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Should content be a factor in what Christian parents allow their children to read? Or does the fact they are reading trump all other considerations? This article addresses the claim that our children are intelligent enough to separate the harmful influences of what they read.
The intelligence of our parents, not our children, is at issue. Children, by nature, are lumps of clay that are molded though the years of their lives by parents, teachers, events, experiences, and, believe it or not, instruction. I won=t take the time to offer my debate concerning the causes of the downward spiraling of morality and religious conviction among children being raised in "Christian" homes. We keep trying to convince ourselves that we as a Christian people are unharmed by the acceptance of books, toys, and ideals that contradict the guidelines given to us in the pages of the Bible. Anyone who doesn=t believe that images placed within a young child=s mind can move that child in a certain direction does not understand why multi-national corporations pour millions of dollars into advertising. Neither will they understand the argument that exposure to images of witchcraft, like those found in the Harry Potter books, is detrimental to the battle Christian parents face to instill Christian values in their children.
The suggestion is that parents need to read Harry Potter for themselves to see if it is harmful or not. That argument is flawed. It assumes that the lessons of the Bible can=t be trusted at face value. From experience, Christians have learned through the ages that it is not necessary to try every sin before we can take for granted that the wages of sin is death. If the Bible tells me that something is not good for me, I do not feel the need to participate in that thing to prove to myself that the Bible is right.
The Bible says that God is provoked to anger by a people who use enchantments, witchcraft, and familiar spirits. (2 Chronicles 33:8) Just because witchcraft is gift-wrapped in a presentable package that seems harmless enough to the casual reader doesn=t mean children should open the package and experience the taste for abomination that is sprinkled either subtly or not-so-subtly throughout the book. Poison, hidden in a tasty meal has been the death of many a pesky rat. Christian parents should not be fooled by the hue and cry of Harry Potter=s apologists to allow their children to partake of poison no matter how scrumptious the feast appears. The Bible tells us witchcraft is an abomination. That may not settle it for many, but Christian parents need nothing more to formulate an opinion on anything that promotes witchcraft. The Harry Potter books present witchcraft in a favorable, harmless light that legitimizes such activity in the minds of children.
We are not compelled to continue the downward spiral into moral oblivion simply because we always have. Compromise has corrupted what is acceptable now to many families who are unaware of spiritual deception. Who can really gauge the damage done to the faith of Christians in each generation that was exposed to ungodly influences? My contention is that we are not alright for all of our "experiences". The very simple lesson we learned in Sunday School demonstrates perfectly the way we should respond to our generation=s influences--whether they be toys, books, television programs, or experiences. Be careful little eyes what you see. Be careful little ears what you hear. Be careful little feet where you go. And yes, I believe it is good advice for us all: be careful, little children, what you read.
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In response to your comments about the article, I guess I would ask this question: Are parents responsible for the environment in which they raise their children? If so, there are going to be limits. Regardless of the parent's views, there will be limits to what is deemed acceptable to that parent. It would be abusive to subject a child to pornography, literature from race-hating organizations, and various other available literature. I only say that to establish that there are limits.
I do not question the critical acclaim of Potter. It is a well-written, enormously successful piece of work. But if a Christian parent comes to the conclusion that it is inappropriate to his belief system, that parent should not allow for its reading anyway simply because it is an exceptionally crafted work.
Of course, I do not advocate banning Potter or any other book. And I do not spend much energy explaining to children what parents need to hear. Simply put, I am bound by my belief system. Although it's an excellent novel full of fun and adventure, Potter also contains subject matter offensive to that belief system. Why in the world would I subject my children's malleable faith to something I consider offensive to my own? Fun and adventure can be found in many books, and they run a distant second to faith in my book.
I certainly appreciate your comments. They are well thought-out and very well presented. I even agree with much of it. Thank you, once again.
From an untenable position you present your case well but your argument will only reach the audience who are already convinced.