? Because you're describing another religion here, not Christianity.
"Bible alone"
The Bible didn't exist until 360 years after Jesus died. You can't follow a non existent doctrine.
Which Church Fathers are you talking about exactly? Could you list them please?
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@William Cloud Hermano, mejor que usted se dedique a limitar el uso de la computadora para ver videos de mujeres en bikinis y vestidas de manera no modestas que estar pasando en estos foros.
ejemplo, JWOWW, my mom streaks the cricket world cup final, Big Bikini Vlogs y los thumbnails de canales como ThatWasEpic/No Life Shaq con puros bikinis/mujeres escandelosas etc.
th-cam.com/play/LLGgpEV4XCT_UIwvRvrZWesw.html
Se nota de sus "Liked Videos" que usted no esta cuidando la mirada....
Yo hacia lo mismo que usted cuando yo tenia problemas de pornografia, me desquitaba en discusiones de teologia cuando deberia haber cuidando mi vida espiritual.
No es por desviar del asunto ni humillarlo pero mejor despues contestar estas cuestiones de teologia...si? Atienda a lo primero primero. Desquitarse con mi madre iglesia no va a resolver este problema, de hecho el ocio de estar en la compu podria estar contribuyendo a las mismas tentaciones, de mi propia experiencia.
Un abrazo y bendiciones!
Hi Brian! I absolutely love your videos, and appreciate you tackling this difficult and controversial topic. I am and adult who has read all of the Harry Potter books, and I used to think the hysteria/warnings about them were a bit over-the-top. Eventually, I changed my mind about this, for several reasons. 1. The writings of Catholic author Michael D. O'Brien. If you have not yet read Mr. O'Brien's essays on the subject of the Harry Potter phenomenon, may I suggest that you do so? He makes a very good case against the books and can articulate the subtle and not-so-subtle spiritual dangers they present far better than I. He presents his arguments in a very calm, balanced and reasonable manner, and focuses on the impact of literary symbology on our subconscious minds and our culture, and on the VERY different way in which man's use of any type of "magic" is presented in the works of Tolkien vs. the works of J.K. Rowling. As logical as his arguments are, I questioned his opinion on the books at first. What I have seen happening in the culture, however, since the books gained popularity, has caused me to believe Mr. O'Brien was absolutely correct in his judgment. 2. I have read just about every book written for the laity by Catholic exorcists, and I don't think one of the authors of these books (all priest exorcists) believes the books are safe for children or adults to read--for the reasons outlined by Mr. O'Brien, plus the fact that Ms. Rowling drew her material and even some of the actual "spells" used in the book from actual books on witchcraft. One exorcist recently claimed in an interview that a woman he had recently exorcised had been possessed by demons who referred to themselves as the, "Rowling Six," i.e. the six demons who had possessed J.K. Rowling and inspired the Harry Potter books. I am trying to find the reference so I can post a link but I can't find it right now. (I read it not long ago and know I'll find it eventually. I'll come back and add the link later. ) Finally, 3. The increased interest in witchcraft & occult spirituality that has sprung up in our culture since the publication of the books, especially with teens and young adults. When the argument was made at first that the Harry Potter books would lead kids to actual witchcraft, I thought it was silly. I no longer think it's silly at all. The young adult sections of bookstores are now loaded with occult manuals aimed at children and young adults. And a not insignificant number of children and teens are purchasing these spell-casting books and putting themselves in grave spiritual danger. Our local community just held a Harry Potter-themed "Wizarding Festival" in the biggest park in our township. Hundreds of children and teens showed up, who are obsessed with Harry Potter. Not far from my home an occult shop has opened up which sells tarot card, crystals, Wiccan paraphernalia, etc. The shop also sells psychic readings and other such occult offerings. And who runs and frequents this establishment? Young women in their early 20s who started on the journey into the occult by reading the Harry Potter books. You may argue that only a tiny percentage of children who read Harry Potter will start actually dabbling in the occult, and I would agree. However, that small percentage still represents thousands of children.
Yeah while I do think Harry Potter might have done that. I think other books might have done that like the bartimus trilogy that does show demon summoning or devil man.
is the priest Fr Chad Ripperger? Because He tells of an exorcism he performed where the seven demons possesing the person claimed to be the same seven demons that inspired Rowling to write the books
th-cam.com/video/LGNaruEYOE0/w-d-xo.html
Well said. I hold the same opinion. They subtly suck you into evil. That's how the devil works--he makes bad things seem good.
Running straight to read those books....
You're a blessing for pointing this out... One thing I've learnt from our modern society is that we don't know where nor when to draw the line even in the face of reason enough to move a mountain....
Am from Africa and this whole issue reminds me of some traditions we have wit masquerades...its targeted at young males, it's all fun n games in the beginning, watching them dancing and having them play n chase kids around, (some ppl believe it's nothing serious), till dese children want more and they're told to be initiated tru some real voodoo rituals promising some powers of some sort...( some cultures hold it as a rite of passage for male children) soon they either go forward to become wizards or end up in churches seeking deliverance from the demons they were consecrated to thru the rituals....
This might be a more serious example compared to seemingly sitting n watching a movie. But
One thing I ll point out is that these rituals and pagan activities are not superstitious, they're real...very very real. They keep saying its just a movie it's not the real rituals but I know what impact watching the passion of Christ had on me, I mean that's not even the real Jesus. Nor his disciples, we could say it's equally not real, but the countless number of impact it's made to people just watching it is undeniable.. Rowlings copied real rituals n added some moral strokes.. But we decide to see it as harmless, while exposing our young fragile generation to its impact..
may the spirit of God help us discern.
There is no such thing as the supernatural.
could you tell me the name of the opening sequence music in your videos.
Tolkien stated in an interview, that his works are substantially catholic.
I would look what kind of role model author is.
This is the difference.
Gandalf, Saruman,... are not wizards but angelic beings in tolkiens work, called wizards by Hobbits. Galadriel even mentiones it to Sam, wondering why the Hobbits call the works of evil and the works of Good in both instances magic.
It is not a pantheon of gods as tolkien stated that there is the Creator and a hirarchy of created beings.
Yeah, Brian is way off on LotR.
Harry Potter isn't J K Rowling's Biography
Also, how is Arda not like a pantheon of God's? Yes it has a sole creator, Eru Ilúvata, but Angels aren't necessarily how Tolkien describes Gandalf, Sauron etc.
@@lukeh567 Most certainly it is not her biography. But it is her work and what makes up her, is part of this book.
Regarding angels you are right, that they are not directly the same as angels in the Bible (having bodies, being able to create through the power of the One) yet that does not mean that they are not clearly the angelic beings in tolkiens works. Having a similar backstory to the ones in real life.
Yet there is only The One and there is a hirarchy, not a pantheon.
Tolkien states the following in an interview.
You can watch it on TH-cam "J. R. R. Tolkien discussing The Lord of the Rings (1960s Interview)" at about 2:48.
It shows why Tolkiens works are catholic. Because the matter of spiriutality is. It is not pantheistic, it is hirarchical.
"D. Gerrolt: If I can take this a bit further I may make my point clearer. In battle Frodo and Sam call on Galadriel or their native country, Gimli calls on his ancestor’s axe (if I read your appendices correctly) and the Men call ONLY on their swords by name or on their kings or lords. I would expect them to call on their gods. Yet amid thousands of names, you don’t name the deities of any the races you’ve invented, why? Have they no gods themselves?
J.R.R. Tolkien: There aren’t any.
D. Gerrolt: I would’ve thought a story of this sort was almost dependent upon an intense belief in some theocratic division, some hierarchy.
J.R.R. Tolkien: There is indeed. That’s where the theocratic hierarchy comes in. A man of the 20th century must, of course, see that you must have (whether he believes in them or not) you must have gods in a story of this kind. But he can’t make himself believe in gods like Thor and Odin, Aphrodite, Zeus, and that kind of thing.
D. Gerrolt: You can’t believe the men in your story would have called on Odin?
J.R.R. Tolkien: i couldn’t possibly construct a mythology which had Olympus or Asgard in it on the terms in which the people who’d worshiped those gods believed in. God is Supreme, the creator, outside, transcendent. The place of the “gods” is taken. So well taken that I think it makes no difference to the ordinary reader… is taken by the angelic spirits created by God, created before the particular time sequence which we call The World which is called in their language “Ea”, “That which Is”.. Which now exists…. THOSE are the Valar, the Powers… It’s a construction of geo-mythology which allows part of the demiurgic of a thing as being handed over to powers which are created therein under The One. It’s a bit like, but much more elaborate and thought out, than CS Lewis’ business with his Out of the Silent Planet where we have a demiurgus who is actually in command of the planet Mars…And the idea that Lucifer was originally the one in command of the world but he fell… so it was a silent planet… that was the idea, well this is not the same with me.
D. Gerrolt: Yes yes… So then you have in your theocracy you have an Ultimate One, whom you call…
J.R.R. Tolkien: He’s called The One only
D. Gerrolt: and then the Valar who are considered as living in Valinor.
J.R.R. Tolkien: This particular little group of them who moved from other parts… to this part because they became interested in it."
This basically makes a solid case since it is the authors own words.
God bless you and thank you for reading it :)
All the pagan religions had a god who was above other gods and hierarchy of beings. That is why many philosophers even before christianity (alongside Israel) denounced it as impossible - it can only be one God, because if there are two, one limits other or if there are lesser gods, they are not gods for God can't be "lesser."
Rowling also admitted to using Christian themes in her books. Not the whole magic thing, of course, but the lessons and morality.
The devil also uses christian themes. Remember that he presents himself as an angel of light.
Rowling also admitted attending witchcraft school, and there is solid evidence that the spells used in the movie are real.
@@gus.f762 Can you please provide a link with evidence that J.K. Rowling admitted to attending "witchcraft school"? I've heard that this is nothing more than a silly rumor without an ounce of truth to it. Thanks.
Gus. F where on Earth did you hear that?
@@gus.f762 Rowling never admitted that. You honestly need to consider whether you're on the side of truth or not.
That was an excellent video. I"m going to go and read ADDRESS TO YOUNG MEN ON THE RIGHT USE OF GREEK LITERATURE by Saint Basil. Thanks for the recommendation.
Background music?
Hello! What’s the song and composer in the intro?
When Dante invokes Apollo, is that ground that we should reject the Divine Comedy?
EinSofVirtuoso Dante also invokes Memory, and the Muses, and names about a dozen demons in the Inferno. So if the anti-HP crowd were consistent, they would ban the Divine Comedy. Pius IX laid a wreath on his grave in 1857, and Benedict XV marked 1921, the 600th year after his death, by praising the poet in an Apostolic Letter. Paul VI marked the 700th year after his birth, 1965, with a letter in praise of him. He has been studied, commented on, honoured and praised both by Catholics, and by many non-Catholics. He is by any standard one of the very greatest of poets - perhaps only Homer is his equal.
If HP is bad because those books name demons - though in actuality, they never name any - then it is irrational not to criticise Dante for naming demons. Milton names demons as well, in Paradise Lost.
But if the reasoning of the critics of HP were valid, Dante and Homer alike would have to be condemned as dangerous and anti-Christian. By such reasoning, a very large part of the Western canon of literature would have to be forbidden.
Dante does not introduce spell formulas in the Divine Comedy.
@@gus.f762 He doesn’t, but he does have other things in his poem that are regarded as bad when they appear in HP. Such as demons.
@@jamesmc04 That is not the center of the discussion in the HP problem. Detractors of HP do not condemn the series because it displays wizards and magic. They do so because the books contain actual spells, because the author went to a witchcraft school before writing the books, because she used automatic writing (which is a form of demonic channeling).
I wrote a response to Brian in his pinned comment. You can read my whole argument there.
Take care.
@@gus.f762 The presence of wizards and of magic in the HP books are indeed two of the reasons the HP books are criticised. Maybe we have heard or read different criticisms.
Harry Potter felt very cristian to me. One of the core thoughts from the books is to cherish your soul and the purity of your soul over any mortal desires or fears. Love is more powerfull than any magic, it is even stronger than death. All the ghoust are those who feard to go to the other sode and were actually in pain all the time, lost. Books encourage us to accept death, to fight dispare with hope, to not abuse those who are weaker than us. They show that you can always cure your soul if you confess and repent of your sins.
So excellent video 💖 gonna subscribe NOW!
Please share your thoughts on paganism & witchcraft with me. I was raised Baptist & am curious to know how different & similar Catholic & Protestant views are on this topic.
Fr Casey Cole, OFM on his own channel said he read the entire Harry Potter books seven times and was directly influential in his choice to be a priest.
So??? Got more info on that?
Kim Thames - Fr Casey has his own channel “breaking in the habit “ and is friends with Brian. They share the same subscribers for the most part.
Whereas Tolkien used his elements as a literary device to symbolize things, Rowling completely misses the mark by saying she got all of the ideas for this book within 6 minutes on a Eurorail... she literally said she went to witch school. I think we ought to rather listen to the priests who have exorcised children from reading the books, and movies, rather than people who think that because they are catholic, they can’t be harmed
It's a lie that Rowling went to witch school. Stop spreading it. Also, your argument that she misses the mark doesn't make any sense. People get into the occult also from reading Tolkien (witches say this all the time). Also, the Vatican exorcist Jose Antonio Fortea has defended Harry Potter and said that if you condemn them, why not Tolkien?
Krshwunk once again, Tolkien went to daily mass, was a traditionalist, Loved Chesterton... he was a virtuous man, unlike Rowling. You’re calling our Nations Top exorcist a liar then, which makes you a bold faced fool! Good day
Krshwunk th-cam.com/video/LGNaruEYOE0/w-d-xo.html
@@theromanbaron I have address this video many times. Please consult this video for a very thorough refutation of it:
th-cam.com/video/7CcPb3Q3wrw/w-d-xo.html
@@theromanbaron J.K. Rowling loves Chesterton as well. Her favorite poet is Hilaire Belloc. She's a Christian, not Catholic (in that way, she's like C.S. Lewis). She has explicitly stated that Harry Potter is a Christian work. Also, the Vatican exorcist Jose Antonio Fortea has defended Harry Potter. Is he a fool? Would you calling him a fool make you a fool?
I wish you would have addressed the cries of the exorcists
I haven’t heard of an exorcist that endorses the books
Is it prudent to ignore that?
You ONLY read books that are explicitly recommended by exorcists?
Matt other way around - I don’t read books that they explicitly condemn
I wonder if his take would be any different if the priest in question turned out to be yet another exorcist who doesn't approve the books.
But have you heard of one who condemns them
@@MikeyJMJ fr.ripperger explicitely condemns them because the spells used are actually used in real life
Thank you! I've been hoping someone would make a video on this topic for some time now!! Can you do a video on Game Of Thrones next?
I grew up reading the books and watching the movies, as did many of my cousins and younger members of my family, I was not aware of the darker/controversial themes which are not compatible with Catholisism.
As a convert to the Catholic Church, I became a Catholic after all the books and films had been released and I grew up with Harry Potter, and have been reprimanded for bringing it up from to time. I'm very aware that there are elements/themes in the books/films that contradict Catholic moral teaching and that they can in fact be dangerous to the faithful, at the same time, I also saw aspects of humanity, love, sacrifice, hope, redemption, as well as many evil human traits so I understand why many Catholics find the topic of Harry Potter to be very controversial. Please don't think I'm a heretic for posting this, please understand that I love the Catholic Church and will die a Catholic, this is just something I am still trying to understand, please be patient with me.
Thank you very much, Brian, for these explanations. You are making a very nuanced argument against censorship gone wild on the one hand, but also for carefully considered censorship on the other. I'm not a real fan of Harry Potter (too old for that, I guess), and I find certain things in the Harry Potter world completely ridiculous, but I've seen all the movies thanks to my children and have always been amazed by the desire to do good and to withstand and fight evil which is portrayed and endorsed in these movies. They also show very clearly what happens when you give in to the temptations of evil or cooperate with it, or are simply too careless and naive, e.g. by denying the existence of agents of evil (hint, hint ...). In short, whatever the author of the series first intended, or later tried to sneak in, they powerfully express our need for salvation (overlooking, of course, that salvation cannot be achieved by us or our human institutions - not even Hogwarts - but only through God's grace and Christ's sacrifice).
Really surprised by the amount of people still digging their heals in over their total rejection of Harry Potter. Brian has given a quick but pretty solid argument.
Here is my issue with the author of the Harry Potter series. The author claims to have received authoring inspiration for the books, from where, she claims not to know. She claimed that the books practically wrote themselves, like a stream of consciousness. Next point, she has a quote from the satanic baphomet image tattooed on her arm. The same quote that Cardinal Vigano warned President Trump about. Add this information to your collection of thoughts about allegory and what not. As Christians, we must be discerning. Always consider the messenger, not just the message.
I'm a big Harry Potter fan. There's certainly a lot of eye-rolling ignorance and misinformation that flies around Catholic circles when this subject comes up. In and of itself, for someone who can differentiate fantasy from reality, the books are harmless and great fun. That's not to say there aren't things to be concerned about though... I've seen actual witch groups try to piggyback off of fan's enthusiasm for the Hogwarts aesthetic to recruit people and sell stuff.
Wake up.
That’s a problem, not with the HP books, but with how some people misuse them. And with the wider culture.
If books ought to be banned because some people abuse them, the Bible ought to be banned. And historically, its reading has been restricted for that very reason.
@@jamesmc04 I don't know what you guys don't understand in "it has real occult incantations inside it".
Just that alone should make you think twice before even reading them, or put it in your kids' hands.
Says a lot about the author as well.
Verum There are no “occult incantations” in any of the 7 HP books. There are exercises of magical power, usually brought about by spells - but no incantations. And no invocations, either, despite what is sometimes claimed.
If Gandalf’s “word of power” to the Doors of Moria, when he says “Mellon !”, and they open, as commanded, is not objectionable; why is it objectionable for Hermione to say to a door “Alohamora !” ? Why is Tolkien not criticised for making Gandalf utter a spell, just as JKR is criticised for making her characters utter spells ? Either both authors are teaching magic & satanism - or neither author is doing so. And if Tolkien was teaching magic and satanism, whiy has his cause for beatification been opened ?
Some people cannot tell the difference between
(1) the use of magic as a means of bringing about magically-caused effects
(2) the presence of magic things in books, as plot devices.
Such people are not consistent. If they were, they would accuse Tolkien of teaching black magic in the chapter where he has Gandalf read out the Ring Inscription in the Black Speech invented by Sauron. Here are the last two lines:
Ash nazg durbatuluk, Ash nazg gimbatul
Ash nazg thrakatuluk, Agh burzum-ishi krimpatul.
Sauron their maker, who made the Ring, was a very powerful sorcerer. In The Hobbit, he is called The Necromancer. He is very evil, and yet Tolkien quotes one of his spells, in the original language. Where is all the indignation, and where are the accusations that Tolkien was teaching black magic ? Such arguments are noticeable for how seldom they are made. In the Silmarillion, good characters like Luthien Tinuviel use magic. But no-one who reads the Sil seems to object. The Sil even has demons - that is what Balrogs (like the one that killed Gandalf the Grey on Zirak-zigil) are.
It makes no sense to get all het up about the magic in HP, while saying nothing about that in Tolkien. If JKR were a Catholic and not a Presbyterian, it seems quite likely she would not be criticised by Catholics.
@@MystoRobot Are these "real occult incantations" enabling someone to do magic? No? Then how are they real?
Several Catholic exorcists have warned against children reading the Harry Potter books. One should discern better if this is something you'd want your child to read.
Some idiots think a fantasy series is demonic, I really can’t stand the crazy that is religious thought.
"But the truth is, that when a Library expels a book of mine and leaves an unexpurgated Bible lying around where unprotected youth and age can get hold of it, the deep unconscious irony of it delights me and doesn't anger me."
- Letter by Samuel "Mark Twain" Clemens to Mrs. Franklin G. Whitmore, 7 February 1907
Very thoughtful analysis, thank you for this. My family adores the books, particularly for the themes of redemptive love, sacrifice, and the fight against evil. I think they have a lot to offer the world, and J.K. Rowling herself is a Christian who has admitted her beliefs influenced the books. I think you're right to point out that we should proceed with caution when reading any 'pagan' literature in case of problematic themes/content, and the Potter books are no exception. But I do firmly believe the books have a lot of good to offer the world as well.
@Elizabeth Bennet Sorry, I don't think I'm fully understanding your reply! Could you elaborate for me?
@Elizabeth Bennet Rowling said she didn't believe in the kind of magic depicted in Harry Potter, to be clear.
this was an awesome video🥰but does this mean that i can read the Harry Potter books while being a christian? i’ve been a huge fan for a long time now, and i’m near the end of the third book!
(catholic)
Definitely read it, there's a lot to be gained and it's a wonderful piece of literature from our time.
How do you feel about the state of the Catholic Church?
Thank you for making this video! My family and I said goodbye to Harry Potter when we were informed by a good priest of its obvious pagan roots. We were huge fans of the books and movies and it was really hard to throw everything away. Only recently have we realized that if we are to banish Harry Potter from our house because of its pagan ideology then why are we letting LOTR off the hook?
Very good point at 7:00
Paganism is the root of everything; Literacy, architecture, the arts, the sciences, most of world literature. Every religion, including Christianity. The American Christian obsession with rooting out all that is even remotely pagan, is an exercise in futility. The Bible’s very name is derived from the name of Gubla, Byblos in Greek, a sea-port sacred to the goddess Isis. The whole of material reality is pagan in origin. Nothing is Christian in origin.
The answer? Tolkien vs J.K. Rowling. Tolkien is Catholic and have stated many thing about his books saying they are inspired from God. J.K. Rowling ... supports sin without any shame her view are basicly the basic anti-christian view of our time. Also J.K. Rowling said she had to read / get into occultism deeply so she can better write harry potter.
I read them to my kids. They thought they were make believe.
You're reading real spells when you read these books. For the love of God and the love of your children type in TH-cam "Fr. Ripperger Harry Potter" and just listen to the short explanation on why these books are so diabolical.
For more in depth conversation on the topic type "Sensus Fidelium Harry Potter"
@@LesIsMoreFilms There are no 'real spells' in Harry Potter. That is non-sense.
@@isoldam you'll learn the truth eventually. You won't be able to say you weren't warned. Exorcists have been clear on this topic. Over 60 demons are characters in the books. The spells they use are real spells - the same spells they use in witch covens. People have become possessed from the books (probably from reading out loud the spells) many exorcists have told us.
@@LesIsMoreFilms Not all exorcists condemn Harry Potter. Fr. Ripperger's accusations have been refuted. Consult this video:
th-cam.com/video/7CcPb3Q3wrw/w-d-xo.html
MattAndRob HumorShow 60 demons are named in HP ? OK - please name one.
There are more demons named in Paradise Lost or in Dante’s Divina Commedia - both of them literary classics greatly admired for centuries - than in HP. The Books of Enoch name 52 fallen angels - which is 52 more than are mentioned in HP. Here is the the list: www.jstor.org/stable/pdf/3260228 The article also lists 27 good angels.
I’ve never been a fan of the fantasy genre so did not bother with the books or movies, but your take on the Harry Potter phenomenon was very insightful. Seems that kids and parents should thread lightly with such works.
And what’s with folks way past their late teens dressing up and living (sort of speak) in this world of fantasy completely detached from reality? I get it, we need a break or escape from the hustle and bustle of every day life, some leisure time or a creative outlet but these folks take it to the next level. And it’s not just HP, but this whole subculture, which is cosplay/fantasy - its geek culture right? They seem unhinged. I’ve a passion for films but to allow it to encompass my whole life would be unsound.
Anyway, thanks for sharing.
Hi, Brian! Regarding the angels-gods controversy, are you familiar with Jonathan Pageau? He is a French-Canadian convert to Orthodoxy from Protestantism and a full-time Icon-carver and pop-culture commentator. He has very insightful ideas (he says he got from the Church Fathers) about principalities, demons and gods /watch?v=iSjHVN8Ziv4.
There was a saint who was shown hell and in hell she saw a young girl who was damned solely for the books she read.
This isn't a topic to be taken lightly.
I agree. Let's not take it lightly. Let's not condemn books lightly either.
I truly cannot see our just and merciful God sending someone to Hell for reading something...
That's not even grave matter.
I was a 4th grade teacher when Harry Potter exploded to the scene. Many kids were reading the books. (I was happy they were reading) I watched one Harry Potter movie but for this old cranky guy it was enjoyable but never watched anymore.
In the 1950s I loved the Judy Garland's 'Wizard of Oz' and would read several of the OZ books.
The way I was raised is that it was all pretend. A pretend story where good defeats evil. To me, Harry Potter is the same as the tooth fairy, Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, and the Great Pumpkin. They are the good guys.
I mean it’s a fantasy series, it’s imaginary.
Have you listened to Fr Don Calloway from 11 years ago about Harry Potter? Is worth listening to.
So, as a Catholic myself and other Catholics, religious or not, should read HP books for the good they have in it, but what about the bad?
I have many questions about this. Because I’ve read some HP books not all in particular. I really don’t find nothing wrong with the context of the stories, I find it more as in we can learn many things from these characters that the author provides in it. A sense of humbleness and obedience, like Harry’s character seems to be like. A humbled little orphan boy who is being attacked by his enemies the whole time to try to end his life. But at the end he, with the help of his friends, good beats evil. Can someone explain to me, is it morals to read this books? Or shall we banned them from our house, and not read them at all?
What about other books that have to do with evil spirits in them, such as thrillers I believe and so called scary books?
Idk too much to think about.
Someone finally said it like it is.
I tried reading HP years ago and dipped out after three or four chapters as I found the writing pedestrian and dull. I suppose someone could say my views are invalid because I didn't read it all but quite frankly, I don't need to drink a whole gallon of milk to know it's spoiled when one swallow will do. And that's really my problem with HP: "you shall know them by their fruits" and when the subject is HP, the fruits are division. I could excuse a little division if the books were any darn good, but instead it's a vicious battle for paltry stakes.
Yeah the tapestry is better, because that series while the good guys have "magic", the show the demon summoning as a bad idea. As for the good guys magic it's different from witchcraft in the story because they are born with powers.
So you didn’t like it therefore it must be bad. Go around thinking like that and you’ll soon find out how absurd you’re being.
@@teddyspaghetti9566 No, I didn't like it, therefore why waste another minute on it? Why have ugly and sinful fights about it? Not absurd at all.
@@scottgun From my understanding you’re saying Harry Potter is bad (sinful) because you didn’t like it. If this isnt what you mean then i apologise.
Saint Paul used a poem as a praise for Zeus in teaching the Gospel.
I like to point out to Christians who say we should only read and study the Bible that Paul was able to quote this pagan hymn from memory.
Well said! If you can't think in forms of pagan origin then the good lessons from philosophy would not have influenced St. Thomas Aquinas in creating early church theology. Need to read more about the books and knowledge you're talking about, thanks for sharing.
I never read them. I won't act like I know what was in these books. But what I do know is the author isn't a well intentioned person, she has claimed some spells were intentionally taken from satanic rituals, and that authorities like Father Ripperger are usually dead on. She keeps retconning her own characters as well. Might as well stick with Tolkien.
Edit: I *heard* she spoke about intentionally using real spells. To clarify, from a source I trust. I'm not on Twitter, or following her myself. I want to be honest. Thx
She did not use real spells, nor did she ever state she did. Closest is that she said some of the magic is based on what people used to believe magic could do.
Fr. Ripperger, as great as he is, is simply wrong about the series. Listen to both Brandon Vogt and Trent Horn, who recently addressed his specific arguments.
Back in the day i was an observant catholic and i managed to go through the first book of hp. Immedately I said: this is not in synch with my faith. Never read the rest and never was interested.
I'm no longer an observant catholic but I still feel the same about hp
Come back to the faith.
Also ... besides the fact that you FEEL Harry Potter is against the faith (which you don't practice), why do you THINK it's against the faith. Let's start thinking clearly.
@@Krshwunk I could make my point but it's too long in here.
By the way I keep the faith. I don't keep the traditions and I stay away from Catholic priests.
And hp IS against of the Catholics and the jehovas witnesses and the protestants and evangelists and many -many denominations which are based on the bible.
@@skojigoquist9288 - "I could make my point but it's too long in here."
I'm going to call you out on that. Please my your point. Don't just assert things without backing it up with something. It's not convincing.
@@Krshwunk ok. I read that book ten years ago and I differences the details I just remember the feeling that it's not cool.
I know you want to ignite an argument where you argue with your mind - while I have my heart filled with this feeling.
I'm not gonna go down on that alley because with people like you - it's not possible to win esp for pple like me. Find a priest who will analyze it for you in a Catholic manner.
I'm sorry I'm not into fights. I hope you understand this.
@@skojigoquist9288 That's fine. I encourage you to use your mind more. Feelings can be deceptive. By the way, most of the priests I know who have an opinion on Harry Potter approve of it. The American Conference of Catholic Bishops approve of it. The Vatican Council of Culture and the Vatican Newspaper approve of it. It's a fringe minority of Catholics who disapprove of it. I know you feel otherwise. But sometimes feelings are wrong. God Bless.
If you can't read Harry Potter, then you best dare not even GLANCE at a copy of the Iliad
As an ex practicing neopagan and a Catholic convert, I don't think those books had any sway in my religious choices. I always saw them as pure fantasy. I honestly don't know anyone who views the books in a spiritual manner other than Catholics. In fact, I used to use Harry Potter as an example of what paganism is NOT. "It's not like Harry Potter." That having been said I agree that it's still on a person to person basis. For some kids it could cause confusion. One would hope the parents would be able to see that. I can also understand a parent disallowing it in their house until the child is a discerning adult.
Excellent exposition there, I enjoyed your argument on Harry Potter. I've read the books and watched the movies, and other than they seem to use words in Latin as "magic", I didn't think about that aspect of the books. They showed a variety of families, Harry's miserable situation and Ron's messy-but-happy family, so I didn't see it as anti-family or anti-adult. Anyone who bans Harry Potter but allows South Park cartoons is a flaming hypocrite on that account. South Park is smartass toxic.
My 2 children thought the Harry Potter books were silly, for little kids who felt dissatisfied with life being dictated to them. Lord of the Rings they said was mistakenly categorized as fantasy, it was simply a war movie in fancy costumes. O..K.. I asked for their thoughts and got them, they were more into anime, Studio Ghibli productions going over far better than anything Disney.. It's interesting to watch how infants evolve into people, and be able to guide that a bit.
"But the truth is, that when a Library expels a book of mine and leaves an unexpurgated Bible lying around where unprotected youth and age can get hold of it, the deep unconscious irony of it delights me and doesn't anger me."
- Letter by Samuel "Mark Twain" Clemens to Mrs. Franklin G. Whitmore, 7 February 1907
Lol I find this kinda funny because they allow us to participate in Halloween instead celebrations for all saints day which was celebrated similar to what we do for Halloween 🤷♂️
St Basil recommended reading Greek text as an instrument to teach how to identify what to accept and not to accept. He said it was to identify a 'sirens song'. This is far different than reading HP for entertainment purposes as many do. Basil was addressing young men in this document, not young children. Many children who read HP a) aren't armed with maturity to decern the differences and b) aren't told to ready HP with an accusing eye to identify that which is good and that which only has the appearance of it, as Basil recommended. While HP may have some virtues on display, those virtues are intertwined with the summoning of magic to achieve goals. Magic has no place in the Catholic Church and is generally considered sourced from the occult.
As a catholic I think you can watch read it but DONT try any spells or things don’t let it influence you
It’s interesting that you criticize people for commenting on HP when we haven’t read it. If I believe a book or series may have demonic influence on my family, then why in the world would I read it? And I did read the first book in college. I’d rather read amazingly good books, not so-so books. So, even if the claims that it’s demonic might be incorrect, it’s not worth it to me when they’re not really on par with the classics or even current exceptional literature. At least I was underwhelmed by the first one.
Angela Hancock How can people possibly be qualified to say that books are demonic, or contain the names of demons, if they have not even bothered to read them ? It is a sin to accuse an author of writing about demons, when that author has not done so. It is intolerable that people tell lies about authors, when, with a bit of effort, they could have checked the facts, so as to make certain whether what they were going to say was true - or was not. It is immoral to state as true anything that one is not convinced is true. People have a right to their good reputation, and ig is both theft and fraud to deprive them of it by saying things against them that are false. Lying is always a sin, no matter what the excuse.
I trust exorcists who say that they are unsafe as well as those heavily involved in the occult. Perhaps they are fine, but I prefer to err on the side of caution with reputable people saying their at least questionable. And JK Rowling is anything but a great person for Catholics to trust. She’s a HUGE proponent of LGBT and toxic feminism.
@@angelahancock7916 Rowling is stated that she a Christian and that Harry Potter is a Christian work. Secular humanists have complained that Harry Potter supports traditional gender roles (and it does).
@Ναζωραῖος She said Dumbledore was gay, but that's not a promotion of homosexuality. She said that his youthful homosexual attraction to Grindelwald (an early pre-Voldemort wizard) almost made Dumbledore turn to the dark side. She said that from then on, for the rest of his life, Dumbledore lived a celibate life. That is, incidentally, what the Church calls people to do who have same-sex attraction ... live a celibate life.
The biggest problem with Harry Potter is that the stories lead children to believe that "good" witches and magic exist. And that the occult can be a good thing.
I'm a little shocked that Brian missed this. Perhaps some of that bias he was speaking about is showing.
Good magic and good witches can exist ... in fantasy. Also, the books never say that the "occult" is a good thing.
well he did imply it in listing the arguments against Harry potter.
Um.. Kids aren't actually that dumb... And if that's the case then just don't let your kids read/watch them till they're 12 or something. They also won't get much out of the story before then.
EXACTLY
I guess they can't watch the wizard of oz, then.
Or Tolkien (no matter how many mental gymnastics one does, Gandalf is still called a wizard).
Or Doctor Strange.
Or Narnia.
Or the Smurfs.
I could go on.
There are very few people who have this weakness to be influenced by the occult, and those people alone are the only ones who need to stay away from entertainment such as this.
Many adults who think HP is demonic are the same people who read fairytales to their children, let them see Starwars, and let kids read The Witch, the Lion, & the Wardrobe. What do they think " the Force" is if not magic? C S Lewis was a Christian writer and much of what he wrote in his stories are echoed in HP. HP is just a modern version of the same story. I would ban HP only if the child in question had trouble differentiating between reality and fantasy, or if they had violent mental issues. Parents should read the same books that their children read so there can be discussion.
I agree with your take on the magic and pagan influences and it's interesting to hear you quoting the church fathers on similar subjects.However, I really do wonder why people spend so much time either condemning or defending these books. They are not great literature. Not even close. Once you've read the first book, you pretty much figured out the pot for the whole rest of the series.I have never really promoted them for my children just because I think there are a million other books which can teach the same lessons any more artistic and interesting way.
They should ban Harry Potter books because most of them are poorly written by a hack writer.
But not all of them are written by a hack writer?
Shame they removed a Christian allegory from the bookshelves
Yep ... crucifying Christ all over again, as it were.
Hello, Sir! As a protestant I wish to thank you for your videos which often unpack the cluttered suitcase of thinking and hang up the clothes of faith and facts in very good order.
Your comments on Luther sent me scurrying to read up on the context of his supposed saying that reason is the enemy of faith. Usually you are so good at looking at context, but here, I suggest, a little less so, at least judging by the articles I've read just now. Here is an article, a response to Dawkins who used Luther's words as a weapon to attack the whole Christian faith, not just Protestantism....
I point you especially to the comments about coming to the cross, and the swimming analogy.
PS I love your analogies! So often helpful. Keep up the great work. YIC, FoA
Thankyou, as Lutheran, I was going to say the same thing. Otherwise, Mr. Holdswrth is really on point.
The Harry Potter series was outlined by Rowling to be a Christian allegory. She didn't say this to begin with as she didn't want to potentially spoil the ending, but it is a terrific series with clear messages that are inherently Christian. JK Rowling was a regular attendee of Christian Church and was influenced by CS Lewis. She used Latin words for spells, but, I'm pretty sure saying "Lift up from the ground" in Latin will not defy the laws for physics. The later books demonstrate evil in a very dark way, which is disturbing, but none of the books are a "how to" for getting revenge on your cousin, the way I've heard them described by some uninformed Christians. ;)
I avoid HP, not because of witchcraft, but because I find it mediocre lol
@@elizabethkraszewski6603 Yep...poorly written derivative pulp. Read Tolkien (who was a VERY devout Christian) instead.
Kids who've read Harry Potter end up with a sort of obsession most times. Ive seen this (I've read the series myself). Obsession with Harry Potter leads to these kids trying out the spells, wishing to be magical, and resenting their muggle-ness (I struggled with these feelings when I read it as a child). A kid I knew tried to even make the spells work, and I helped him.
An obsession with Lord of the Rings or such books don't lead to that (correct me if I'm wrong). They lead to kids using their imagiantions, and since it is so out of the relm of reality, they don't hope and pray for a letter to arrive in the mail for a school of magic. Harry Potter is too close to reality (being based in the muggle world) and that's what gets kids so enamored with it.
I know HP has good lessons and virtues, I don't think it's necessarily evil or anything. I just don't see why it should be bothered with reading. I won't introduce it to my kids, there's plenty of other literature of much more significance and talent that doesn't risk kids with demons *at all* and isn't written by a feminist phycopath.
- "Kids who've read Harry Potter end up with a sort of obsession most times."
Statistics?
- "Ive seen this (I've read the series myself)."
Anecdotal evidence?
- "A kid I knew tried to even make the spells work, and I helped him. An obsession with Lord of the Rings or such books don't lead to that (correct me if I'm wrong)."
Except that it can. Your personal experience is not the end-all.
- "I know HP has good lessons and virtues, I don't think it's necessarily evil or anything."
... all right then.
- "there's plenty of other literature of much more significance and talent that doesn't risk kids with demons at all and isn't written by a feminist phycopath."
Harry Potter has proven to be something of great significance. It risks kids with demons? Details? J.K. Rowling is a psychopath? Do you have psychological evidence of this? Psychopaths can be identified empirically with brain scans. Do you have a brain scan of her? If not, do you have some other kind of verifiable test that J.K. Rowling is a psychopath? If not, what led you to believe she was a psychopath? I'm interested.
@@Krshwunk "But the truth is, that when a Library expels a book of mine and leaves an unexpurgated Bible lying around where unprotected youth and age can get hold of it, the deep unconscious irony of it delights me and doesn't anger me."
- Letter by Samuel "Mark Twain" Clemens to Mrs. Franklin G. Whitmore, 7 February 1907
I really appreciate this balanced approach.
.. or you could elaborate and have a dialogue with the readers about the content of the book so there is no misunderstanding and the readers are enlightened, you know, instead of outright banning it 🤦🏻♂️
As someone who watched the movies and is very familiar with the books. I have chosen to not allow my children to read it based on what Father Chad Rippinger ( exorcist) and what Zacahary King (ex satanist) have said. The books are often using names or real demons and real hexes. It has also become a gateway for Wicca for some. I choose to play it safe and avid it.
I do love Fr. Ripperger but where are the real hexes??? Expelliarmus and alohamora are definitely legit...Crucio too lol
Fr. Ripperger has been discredited about everything on this topic. He has not been able to explain what he means by real names of demons or hexes in Harry Potter. No one else has either. It's very concerning. Maybe someone has gotten to him.
I'm not a big Harry Potter fan. I used to be and I loved the books as a kid. I just kind of grew out of it the more I read from better authors and the story, frankly, ended pretty lamely. Still, this debate has irked me for years. I see some merits in the story, though the writing isn't great and Rowling's Twitter revisions are just painful, but when you have legit exorcists saying some of the names in the books are actually demonic and should be avoided and all the rest of it... honestly, I can't see the books themselves as particularly evil, but I don't have my kids read them just because there are SO many better books that don't have these issues or the whole "all adults are useless, uninformed morons" bit. I'd just rather read them Patricia C Wrede or Brandon Mull, I guess. 🤷♀️ What creeps me out is how utterly enthralled my generation is to these books. There's little foreshadowing that pays out, showing a lack of planning and forethought. There's a lot of wasted time. Quidditch makes 0 sense. Neville is sorely under utilized. Harry is obnoxious. Ron and Hermione are a terrible match. The time turner is just painful.... I could go on, but meanwhile someone is busy founding a Sunday morning group dedicated to Harry Potter discussion and replacing church attendance. It's just kind of sad that we never grew out of it as a generation, I guess.
-"some of the names in the books are actually demonic"
Which names are demonic? Please provide clear evidence.
- "There's little foreshadowing that pays out, showing a lack of planning and forethought"
I've heard it argued that no other series has more setups and pay offs than Harry Potter. This is probably one of the reasons why the series is so satisfying to millions of people. Honestly, what besides the Bible does this better? Obviously this is an intricately complex question ... which you will probably not answer.
- "Quidditch makes 0 sense."
Quidditch makes some sense. The points gained by the Seeker grabbing the snitch could have been ... less. (I hear you on this though)
- "Neville is sorely under utilized."
Interesting claim. More.
- "Harry is obnoxious."
I didn't find this to be the case ever, though some indeed have. The word "obnoxious" is a loaded term. Can you unpack this a bit? A little bit?
- "Ron and Hermione are a terrible match."
Perhaps you're right. Details?
- "The time turner is just painful."
It's actually one of the few instances of fictionalized time travel that makes sense. That's right. I said it. Think about it. If you refuse to do so, then I ask me about it ... and I will do the thinking for you.
- "meanwhile someone is busy founding a Sunday morning group dedicated to Harry Potter discussion and replacing church attendance"
Is this a figure of speech or do you know someone who is doing this?
- "It's just kind of sad that we never grew out of it as a generation, I guess."
That's what every person has ever said when lamenting about a new classic.
@@Krshwunk To answer the portions of this that matter and aren't simple literary criticism (though I'd love to see where you're getting the foreshadowing argument) :
The demonic names thing is something Fr. Ripperger, an experienced exorcist who has founded an order dedicated to forming exorcists, has said. The Church doesn't like to name demons or angels not explicitly named in the Bible, but exorcists are often privy to such information as they deal with these things in person, so Fr. Ripperger declined in his commentary to specify. He is among those who strongly discourages reading the books, but doesn't seem to have read them himself, but that particular criticism stuck with me. I can't prove it, of course, but clearly I am not the biggest fan anymore in the first place and it's just one more knock against it.
The reading group thing was something I recall being reported. I believe it was in Portland.
@@RandaEd -"Fr. Ripperger, an experienced exorcist who has founded an order dedicated to forming exorcists. "
Similarly, Jeremy Davies, the exorcist of London, co-founded the International Association of Exorcists. He says Harry Potter is not demonic. The moral of the story is that exorcists are not in agreement on this issue, no matter their credentials.
- "The Church doesn't like to name demons or angels not explicitly named in the Bible."
Then unfortunately their argument against Harry Potter is not valid. If they will not provide actual evidence, they are committing the fallacy of self-authority. But if it's merely going to be a matter of authority, I would argue that bishops have more authority than exorcist-priests, and the US Conference of Catholic bishops have repeated defended Harry Potter. I'm going to trust them.
-"The reading group thing was something I recall being reported. I believe it was in Portland."
Can you be more specific?
@@Krshwunk Suit yourself. I'm not arguing that the books should be banned. All I said was that it's not what I give to my own children for the reasons I stated (which, you'll note that the religious reasons are largely just tangential, I don't like the writing, character archs, hype, revisions, culture, or certain thematic elements either) and because there are so many other authors I'd prefer to offer them instead who, I think, are better in a number of ways. I said that what bothers me is the number of people in my own acquaintance who defend the HP books as though they were religious texts whenever someone, like myself here, even says, "meh, they're ok." I get fandom. I've been there. I'm a geek myself, but I do know a few people who treat HP with a bit more religious fervor than seems healthy.
If you like HP though, I do highly recommend Brandon Mull's books. Beyonders and Fablehaven are both fantastic youth fantasy series.
@@RandaEd If Harry Potter is merely not to your preference ... that's fine. Obviously, there are fans that take it too far. That's true about a lot of franchises, of course.
Why doe he look lile Sirius Balck?
dirty blonde sirius😌
In that same year on Hallowe'en, James' love for his wife and son caused him to stand face to face with the darkest wizard in a century (Lord Voldemort) on his own in an effort to give them time to escape. Also in the same night, Lily's love for her son Harry protected him from Lord Voldemort. He became the only known person in history to survive the Killing Curse, because of the power of Lily's loving sacrifice.[16][17] However, it could be that while love was the motive, the cause of Harry's protection was that Lily had lured Voldemort into a binding magical contract so that having killed her, he would be unable to kill Harry, because he had already promised to spare Lily, and only her offer allowed him to kill her.
I wish he had addressed the claim that the spells in the book are actual spells. I'm not arguing for either side at all. Just something that has been talked about a lot in arguments not in favor of Harry Potter.
William Cloud
You certainly have access to the anti-Catholic playbook and talking points.
William Cloud Just go away to whatever denomination you ascribe to. This is a discussion for serious Catholics.
There are a lot of spells in Harry Potter and most of them are inspired on old European folklore. It wouldn't surprise me if some of them happen to resemble real spells; however Brian already said in the video that all the critics he read was from people unfamiliar with the books, and if that's the case they were not pointing to specific spells but to unsubstantiated rumors.
About Brian addressing that point by himself, I think he would need to know occultism to be able to know which spells are based on real ones, and I don't think learning that is worth it for somebody like him, because he is not an exorcist.
Lastly, the argument that Brian said it holds regardless where the inspiration of the fictionalized spells comes from.
Mike Irish, Trent Born does. Check out his podcasr, the Counsel of Trent.
Trent Horn.
Honestly I think the fact the author is such a poor role model is enough for me to not want my kids to read harry potter
Don't forget the memes that came out of that said author's twitter feed because of her actions.
There is a fake twitter account of JK Rowling if you said so because of some tweets you may reconsider it.
@@luisoncpp Just got back from searching it and you're right. My bad. I thought it came from that interview about that relationship between dumbledore and grimdewald and just snowballed from there.
@Shameless Papist Fantastic point ... especially considering Rowling and Henry VIII are now both important potentates of English history at this point. My tragically plausible fear is that IF fundamentalist/pharisaic Christians had not turned against Rowling (who herself admitted she was Christian and that her work was likewise fundamentally Christian at its core) she would not have felt betrayed by the very religion she sought to promote. Instead, she did feel betrayed (because ... she was betrayed) ... and perhaps wavered, sliding into the secular rapids ... manifested on twitter and the like.
Wow, I am surprised. I went to a charismatic church and everyone hated Harry Potter. But here is so much understanding and the recognision of the teachings that can be positive.
this is great!