Harry Potter (again)
Dear Catholic Exchange:
Let me start by saying how GREAT the Catholic Exchange portal is and how much I have benefited from the content! I have a question/concern about the [December 11] Edge article “Who's Just Wild About Harry?” though.
We have six children ranging in age from 14 down through 1, so we are very much in the mode of watching when the culture catches our children's attention. I have come down on the other side of this article for a number of reasons.
First of all, I don't think the author adequately debunked the issue of the “slippery slope” (in fact he resorted to using inappropriate analogies). Namely, the current Harry Potter book series seemed innocent enough in the beginning but the later books become more and more questionable.
Secondly, he gives the author credit for saying she likes C.S. Lewis when one interview I heard of with Rowling talking about her rationale for addressing topics such as death in her books left me with a question as to her real objective. These issues are certainly debatable but I'm not sure I should take the word of some woman named Joan to settle my conscience. I think the author went a little far in saying only extremely “impressionable” children would have to worry. I'd contend that ALL children are impressionable when you put them up against the peer pressure of society and the glamour of Hollywood.
Lastly, I did not see my main argument addressed (which would debunk many of the author’s analogies, such as comparing [Potter] to Narnia or The Lord of the Rings). That is, there should always be a clear distinction between good and evil (especially when you are dealing with young children). The battle between good and evil is real and a valid basis for many of the wonderful stories that were used for comparison. Harry Potter, however, doesn't pass this test (and for that reason I would NOT put it in the same category as Narnia or The Lord of the Rings).
I am certainly no expert and I would value a response to some of my arguments if the article “Who's Just Wild About Harry?” is to stand as valid. Thanks for everything you do!
Philip S. Quinan
Dear Mr. Quinan:
I appreciate your thoughtful questions about my column on the Harry Potter movie. If it turns out someday that J.K. Rowling had a hidden agenda to spread witchcraft and the occult among children, I'll be eating big bowls of crow. Until that time, however, I remain convinced that the first of her Harry Potter books (I have not read the others) and the current movie are harmless entertainment, in spite of Harry's involvement in mastering wizardry and magic.
Some of my favorite boyhood characters did the same. The comic book hero Captain Marvel got his powers by exclaiming Shazam! — a word that granted him the power of Solomon, Hercules, Atlas, Zeus, Achilles and Mars, if I remember correctly. All but one of these is a pagan god. The young King Arthur used the powers of the wizard Merlin in The Sword and the Stone. The character played by Sabu in The Thief of Baghdad called upon a genie to assist him defeat the villains. Cinderella was saved by a fairy godmother. I think Harry Potter's involvement with wizardry is no worse than these classic tales. These characters did no harm to the generations of young people who read about them.
Also, I disagree with you that Harry does not represent good versus evil. He is kind, loyal, caring, gentle, brave, and impatient with bluster and pretense — not a bad role model, all things considered. I see no dark forces at work on my nieces and nephews who have read the books and love the movie.
Sincerely,
James K. Fitzpatrick
Special Year-End Offer from Catholic Exchange
Dear Tom Kyd:
I did not indicate that I would like the CD-ROM games when I donated $50 previously. [See Special Year-End Offer from Catholic Exchange.] I just assumed that this would happen. Do I need to email someone?
What a great idea to make the Bible and the Catechism fun for children!
Also, I would like to take this opportunity to say how much I am behind you and the folks at Catholic Exchange. As someone who works in the technology industry as a software developer, I know it is an excellent medium to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Supporting you feels as if I'm supporting St. Maximillian Kolbe and those others in the faith who used every medium possible to spread the Good News.
St. Maximillian Kolbe, please pray for all of those at Catholic Exchange as they work to give Light to the world!
In Christ,
Cory
Dear Cory:
No need to email anybody. I'll make sure you are on the list to receive the CDs. We very much appreciate the support, and particularly the prayers.
I agree with you about what a useful tool the Internet can be. The Holy Father commented last month about how important it is to use the Internet in evangelization.
We are working hard at Catholic Exchange to promote this cause.
God bless,
Tom Kyd
Catholic Exchange
A Glimpse into Mark Shea's Future
Dear Mark Shea:
I live down in the Lacey, Washington area and read your articles from time to time.
Have you ever thought about trying to help establish a sort of Catholic apologetics/adult catechism program for the Archdiocese [of Seattle]? I know that it would be a lot of work but I think it would do wonders to spread the faith through fellow Catholics. Have not read your new book yet but look forward to it. Take care and have a Merry and Holy Christmas.
Mike Kramer
Hi Mike:
Actually, there is a very good chance that I will soon be undertaking a project (in conjunction with Ave Maria College) creating adult education materials that can be used by parishes and/or small home groups and which will touch on various issues in Catholic doctrine and life.
The goal will be to create something with a solid catechetical core as well as a component which allows adults to chew this stuff over in a group setting and put legs on it by doing something to live out the Church's teaching. It's still in the planning stages but your prayers will be appreciated. It will not simply be for the Archdiocese of Seattle though. We're aiming at the English-speaking world (for now).
Chins up, keep thinking big, and trusting God! Please keep us in your prayers!
Blessings!
Mark Shea
Senior Content Editor
Catholic Exchange
