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EmmaRiddle · 04-24-2005, 10:42 AM

The Sunday Mirror exclusively reports today that the new Pope Benedict XVI condemned Harry Potter, calling the wizard a 'product of evil'.

"Harry Potter books represent a potential for a subtle seduction that is barely noticeable and for that reason epentrates deeply...a subversion of Christianity in the inward being." - Pope Benedict XVI

Below is a transcript of the article (which isn't actually online yet).

*

Quote:

Unlike predecessor John Paul II, who praised author J.K.Rowling for living her life like a Christian, the hardline German Pontiff believes her books are a part of a conspiracy to undermine people's sense of good and evil.

The pope spoke out about the series after having been sent a book about the 'dangers' of Harry Potter by a Catholic sociologist.

The 78-year-old said, "It is good that you explain the facts of Harry Potter, because this is a subtle seduction, which has deeply unnoticed and direct effects in undermining the soul of Christianity before it can really grow properly."

The 265th pope, nicknamed "God's Rottweiler", also ranted that the Harry Potter books can lead to "subversion of Christianity in the inward being."

He spoke out after reading the book 'Harry Potter - Good or Bad' written by conservative sociologist Gabriele Kuby.

The outburst came two years ago - but went largely unnoticed outside of theological circles.

Catholics across the world are likely to be confused by the attack after the last Pope's spokeman said the Vatican approved of the books.

Fr. Peter Fleetwood said in February last year: "I don't see any problem in the Harry Potter series. They aren't bad. If I have understood well the intentions of Harry Potter's author, they help children to see the difference between good and evil."

Last night a leading Catolic theologian, who knows the new Pope well, said his views were motivated by an 'obsession' with the Devil and exorcism.

Uta Ranke-Heinemann, 77, said: "The Vatican is obsessed with the Devil and exorcism. It was John Paul II who said every baby in the womb is posessed by the Devil and only through exorcism can he become a child of God.

The Vatican feels it has the copyright on what is good and what is evil and it does not want anyone else infringing its rights to this monopoly. It will condemn anyone who tries to enter this territory without its permission."

Source: The Sunday Mirror

The Cursed Erkling · 04-28-2005, 05:21 AM

It has always been my experience that unbelief in one thing stems from blind belief in another, and that the ideas that are founded on prejudice are always defended the most vehemently. And that faith untested is thin and flimsy at best. I am not doubting anyone's faith, it is not my place to do so.

I find it difficult to put stock in the opinion of someone who hasn't even taken the time to read the books, especially someone in authority. I won't even discuss ideas with someone who is ignorant of the facts of any matter. I don't think that escapism is such a terrible thing, not in so hectic a world as ours. I don't think that anyone doubts that the whole Potterverse is fiction, regerdless of what else we see as reality.

Perhaps the Pope should remember the quote: "Judge not lest ye be judged."

Beav42 · 04-28-2005, 05:48 AM

Well I know that many religions are against magic and things like that because theres always the evil side, but I think its stupid that people want to ban movies and books like Harry Potter. Its a book! its not hurting anyone. If other people dont like it then just dont read or watch Harry Potter. If so many people enjoy it why do they think its a bad thing.

dobbylicious · 04-28-2005, 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SiriusManiac

He in my opinon seems very narrow minded and i will bet a million dolllars he hasent even attempted to read harry potter.....what a hipocrit

I'm just really offended!!, still can't believe it.....

Olivia Malfoy · 04-28-2005, 04:40 PM

Honestly, I think there's nothing wrong with the books(well, you kinda guessed that or I wouldn't be on this site would I?) and either do my parents and we're Chritsians, I just think it's how REAL you think the book is. I mean, some people think there's actually a FORCE that controls everything

They just got that from Star Wars. I'm sure George Lucas didn't mean for it to become a 'religion'.

*sniker*

And anyone who takes it seriously enough to be a 'religion' had problems in the first place, and the book had nothing to do with it.
But, yeah. I think he's going a bit over board with this. What does he think he's going to do? Ban the books? hahaha

04-28-2005, 05:06 PM

Oh brother, what does the Pope know about anything anyways. Any person that would advocate saying that babies are possessed with the devil until they are exorcised, and anyone who KNOWINGLY looks away while his counterparts abuse and destroy children for the good of the EMPIRE, is sick and twisted annd has no bearing whatsoever to go around accusing other peoples motives for things. And furthermore, Catholisism is NOT Christianity. They are seperate and VERY different. And I agree with a previous post, most everyone WOULD love to write like JK, she is awesome! GO girl!

samanthalee1983 · 04-28-2005, 05:07 PM

What I really don't get is that there are dozens of how-to guides for witchcraft and magic in the "new-age/religion" section of most book stores... but I don't see the Pope or anyone else speaking out about "Teen Witch" or "Silver Ravenwolf". Why aren't these being mentioned? They are about witch craft. They give a history (although often distorted) and instructions on how to be witches. And yet, here the Pope is trying to ban and warning people about the dangers of Harry Potter, a fictional book.

Quote:

They just got that from Star Wars. I'm sure George Lucas didn't mean for it to become a 'religon'.

Hmm. and the reference to a virgin birth in episode 1 was just coincidence?

04-28-2005, 05:12 PM

I agree. My friend was and still is against Harry Potter. She will not let her son ever touch or look at anything from it. Nor will she let any of his friends (my son included) bring anything about Harry Potter around her children. I asked her, have you ever READ the books? Well of course the answer was "No, but I have HEARD bad things about it!" PLEEEEEASE people, how can you judge a book by it's cover or by malicious rumors. I think Harry Potter is an exciting story about 3 friends that stick together through hard times. Hmmmm how many other stories like that are around and getting much praise? Let them curse Harry Potter, they are the simple minded "Muggles" who are missing out!

04-28-2005, 05:13 PM

What Kind Of Junk Is That?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!

Singularity · 04-28-2005, 05:15 PM

*glares at new pope* Aye, he won't be liked much among Harry Potter fans.

The Cursed Erkling · 04-28-2005, 09:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by samanthalee1983

What I really don't get is that there are dozens of how-to guides for witchcraft and magic in the "new-age/religion" section of most book stores... but I don't see the Pope or anyone else speaking out about "Teen Witch" or "Silver Ravenwolf". Why aren't these being mentioned? They are about witch craft. They give a history (although often distorted) and instructions on how to be witches. And yet, here the Pope is trying to ban and warning people about the dangers of Harry Potter, a fictional book.

Be careful if you are going to bring up this topic. If you start to pick apart the beliefs of others without being fully informed by an unbias source from both sides (Christian and Wiccan) you are in danger of being just as ignorant as the Pope is in this particular case. It is a fine line drawn on a slippery slope, m'dear.

Then there is the whole isuue of respect for others which falls under the rules for the forums and the site. Basically if you can't say something nice then please don't say anything.

truluv8706 · 04-28-2005, 11:01 PM

hmmmmmmmmmmm......................

Olivia Malfoy · 04-29-2005, 01:48 AM

Quote:

I asked her, have you ever READ the books? Well of course the answer was "No, but I have HEARD bad things about it!" PLEEEEEASE people, how can you judge a book by it's cover or by malicious rumors.

Exactly! My goodness have I heard that one too many times!!!

Like my cousins for instance, I told them the books were REALLY good. But, they said that a man in their church had read them and said they were EVIL! Ooooh! So, I asked what he told them, and they said he said the book taught how to perform 'demonic' rituals. Which as we all know, IS a bunch of crap. Yet, they still can't be convinced. *sigh*

samanthalee1983 · 04-29-2005, 06:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Cursed Erkling

Quote:

Originally Posted by samanthalee1983

What I really don't get is that there are dozens of how-to guides for witchcraft and magic in the "new-age/religion" section of most book stores... but I don't see the Pope or anyone else speaking out about "Teen Witch" or "Silver Ravenwolf". Why aren't these being mentioned? They are about witch craft. They give a history (although often distorted) and instructions on how to be witches. And yet, here the Pope is trying to ban and warning people about the dangers of Harry Potter, a fictional book.

Be careful if you are going to bring up this topic. If you start to pick apart the beliefs of others without being fully informed by an unbias source from both sides (Christian and Wiccan) you are in danger of being just as ignorant as the Pope is in this particular case. It is a fine line drawn on a slippery slope, m'dear.

Then there is the whole isuue of respect for others which falls under the rules for the forums and the site. Basically if you can't say something nice then please don't say anything.

I beg your pardon? Please explain who's beliefs I was picking apart? History, any history, will be distorted as it is written by human beings and we put in our personal biases in every thing we write/say/think. As for being 'fully informed', I'm sorry, but I don't have a few hundred years to sift through all the literature available on the subject. I have studied Wicca and several branches of paganism and I used to be Christian, so I have got an inkling of what I am talking about. But that is completely besides the point. My point was this:

People (in this case the Pope) are speaking out against Harry Potter and similar books that have nothing to do with real witchcraft while books that have everything to do with real witchcraft and act as how-to guides are left unchallenged.

If you wish to continue this conversation, The Cursed Erkling, you are welcome to PM me or start a thread in Charing Cross Road.

Heron · 04-29-2005, 06:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PHLphlyest

Well he's entitled to his opinion, and I am entitled to mine. He's a git(that's the nicest word I can say on SS). And not just for the things he's just said about HP thing, but he's views on other issues. "Product of Evil" psssffft....sounds like that guy that's says "Evil doers." Now is he saying this after having read the books, or is this a statement of a man who only knows that the books are about Wizards and Witches? Ignorance is a killer.

I'm not too fond of this new Pope. And I really don't think he had any right to say that about the Harry Potter series. Not that it has any tremendous impact on my life, since I'm not Catholic. JPII was much better, IMO, but that's another forum.

loony 4 ........ · 04-29-2005, 07:13 AM

Even though im a Muslim, I liked John Paul 2 better than this guy. I dont like him at all. And my hatred for him is further increased now that he has criticised HP.

HP_Drummer · 04-29-2005, 07:30 AM

I myself am Catholic and was happy that Pope John Paul II was all for Harry Potter and that it taught good lessons for life. I have not changed at all after Pope Benidict's feelings on Harry Potter, it is still my favorite novel series!!!

SapphireMisty · 04-29-2005, 07:56 AM

Yes,

. I just cannot believe of how...how...oh....how many layers of spoiled wax to get the minds of these closed-minded people, that these books are not, I repeat, not evil! They are figures of our enjoyment, our freedom to...to have our imagination take us where we wish; whether if it's fantasy, science fiction, historical fiction, romance, etc... or even auto/biographies. They shall not try to limit what we read! Trying to limit the literature we read is not buena! (yea, I know I said that twice

)

Speaking of religions, Christianity in particular, I have once made a prayer long ago regarding people shall all be made into them (Christians) by 3000 something. I regret that prayer, and I take that back, seeing how much chaos it might have caused. I was a foolish fourth grader, who knew nothing better then, that 13 years ago. Or was it perhaps that it was meant that there should be no wrongdoings and cooperate with one another, despite religions? Ah well, no way of changing the past.

Spirit · 05-28-2005, 05:40 AM

:: shakes head ::

Well, I am a Catholic and I love both the Church and Harry Potter.

I'm not too fond of this new Pope either. Pope John Paul II was much better, in my humble opinion.

Meh Reh · 05-28-2005, 06:05 AM

SnapesPoppet - Please, what do YOU know about Catholicism if you're not even Catholic? It is a religon very much as all the others. Just because we don't believe the same as youdo does not mean we are oh-so-total idiots because we're not the same religion. I do not like the fact you are trashing my religion because of what Benedict has said. With all the other Catholics on the site, which I know there are on here, I do not understand why you have trashed the religion and I for one do NOT like it because we believe different than you.

Spirit - I very much agree with you.

Even though I'm a Catholic as well and Benedict is the leader of the faith... I don't agree with him at all. I love my faith to death, and Harry Potter does talk about magic but it doesn't mean that we're going to go run off and pretend that we can do anything we want with magic. I mean little kids do that stuff, and I would be very appalled to see an adult running around in a cloak with a stick to be a wand putting "charms" on it since they have read Harry Potter. I have never seen that and half of my perish reads Harry Potter no matter what the Bible says, because it does have magic, but it's a good versus evil matter. John Paul was a much better Pope... Benedict is one I'm not too fond of already.