new harry potter book

Status
Not open for further replies.
Originally posted by Loriann
Originally posted by kevin.carroll
Originally posted by Loriann
KEVIN, that is precisely what I've been saying. I've been reading this posts as well as many others on other sites and my heart grieves for the Body of Christ, that we so easily and readily conform to their standards, way of thinking by reasoning within ourselves "it's all innocent" by convincing ourselves that that book, or half hour tv show of friends (or was it an hour, I dunno) or that movie is all good and will not effect us. IT DOES. Same thing with music! it soaks into us!

So, if you think it's alright to take in things such as the puker series, may I ask then what it is you believe the passage "purify your hearts" means?

Let me counter by asking you why you think Paul studied and could quote pagan mythology/poetry?

I don't know that he did study them, rather he knew of them before his conversion, not to mention that he was kept informed of what was going on in the world around him. Either way, even if he did study them, that doesn't mean he read fantasy books to try and say "this is what they are up to." The HP books are just one way for satan to get his hooks into us and keep us fromdigging into what we ought to, a relationship with Christ.

Let me ask this also (Kevin, you avoided my question prior, please answer) those of you who DO read HPUKER, or Lord of the rings, or even the magicians nephew, do you also listen to what is considered "Christian Rock"?

I don't, but probably not for the reasons you are trying to lead me to admit. Our basic difference is that you and I disagree on the extent to which Christians ought to engage culture. Some believe we should avoid it and what results is a neo-monasticism that manifests itself in movements like home-schooling. (Before I get flamed on that, I'm not criticizing those who home school. But I do oppose the movement). Some believe we should oppose culture. This manifests itself in a lot of the Chrisitan activism that we see going on in groups like Focus on the Family. They will never change society...though I do agree with many of their stances. Others (incuding myself) believe we should engage and infect culture. Honestly, I think that is closer to the Reformed ideal than the other two. I am not the first to lament the lack of Christian engagement of all areas of our society: education, arts, government, etc.

BTW, the point you make about *when* Paul might have studied pagan literature is irrelevant. The fact is that he *used* it in his proclomation of the gospel.
 
Originally posted by Draught Horse
Technically speaking, Tolkien did not pretend to be Christian in the allegorical sense. I think you are robbing yourself of a very useful apologetic/evangelistic tool in rejecting those two narratives.

Actually, I think Paul did read fantasy books (the Iliad and the Odyssey; you want to talk about slaughter and physicality not to mention magic, let's go there). Paul knew them before his conversion? Keeping in mind that he was a strict Pharisee. Also, if they were bad before his conversion, why did he use them afterwards? Also, as for filling our minds with good things, Paul had pagan poetry memorized. That suggests that it is possible to read so-called pagan literature without sinning.

I do not listen to Christian rock. It is a joke that attempts to pass off as music. I like Celtic stuff (the Chieftains). Also, we can really lower our guns at Beethoven, Mozart, etc. using your standard of reasoning.

[Edited on 7--21-05 by Draught Horse]


If my standard of reasoning is off, I'd rather err to the side of caution.
 
Aww, Kevin.
We almost had perfect agreement except for that last post! :bigsmile:
I agree. Neo-monasticism will gut the church, and I expect a sudden return to it. As many react to the vices of culture, they often swing the pendulum too far the other way.

Since you asked to get flamed on homeschooling, here goes: :mad: :mad: mad:
 
Originally posted by Draught Horse
Originally posted by Slippery
Hi Draught can you list me the references where Paul used references to Greek mythology? Much thanks.

Acts 17:28
The first quotation is sometimes attributed to Epimenides, the second quotation is from Aratus' Phaenomena. Cleanthes in his Hymn to Zeus is also somewhere in there.

Let us not forget Titus 1: 12 nor Jude's intriguing use of the Apocrypha in vss. 14-15...
 
Originally posted by Draught Horse
Aww, Kevin.
We almost had perfect agreement except for that last post! :bigsmile:
I agree. Neo-monasticism will gut the church, and I expect a sudden return to it. As many react to the vices of culture, they often swing the pendulum too far the other way.

Since you asked to get flamed on homeschooling, here goes: :mad: :mad: mad:

The one is a symptom of the other, I believe.

STILL, I accept your measured compliment and tell you now, it is my goal in life to have you say, "Man, Kevin, that was an AWESOME post!" :lol:
 
Originally posted by kevin.carroll
Originally posted by Draught Horse
Aww, Kevin.
We almost had perfect agreement except for that last post! :bigsmile:
I agree. Neo-monasticism will gut the church, and I expect a sudden return to it. As many react to the vices of culture, they often swing the pendulum too far the other way.

Since you asked to get flamed on homeschooling, here goes: :mad: :mad: mad:

The one is a symptom of the other, I believe.

STILL, I accept your measured compliment and tell you now, it is my goal in life to have you say, "Man, Kevin, that was an AWESOME post!" :lol:

Man, Kevin, that was an awe...awes....
 
Originally posted by Draught Horse
Originally posted by kevin.carroll
Originally posted by Draught Horse
Aww, Kevin.
We almost had perfect agreement except for that last post! :bigsmile:
I agree. Neo-monasticism will gut the church, and I expect a sudden return to it. As many react to the vices of culture, they often swing the pendulum too far the other way.

Since you asked to get flamed on homeschooling, here goes: :mad: :mad: mad:

The one is a symptom of the other, I believe.

STILL, I accept your measured compliment and tell you now, it is my goal in life to have you say, "Man, Kevin, that was an AWESOME post!" :lol:

Man, Kevin, that was an awe...awes....

:lol:
 
Originally posted by fredtgreco
Originally posted by Ex Nihilo

However, even if this is true, what Jacob and Craig seem to be arguing is that HP may be safe for some believers to read.


If this is true, then what do we say about the fact that the books are directed/marketed toward 9-12 year olds? Would you let you 9-12 year old read a graphic account of a Vietnam firefight?

I'd say it's bad that the books are marketed toward 9-12 year olds (if indeed this is the case), and I know I wouldn't allow a 9-12 year old to read it. However, I don't see this as compelling reason to say that no adult believer can read them.
 
Originally posted by Loriann
Originally posted by kevin.carroll
Originally posted by Loriann
KEVIN, that is precisely what I've been saying. I've been reading this posts as well as many others on other sites and my heart grieves for the Body of Christ, that we so easily and readily conform to their standards, way of thinking by reasoning within ourselves "it's all innocent" by convincing ourselves that that book, or half hour tv show of friends (or was it an hour, I dunno) or that movie is all good and will not effect us. IT DOES. Same thing with music! it soaks into us!

So, if you think it's alright to take in things such as the puker series, may I ask then what it is you believe the passage "purify your hearts" means?

Let me counter by asking you why you think Paul studied and could quote pagan mythology/poetry?

I don't know that he did study them, rather he knew of them before his conversion, not to mention that he was kept informed of what was going on in the world around him. Either way, even if he did study them, that doesn't mean he read fantasy books to try and say "this is what they are up to." The HP books are just one way for satan to get his hooks into us and keep us fromdigging into what we ought to, a relationship with Christ.

Let me ask this also (Kevin, you avoided my question prior, please answer) those of you who DO read HPUKER, or Lord of the rings, or even the magicians nephew, do you also listen to what is considered "Christian Rock"?

No, because it is terrible music.

Loriann, I am grieved that you would be grieved over my action in reading the book. If it brings any comfort to you, I am quite certain it will not occupy my time in the future. Also, I hope that you can take comfort in the fact that, even if some PBoard members do read the books, the Holy Spirit does protect us. Granted, this would NOT be an excuse to read it if they were a danger, but hopefully, from your perspective, it may help you to be somewhat less disturbed... because it doesn't seem that most on the board are actually going to change their opinions on this.

To be honest, I'm not sure how productive this discussion is at this point. I continue to believe that reading the books lies within the bounds of Christian liberty, but we are grieving a sister by doing so... So I'm not sure what to do about that.
 
Evie,

Please, Please, Please don't stop reading your books due to my grieving. If the Holy Spirit convicts you it is wrong and you stop, great. I think perhaps what I was trying to say has not been well formulated. Perhaps sometime take a look into the sin of presumption. It's not a sin to take lightly, though that's what we do, take sin lightly. We reason within ourselves why something we want to do is "OK", after all, it isn't a sin. Sometimes a mere act isn't a sin, but when we get caught up into it, it begins to rob us.

With this, I step back.
 
Originally posted by Loriann
Evie,

Please, Please, Please don't stop reading your books due to my grieving. If the Holy Spirit convicts you it is wrong and you stop, great. I think perhaps what I was trying to say has not been well formulated. Perhaps sometime take a look into the sin of presumption. It's not a sin to take lightly, though that's what we do, take sin lightly. We reason within ourselves why something we want to do is "OK", after all, it isn't a sin. Sometimes a mere act isn't a sin, but when we get caught up into it, it begins to rob us.

With this, I step back.

Well, what I meant, actually, is that I've already read all six of the books and see no need to read them again. As an English major, a history major, not to mention an ill-educated Presbyterian, I have sooooooo many other things I have to read besides rereading the Potter books.

That said, sure, I'll read book 7 when it comes out. I do want to find out what happens.

I also intend (not on the basis of your remarks, though they help) to avoid the HP message boards. While actually reading the books takes little time for me, it's easy to waste hours and hours debating theories on the message boards. (And it's one thing to debate theology here, because theology actually matters.. what happens in HP decidedly does not.)

Thank you for your stance and your warnings!! I did read that Spurgeon sermon you posted this morning and very much appreciated it. :)

[Edited on 7-22-2005 by Ex Nihilo]
 
Originally posted by Loriann
Evie,

Please, Please, Please don't stop reading your books due to my grieving. If the Holy Spirit convicts you it is wrong and you stop, great. I think perhaps what I was trying to say has not been well formulated. Perhaps sometime take a look into the sin of presumption. It's not a sin to take lightly, though that's what we do, take sin lightly. We reason within ourselves why something we want to do is "OK", after all, it isn't a sin. Sometimes a mere act isn't a sin, but when we get caught up into it, it begins to rob us.

With this, I step back.
I do see HP as an issue of Christian Liberty and I am enjoying the story. Frankly it is a shame that most Christian fiction is on the level of Left Behind. :banghead: I cannot read that nonsense and want stupid escapist fantasy worlds from time to time. For someone who is coming out of a pagan lifestyle these would be a poor choice of reading. But then again, I do not own anything by Rick Warren or Joel Osteen :barfy:(although it would be nice firewood this winter). :bigsmile:
 
Originally posted by Reed
Can anyone understand why this latest harry potter book is so popular? Is the writing in these books any good? Are they good stories? I can't understand all the hype...

I wish I knew. The lines were amazingly long the first night.
 
Originally posted by Wrigley
Originally posted by Reed
Can anyone understand why this latest harry potter book is so popular? Is the writing in these books any good? Are they good stories? I can't understand all the hype...

I wish I knew. The lines were amazingly long the first night.

I have the book and you can read it in August (you did say you would be bored before the wedding.......)
liefde.gif


:lol:

[Edited on 7-28-2005 by calgal]
 
Originally posted by calgal
Originally posted by Wrigley
Originally posted by Reed
Can anyone understand why this latest harry potter book is so popular? Is the writing in these books any good? Are they good stories? I can't understand all the hype...

I wish I knew. The lines were amazingly long the first night.

I have the book and you can read it in August (you did say you would be bored before the wedding.......)
liefde.gif


:lol:

[Edited on 7-28-2005 by calgal]

Bored? Between packing all your stuff and other tasks you'll have for me, I won't have time to be bored. :lol:

[Edited on 7-28-2005 by Wrigley]
 
Originally posted by Wrigley
Originally posted by calgal
Originally posted by Wrigley
Originally posted by Reed
Can anyone understand why this latest harry potter book is so popular? Is the writing in these books any good? Are they good stories? I can't understand all the hype...

I wish I knew. The lines were amazingly long the first night.

I have the book and you can read it in August (you did say you would be bored before the wedding.......)
liefde.gif


:lol:

[Edited on 7-28-2005 by calgal]

Bored? Between packing all your stuff and other tasks you'll have for me, I won't have time to be bored. :lol:

[Edited on 7-28-2005 by Wrigley]

Packing ALL my stuff? NOT! Of course if you offer beer, help may come (note to self: must find more tasks for Wrigley...) :bigsmile:
 
Originally posted by calgal
Originally posted by Wrigley
Originally posted by calgal
Originally posted by Wrigley
Originally posted by Reed
Can anyone understand why this latest harry potter book is so popular? Is the writing in these books any good? Are they good stories? I can't understand all the hype...

I wish I knew. The lines were amazingly long the first night.

I have the book and you can read it in August (you did say you would be bored before the wedding.......)
liefde.gif


:lol:

[Edited on 7-28-2005 by calgal]

Bored? Between packing all your stuff and other tasks you'll have for me, I won't have time to be bored. :lol:

[Edited on 7-28-2005 by Wrigley]

Packing ALL my stuff? NOT! Of course if you offer beer, help may come (note to self: must find more tasks for Wrigley...) :bigsmile:

Wasn't this thread about Harry Potter, not your "honey-do" list?
 
Originally posted by Wrigley
Originally posted by calgal
Originally posted by Wrigley
Originally posted by calgal
Originally posted by Wrigley
Originally posted by Reed
Can anyone understand why this latest harry potter book is so popular? Is the writing in these books any good? Are they good stories? I can't understand all the hype...

I wish I knew. The lines were amazingly long the first night.

I have the book and you can read it in August (you did say you would be bored before the wedding.......)
liefde.gif


:lol:

[Edited on 7-28-2005 by calgal]

Bored? Between packing all your stuff and other tasks you'll have for me, I won't have time to be bored. :lol:

[Edited on 7-28-2005 by Wrigley]

Packing ALL my stuff? NOT! Of course if you offer beer, help may come (note to self: must find more tasks for Wrigley...) :bigsmile:

Wasn't this thread about Harry Potter, not your "honey-do" list?

Yup! The books are entertaining BUT for someone unable to separate fantasy and reality, they are inappropriate (so Tim La Haye could NOT read HP...or much else above a third grade reading level.....) :book2:
 
[quote/]
Some of the first book was enough to convince me I was right that Rowling is just a bad writer with a good PR agent. The fact that I would have to read the books to screen them is enough to keep me from letting the kids read them. I'd rather write a paper on Frame.
lol.gif


[Edited on 7/21/2005 by fredtgreco] [/quote]

Fred,

Please pardon my ignorance, but what is "Frame"? I've never heard of it. From the way you're describing it, it sounds just as bad as what everyone on this thread was quibbling about with regards to literature.

Jason
 
Originally posted by JasonGoodwin
[quote/]
Some of the first book was enough to convince me I was right that Rowling is just a bad writer with a good PR agent. The fact that I would have to read the books to screen them is enough to keep me from letting the kids read them. I'd rather write a paper on Frame.
lol.gif


[Edited on 7/21/2005 by fredtgreco]

Fred,

Please pardon my ignorance, but what is "Frame"? I've never heard of it. From the way you're describing it, it sounds just as bad as what everyone on this thread was quibbling about with regards to literature.

Jason [/quote]

:lol::lol::lol:
Eagerly anticipating Fred's answer to this one.
 
Ok, since this thread is not yet dead, I have though we just don't know what a witch is. Here are some good definitions:

1) A hideous old woman who is in a wicked league with the devil; or
2) A stunningly beautiful young woman in a league of wickedness beyond the devil (most women would fit this one).
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top