Real, Strange News

As Emerson Spartz of mugglenet.com said on the topic, "Ever seen a fly crash itself repeatedly into a transparent pane of glass, never quite getting the hint? Yeah."

Does she really think she's doing any good? Honestly as a teen myself I can say that any kid would probably be more interested in Wicca because she's publicizing it so much. I had barely heard of the religion before this whole thing started oh... 2 years ago now? This is just getting ridiculous.

To call her a fly banging its head against glass is both a compliment to her and an insult to flies. I hope her kids all fall in love with Harry Potter.

Some people just don't learn...

The only problem is that she won't let her kids read Harry Potter. Even if Harry Potter does promote Wicca, that is insinuating that Wicca is evil, even though there is Freedom of Religion in America... Along with Freedom of the Press... Although I must admit that there is also freedom of speech, so she obviously has a right to do this. However, her logic is about as flawed as a... ... ... I really don't know what to compare her ignorant logic to... I can't think of anything low enough to represent her!!

Earendil_Mithrandir

Who wants to place a bet on how many times she is going to try and appeal their decision over... and over... and over... and over again? I think there should be a law passed limiting the number of appeals on a single case... Or is that law already in place?

She is free to argue what she wants. The Bible is very clear about its stance on witchcraft and blasphamy. Harry Potter is far from holy.

As an English teacher, I have attended many meetings to defend works of literature. In all of them, so far, not one of the protesters had read the entire book.

Well, Ken. Harry Potter doesn't have to be holy - it's a fictional children's book.

Note Kens logic: only 'holy' books should be in schools, only books that pass the muster of Ken and his (I'm sure) very warped reading of the bible. Thanx Ken, for reminding us what's out there, ready to spring when we let our guard down.

There is nothing wrong with wanting are youngsters to read the holy works of God. We sure would have less violence if schools made them read the works of Jesus and not the works of Potter.
GO LAURA GO!

Things were so much better when we could just feed them to the lions.

Why would anyone ever want to read anything than the Holy Bible?

Feed who, the children or the non-believers?

Feed who, the children or the non-believers?

I like God just fine, it's his fan club I have a problem with.

Ghandi said it best, I love Christ, but I hate Christians, or wait was that Chris Rock? Either way, this woman is crazy and social services should take away her kids before something bad happens over there.

Funny how no over-zealous Christians ever ban or burn copies of Cinderella. That girl bent witchcraft to suit her own selfish purposes of going to a party and hooking up with a guy, yet it remains a time-honored classic in the most devout of homes.

Cinderella is a fairy tale rooted in christianity. That's completely different from Harry Potter which makes magic seem cool. Nice try.

Unbelivable the ignorance of people! There are more faiths out there than just Christianity.

I'm glad someone has the courage to call someone like this an "idiot." Kudos to you!

I've been battling Christian bigots for years. I find their Bible to be one of the most repulsive texts ever composed, full of horror and perversion. I say we should ban the Bible.

Acharya S
Author of "The Christ Conspiracy: The Greatest Story Ever Sold"
http://www.truthbeknown.com/christ.htm

The idiots are the ones who are marching of their own valition directly into the gates of hell. Happy Trails!

People please grow up it is a book about the trials of growing up. If she is to stupid to read (if she even can) the book before she comments on it then she should crawl back under the church pew she came from. Really like witches are tring to get childern to join them,we give birth to our own. I will say this she may have a few after her by now.

People please grow up it is a book about the trials of growing up. If she is to stupid to read (if she even can) the book before she comments on it then she should crawl back under the church pew she came from. Really like witches are trying to get children to join them,we give birth to our own. I will say this she may have a few after her by now.

Ive read and seen Cinderella many times in several different versions and i don't recall any christian roots in it. I just cant believe some people are so ignorant they attack a fictional story without even knowing what its about. The majority of the people in harry potter are good. God forbid you dont put your 10% in Laura's church collection box, you'll be eternally damned for not keeping the preacher in his half million dollar house.

Witchcraft and wizardry are denounced very clearly in the Bible. Christians are warned to stay away from it. Harry Potter is fantasy. Everyone knows that. From a Christian standpoint, witchcraft is very real and very dangerous (Wiccans, that's the belief, period. No point in arguing). I appreciate that this mother wants to protect her children, but imposing her will by banning a book isn't going to do that. If she wants to ban the book in her home, fine, that's her prerogative.

I am a Christian, but I also firmly believe in free will and full disclosure. Growing up I was always encouraged to read anything I wanted to read, but if I was ever discouraged from reading something, they explained WHY (please note the word "discourage" not "forbidden"), and then I chose. Sometimes I chose not to read the book, but it was my choice. Now, as an adult, I've learned to NEVER underestimate the intelligence of a child. If someone doesn't want THEIR child, or anyone else's from reading a certain book, then the parent should explain his/her reason to the child and trust the child's judgment and let them decide.

If Wicca is a religion then public school tax funds should not be spent promoting it!

I am a Christian and also a huge Harry Potter Fan. I currently attend a Bible College than has the Harry Potter books in their library. The decision made by the board was based upon the fact that though Harry Potter is based upon Witchcraft and Wizardry it is most importantly a book of fantasy. The witchcraft and wizardry in these books do not resemble anthing remotely like witchcraft in Wicca.

A look at The Lord of the Rings shows a wizard and magic galore, and yet it was written by a Christian author who wanted to state something about faith. Laura and anyone else that tries to state that Harry Potter promotes witchcraft should try flying a broomstick around.

Christians are many times the worst at making Christianity look bad. The best place to know what Christianity should be like shouldn't look to other Christians, but instead look to the one it was founded on, Our Lord Jesus Christ who loved all.

You bible bumpers are wat make our country the laughing stock of the world

"She is free to argue what she wants. The Bible is very clear about its stance on witchcraft and blasphamy. Harry Potter is far from holy."

The idiots are the ones who are marching of their own valition directly into the gates of hell. Happy Trails!"

"If Wicca is a religion then public school tax funds should not be spent promoting it!"

And tax bucks should get spent to fund vouchers that send kiddies to christian schools???

Jeze I wish ALL you Bible thumpers would learn to just NOT to read something if you don't want to read it but go off and pray ore somethign and leave everybody else the fudge alone!!

Feed who, the children or the non-believers?

Posted by: Dale | January 19, 2007 11:34 AM

Uh, Dale - Check your history - it was always the Christians who were fed to the lions (typically by the Romans).

If Wicca is a religion then public school tax funds should not be spent promoting it!

Posted by: | January 19, 2007 05:03 PM

Wasn't aware that school tax funds were spent promoting it...oh you mean books in the library...well, you do realize that the study of religion(all religion) is done in colleges across the country and your tax dollars go to fund those institutions where you'll find books on Wicca, Buddism, Taoism, Islam, Judaism, and even Christianity [soul wrenching shudders]. Now if you're talking about FICTIONAL book such as the Harry Potter series...I have read the entire series as well as watched every movie released so far. Not once, anywhere, within the books or the movie do they mention Wicca.

I think the Christian Bible thumpers just feel threatened because they know they are losing more and more followers due to their ignorant, unseemly, prosteltizing.

You satan woreshipers make me sick! How dare you criticize a mom defending her kids.

There is nothing wrong with wanting are youngsters to read the holy works of God. We sure would have less violence if schools made them read the works of Jesus and not the works of Potter.
GO LAURA GO!

Posted by: Bible Bill | January 19, 2007 10:41 AM

I find the above statement offensive and ignorant. Why is it that we must make this an either/or situation. I will have no problem reading my Bible to my kids and also reading them Harry Potter. (and by the way, HP doesnt cause violence.)

Plus, and I know this has been stated before but it continues to blow my mind anyway. The people who want HP banned have no problem saying The Chronicles of Narnia and Lord of the Rings are great, Christian works. Chronicles of Narnia definitely are just that-CS Lewis wrote them as a direct Christian allegory. There is no mistaking that and LOTR, well, if you people would read the Potter books you would see that LOTR is very, VERY similar to the HP books. Both have good and bad wizards, both have a fated, seemingly insignificant character who must face his fate as the one who has to face ultimate evil. All three have good magic in them. All three, whether on purpose or not have Christian symbolism in them. (Hello?!? Harry's mother laying down her life for her child! And mark this part: she was offered the chance to live if she stepped aside but she would not. IF THAT IS NOT SYMBOLIC OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOR THEN I DONT KNOW WHAT IS!)

If you are going to try to combat something, do your research. I find it sickeningly hysterical that those of you who oppose the HP books havent even read them. You need to know your enemy if you want to fight them with knowledge and wisdom about what you are saying. And Mrs. Mallory to you I say, if you are going to take out HP on the grounds of it supporting witchcraft (which it doesnt) then you are unfortunately going to have to take out not only the books with magic (Narnia, LOTR, Cinderella) but you also have to take out all books with Christianity in them or any other religion. I wouldnt want that at all myself. I think you need to take a long, hard look at what you're saying and what youre asking.

For some insight on how kind and loving the Bible really is....Read the book of Joshua.
If she is so devout in her religion, let her not forget Timothy 2:11-2:12 Let the woman learn in silence with ALL subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to upsurp authority over the man, but to be in SILENCE. Or, 1Cor 14:34 Let your women keep SILENCE in the churches; for it is NOT permitted unto them to SPEAK; but THEY ARE COMMANDED to be under the obedience, as also saith the law. And if they will learn ANY thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.

That is ALL New Testament. Maybe she should shut up and color, or else be labeled a hypocrite. Too bad some Pagans know the Bible better than most Christians.

Rev Pat
Priestess

P.S. Joshua...Old Testament

PS nothing. Narnia is a metaphore for Jesus. The lion is a symbol of Jesus. Harry Potter is a symbol of the devil. Hagggard... well I won't call him Peter or certainly not Jesus, but he is tempted by potters evil how many times? I have read both and the similarties are staggaring.
Let me say it should be up to parents about who reads what. Laura Mallory, God bless her, cannot hope to win, but she is a saint doomed to fail. We unfortunately cannot prevent Harry Potter in school but only so that we can demonstrate true evil. Kids are smart enough to know the difference and if not parents will show them. But do not be fooled ye of little faith. The Devil knows what he is doing.

The Lion - Symbol for Leo - Astrologica. Just as the Magi, They were astrologers!

P.S. = Post Script....in reference to the 2 posts mentioned above. The Book of Joshua is OLD Testament.

I see you read like Laura Mallory.

Prove to me there is a Hell without using any Biblical refrences, or references from any Abrahamic religon. If you can't do that, you must know from experience?

Ms Mallory's worldview should remind us all of the dangers when churches can use state power.

Unfortunately, real witch hunts AND lynchings are NOT a thing of the past.

World Watch Institute reports many hundreds every year.

I have begun a running tally of DOCUMENTED lynchings of alleged witches at http://www.paganinstitute.org/PIR/world_pagan_news.html

I'd like to "present you with roses" on our Media Watch page: http://www.paganinstitute.org/PIR/media_watch.html

Please give me permission to use this brief quote (with a link to your blog)

"Ms. Mallory's dogmatic persistence may actually end up driving more children to read Harry Potter. In a time when faith is mired by extremism, and reading is at an all time low, perhaps she feels the only way to teach the concepts of poetic justice and the dangers of close-minded fanaticism is through a polemic gesture. If not, she is demonstrating a line of thinking that makes the Salem Witch Trials seem almost rational."
Source: http://blog.washingtonpost.com/offbeat/2007/01/harry_potter_vs_laura_mallory.html
Accessed Jan. 20, 2007

Thank you

Christa Landon, ed. Pagan Institute Report
editor@paganinstitute.org

"The lion is a symbol of Jesus. Harry Potter is a symbol of the devil. Hagggard... well I won't call him Peter or certainly not Jesus, but he is tempted by potters evil how many times? I have read both and the similarties are staggaring."

Gabe could you explain the above quote...you lost me somewhere...what or who is "Haggard"? and when is he tempted by "potters evil" (apparently you are inferring) 3 times?

Gabe, have you read the LOTR? I am assuming you have read Narnia by your above statements, is this true? Why is it ok for Lewis to use magic in a Christian way or for Tolkien to use the exact same set-up as Rowling has (good and bad wizards, good and dark magic, both have what characters refer to as "the dark lord", (who is by the way, the villain in the story of HP and LOTR, not the hero), both have Christ figures, both have no push toward any type of religion, both have objects empowered with magic for both good and evil...etc...etc...). YET I will wager to bet that you have no want to take the Tolkien books off the shelves of our children's libraries. I would even wager to bet that you do not find anything wrong with them at all and probably, like many other Christians, like the books and movies.

I have a hard time understanding why anyone would pick one set of books to despise and deplore and yet you will totally ignore the exact same themes and plot within an even more established book and moreso, will hold those books up as examples of great literature. For those of you who say there is a great difference in LOTR and HP you havent read both series. It is glaringly apparent of the sameness within them. Both Tolkien and Rowling based their works on mythological works and in both you can find the same archetypes and religious symbolism as the other. That is fact. If youre going to love one, love the other, if you are going to hate one, hate the other. Be consistent if you want anyone to take you seriously.

Gabe you are an idiot. Have you ever even read Harry Potter?

The thing that is being opposed here is open-mindedness. Open, informed minds are empowered and able to make choices, thanks to a broader base of knowledge. Knowledge and intellect tend to knock the ignorance right out of people, making it hard to keep believing in silly, superstitious nonsense. That, my friends is why cud-chewing fundamentalists oppose reading anything besides the Bible. Insert any extra information into a brain-washed mind and suddenly that dusty old tome looks like exactly what it is - an outdated moral allegory. Sorry, folks, but most of your beloved book was written waaaayyyy after Jesus died. He didn't really have a whole lot to do with it. Also, the Catholic Church picked carefully which gospels to allow in the edited version. There are about fifteen that were thrown out because they were too liberal for their taste. So, fundamentalists, listen up: your're reading a carefully edited version of a work of fiction. You keep your books away from us and I promise we won't come knocking on your doors to deliver any Harry Potter. to you. If you don't have enough authority in your own house to brainwash your kids, don't ask the government to do it for you.

An afterthought:

Fear not, friends of thought and reason. Queen Elizabeth I's banning of Machiavelli's the Prince made it the most read of book of it's day - and THAT was a proclamation from the Queen of England. I hardly think a black-toothed dirt farmer from Georgia can achieve quite that level of authority. And before anyone goes getting all upset about my trashing Georgia, I'm from the South, and I'm sick and tired of people like Big-Mouth-Mallory making us all look like ignorant hill people. Some of us don't act like we're still living in the 1800's.

Thanks, Laura Mallory, for showing the world that America has its fair share of brainless hicks. Oh, wait, they already knew that.

When I read this sort of thing I am reminded of the answer HP author JK Rowling gives when people ask her if Harry Potter promotes devil worship:

"No, you're a lunatic."

Simple, to the point, effective, true.

I do wish some Christians would stop being so judgemental and defensive, both of which are nothing more than self-defeating tactics. Of course, most people in general should know by now not to judge an entire group by a few, and those who make such a mistake are as ignorant as those whom they judge.
I am a Christan who loves the Harry Potter books. Laura's children don't have to read the books, and I respect that decision. However, I will certainly read Harry Potter to my children, while raising them to be good-hearted like Harry, determined like Hermione, loyal like Ron, and loving like Jesus.

"I will certainly read Harry Potter to my children, while raising them to be good-hearted like Harry, determined like Hermione, loyal like Ron, and loving like Jesus."
Don't you feel guilty of hypocracy and blasphamy by violating the Bible with comments like this? People are entitled to freedom of religion, but please don't insult my faith by comparing to witchcraft. You cannot have it both ways!

"she is a saint doomed to fail. We unfortunately cannot prevent Harry Potter in school"
There is nothing wrong with the Harry Potter series, however there is something wrong with your head.

"Knowledge and intellect tend to knock the ignorance right out of people, making it hard to keep believing in silly, superstitious nonsense. That, my friends is why cud-chewing fundamentalists oppose reading anything besides the Bible"

Here, Here!

"Don't you feel guilty of hypocracy and blasphamy by violating the Bible with comments like this?"
You type of people make me sick

"Why would anyone ever want to read anything than the Holy Bible?"

Because it is not the only good book out there. There are many better books than the bible.

"There is nothing wrong with wanting are youngsters to read the holy works of God. We sure would have less violence if schools made them read the works of Jesus and not the works of Potter"
Only stupid and ignorent people like you would be influenced by a book.

"If Wicca is a religion then public school tax funds should not be spent promoting it!"
Our school taxes are not promting witchcraft, public school does not promote witchcraft. Thus, your tax dollars are being spent to give teachers roofs over their heads, food on their table in other words keeping qualifed people off the streets!

By the way Harry Potter Rules! And Laura Mallory Sucks!

"Harry Potter Rules! And Laura Mallory Sucks!"
Real insightful Fairygirl14-15. I guess that's what we get when kids read Harry Potter in school.

I don't read Harry Potter in school, I get it on audio book from my local libary and I am a private schooler. And I am a Thespian.

Since Gabe has gone awol or does not want to answer my questions I'll ask you Bill, since you seem to have a lot to say. Do you read/have you read Lord of the Rings and The Chronicles of Narnia? If you do how do you justify the difference between the magic in them and in HP? Have you even read the HP books? And before you spout off the reference that HP uses the word 'witchcraft' in the books, tell me how you can vilify that and yet why no one of the Christians who have spoken on the issue feel the same way about LOTR and Narnia? Both of them DO HAVE WITCHCRAFT. They may not call it by that name but there are good and bad wizardry in LOTR and there is good and bad magic in Narnia. If you say that LOTR and Narnia are ok for Christians to read and HP is not then you are simply hung up on the semantics used. I am Christian and I read HP. I have read both LOTR and the Narnia series. I love all three. You can not pick and choose what to hate and what to love especially when you hold one thing on a pedestal and demonize something that runs along the same theme.

And PS: The ladder is a fancy word for actress. I can think of one musical that is worse than harry potter "Chiacgo" which in case you don't know(I'm sure you do) It's about adultry, skimpy outfits and guns. Believe me it'll blow your socks off(even if you don't wear any)
There are many worse things than Harry Potter and to quote Luna Lovegood
"You're just too narrow-minded you need to have everything shoved under your nose"

I feel that it is hypocritical for any parent to call themselves a good Christian and allow their children to read books containing materials which run contrary to the Bible. This goes for lord of the Rings (which I have read), Harry Potter (which I have read (part1 only) and Hustler Magazine(which I have not). You choose to say satanism is ok for school libraries but would you extend the same latitude to carnality?

Yet again. You sidestep my questions, Bill. Are you saying that you would or wouldnt allow your children to read LOTR? You dont say how you personally feel about that book. Did you find it to 'contain materials which run contrary to the Bible", as you say? If you dont (and you do in HP) then I question that you are honest with yourself about that. If you do find LOTR contrary to the Bible then why isnt their a backlash against it too? I still find the hypocrisy in the double standard overwhelming. And I find the fact that you (and everyone else I have tried to engage in conversation about this) sidestep any questions or points I make indicative of your argument.

Plus, rather than some others who want to attack all Christianity I am trying to debate in as civil a way as I can taking into account that most of the anti-HP folks tell me I'm not a good Christian b/c of my opinion. I find it highly, very highly offensive that someone who doesnt know me can tell me I'm not a good Christian because of one book I choose to appreciate. I'm sure there are lots of things in the Bible that we would disagree on point for point because of the way we interpret it. Would you call anyone a bad Christian just because they did not believe, word for word, exactly what you do when you read the Bible? That is what you are saying when you take into doubt that I can be a good Christian and do something I do. Do not judge lest ye be judged, right? I believe you have a right to read or not read anything. To say any of this. What I find hypocritcal is this idea that one book with magic and wizardry in it is ok when another is not. So I go back to the beginning. Answer my questions and quit running away from them.

Yeah, what Jennifer said!

I can't believe this woman is so scared of Harry Potter. She should try reading the "His Dark Materials" trilogy by Philip Pullman, Like Harry Potter they tell an amazing epic fantasy tale, but Pullman's obvious distain for organized religion would make Mrs. Mallory soil herself.

To clarify, Jennifer, any book promoting subject matter contrary to the Bible should be kept away from children by Christian parents. lord OF THE RINGS falls into this category just like Harry Potter. It is against the word of God.
Here's proof:
Deuteronomy 18:10-11 Let no one be found among you... who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or cast spells, or who is a medium or spiritist.
Exodus 22:18 "Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live."
Revelation 22:15 Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.
1 Samuel 15:23 "For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft..."
Isaiah 2:6 You have abandoned your people, the house of Jacob. They are full of superstitions from the East; they practice divination like the Philistines and clasp hands with pagans.
2 Chronicles 33:6 He... practiced sorcery, divination and witchcraft, and consulted mediums and spiritists. He did much evil in the eyes of the Lord, provoking him to anger.
Malachi 3:5 "So I will come near to you for judgment. I will be quick to testify against sorcerers, adulterers and perjurers..." says the Lord Almighty.

You can read Potter all you want, but you cannot be a true Christian and allow your children to read it. This would be an afront to God

First I would like to tell you that I'm not a Christian or a Catholic or not belongs to any other religion which is having a GOD & a Satan.

I think you mustn't take your religion to these kinds of problems. It's not good to your religion & you all may be insulting to your GOD. Every people in the world have a rite to speak So Ms. Laura did it. The whole people in the world are thinking about a one problem in different minds & different ways. Because people understanding of the problem is depend on their mind power. Mrs. Laura thought that HP is affecting to young generation & letting youngsters to practice witchcraft. She has understood the HP novel wrongly.

HP is a novel. Just like LOTR. When we reading the book we feel that is actually happening in this world. That is the talent of the Author. To become a good author she/he must has that skills to catch the reader, & making the reader to imagine about the story. So that novel becomes famous among the people & people must love to read it. That means they have accepted that book. Same thing has happened in the HP series. Mrs. Rowling had that imagination power. That's why her book became so famous around this world. Mrs. Laura has said "God will touch the hearts of this generation". Yeah, really GOD did it. Isn't it? First GOD has touched Mrs.Rowlings thoughts & touched the young generations' heart. That's why it became famous around the whole wide world. Isn't it? If it is not, HP won't be famous like this. Your religion says your God can do anything & he is your survivor. So do you think your GOD will let devil to vanish his children in the EARTH. Definitely he'll touch all of your hearts by making you not to read the HP.

HP series won't harm to this generation & future generations too. It is only a fiction & a good book to read & enjoy our fantasies. If Mrs. Laura really wants to save the young generation from the devil, she has a work to do. Save the children from Drugs, War, Child abasements & etc. Yeah, the Real Devil is living there. The youngsters, who are affecting by them, need People like Mrs. Laura.

This woman is the most striking imbecile we have seen for some time. Religion is the obvious source of all the worlds biggest problems. It will soon die out along with these weak minds.

First, I apologize this is so long but I had to say it all...I agree with Tonya. I have read Pullman's overtly anti-God/anti-religion tales. It seems to me that Mrs. Mallory and others would be going tooth and nail against him and trying to get his books banned. It is almost humorous that she goes after HP and leaves those books firmly placed in her kids' library.

To Bill. I guess I'll have to take that up with God as I talk to him. (and I do. constantly. and not just at the dinner table. or when I go to bed at night.) I think you are off base but I'm not about to tell you that you are not 'a true Christian' because of that. I don't believe that it makes you any less of a Christian. Misguided maybe, but no less of a Christian.

The use of the word 'witchcraft' and the pretend wand waving and such that is in Harry Potter has no recognizable connection to what is in REAL Wiccan beliefs, NOR is it promoting any sort of devil worship or a call to the masses to report henceforth to the church of satan.

I actually appreciate the fact that you find LOTR offensive. (I don't, but I'm glad you do.) Because I at least see some consistency to your beliefs. But how do you feel about Lewis' use of magic in his Christian allegory? And don't give me a blanket "its ok because his intentions for the book were righteous". Characters in the Narnia books still used magic. Sometimes for good, sometimes not. Is it ok for Christians to rise up and say that Narnia is the fantasy alternative for all of us in place of HP? If it is where is the difference in the use of magic in each of them. A character in the Narnia series uses astrology, Lucy casts a spell from a magic book, there is a wizard-like character (Coriakin, I think it was) in one of the books, and many other examples of magic. Are you telling me that Christians everywhere are wrong to see Lewis' Christian allegory as good for kids?

This I know: I don't agree with you but I respect your right to say the things you say (even if they be hurtful or of a mean-spirit). I just would never tell another person that they are not 'a good Christian'. I am not judge and jury. I've found that open debate even when I know for sure I will disagree is both enlightening and connection building. I know friends who have done some bad things (as have I) because we are human and sinners regardless of our salvation and we will remain sinners b/c we are not perfect. Are we to say you are not a good Christian every time we make mistakes, are we to say to others that they are going to hell b/c they believe something that contradicts what we ourselves believe to be true? Then if another is of a different religious Christian sect (ie, Methodist, Baptist, Episcopal, Presbyterian, Primitive Babtist, Catholic, etc... do we say, "that is not how I interpret what God said" and then tell them they are going to hell or are not a good Christian? I don't think that is right of me to lay that judgment on them no matter how right I think I am.

John 8:7
Matthew 7:3-5

But I figure youre going to find my use of scripture heresy anyway regardless...I know you will say that it says plainly that witchcraft is wrong and it says so. I don't disagree. But you are missing the point. I am disagreeing mainly with the idea that what HP stands for is true witchcraft as it is spoken of in the Bible. I hold to the fact that many, many fairy tales, cartoons, tv shows, movies and books use magic and or witches and wizards and that what they use is not what it speaks of in the Bible.

I Dream of Jeanie Ducktales
Ella Enchanted James and the Giant Peach
Mary Poppins Bedknobs and Broomsticks
Brother Bear Fantasia Rapunzel
The Black Cauldron The Sword in the Stone
Peter Pan Pinocchio Gummi Bears
He-Man and She-Ra Smurfs Care Bears
Rainbow Brite The Magic Schoolbus
Star Wars Scooby Doo Bewitched
Macbeth The Arthurian Tales
The Frog Prince Beauty and the Beast
Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass Aladdin
Jack and the Beanstalk Hansel and Gretel
Shrek 1 and 2 Snow White The Little Mermaid The Wizard of Oz
Cinderella Sleeping Beauty

All of the above (and many more) have/had magic and or magical beings or objects in them. And I dont think they are evil. What do you think? We should ban all of them for having magic in them?

And at the risk of sounding obsessive I want to add an answer to the question at the end of Bill's post b/c I forgot to answer it:

"You choose to say satanism is ok for school libraries but would you extend the same latitude to carnality?"

Of course I would not want pictures of naked people plastered up in our school libraries. First off, I never said satanism is ok...but you will of course say I did since you believe HP is devil worship. All I can say is that we are at an impasse. We are fundamentally viewing things from different perspectives. No matter how I answer you will not believe me because you already think I have no sane judgment because I disagree with you. And dont say you dont feel that way, you've already told me that I'm a bad Christian for my belief on this topic. If I'm a bad Christian then I obviously am not qualified to discuss this subject with you, am I?

Take your kids, rear them in the way you think is appropriate for you and your beliefs. If you do this, really rear them this way, teach them right from wrong as you see it then you shouldnt be so scared b/c they will make consciously informed mature decisions.

You know, even if I agreed with you that HP, LOTR, etc...etc... were bad for my kids I still would disagree with the choice to censor it. I would just teach my kids what I want them to know so they can be responsible individuals. I would do my duty as a parent to rear them with integrity. Because right or wrong not all of the world agrees with me and my beliefs and I believe that forcing those beliefs down their throats is not going to win anyone over. And if you honestly believed what you were saying wouldnt you want to bring people to your faith not alienate them from it?

Would someone please tell me in the HP books it says anything about satanism. I myself was raised in a Christian home,But at a young age realized that the christian faith was flawed in the way the bible was translated. I have friends of every faith,and the ones that can read the Hebrew translation have said that there are no English words for most of the words in that bible.Before you can even say they were not christian they were Baptist. My real point is everything is open to interpretation and the fact that a child's book is causing such an uproar at a time like this is just plain sad. For those of you that claim to be christians,why not put your passion into something worth it like stopping the the child abusers in your area,or are you going to blame that on the pagans too. As it has been said before each shall come unto the lord on their own,as for me I have my own belief and if you call me a witch or a Satan worshiper so be it but just remember that as you stand before saint peter and he tell you that you will not be let in the gates, and don't forget to wave to me as I pass you by on my way in.But just in case I'm wrong about were I end up I will be saving you a sit next to me in hell.

I wish everyone would SHUT UP, and HP. Yes is uses magic, yes it has witchcraft in it. I am not a christan my self, I have many friend who are though. and they are babtist and they love the HP series and I have a friend whose catholic and watches the movies, I have a methodist friend who loves to read anything that fall under the sci-fi and fantasy genre. And I LOVE fantasy. I am currently writing a fantasy novel. So as a fellow author I do not appreciate Censorship because it is wrong and pointless.

Yo Bill!

Try Luke 6:37

"Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven."

Being such a GOOD Christian man, I'm sure you are following Leviticus 19:19:

"Thou shalt not let thy cattle gender with a diverse kind: thou shalt not sow thy field with mingled seed: neither shall a garment mingled of linen and woollen come upon thee."

Quick---rip off that cotton blend shirt and run out and make sure there is only grass in your lawn---no clover mixed in!!! And well, if your dog is a mutt (gendered with a diverse kind!), the gates of hell are opening!!!

Bill--not the idiot!

I am not advocating censorship, merely pointing out the hypocrisy of those who claim they are good Christians and yet violate the word of God. I myself have read and seen these works of evil, (know thy enemy), and think adults with pure hearts can look upon them without fear. Children cannot and must be protected lest they are led into temptation by the serpent. Parents who place the souls of their fruit in danger are guilty of enabling Satan.
To answer the other Bill's quesiton, as it is one I hear often, my Minister explains it best like this. Early Bible teachings on consumtion and agriculture were intended for the ancient Hebrews (such as don't eat pork), to help them survive in a dangerous world. Since He has given us pasturization, better hygine and other technological developments we know those guidlines are no longer necessary. What must be remembered is that they are guidlines for the maintainance of man's body and his land, not his mind, soul and spirituality. Rules having to with worship are entirely different and that is why they survive from Old Testiment to New and beyond.
Jennifer, I have no intention of forcing my beliefs down people's throats. Do what you want and live how you want to live. You think children should be protected against carnality but not exposure to witchcraft. Fine. I think they should be protected from both. In my opinion you are not a good Christian and in your's you are. God will be the ultimate judge.

Better take "The Night Before Christmas" out of the libaries, anything to do with Santa Claus (The jolly old ELF) And make sure you don't put up a "Christmas Tree" (Druidic) oh, and by the way...Those "Easter eggs...and the Easter Bunny" ...Because all of that is NOT in the bible. And what about all those graven images, Statues, Crosses (execution devices really bother me), anything that resembles "God" or comes from "God"...... ya'all are on the slippery slope to hell ....haaaaaaaa
I think Harry Potter should run for President! Independent ticket of course! :)This country could use a little magick to straighten things out. Our Christian leaders in the government certainly haven't done anything to help matters lately...

And Bill, since it's your hell, you burn in it.... :)

"I have no intention of forcing my beliefs down people's throats."

Oh really, Bill. Cause ya know it seems like your doing just that. Harry Potter is going to stay on shelves. Just like your precious Bible going to stay on store shelves. EVEN though IT'S NOT THE ONLY religon out there. I am a writer so I know that HP is going to stay on shelves because of the bill of rights.
I also have no intention of shoving my opnion down peoples throats, unlike Mrs. Mallory.

Yo Bill!!

"To answer the other Bill's quesiton, as it is one I hear often, my Minister explains it best like this. Early Bible teachings on consumtion and agriculture were intended for the ancient Hebrews (such as don't eat pork), to help them survive in a dangerous world. Since He has given us pasturization, better hygine and other technological developments we know those guidlines are no longer necessary. What must be remembered is that they are guidlines for the maintainance of man's body and his land, not his mind, soul and spirituality. Rules having to with worship are entirely different and that is why they survive from Old Testiment to New and beyond."

First off Buddy-Roe, they are spelled :question, consumption, pasteurization, hygiene guidelines, maintenance, and for the love of God...T-e-s-t-A-m-e-n-t.If you want to Bible thump you really should get that last one right!

Okkkkk so worship rules survive.....Here are some from basic "guidlines" for worship from Exodus. (Including how to ordain a minister if you are so inclined..)

29:1 "Now this is what you shall do to them to consecrate them, that they may serve me as priests. Take one bull of the herd and two rams without blemish, 2 and unleavened bread, unleavened cakes mixed with oil, and unleavened wafers smeared with oil. You shall make them of fine wheat flour. 3 You shall put them in one basket and bring them in the basket, and bring the bull and the two rams. 4 You shall bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance of the tent of meeting and wash them with water. 5 Then you shall take the garments, and put on Aaron the coat and the robe of the ephod, and the ephod, and the breastpiece, and gird him with the skillfully woven band of the ephod. 6 And you shall set the turban on his head and put the holy crown on the turban. 7 You shall take the anointing oil and pour it on his head and anoint him. 8 Then you shall bring his sons and put coats on them, 9 and you shall gird Aaron and his sons with sashes and bind caps on them. And the priesthood shall be theirs by a statute forever. Thus you shall ordain Aaron and his sons. 10 "Then you shall bring the bull before the tent of meeting. Aaron and his sons shall lay their hands on the head of the bull. 11 Then you shall kill the bull before the Lord at the entrance of the tent of meeting, 12 and shall take part of the blood of the bull and put it on the horns of the altar with your finger, and the rest of [1] the blood you shall pour out at the base of the altar. 13 And you shall take all the fat that covers the entrails, and the long lobe of the liver, and the two kidneys with the fat that is on them, and burn them on the altar. 14 But the flesh of the bull and its skin and its dung you shall burn with fire outside the camp; it is a sin offering.

So tell me how did it go at the Church of The Mightily Self Righteous last Sunday when y'all were pouring bull blood on the alter? I sure hope you burned the poo correctly. Mess that up and you could end up in hell with all of us Harry Potter folks. Read the wrong book, burn the wrong poo....it's a dangerous world, evil everywhere.

Here's another thought.....that animal mutilation thing sounds like Witchcraft to me! Y'know what better not let the kids read that old Test-I-ment 'cause that could...what was that....."led into temptation by the serpent"?

So....could you check with your minister about the poo burning thing??? 'Cause poo seems to be a theme of much of what you are saying!

Bill (not the idiot)

To Bill-"the one going to heaven" I dont want to argue over something that is getting way out of hand now...actually, I just want to know (and I am NOT being sarcastic when I ask this)how you feel about fairy tales that have magic in them, witches in them or both. What about the Disney movies with magic. The Little Mermaid? I am again, not being sarcastic I am interested. I just want to know what you DO feel is appropriate for kids. What do you feel is negative for kids? I put a list up earlier not to be snotty but because I want to know which of those you wouldnt allow your own kids not to watch? And how far do you go with your definition of witchcraft? Does someone have to 'do' magic? Be called a witch? What about things like Mighty Mouse or Superman where they can fly through some sort of magic not of this earth?

What I was originally trying to wrap my brain around was why a devout Christian like Laura Mallory was going only after HP and not offended by the His Dark Materials series by Phillip Pullman? It seems to me that an overtly anti-God/religion set of kids' books would set off a 5-alarm flame under her or any Christian that would feel they need to do this. That is the kind of inconsistency that I dont understand.

To Bill-"the one going to heaven" I dont want to argue over something that is getting way out of hand now...actually, I just want to know (and I am NOT being sarcastic when I ask this)how you feel about fairy tales that have magic in them, witches in them or both. What about the Disney movies with magic. The Little Mermaid? I am again, not being sarcastic I am interested. I just want to know what you DO feel is appropriate for kids. What do you feel is negative for kids? I put a list up earlier not to be snotty but because I want to know which of those you wouldnt allow your own kids not to watch? And how far do you go with your definition of witchcraft? Does someone have to 'do' magic? Be called a witch? What about things like Mighty Mouse or Superman where they can fly through some sort of magic not of this earth?

What I was originally trying to wrap my brain around was why a devout Christian like Laura Mallory was going only after HP and not offended by the His Dark Materials series by Phillip Pullman? It seems to me that an overtly anti-God/religion set of kids' books would set off a 5-alarm flame under her or any Christian that would feel they need to do this. That is the kind of inconsistency that I dont understand.

Bill, what DO you allow your children to read/view? I am not being sarcastic, I promise, I am just interested to know. The list I made above with cartoons and fairy tales and such, which of those are ok and not ok? Was it you that said earlier, and I quote, "Cinderella is a fairy tale rooted in christianity. That's completely different from Harry Potter which makes magic seem cool." Whether or not you did, someone on 'your side' of things posted that. I dont get it. I find way more Christian symbols within HP than in Cinderella any day of the week! That's a ridiculous statement, really.

The other question I had for you was this: if Laura Mallory is really concerned for our kids then why does she go after HP and leave the His Dark Materials series by Phillip Pullman on the same shelves? It is overtly anti-God/religion and yet does it get criticized even once during this whole thing?? Nope. That, I dont get. At all.

I mean I'm not for censorship but I would think that Mrs. Mallory would be WAY more offended with THOSE than with HP...

Didn't Hitler burn books, believe in censorship, superiority
and say my way or the highway???

You people are missing the point. If the Bible says witchcraft is wrong then it must be wrong for believers. I feel that the Bible is wrong and I very much enjoy Harry Potter.

Having read the Harry Potter book series I find it in no way can be tied to Wicca. At least Wicca as a religion. The Bible or "holy books" are all based on interpretation. Also for those people who consider the books evil the New Testament is very clear that evil comes from within a man. It is all a matter of choice. So don't read the books if you consider them evil but don't take that right away from others. The more religious an issue becomes the more secular and logical the outcome becomes. Religion is a matter of control. Everytime a religion has tried controlling too much a rebellion has broken out against religion. I find it sad that people like this Atlanta woman make all religious people look like they are insane. Wicca is a religion which has its own traditions and dogmas as well. Harry Potter in no way pushs for any one religion and it can't be tied to religious issues because it is just a work of fantasy. But I do find it strange how so many Christians find the C.S. Lewis Chronicles of Narnia books so grand yet hate the Harry Potter series. Give children the chance to have an imagination before you indoctrinate it with your own home spun prejudices.

I notice with some amusement that those who rail against the Harry Potter books don't seem to notice that each year at Hogwarts they celebrate ... (wait for it) ... Christmas!. Odd thing for Satanists to be doing.

STUPID PEOPLE. WHO CARES ABOUT RELIGION. BELIEVE WHAT YOU WANT BUT JUST LEAVE OTHER PEOPLE ALONE.

especially you Mallory, you idiot.

The Harry Potter Series is an EVIl, VILE, and ABHORRED book.
It is promoting WICHCRAFT which doesn't even exist(which is why I'm trying to ban this!) The series will lead children into trying to lift objects without doing anything leading to frustration. This frustration will trigger suicide.

Thus, the books should be banned.

I am continuing to appeal this book and am very shocked at how many foolish people are.

My own child read the book and thought she was a wich!

Ridiculous!

And soon, all the kids in the world will believe in Wicca and not Christianity!

What a crisis that will be.

Since Christianity is the only religion that will bring us Heaven and not hell.

For all those who are wrestling with the Harry Potter books and movies, I have an answer straight from the Bible. It says GO PRAY! Matthew 6: 6 "But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly." I suggest you all go into your closets, and stay there for a lonnnnnnnnnnnnnnnng time!

satan is clever in his methods but I am not fooled

The Harry Potter books are fantasy. JK Rowling (a genius) created the ideas in the book from her own mind. She borrowed from mythology and other the latin language (maybe we should no longer learn about mythology in schools... God forbid read the Odyssey or the Iliad) to name spells and creatures and things like that. She did NOT borrow from the Wiccan religion. They magic and the magical world in Harry Potter is make believe and has been created to put a twist on the age old story of good vs. evil.
First of all, if she hasn't read the books, she really shouldn't comment. Second of all, even after she's read the books, she should comment only to HER kids. HER kids are HER responsibility, OTHER kids are NOT her responsibility.
Oh and I hope this ridiculous battle to ban the books in public education continues... I bet JKR has gotten quite a few more customers after this whole stupid ordeal and more customers= more money for her... and she definately deserves! (one of the BEST authors of our time)

Oh, and Laura should probably take into account the millions of kids who started to enjoy reading BECAUSE OF the Harry Potter books.

People, the one way to make Laura Mallory shut up is to just ignore here. Don't debate with her. Just ignore these posts. Just act as if she doesn't exist.

Oh, and make a Anti-Mallory website.

My grandfather called library books "lie-books" because most of them were not in line with the Word of God as he saw it. Yeah, he was a pretty extreme kind of guy; but he was honest enough with himself to go all the way with his line of logic. Yet even that little hot-blooded, backwoods, hell-fire-and-brimstone preacher never thought he had the right to dictate what others read and what books should be allowed into those "lie-braries". He would have thought these censoring types were hypocrites and bound for hell because their women wear pants and talk too much, but he would not have tried to put his Bible interpretations into law.

To all of the Laura Mallory fans,

Have you ever heard of a little English device called fallacy? It is basically using false logic and reasoning to come to conclusions. It is usually used in persuasive writing and is not usually effective if you are intelligent enough to detect it. Unfortunately for you, most of your arguments are based on fallacy, and far from just being false, they are idiotic. to haha, you argument is a combination of two such fallacies called poisoning the well and hasty generalization. your attempt to find an excuse for suicide is totally biased and utterly ridiculous.

Also, to all of the people like Ivan Evanely, you are not helping our cause. The Bible is not an evil book and it is already banned from school shelves because of the seperation of church and state (public schools which are run by the state) and that it is illegal to force your religion onto someone else unless they ask.

To everyone on both sides of the issue,
Get over it. It is just a book, so is the Bible. Stop trying to play the "holier than thou" game. Accept that some people will read it an others won't. Don't try to change their opinions because they are all so set in their minds that they will not change no matter how hard you try.

I love the books and would encourage any child to read them.

p.s. for any Potter fan, check out harrypotterandtheplottocorruptyourchildren.com for a good laugh.

For me,Laura Mallory is a crazy!
Harry Potter not teaches witchcraft,and yes,is about witchcraft!
it is alone a history of fantasy and adventure, as well as others!!!
The books,of adventure or fantasy,fiction or sci-fi,of police or other are good,why teaches to read and to exercise the brain.

Hello, I am God. I am here to tell you that the Harry Potter books were creating because I made JK Rowling write them. Well, everything you are saying here is also done by my fellow Gods. (they are my shadows)

I'm a Christian, and although I don't agree with those here ridiculing the Bible-actually I don't agree with anyone ridiculing any religious text- the "Christians" here writing comments against Harry Potter make me sick.
There is nothing inherently "evil" in these books: their underlying nature is about goodness triumphing over evil. Who are Christians to destroy a book over its contents anyway? God does not give anyone the right to try and judge anything in such a way, especially not books with such a positive nature. As far as others are concerned, with that type of thinking, its the Bible that should be destroyed. And given the moral dillemas found in the world today I believe books like Harry Potter are beneficial to all of us. And books that actually DO promote Wicca, or any other positively motivated school of thought/religion/etc, have the same right to be in libraries with the Bible. When you try to suppress knowledge of other ideas and never question your own views since birth, whether or not those views are correct, your "religion" becomes a dangerous cult.

A child who reads Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (or views the record-breaking movie) is no more likely to dabble in witchcraft than one who reads Moby Dick is to dabble in whaling.it is pretty pathetic that she's trying to ban a book that kids and adults love.

even if she did somehow prove that it promoted witchcraft it is not against the law so shes wasting her time pursuing it. just because she believes that it's wrong there's others from different religions that would argue that. she has quite alot to say for someone who has not even read the book. it is no different then the many children books that mention witches in them.
theres gonna be more school shootings because of hairy potter? that comment is pathetic i think someone has escaped from the nuthouse.

Where is the evidence that HP causes more violence? Isn't it true that throughout history and still today that religion, yes even Christanity, causes loads more violence? If anyone out there is a book burner, you amuse me! Please, your BUYING books, therefore profiting said author that you despise! Hopefully, that's the only way you obtain the novels, or else I would call you somewhat of a sinner for stealing, etc:) In addition, Harry Potter is only targeted because of its popularity, because there are thousands upon thousands of children's and adult lit out there that contain fantasy or witchcraft! On the whole though, Laura Mallory is doing J.K. Rowling a favour because she is trying to make something taboo, which would in turn increase its popularity! Yeah! You can read what you'd like and prohibit your children from it, but please, spare me the idiocy of your beliefs. You get frustrated and irate that people try to shut you down in the public, but that's your whole goal as well. Imagine a society that did everything the same? Well, no one would grow as a Christian, because it is a good Christian's job to absorb the world around them, let that be their reason for standing up straighter for God. But really, most fundamentalists aren't truely Christian,because they promote hatred, bigotry, discrimination, and a self righteous attitude that is NOT endorsed by God or Jesus. Oh, bible bill, just to say something about old cindersoot, she actually originated from a Chinese fairy tale around 860 A.D. and it dealt mainly with the issue of foot binding as that was a common practice of women in that time. So, it should be banned because apparently God didn't endorse it!!!!

Ermm....WHAT IS HAPPENING TO ALL THE PEOPLE IN THE WORLD??????HP is interesting and encourages children to READ.I do not see Wicca in the all the books AT ALL!! i'm sorry,Laura Mallory but U SUCK!

yeah,WitchcraFt turn children into Harry Potter.And Anti-Laura,you are the most nonsensical person in thw world.I BELIEVE WE SHOULD BANN HARRY POTTER!!!!

i would rather have my kids read harry potter then the bible anyday. saying kids who read harry potter will experiment with witchcraft is like saying kids who read the bible will attempt to walk on water. at least witchcraft won't kill you but trying to walk on water might.
she said before ban harry potter or face more schoool shooting. lol. its like saying ban the bible or face more drownings.

The Anti-Laura one and Rachel are most likely the same person.

Haha, got you there.

RELIGION is the main cause of VIOLENCE and WAR. Did you realize that many wars were caused by Christianity? Wow.

Wait a second, weren't the men who drafted the Dec. of Independence predominately Christian?!?! And in that article we are given the FREEDOM OF PRESS and FREEDOM OF SPEECH and FREEDOM OF RELIGION!

So tell me, why must all 'true' christians force their beliefs into our society by trying to ban books that go against their beliefs??? Where is the freedom there?

Do you believe that you hold yourself above the beliefs and rights this country was founded on?

I do believe we ALL have a RIGHT to believe what it is we WANT TOO! Whether it be Pagan, Wicca, Buddhism, Christian, or even your own religion. The point is that no one has the right to persecute others for their religion or beliefs (like the belief to READ HP) Now, same goes to the people that are stereotyping the christians on this forum.

Remember everyone, the FIRST and FOREMOST reason this country was founded was the pursuit of freedom from persecution.

Oh, and I just wanted to say I absolutely ADORE the HP books. J.K. Rowling really is a genius.

P.s.-You speak of HP being violent, I would argue to say the Bible is just as (maybe even more) violent. So don't even try to argue with that. Seriously, is it alright for a child to read how a man was NAILED through his hands and feet and left to die on a wooden cross where he is finally stabbed with a spear? Does that sound more violent then someone being hit with a curse that just leaves them dead? No bloodshed, no inhumane torture!

Guy,you are right.I AM the same person.I absolutely agree with H_P_Fan and all the other Anti-Laura Mallory people.The Bible speaks of violence and death.HP books?Verl little.Although some parts are violent,they actually help to nurture the story.SO THERE!

Oh,i love to speak from both sides of the issue as The Anti-Laura One and Rachel.

Seems to me that this Mallory woman is causing more harm to her cause than anything else. She wants to promote Christianity, I gather, and yet all she is doing is making people angry and driving them further away.

My family is not Christian. Ive taught my children to say low and not voice their opinions or beliefs lest the Christians hurt them.

She's typical of those we fear.

To the person who said "The Harry Potter books are fantasy. JK Rowling (a genius) created the ideas in the book from her own mind. She borrowed from mythology and other the latin language (maybe we should no longer learn about mythology in schools... God forbid read the Odyssey or the Iliad) to name spells and creatures and things like that."
HAHAHAHA! I laugh! I laugh because Rowling stole the whole shebang from a teenager who wrote a series of books called "The Worst Witch" - they even made a movie out of one of the books, starring Tim Curry! Look it up on NetFlix or IMDb!
Sure, Rowling is a better author, and she's taken the story further - but she stole the whole bit from a kid!

The Anti-Laura One, I am supporting you. I am creating an anti-Mallory website. mmm hahahahahaha!

CHRISTIANITY! HAHAHA

the religions fine, it's just the stupid retarded little people who make a bad image of it.

Unlike Laura Mallory(Being sarcasting here)

Here's a story for you:

A boy whines that he's not getting an inheritance from his father. So on his death bed, he tricks his completely blind father into giving him, instead of his brother, the inheritance. Anything happen to the guy? Nope. Some years and many wives later, this guy and his sons encounter another tribe. One of the tribe members rapes this guy's daughter and then says he still wants to marry her. The guy agrees except he says that the tribe all needs to get circumsized, which they agree to. While recovering from surgery, the guy's sons decide to kill the entire tribe for raping their sister. And years pass and one day the sons get jealous of their little brother and decide to throw him down the well.

Now did JK Rowling write this? No, this is actually a story in the bible. Ever wonder where the term sodomy comes from? Read the story of Sodom and Gomorah. And then there's the story of that guy who has two sons where one son runs away and blows through his entire trust fund and comes back and his dad throws him a party, which teaches children that it's okay to be a wasteful idiot because daddy will always love you.

I STILL say the woman is HOT.

Laura Mallory sucks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!I hate her a lot!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I love bush! I am satan! I hate god! ah

gfrembtyopwertoper,ktopwk

I love Laura Mallory!

Laura Mallory is a blithering idiot.If there wasn't any magic in the book at all and the story is about a serisl killer in Hogwarts,would'nt the story be scarier?With all the blood and gore seen on TV and Video Games these days,who cares about Wicca and WitchCraft?Point taken.

Laura says Harry Potter is promoting witchcraft. Couldn't Jesus or god walk on water, couldn't he set bushes on fire? didn't he feed more a thousand people with just a bit of bread and fish? didn't he split the sea in two and drown a hole army while doing it? Harry Potter never killed anyone. Jkrowling admits that Harry Potter is fictional while Laura tells her kids that things in the bible are real. now, wich book is the bad one?

I hate you Laura, you are hereby banished from Christianity.

Hey Laura Mallory... Silencio!!!
T-shirts for charity at www.cafepress.com/silenceLM
Brought to you by the folks at Plan B Books

IT'S A BOOK! If you dont like HP then dont read it. Mind your own business. I wish ppl could just stop making everything a problem. That Mallory chick should just be happy that she has control over her own children (until they are 18) and stuff it.
GO HP!

For all of you that are telling people to end this debate, why are you complaining? This site is here so that people can intelligently (hopefully) post their opinions in a polite and respectful way. In order to fully understand and appreciate each other we need to hear what the other person has to say. So please stop trying to end these debates, because in order to come to a concensus, we MUST be able to hear every viewpoint.

Okay, now I would like to say my opinion. I hope that everybody here is intelligent enough to realize that the people who are speaking here do not represent a particular sect of religion. They are here to express their opinions and viewpoints. So please do not generalize or stereotype a whole group of people based on one person's opinion.

That being said, I would now like to state my opinion on the matter at hand. I am 16 years old, and started to read the Harry Potter series when I was in 2nd grade. I have been a fan of these books for many years now, and I never once thought I was a wizard, or had any special abilities like that. People have to realize that children are smart enough to seperate truth from fantasy.

I would also like to address the religious aspect of this arguement. I am a Roman Catholic, and I have read the bible on many occasions. When reading the bible, it is all about interpretation. Personally, I believe that withcraft and the like are tools of the past, made up by zealous religious fanatics as a means of prosecuting those who did not "fit in" with their belief system. That being said, the bible doesn't say "don't read about withcraft," it says, "don't practice withcraft," which, in my opinion, is a BIG difference.

Furthermore, I do not believe that the Wicca religion is evil (as some of you have implied), and i do not believe that it is comparable to the "witchcraft" that is talked about in the bible. the Wiccan religion is one of healing and forgiveness, much like that of Cristianity. In reality, Christianity has shed more blood than any Wiccan sect that I know of. I know I cannot convince you to totally drop your religious generalizations and stereotypes, but please, keep them out of the debate.

For all of you that are telling people to end this debate, why are you complaining? This site is here so that people can intelligently (hopefully) post their opinions in a polite and respectful way. In order to fully understand and appreciate each other we need to hear what the other person has to say. So please stop trying to end these debates, because in order to come to a consensus, we MUST be able to hear every viewpoint.

Okay, now I would like to say my opinion. I hope that everybody here is intelligent enough to realize that the people who are speaking here do not represent a particular sect of religion. They are here to express their opinions and viewpoints. So please do not generalize or stereotype a whole group of people based on one person's opinion.

That being said, I would now like to state my opinion on the matter at hand. I am 16 years old, and started to read the Harry Potter series when I was in 2nd grade. I have been a fan of these books for many years now, and I never once thought I was a wizard, or had any special abilities like that. People have to realize that children are smart enough to separate truth from fantasy.

I would also like to address the religious aspect of this argument. I am a Roman Catholic, and I have read the bible on many occasions. When reading the bible, it is all about interpretation. Personally, I believe that witchcraft and the like are tools of the past, made up by zealous religious fanatics as a means of prosecuting those who did not "fit in" with their belief system. That being said, the bible doesn't say "don't read about witchcraft," it says, "don't practice witchcraft," which, in my opinion, is a BIG difference.

Furthermore, I do not believe that the Wicca religion is evil (as some of you have implied), and I do not believe that it is comparable to the "witchcraft" that is talked about in the bible. the Wiccan religion is one of healing and forgiveness, much like that of Cristianity. In reality, Christianity has shed more blood than any Wiccan sect that I know of. I know I cannot convince you to totally drop your religious generalizations and stereotypes, but please, keep them out of the debate.

Laura Mallory you are a complete dolt!!!

you wont ever understand!!

Laura Mallory you are a complete dolt!!!

you wont ever understand!!