December 14, 2001 (Fundamental Baptist Information Service, P.O. Box 610368, Port Huron, MI 48061-0368, 866-295-4143, fbns@wayoflife.org) - The following is a reply by a Baptist missionary to a Catholic priest who supports Harry Potter:

Dear Editor,

The Sunday Daily Telegraph [in Australia] article by Roman Catholic George Pell "Much to be learnt from Harry" 9 December promotes in a positive way the Harry Potter (HP hereafter) books and movie. I would assume Mr. Pell considers himself a Christian so therefore my reply comes from Scripture with personal comment.

Deuteronomy 18:10-12 "There shall not be found among you any one that . . . useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD&Mac183;" God warned Israel against witchcraft and those things associated with it. The Bible makes no distinction between "good" or "bad" witchcraft or magic!

Isaiah 5:20 "Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!" Mr. Pell is doing exactly this! He wrote there was not much danger in the books or film giving "respectability to witchcraft" or to the "occult world of good and bad magic" "because the world of fantasy is so extreme, such a clever and unusual stimulation of the imagination." Imaginary (or virtual) experiences and well-written fantasies can affect the mind and memories as much, if not more, than actual experiences. Fantasies are designed to stir feelings and produce strong emotional responses, a well-planned myth with likeable characters can be far more memorable than the less exciting daily reality -- especially when reinforced through books, toys and games as well as movies.

Romans 12:9 "Abhor (detest) that which is evil; cleave to that which is good." The HP books and movie promote a belief system that clashes with everything the God of the Bible offers. The HP books and movie promotes a pagan ideology which comes complete with trading cards, computer and other wizardly games, clothes and decorations stamped with HP symbols, action figures and cuddly dolls and audio cassettes that could keep the child's minds focused on the occult all day and into the night. Proverbs 23:7 "For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he."

Acts 19:18-20 "And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds. Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver. So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed." According to these verses when people come to know the God of creation through His Son the Lord Jesus Christ they turned from witchcraft and burned the books pertaining to such. Only time will tell what society will reap with what young minds have absorbed through the HP books and movie.

Dr. David C. Bennett, Western Plains Baptist Fellowship PO Box 1241, Dubbo, NSW 2830 Phone/Fax 6884 2846