I have criticized the
Harry Potter series many times, and in my efforts, I sometimes felt alone among authors of my genre. I am hoping that after J. K. Rowling's recent revelation, my lonely voice among Christian fantasy authors will change.
It seems that Ms. Rowling has publicly revealed her true intent, to promote acceptance of homosexuality and to encourage rebellious attitudes. I knew of the second intent long ago, but the promotion of homosexuality came as a mild surprise.
Here is an article from cnn.com:
Click Here"Dumbledore is gay," the author responded to gasps and applause.
So, the only wise authority figure in the story has a sinful sexual orientation, and Rowling is proud of this fact. It comes as no surprise that Ms. Rowling's admirers would applaud this revelation. Such is the unbiblical world view of this author and many of her fans.
Here is another interesting excerpt:
Rowling, finishing a brief "Open Book Tour" of the United States, her first tour here since 2000, also said that she regarded her Potter books as a "prolonged argument for tolerance' and urged her fans to "question authority."
It seems that she admits to using these books to promote acceptance of what most Christians would consider a sinful deviation God's design, as well as an attitude that would be suspicious of authority. Now no one can argue that she didn't have this intent.
One more excerpt:
Not everyone likes her work, Rowling said, likely referring to Christian groups that have alleged the books promote witchcraft. Her news about Dumbledore, she said, will give them one more reason.
And rightly so. This announcement
should give Christians reason not to like her work. Her motivations are directly opposed to the biblical truth that homosexuality is an abomination to God (Leviticus 18:22) and that fostering rebellious attitudes is akin to causing little ones to stumble, an extremely dangerous offense.
Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it is better for him that a heavy millstone be hung around his neck, and that he be drowned in the depth of the sea. (Matthew 18:6)
I hope this revelation puts a nail in the HP coffin, and I pray that Christians who support Ms. Rowling's harmful material will finally see the light. I might get flamed for posting this opinion and for slamming another author, but highlighting the intent behind these books, and the fact that they are a dangerous influence in our culture, is a responsibility I can't ignore.
*****
Since I first posted this, I have received a couple of critical comments. Because of one of these comments, a heart-felt plea for compassion, I have edited this post in order to choose words that are less likely to be misunderstood.
I'm also adding some thoughts from my response to that comment, because it would be wrong for me to overlook the commenter's plea. His sincerity was touching and deserves much more than a passing glance. (For the rest of my response, see the comments section.)
Disapproval of homosexuality doesn’t equate to hatred. I don’t hate anyone who claims a homosexual orientation. What I believe about it is grounded in Scripture, and I don’t believe God creates anyone that way. Such a belief should not lead anyone to think that I have any hatred or lack compassion.
True compassion involves helping someone out of a problem, not saying it’s okay to be there. It is showing someone the way out of sin, not making someone feel comfortable in it. Ms. Rowling wants people to be comfortable with homosexuality. I want people to leave it behind and find true freedom in Christ. That's what real compassion is all about.
