Read the Book Before Seeing the Movie

I agree whole heartedly with the review of the Harry Potter novels and movies. I found the Half-Blood Prince to be enjoyable, but only because I had read the book twice: once when it first came out, and then recently to refresh my memory about the story line prior to seeing the movie. I believe that if you are a fan of the movies and haven’t read the books, you might want to at least read the Half-Blood Prince prior to viewing the movie, otherwise you might not understand Malfoy’s attitude (which always seems nasty no matter what goes on), fear and ill-spirited comments, and why Snape makes an unbreakable vow to protect him. All is not as it seems in the movie. I went with a friend of mine who hadn’t read the book prior to viewing the movie and multiple questions were asked during the movie as to why, how come, when and what the heck? The Half-Blood Prince is good, but it is better only if you read the book first.

-Alana Tompkins Tooele, Utah

Important to Know What Kids Can Handle

The Harry Potter craze was one that was curious to me. I have always been a fan of fantasy, but have had to be careful what I expose my family to. I have eight children and many of them get nightmares easily. We have had to cut out movies with a lot of violence, blood or scare factor. When the first Harry Potter movie came out I watched it without my children and although I knew it had a good story,I also knew it would cause nightmares in my family. We have also had to steer clear of many popular movies. You mentioned Sword and the Stone and Mary Poppins. My children do not get nightmares from them. I think for some children there is a fine line of what is adventure and what is scary. The old BBC version of The Chronicles of Narnia doesn't scare them, but the new “Narnia” does.

The nightmares and night terrors have taught us a lot. My children have had a lot of prayers with us and children's songbook songsand hymns memorized, to chase the "bad" feelings away. They also havestrong testimonies of priesthood blessings. I may just have a bunch of sissies in our house, but I think it is important to know your children and know what is adventure to them and what brings fear. There are many wonderful stories out there, but for some they are just a little too far over the line. I do know that by us having to cut out many things in our home we have a tranquil, calm spiritual feeling here and no shortage of fun. We may be missing out on one thing, but we are enjoying another. Thank you for your thoughts. I enjoyed reading your review.

-Tammy Illguth

Harry Potter Books Lead Me To Christ

Thank you for such a well-written critique of a series I have grown to love. As a mother of four grown children and a grandmother of 14, I have tried for decades to instill in the family progeny not only a love of what’s right, but the courage to stand for it. The Harry Potter series has been a favorite of most of them who are old enough to read it, and I’ve had many discussions about the lessons taught in the books with all of them.

I, too, thought of the verse from the Book of Mormon that you quoted, and my first reaction was “That’s what Harry (and the others) are trying to prevent!” There is a stark difference between good and evil, although Harry’s difficulty with Dumbledore’s unwavering faith in Severus Snape’s loyalty is a welcome tension that remains strong until the last book. We all have abilities and gifts that, while not as impressive as magic, are still pretty awesome. I think the series can help children see that what they can do to change their world is far more than they ever imagined, and that, as you pointed out, their parents are the facilitators and guides to those abilities. Family strength, as exhibited by the Weasleys, is the constant that Harry clings to during the first few books while he recovers from the abuse of the Dursleys. Relationships and the power they have over all of us is the greatest lesson for me from the series. What you are is so much more important than what you do, and what you are is largely determined by where you come from. Harry seems to be the exception to that, but I think the echoes of his parents’ love and sacrifice protected him long before that fateful letter from Hogwart’s in the first book.

That speaks to me of the promptings of the Spirit and the Light of Christ, guiding us until we reach people who will help us finish our journey. Ultimately, the books lead me to Christ, which is where all good literature takes us in the end.

-Rita Miller
Ann Arbor, Michigan

Good Called Evil, Evil Called Good

I was really hoping the Church would rally against the Potter books and movies. I feel so strongly against it because no matter what the argument/rationalization, it sends the message that witchcraft and sorcery is good and normal. It is not. The Church came out against the Ouija board back in the 60s/70s because of the dark power behind it.
Even though you quote Elder Holland, he wasn’t speaking in an official capacity. Our leaders have been quoted saying many things if it will justify someone’s given cause. These books haven’t been praised in General Conference nor should they be. They say in the last days good will be called evil and evil good. This is a prime example of that. Don’t be deceived. It scares me a lot when I see young elementary-aged children reading these books. They’re too young to see the difference between fantasy and reality. The adversary will use any means possible to get his evil messages out, even if any part of it is actually good. The younger the minds he can influence, the happier he is. In my humble opinion he has successfully deceived a great many Mormons.

-Elaine Eddington Provo, Utah

No Such Thing As Good Witches

I disagree for several reasons. There are real witches and Satan worshipers today who practice evil not mentionable. I got involved in a front group for a Satanic Cult without realizing it. It has nearly destroyed my life as a result of the consequences of going to their wilderness classes and letting them hold workshops on my property. There are people who call themselves white witches and it is a cover up. As a result of her books, J.K. Rowling has thousands of children calling her to find out how to cast spells on their parents. They are joining Pagan groups, which is one step away from a Satanic Cult. I know a well known man in a certain circle in the Church, whose son is on the police force to take care of covens. He has met bishops who are involved in Satanic covens. When he asked one particular Bishop why he was involved, the answer was "I want power now."

While I would never disagree with an Apostle, I might think he doesn't know all of the facts involved. I happened to chat briefly with him about what happened to me as a result, when he came to our stake, and maybe I should write him and tell him more about the subject of what is happening as aresult of Harry Potter. I am also suspicious of any book that gains such prominence in the world so quickly. There is money backing it and where is that money coming from? You don't have good witches fighting bad witches; witchcraft and Satanism is fought by the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. I can understand why others are concerned. Thank you.

-Sue Maxwell

I Do Not Believe Our Savior Would Watch or Read Harry Potter

I respectfully disagree with Jonathan's assertion that Harry Potter is suitable for Latter-day Saint audiences. Yes, he quotes a senior Apostle. I like Elder Holland, but I find the more I see Harry's adventures portrayed on film, the more I come to think of them as the flaxen cord referred to in the Book of Mormon. It represents to me the slippery slope that comes from unnecessarily exposing yourself to scenes and dialogue that ultimately lead to watching/reading the works of such as Stephen King, whom I regard as a child of hell with eyes full of darkness.

I used to like David Copperfield's magic specials on TV when I was a kid, but then he became very dark and sinister, performing illusions that defy normal human ability. The kicker for me was his "phasing through" the Great Wall of China. Because of the dark impression I sensed from Copperfield, I no longer watch his act.

It is the same with Harry Potter. I cannot allow myself to watch them because I view them in the resoundingly adamant paradigm of maintaining spiritual purity. I do not believe that our Savior would watch or read Harry Potter. So I shall not do so, either.

-Detrick Cornelsen
Moses Lake, Washington