Harry Potter: Anti-Christian or not?

The fact that the books are centered around sorcery is the main reason why certain religions have a problem with it. It may include things that are not part of the christian faith but the intent of the books are not to draw people away from christianity, it is meant for entertainment. If the writer had included directions on how to get in contact with satan, then there may be a problem but in the end, it's just a story, much like many other things. It may not be strictly "christian" with some of it's topics, but it isn't meant to be "anti-christain."

Whatsoever is not of faith is Sin. Faith if not viewed as coming form the doctrines reproof correction and instruction the Word of God gives in righteousness than it is your own faith and not the faith that comes from the Word of God. So then strongholds and imagination that exalt themselves above the knowledge of God and every thought not brought to the obedience of Christ 2 Corinthians 10: 3-6

All the attempts to get out of the continual jams along with the characters and the setting of mysticism is just plain demonic. The motive behind the whole series is the attempt to create a alternative to man 's past coloring it with mysticism and witchcraft and a world without God.

Not my cup of tea

There are no witches, I thought Christianity got over that when Cotton Mather died. It's a story like Hansel and Gretel. There's no reason to compare it to religious teaching except to make controversy.

The Easter Bunny is a fertility symbol left over from pagan times. Are Easter Eggs anti-Christian? Decorating the Christmas Tree is another ritual from pagans. Are Christmas trees anti-Christian?

Old Churches are sold and used for businesses, residences and even nightclubs. Is that anti-Christian?

The important thing is the intention, not the thing itself. If a cross is a symbol of your faith, thats good. If you have no idea what it stands for and worship the piece of metal itself, that's bad. Same cross, different intentions. There are so many more important things to worry about, why pick fights with each other over trivia?

No points for me I suspect.

If I was in a younger age bracket, I'd probably be interested with the Harry Potter story, enough to at least want to read one of the books, but then again, maybe not. When I first learned that witchcraft was the prevailing theme, and there was a school dedicated to its teachings, this was enough to turn me away on principle.

I grew up reading Terry Brooks, and still do to this day, and his amazing novels of fantasy and adventure are much more neutral and mature as compared to the blatant advocation of teaching witchcraft to children.

If you know where you stand, it's probably not a big deal either way. There are greater threats to guard against. We shouldn't freak out and take an overly-conservative position, but we do need to understand how it relates to what we believe and keep it in proper perspective to our faith. With a manner of precaution, it's possible to read it, and enjoy it as fiction, if that's what you like to read.

Its a work of fiction,just like the bible.This is the only argument needed.The books got 10's of millions reading that hadn't been reading before.People capable of rational independent thought realize that it doesn't matter what its religious significance is.Its fiction,very good fiction at that.

It's STUPID debates like this that make me want to grit my teeth, pull out my hair and SCREAM. It. Is. Just. A. Story. End of question. It is NOT trying to convert children to witchcraft. Hell, most of what they do in the book doesn't exist anyway. If you don't like it, DON'T READ IT. ARGH! >_<

What is the overriding theme of the Harry Potter books?

Friendship, loyalty, perseverance and love will conquer evil.

If that's Anti-Christian, you've got some explaining to do...

I havent read the books, but I know that christians view anything that isnt pro-christitan, as anti-christian. Harry potter included.

The logic seems to be that if children read about witchcraft, they will want to practice witchcraft. Which is stupid because its the same as saying that if children read about clouds they will want to be clouds.

Your a Christian of Hate!

Real arguments for what, the absurd notion that anything that doesn't preach about Jesus is de facto anti-Christian? Good grief.

Here's what Harry Potter and Jesus have in common, they're both fictional characters. Deal with it.