Hollywood, Calif. – Family advocate and Christian media scholar Dr. Ted Baehr, chairman of the Christian Film & Television Commission®, warns that the final Harry Potter movie, “Harry Potter and the Deathly
Hallows Part II,” still has some dangerous, forbidden occult content and false religion.
“The final chapter to the “Harry Potter” stories, like the books, contains some surprisingly overt Christian allegorical elements,” Dr. Baehr admitted, “but the movie version slightly changes the final confrontation between the hero and the villain to make it even more like a spectacular magical showdown between two sorcerers.”
Baehr, who’s also a theologian and Bible scholar, pointed out that the God of the Bible strongly condemns witchcraft and sorcery as evil and loathsome in Deuteronomy 18:10-13. Also, Jesus Christ affirms all of God’s law in Matthew 5:17 and other passages.
Baehr added that God also commands people not to speak to or consult dead people, yet that is exactly what happens in the final “Harry Potter” movie.
“Frodo & Harry,” a book Dr. Baehr co-wrote with film scholar Dr. Tom Snyder, exposes this and other dangers in the “Harry Potter” books and movies, including the books’ political attacks on conservative, middle-class values.
Another problem with the movie, Baehr said, is a line of dialogue suggesting that people who deserve it will be rewarded.
“This goes against Christian teaching,” Baehr said. “The Bible says that everyone has fallen short of the glory of God and that Jesus Christ died for our sins even though all people are undeserving, evil sinners.
“This line of dialogue may seem to some people like a minor thing or an arcane theological point,” he added, “but 50 years of research shows that people, especially impressionable children and teenagers, are influenced by what they see in movies and television. Every Christian – and every religious Jewish person for that matter – especially parents, teachers, clergy, artists, and leaders in the mass media, has a duty to guard the hearts and minds of children and teenagers from false, evil ideas that may lead to destructive behavior. Theological ideas are just as important as moral and philosophical ones.”
Baehr advised parents, grandparents, teachers, and religious leaders to warn children and teenagers about the dangers of seeing movies and television programs like the “Harry Potter” movies.
“They should teach them to choose the good and reject the bad,” he added.
Instead of “Harry Potter,” Baehr recommends the “Chronicles of Narnia” movies for younger children and Peter Jackson’s “Lord of the Rings” movies for older children and teenagers.
“Better yet,” he said, “have your children read the books these movies are based on, including ‘The Hobbit,’ which is the prequel to ‘Lord of the Rings’ and is designed for younger children.”
Baehr noted that “Frodo & Harry,” the book he co-wrote, shows how much more redemptive and biblically sound “Lord of the Rings” is compared to the “Harry Potter” books and movies. It also gives tips to the public on how to train children and teenagers to be more “media wise” consumers.
You can read the HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HOLLOWS PART II here.
You can buy a copy of Dr. Baehr’s book “Frodo & Harry” here.
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
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