After years of averting questions on whether Christian themes were present in her wildly popular Harry Potter books, author J.K. Rowling finally opened up this week about the Christian allegory in her latest book, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.”
Today's Christian News Online - The Christian Post
Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. (JN 8:32)
CP HOME
> Entertainment > Books
Harry Potter Author Reveals Books' Christian Allegory, Her Struggling Faith
By
Elena Garcia
Christian Post Reporter
Thu, Oct. 18 2007 12:00 PM EDT
[-] Text [+]
Prev1Next
Most Commented Articles
La. Governor Signs 'Science Education Act'
McCain Endorses Calif. Initiative to Protect Marriage
Obama Prying Loose Evangelicals from Republicans
Federal Marriage Amendment Re-introduced in Senate
Anglican Head Sees Risks in Conservative Proposals
PCUSA Assembly Approves Deleting Gay Clergy Ban
Arizona Puts Marriage Amendment on Ballot - Again
-
Megachurch Sets Record Straight on Recalibrating
PCUSA Assembly Approves Deleting Gay Clergy Ban
When Car Seats Become Church Pews
McCain Endorses Calif. Initiative to Protect Marriage
Conservative Anglicans Avoid Split, Launch Fight against Liberalism
Breakaway Anglicans Win Property Battle
Obama Prying Loose Evangelicals from Republicans
Featured Advertiser Links
Comments
i believe judgement is for God. if Jesus were here will he say what ur all saying?
Do we really need Jesus to be speaking out of Harry Potter? Can we not just enjoy this book? And why are Christians "Liars" who claim to looooove H.P. books? Like we are defrauded and must be dissalusioned by satan. Why does the christian industry and market have to approve books for us first anyway? Just because Dr. Dobson says they are bad does that mean they must be? I really like Dr. Dobson but don't hold authority by everything one man says. for those of you opposed to masturbation, dr. dobson holds to it being ok. I am sold out for Christ and I think H.P. is brilliant and refreshing. I don't think masturbation is such a great idea for regular practice. Is one of us not a christian? Rowling is private about so many statements regarding the spritual nature of her books and if she did not intend to claim any religious theme then let it be and we can decide as it was meant to be done, by reading it ourselves.
gmp: "Are they really any different than the early church?"
No, but your initial statement wasn't about the Taliban, etc. It was about the Inquisition. That's all I'm referring to.
Fanatism is always dangerous, but if genuine Christians don't take a stand now against the Pink Agenda, our definition of 'normal' will soon become 'abnormal' - it will be abnormal to be heterosexual. Laws are being passed that protect the perverted, while moral values are being attacked. If the public knew the true facts of homosexual practices, they wouldn't be so tolerant. What is done behind closed doors would turn any stomach, but they want our children to be brainwashed into accepting homosexuality as normal. Political correctness is just another term for cowardice in taking a stand against 'popular' issues, and no one claiming to be Christian can go along with any of these issues that compromise christian principles. Martin Luther stood up to 'the powers that be' and freed the masses from tyrannical domination - if nothing is done soon, 'normal' people will become victims of the tyrannical domination of the Pink Agenda. They don't just want tolerance, they actually want to force their deviant lifestyles on everyone. Its time that christians in government put a stop to the Pink invasion and for once and for all call it for what it is - sexual perversion.
Persistent? Thats an interesting descriptive term. Is that how you would describe Al Qaida and the Taliban? Are they really any different than the early church? Is the Jihad against the western culture, really any different than the crusades, or the war against heresy? I think not.
gmp, when one thinks of the persecution you orignally mentioned, they don't tend to think of historial timeframes outside a particular area. I keep my eye on the ball by keeping to the context, and not assuming too broad a context for the statement. Even including your examples, however, I would still dispute the "millions" number.
Regardless, though the Church fanatics throughout history were (and are) pretty darn persistent, I actually see a much better future in general for a global interfaith community getting along.
Ok smartie, The 50-60,000 you refer to includes the roughly 250 years from about 1450-1700 in Europe. It does not include all of the inquisitions, some of which began as early as the 1000s and occurred elswhere. These inquisitions were tribunals of the church for the suppression of heresy - of which witchcraft is considered. The Spanish Inquisition alone, set up by Ferdinand and Isabella, extended to the new world, and many sources place the death toll in the americas alone as in the millions. Dont forget the crusades either, where Moors and Pagans (all of whom were suspected of whichcraft) were killed in the name of Christianity.
We can debate numbers all day, but thats not the point. Lets keep our eye on the ball.
gmp: "Your comments on witchcraft sound frightningly similar to the witch hunts of the dark ages where millions of innocents were tortured and murdered by the church on suspicion of witchcraft."
I just had to correct this one statement. Current records show that the amount was not "millions" (a number made up by Matilda Gage), but more like 50,000-60,000. Executions were primarily done by secular, NOT church courts. Most were Christians who got caught in local political fights, or healers who turned in rival healers. That's not to say that church fanatics haven't done a great deal of persecution throughout the centuries, but I want to make sure that we have our facts straight.
dannygirl,
my greatest fear is that there are many others who feel like you do. Religious fanatacism in any form is evil, be it christian, muslim, hindu, or whatever. It shows arrogance, and leads to hate and resentment of others. Many of the darkest chapters of human history were written by fanatics like yourself who justified persecution and killing in the name of god. Your comments on witchcraft sound frightningly similar to the witch hunts of the dark ages where millions of innocents were tortured and murdered by the church on suspicion of witchcraft. One would think our society would have advanced farther than that by now.
don't be so frothy and distracted by this frivolity. it's a smoke screen. the republican party has Christians running around burning up all their energy on gays and abortion while they take from the middle class and give to the super rich. people will not starve and go to hell because dumbledore is gay. but good people will suffer and go hungry in this very country while you pour all your energy into this. this is the real stuff, not a fictional wizard who isn't even identified as gay in the actual books and movies. besides which, who cares? it's comparatively nothing in the face of the issues we have to face in this wold.
Duet 18:10-14, Rev 21:822:15,
The word of God is very clear. No way is Harry potter a Allegory of any kind.
What part of Abomination does one not understand. Witch Warllock, Wizard,
Socerer, and observer of times is abhored abomonation to God. If any one
condones J.K. Rowlands as some kind of Christian, I will call you a liar like
J.K. Rowlings to your face. J.K. Rowlings is a witch. There is no debate about
Harry Potter. If someone who calls himself a Christian and thinks Harry potter
is okay because he thinks it's "good reading" and that "kids are reading again"
he is a liar too. Kids', christian kids, would be reading witchcraft. You don't
obey the word of God. Worse then that. You don't fear of Love God. Because you
promote something that the word of God called a abomination.
The southern kingdom of Israel was destroyed and sent into exile because of
Witchcraft and Idolatry. Judah was sent in a babaloynian exile because of
witchcraft and idolatry. What will happed to to us?
Gal 3:1 "Foolish Galatians who has bewitched you that you should not obey the
truth?"
U.S.A, if we execpt this abhored lie. The U.k. Canda, and Austrialia is falling
apart because of the same witchcraft and Idolitray. America is the for front
runner of Christianity in the world. WHAT WILL BE THE END?
Hmmm. Plenty of thumbs-down, but no actual dialogue. Do you see why it gets frustrating for non-Christians? There's no discussion on the perspective, "why/how/when do you feel that way?"
"Anyway, my main point is that most Christians barely understand why they are a Christian... let alone what they are saved from, saved from who, who saved them and what meditating on the Word actually is... Sorry for the rant my friend."
zenodaddy, no apology needed. I'm glad to see that some Christians are examining the problem as well. To be an effective representative, you have to understand your subject! We have many of the same problems in Wicca - too many people (pagan and not) think that Wicca is this sparkly-shiny-unicorns view of life, rather than a religion that requires work and commitment. And we get some heat from the non-pagans for it, as the happy-sparkly folks really like being in the spotlight.
The bottom line is, we're each coming from our own experience perspective. The best way to convey that is to share those experiences; speak from our hearts more than from text. People are interested in the inner stuff; the personal how/why of what another believes. Anyone literate can read the text, but it's the personal story that touchces the heart.
imho, I like to tell people that I'm public short of wearing a flashing neon sign on my head. ;) It is very much like prayer, "with a kickstart" as some say. The Divine has a big hand in all sacred things we do.
"......but I believe God created man to commune with him. He is a God of relationship and He wants to be in relationship with us. He has given each of us the choice as to whether or not we want to be in relationship with Him."
OK, for the sake of argument - why create a direct way to severe that relationship, and put it in man's path? Looking at it from a purely common sense view, there's no spiritual reason to it.
Hi, Wiccan Texan. Thanks for your openness in giving examples of what you do with Wicca. I can see the appeal. It sounds a lot like "regular" prayer, the only difference being to whom we pray.
It lools like zenodaddy took the "why Satan" question! lol! Thanks, zenodaddy. :) I've only been able to skim it, but it looks really good.
I can understand the confusion that arises when we think God's goal in creating man was to have man live in innocence and bliss in paradise of God's creation. Now, I won't pretend to know the mind of God 100%, but based on Scripture, I don't believe that is the goal. Utlimately, that will be the end result of it all, but I believe God created man to commune with him. He is a God of relationship and He wants to be in relationship with us. He has given each of us the choice as to whether or not we want to be in relationship with Him. It's a freedom that all too many of us take far too lightly.
Thanks for the interesting posts, everyone. I don't get too much time to hop on here and see what's going on, but when I do, WOW! Such food for thought. :)
What people tend to forget, or refuse to accept is that things are done for a specific reason. Take Satan for example... did God know that Satan would rebel? The answer of course is 'Yes'. Why did He create Satan if He knew that he would rebel? We do not know and are not privy to the answer either. Much like Adam and Eve. Did God know that Adam and Eve were going to sin? The answer, is Yes. If you recall in Genesis, God was not really all that surprised. Did Eve sin? No, it was Adam, Eve was deceived, Adam did it knowing the consequences.
Did God create a perfect creation? Yes He did. Did He know that it was not going to be perfect forever? Yes He did... if He did not then He is a liar. It is written so many times in the New Testament alone that God has foreseen and chosen who His people are going to be that in reality, there should be no wonder or discussion about it. He chooses whom He choses.
'For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; 30 and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified. ' Romans 8:29-30 (NASB95)
You see, for some reason, there is a process in which God's people must undergo and God's creation to undergo before the 'Perfect' Creation can be Created. What business does the clay have to ask the maker what it is being shaped to be? No it does not.
For some reason we have this image of God that is not biblical. We have this image that God is this great Pansy in the sky that could be the farthest thing from the truth. God lives and dwells outside of our Universe, He controls the Universe from the outside... His power is so great that if He for one moment lost His train of thought, none of this universe would exist.
So the next time we wonder why God chose to do something that is incomprehensible to you... remember this... He controls all, and we do not.
Addendum: From the pagan perspective, the main beef I hear from new pagans is, "no one even attempted to answer the harder questions." They all just got "I'l pray for you." By jumping ship, you're simply creating the situation to drive folks further away.
From my personal experience, Christianity is a fine faith when followed properly. It certainly started me on a good foundation. However, more and more I see disillusioned young people who wanted to give it a chance, but turned elsewhere due to the reasons above.
I know it seems strange to have a Wiccan priestess tell you what is not working in witnessing for Jesus, but I have no fear of someone coming to Jesus if that is their calling. But I hate to see people continuing to flounder because of the waffling I see from "prayer warriors" who refuse to delve into the deeper issues.
"Whether you don't believe me Wiccan or Citizen is again your decision."
I believe entirely that you've connected with God. But you only see that others are happy connecting in ways that are not yours. That, and avoiding questions under the premise of "praying for healing of hearts," is YOUR decision.
Citizen and Wiccan, you believe what you choose to about God. I realize after praying that you do not want to know God, you have set up your own belief system and if that works for you good. I am not going to be responding on this site any longer. I didn't want to leave without saying goodbye and I do pray that one day you will see the truth about God and that He will heal your hearts of the anger, confusion and misunderstanding you have about Him.
With God's help, I am getting out of the computer world and getting out in the streets to help others to know the love of God, that truly changed my heart and life.
I cannot make anyone believe what I believe, but I pray that others who see what Jesus has done in me, will see the evidence of my life to know that GOD is real, that HE is God, that I am a witness to that fact. Whether you don't believe me Wiccan or Citizen is again your decision.
This world will know soon enough the truth of God's Word, In His Love and Peace, Annie
"man decided to do what he wanted instead of the will of God..."
But God PUT that temptation into man's path. If He hadn't, man would have remained innocent and in bliss. What was the point?
imho: But why create Satan to begin with? If the goal is to have man in paradise of God's creation, why toss a bad seed into the mix? It still doesn't fit the logic of an all-loving God.
Addendum: I always make a personal statement, "let no one be harmed to manifest this." In other words, I would not want financial success to manifest as a loved one dying unexpectedly and leaving me money in the will. My focus is always the core tenet of Wicca: "an it harm none, do as you will."
imho, I never consider an honest question "cheeky." :)
There is no such thing as "Wiccan spells." Wiccans create individual spells for their personal needs, but Wicca itself does not require spellwork as a part of the religious doctrine. A couple of examples from my own experience are: financial (help put opportunity in my path for financial success or windfall) and healing (sending energy to a sick friend for them to use as needed). In both cases, my personal wishes as to outcome are not part of it; the Gods decide how They will manifest my request.
imho, thank you brother! You understand exactly what has happened. This world is under the control and influence of Satan, God's Word tells us this, and it was brought about by man's decision to disobey and rebel against Almighty God. Now, man can choose to stay in this world, or repent and confess our sin, and be thankful that God provided a way out of the dead and dying world. Jesus died to reconcile us back to the Father, and that is why we are in this world, but we are not part of this world. We need to have a Biblical Worldview, not this worldview. Ask the Father to open your eyes to truly see things as they are, not as you want them to appear.
Citizen, who are you referring to you when you say innocent, there are NO innocent people, only JESUS CHRIST was innocent, and He gave HIS life, no one took His life, He laid down HIS life for us, because HE LOVES US! THat is the truth! No one is innocent, we all fall short of the Glory of God, but in JESUS CHRIST we have hope, HIS blood shed on the Cross, covers our debt and thank you Lord God for an incredible gift!
NO one ever died for me except JESUS and HE is HOPE ETERNAL! LOVE YOU SO MUCH JESUS!
And I don't care what anyone thinks of me, because I know in whom I BELIEVE!
Wiccan, it is for those very reasons Christ died, we could not save ourselves from this world, this world was turned over to Satan when man abdicated his gift however in JESUS CHRIST, HE restored back to us our relationship with the Father, however, we are waiting His return, with a new Heavens and a new Earth.
He is all LOVING and HE is all knowing! This requires FAITH! For His Glory, Annie
Hi, Annie. I just want to say, "God bless you, sister!" Your passion is beautiful. :)
Hi, WiccanTexan. You said: "Wicca has a core tenet, 'harm none', which expressly teaches us NOT to control others. It is considered the height of arrogance and disrespect to do so."
I'm curious as to what Wiccan spells are for. Not being cheeky - I'm genuinely curious. Can you give a couple of examples?
Also, you asked: "So, in essence, a perfect God made an imperfect Creation, and now that Creation is blamed and tortured for those imperfections. Please explain the spirituality portion of this."
I think I saw the answer in one of anniefourjesus' posts... She said, "The fact is that God made a world, and HE created man in His image, and HE blessed man with the inheritance of the earth, man gave his inheritance to Satan, and JESUS paid the debt that I could never have paid." It's subtle, but it's there - as soon as man decided to do what he wanted instead of the will of God, he gave his inheritance over to Satan. Satan is referred to as "the prince of this world" in the Bible, and this now imperfect world is largely under his control. Not because of God's will or lack of compassion, but because man has willingly given Satan that control.
Anniefourjesus: The following is a yes or no question: Is it moral if an innocent person suffers for your crimes?
"We were not created to die, but God gave every man and woman a CHOICE and it is our choice to believe GOD or not."
God created all things, which means that Hell is also part of that creation, before mankind even knew good/evil. The fall of man was apparently pre-destined, so there was never a choice.
" Just because God allows things, doesn't mean He approves of them."
You are asking me to believe that an all-loving God consciously and willfully allows mankind to torture and destroy each other. I'm sorry, that's way too much of a contradiction.
You are right Citizen, I do have a passion, and it is for Jesus Christ, HE is the fire in my heart and my life. HE is the most wonderful, beautiful gift I have been blessed with! This world is DEAD, the world has been dead since Adam and Eve sinned, when sin entered the world, death began to take hold of mankind. We were not created to die, but God gave every man and woman a CHOICE and it is our choice to believe GOD or not. Sin, is when man declares HE doesn't need God, HE is wise in his own strength. God created man in His image, we are His children, well, one of His created Angels had rebelled against Him, and as a result was thrown from Heaven and in his hatred of God, he came after God's greatest creation, mankind, and he counterfeits everything God does. This world is very DEAD, but JESUS CHRIST, His death paid our sin debt and HE restored mankind back to the relationship we had before the fall, but every man has to accept this for himself. If a man/woman does not accept this, then there is no other sacrifice left. When God created the Heavens and Earth, HE didn't ask man's advice, HE is the CREATOR and I really think it is absolutely the highest cheek to be telling Almighty GOD what HE can and cannot do with HIS CREATION.
I love my Almighty Creator and I am NOT ashamed of the Gospel, HE opened my eyes to see the truth, that I am one of HIS children, I am a Princess of Heaven and having knowledge of who I am in light of this world, is a blessing! Citizen, don't you worry about me, I could not be in better Hands! May God bless you with the opening of your heart to really and truly seek Him. IN Jesus, Annie
Wiccan, Jesus is not a myth and He has nothing whatsoever to do with Harry. Harry is fiction and Jesus Christ is quite real.
God doesn't torture anyone, mankind does that to one another. Just because God allows things, doesn't mean He approves of them. God is Spirit and HE is not bound by time and space; mankind is. I once walked in the world without God and had no knowledge of Biblical things. When I surrendered my life to the Lord Jesus Christ, and was baptized into the Holy Spirit, The Holy Spirit taught me that without HIM I could not correctly discern the Scriptures, for the are Spiritually discerned. The natural mind is at enmity with God, it doesn't want to know Him and doesn't want Him to be in control, so mankind rebels against God's authority, this is exactly what I did. I lived in denial for most of my life.
Citizen, please do not feel sorry for me, I have discovered the reason I was created and the purpose of my life, and I have never been more at peace in my whole life. I have a deep abiding joy and love in my heart for God, and NOTHING and NO ONE can ever separate me from my Beloved Father God again! I would not trade that for anything in this world! I have found the true treasure, and I won't let anyone or thing keep me from Him again. HE is laid down HIS life and died for me after all the things I ever did, and HE suffered so much for my stubbornness and evil, that is a love that I still cannot fathom, that while I was HIS enemy, HE died for me! Glory to you Lord Jesus!
Citizen, and Wiccan it's not my job to preach it's my calling to share what the love of God has done in my life and my heart and that is what I do.
I pray that you one day will know the fullness of His love and peace. For His Glory alone! Annie
Citizen, let me share with you something, I don't agree with the things that you are saying about God, you don't know Him! God hasn't set us up and you have a totally wrong knowledge of God. I once had a knowledge of Him based on the way I was raised, and I ended up having an image of God that was all wrong. I knew what I thought was so much about God, but I was wrong, I had head knowledge but I didn't have heart knowledge of God.
This world holds nothing for me Citizen, been there, tried this world, and I am very thankful that God opened the eyes of my heart to see Him as He truly is!
This world cannot define God, HE is beyong human understanding. HE reveals Himself in Scripture, but without HIS Holy Spirit, you won't understand it. JESUS is the only HOPE for this world. If that offends you Citizen, I"m sorry. You look around this world and again I say, how is man going to repair what mankind is and has done? Mankind is on the brink of killing everything off this planet!! What do you think Iran is doing, and North Korea and even China, if God doesn't intervene everything will be destroyed (and thanks be to God) HE has intervened, and JESUS is the answer.
I'm not preaching Citizen, what I am doing is sharing what JESUS has done in my own life, HE is not what you say HE is, you simply do not know Him and so you speak about what you do not know. Not meant to offend you at all, but it is the facts.
The fact is that God made a world, and HE created man in His image, and HE blessed man with the inheritance of the earth, man gave his inheritance to Satan, and JESUS paid the debt that I could never have paid. I sinned against God, I rebelled against Him, and finally I took responsibility for my own SIN; and thanks be to God, that HE forgave me through the blood of JESUS CHRIST. Harry Potter has NOTHING to do with JESUS CHRIST! GOD is a HOLY GOD! and HE calls HIS people to be holy also! HE is perfecting us, cleansing us from all unrighteousness and either we believe OUR FATHER or we do not.
If you don't walk with Almighty God, you walk with Satan. That is the truth and you can deny it all you like; the FACT of God's Word speaks for itself!
Citizen and Wiccan, you are both in my prayers daily that JESUS CHRIST will reveal Himself to you and that HE will guide you into all truth in Jesus Name, Amen
"You ask why does God allow all this suffering. He doesn’t, He created YOU to have dominion over this Earth and command the demons (Satan’s army) to back off."
So, in essence, a perfect God made an imperfect Creation, and now that Creation is blamed and tortured for those imperfections. Please explain the spirituality portion of this.
"Why would anyone even try to suggest that Harry Potter is anything like Jesus?"
Because Harry, Jesus & a multitude of others throughout mythological history follow the same basic mythological storyline of destiny, suffering, rebirth and redemption.
"Blood sacrifice of an innocent for ancestral blood guilt is barbaric, not just."
*wild applause*
“Witchcraft teaches people to cast spells to control others and God hates control.”
Non-Wiccan witches may very well do those things. Wicca has a core tenet, “harm none,” which expressly teaches us NOT to control others. It is considered the height of arrogance and disrespect to do so.
“You do worship satan. The power and forces you use is lucifeiran.”
LOL! Seriously, crack open a history book. Satan (the adversary) and Lucifer (the Roman name for the bright and morning star, which Jesus himself claims to be) are from two separate cultures, and were never seen as the same entity until Milton’s “Paradise Lost” in 1667. You really need to step away from B-movies for your religious information.
I just wanted to state that the second scripture in the article is incorrect. It is not from Matthew 6:19, but from Matthew 6:21. Just wanted to clear that up.
Also, just to make all of your heads explode, J.K. Rowling has said that Dumbledore was gay. http://popwatch.ew.com/popwatch/2007/10/rowling-outs-du.html
To Yes I Am a Jew: Yes, Walmart and many stores are now selling Spell Kits with all the Paraphanalia for kids to cast spells. Target actually had a warning sign saying the Harry Potter movies may cause seizures. (Jesus cast a demon out of the boy who had seizures). The reason the Bible says that God hates witchcraft is that it’s the same as rebellion.
To Texan Wiccan Continued: “Thou shalt have no other gods before me”. He said this because He loves you and knows the danger to you. As well as your unfaithfulness to Him. You cannot serve two masters. Jesus offers you Eternal Life and everything in between.
To Texan Wiccan: You cannot believe God and practice Wiccan. Witchcraft teaches people to cast spells to control others and God hates control. The most valuable thing people have is Free Will (Choice), because we’re made in His image. Since God won’t control us, He hates it when we control one another. So stop it! This stuff is real and it will bite you. Because whatever you do to others, will come back to you. You may believe you’re only working with good spirits, BUT there is only One Holy Spirit and all others that use you as a host body are in rebellion to God and their only objective is to control you. Turn from it and back to Him. You think you were “Born Again”, but that term can only be measured by a complete transformation to look more and more like Jesus by following Him only. Serving Wicca you are violating His first commandment.
In the Old Testament they were not to suffer a witch to live. In the New Testament it says those who practice the occult will burn in hell. Why would anyone even try to suggest that Harry Potter is anything like Jesus?
Citizen - Continued: I know this all sounds like a fantasy story and that’s why you think true Christians are so weird, but only the Holy Spirit can reveal Truth to you, and that happens when you’re “really Born Again”. That takes a Choice of coming into spiritual union with His Spirit and not just lip service. He can only become One with you when you recognize your own mess and allow Him to clean you up. The biggest lie the Church has taught is that you can enter the Kingdom of God without taking responsibility. That’s why you still blame Him when things go wrong, then run away calling yourselves ex-Christians, but you never knew Jesus, your Lord.
To Citizen: Hello again. Throughout your posts I think I read you saying that because of all the suffering, the Christian God must be unjust and cruel so therefore can’t exist. As a former atheist, I also had that problem. Deep inside I had this anger against Him. It sounds like you’re searching for a missing link and hoping someone will answer. I will do the best I can but encourage you to keep digging also. Jesus spoke everything in parables, so only those really seeking Truth will find it. Those who have hardened their hearts and only care about their own existence will never find Him. And without Him no one can overcome and receive the rewards Jesus offered to the 7 churches in the Book of Revelations 2 and 3.
The life God offers us is not about these few fleeting years in this earthly existence as we know it, this is temporary. In the beginning we were perfect, made in God’s image, but we chose to rebel in our hearts, which led to death. The first child born to mankind was evil and killed his 2nd born brother who was good. That was the fruit of knowledge of good and evil.
With no way around this death sentence because mankind had chosen to allow it in, God sent His own Spirit to humanity in the Form of Jesus, His first born Son, to pay the fines for us so we can go back to perfection. The only way we can come back to being in the Presence of God’s Holiness, is if we’re covered with a Penalty Paid sign and that’s the atoning Blood of Jesus.
The time we spend here on this three dimensional Earth, is a time of testing and schooling. Satan is allowed to be here to test our faith and expose our loyalty, to see if we have the “Right Stuff” to receive the rewards listed in Revelations to rule and reign with Christ. Some believe there are different levels of rewards. And maybe there are different perceptions of hell. But the bottom line is that each one of us has an opportunity to make a Choice to follow Him or not. A good book to read is, “The Great Divorce” by CS Lewis.
There is one thing that God has no control over, and that’s our Free Will. Because He made us in His image He cannot violate His own Laws. Just as in this life through persuasion or torture, we can lie through our teeth, but no one can force our wills into believing until we agree and so it is with God.
You ask why does God allow all this suffering. He doesn’t, He created YOU to have dominion over this Earth and command the demons (Satan’s army) to back off. Instead you’ve chosen to help them push God’s power away so they can victimize many. But it’s not too late. The beautiful One is waiting for you, and where the Spirit of the Lord is there is Freedom.
anniefourjesus: Are moral people happy if an innocent person suffers for their crimes? Is it justice for a judge to sentence someone to the death penalty for jaywalking because their ancestor was a murderer, unless an innocent person suffers, and then the accused agrees to believe whatever the judge says, and do whatever he wants? The god you believe in rigged the system you believe in against you, and this is someone you trust and want to worship? Is this justice and love, or tyranny and corruption?
anniefourjesus: Yes, I find hope in people of good will who haven't abandoned the world. Its a shame that you aren't one of them. There are so many worthy causes that could use your passion. If I or anyone could convince you to hope and dream that the world could be a better place, and that there are more solutions than preaching your god at people, then you could make a difference here and now, rather than convincing others to sink into despair as you have, where there is nothing to do but wait for jesus to come back or something. You are clearly a passionate person, and your passion would be better spent in hope for this world, rather than despair.
Citizen, I am not just tolerating nonbelievers, I have a real love in my heart for those who do not know Jesus Christ, and those who deny Him. Because I have been there. I hated "organized religion" as a child and I still do. It took 25 years for the LORD to show me that HE hates "organized religion" also, HE came to abolish the "religious establishments". He came to show that a personal relationship with God is what HE is offering. Not some list of do's and don'ts. Yes God has standards for our conduct and behavior, I mean life without them would be chaos. However, God is not religious, when we stand before Him one day, He's not going to ask me if I were a good Baptist, Methodist, etc. He's going to look at my heart and did I reach out to my fellow man, who was hungry, needed a friend, who was in prison and needed understanding and counseling, was I in the hospital/nursing home, and needed a visit, did i clothe those who need clothes. It is us taking care of one another, loving God and loving one another, those sum up the WHOLE LAW...it is a law of LOVE. This is what the world fails to GET!!! Everything God does and has every done, has all been done in LOVE! Even when HE disciplines us, it is in love. Love tells me I care when you get in trouble, I care when you are screwing up and yet, I have mercy to bless you with forgiveness.
He is my Eternal Father and what a blessing to finally understand, that I am HIS daughter, that I am a daughter of The King of Heaven and that HE has an eternal plan for my life.
People, places and things are gifts from God, they cannot take God's place in our heart that is reserved only for God. Now people do choose to reject all of this, and that is their choice.
Peace to you Citizen (to my brethren on these pages, we are not called to judge this world, that is God's dominion) every human being has the God given choice to accept Him or reject Him. Jesus never forced Himself on anyone, and neither should we!
The Lord is calling on HIS children at this time for UNITY in the FAITH! Open your eyes and hearts to see the DAY of the LORD is coming! He tells us to speak with gentleness to those who are weak, and do not understand. We are not to be condemning anyone. God doesn't need us to defend Him, HE is our Defender, HE is our refuge and our shield! We have a very real enemy, but it is NOT flesh and blood, and we do well to remember that. Pray for those who don't know Jesus, that the HOLY SPIRIT will turn their hearts (soften) towards God! In Jesus Name, Annie
Believing in Jesus and God does not exempt me from pain and suffering. That is not Biblical. Jesus told His followers, "In this world you will have trouble, but be of good cheer, for I have overcome this world," coming to know and believe in Jesus, didn't make my troubles disappear, but now I am not walking alone, HE is always with me, even when I do not sense Him, I know that HE will never leave me nor forsake me.
Jesus was meek, but He was anything but weak. So many talk about Jesus, but they don't really know Him. When you know Him, the first thing that strikes you about the Lord, is that HE loves me inspite of everything I have ever done, will do; and He forgave all of that. "He who is forgiven much, loves much"
He has taught me that what matters most in life, is RELATIONSHIPS, the one with God first and each other. He looks at the heart, not at appearances! He is so misunderstood today, and His Word is taken out of context and so many false Jesus' have risen up; and that is all prophetic; I have discovered that HIS WORD is TRUTH; especially as I see the way that "ever-increasing wickedness" abounds; and men have become lovers of themselves, and the love of many has waxed cold", these are HIS Words and they are true, just look around at this world and you tell me Citizen that you can find any hope here?
In JESUS CHRIST, I HAVE HOPE, HE IS THE ONLY HOPE WE HAVE! We cannot save ourselves from this world, look at all the factions that are bent on DESTRUCTION, honestly, cold blooded murders are on the rise, killing for no reasons, in my own City of Boston, it is horrific.
I praise the LORD that HE gave us a way out of this world, and HIS promises are true. I am HIS witness of these things; and for those who don't believe, well, they will stand before Almighty God one day soon, and we all have to give an account for our lives, for every word that has come out of our mouths. I want my mouth to be speaking HIS truth in love.
God has written the knowledge of HIMSELF on every human heart and men are without excuse, these are His Words. We either believe or we reject. There is nothing more to say, except Thank You Lord God for the gift of Eternal Life, through Jesus Christ, our LORD!
anniefourjesus: I do appreciate your tolerance for non-believers, though, and I mean that most sincerely.
"Believing in god and jesus doesn't make the problems go away. Its just incentive to avoid responsibility and the necessity of fighting for change. If all you have to do to avoid pain and suffering is believe in the dogma of Christianity, well, why take the harder path of working to end the pain and suffering? Why work to change the system when you can content yourself with treating the damage after its already been done?" Citizen, my belief in Jesus Christ and God is not delusional. I was living in a state of denial most of my life, this world has nothing for me, and I believe that I'm going to spend eternity with God and Jesus Christ! I know in my heart and mind that HE is my all in all! There is nothing I desire in heaven or earth like Jesus Christ, and I will share with you why? HE showed me what real love looks like, I grew up with no love, no understanding of what love was, and I hated the world, God and everything in between. I was on drugs and self-induced medications. JESUS saved me out of this world, that teaches the biggest lie of all, that there is NO God and that we don't need Him. That is a big lie from the pit of Hell, I know that my heart and mind were nearly destoryed by the real enemy that mankind has, Satan. People choose to deny God, and to deny that Satan is real, and denial gets you killed. I know, I practiced it regularly. I choose to live in a state of reality now, I know that I know what I know. I can't make you believe Citizen, no one could make me believe, when I got to the end, and I had no where else to turn, I did cry out to GOD and HE answered me; WOW! Imagine my surprise when JESUS showed me who HE is, and HE filled my heart with love so beautiful and so strong, that HE taught me how to forgive those who'd battered me most of my life, abandoned me and nearly destroyed my life. HE redeems lives, if we let Him. HE is so Awesome, His kindness and tenderness is what blows me away! My prayer to Him, is that HE will use me to show others, that HE is real, that HIS Love is more real than anything in this world. HE just waits for us to get to the end of ourselves. I was full of self-righteousness and had myself on the throne of my heart and life, a place only HE belongs!
My prayer is that HE will touch your heart and mind Citizen to know Him, HE is so worth knowing. Don't be afraid of offending me Citizen, I don't offend. Everyone has to come to Jesus on their own, and you are entitled to your belief's even though I don't share those. I did once, but thanks be to GOD, HE has shown me the light, HIS marvelous light and love.
Peace to you Citizen, and to you as well Wiccan. Speak the truth in love is what I try and share!
For His Glory!, Come, LORD JESUS,Come
"A person that calls call themself a wiccantexan is a Christian. Naaah! I don't think so. "
I'm not a Christian. I said I BEGAN as one. Do you generally make this sort of assumption without checking things out first? Maybe that is part of the problem here.
The Word of God is quite clear on witchcraft, idolatry, etc. and does not need any further explanation. God is Soverign and His Word is truth, let every man be a liar, God is not a man that He should lie, nor to change His mind. Too many pick out just parts of truth and not the whole truth of God's Word. If you are here on this site and you don't believe in God or His Word, then of course none of this is true to you. That is your choice. It is my choice to know in my heart and mind that Almighty God is exactly who He says He is, and His Word is truth, He is so faithful and He is amazing beyond human description. HE is HOLY and a Holy God has called HIS people to be Holy. My personal testimony is to testify that Jesus Christ took the heart of stone that I had (Ezekiel 36:26) and HE gave me a heart of flesh! I praise You for that Lord God! My life was one of foster care and nightmares and I searched everywhere trying to find peace and wholeness, well, it sure wasn't in this world!! This world is a real mess, the mess that man instituted with His sin, His rebellion against God! I was involved with the occult, horrorscopes and I have since denounced all of that lifestyle! As the darkness that it truly is.
You may say this is ficiton Citizen, but the darkness is very real, just as God is very real, and one day the whole world will know and see Jesus, and will confess that He is LORD and bow down before Him. My prayer is that people will see the love of God before that takes place, this world is DYING! Hence Global Warming (this world is reserved for fire, just as the days of Noah, they were warned about the flood coming) but they chose to disbelieve as well and we all know the end of that account. God is Almighty God and Jesus came as an expression of His love and forgiveness. But many people are too proud to confess and admit their own rebellion. God says that when you want to find Him with all your heart, He will be found by you. So, the question is, do you really want to find Him? For His glory, Annie
"the problem is the spiritual maturity of those who do read them, or the lack thereof. Most children over the age of 11 know the difference of 'fantasy' and 'reality'."
Well-spoken.
*grin* That's Ms, not Mr. And as the "dude below" is part of the Christian theology, he's not part of my own faith. My personal relationship with God, beginning with my time as a born-again Christian, has brought me where I am due to Divine guidance.
The main problem here is the idea that we're all on teams, on sides. An infinitely creative One is hardly going to narrow the process down in that manner. But I suppose that mankind's need to be one of the popular kids overrules the obvious.
Regardless, the Christian theme in Harry Potter is obvious to those who are able to focus beyond the fantasy.
I think the problem with 'fantasy' books is not the spell casting, witchcraft references or anything else relating to those things... the problem is the spiritual maturity of those who do read them, or the lack thereof. Most children over the age of 11 know the difference of 'fantasy' and 'reality'.
Should all kids be reading these books? No, of course not. Just like some individuals who should not be making their opinions known on a website such as this. If I recall correctly (considering how often I do read the bible and constantly study amid publishing my first book), Jesus gave warnings to those who may end up in hell, but he never said anything about anyone going to hell, it was all a matter of their choice.
As far as these books containing allegorical references to the bible, Christ or biblical events... it is possible and if the AUTHOR says as such, then we ought to take her at her word for it. No one complained of the allegorical references in the movie 'Superman'...
Yes, I can see how Hogwarts students going on Christmas vacation is promoting witchcraft. *sigh* Some folks just see demons everywhere. dannygirl, remember that what you seek, you usually find. Try looking for Jesus again, because I think you misplaced Him.
Wow. Dannygirl all I can say is wow.
Do you have any idea what an allegory is? Many would argue that the bible itself, revered by you and others as the direct word of the Lord, is allegorical.
Harry Potter hardly qualifies as reading witchcraft. Are kids learning how to cast spells? In any case, anyone who knows the series would know that Rowling's conception of wizardry is hereditary and therefore clearly inaccessable to normal people.
But seriously, it is reactions like this that lead to poorly educated children with warped and stunted world views. We're talking about a work of fiction (that means it's not reality) and everyone up to the Pope is deriding it. Are there not more pressing problems in the world than an entertaining children's book? There's a whole genre of books called sci-fi/fantasy where wizards and witches use magic and these stories have been popular with children and teens for generations. Should we do away with them as well? How about we get rid of all books in general that are not of the biblical variety?