[HPFGU-OTChatter] Re: Harry Potter sermon?

[Richelle Votaw]

Beth wrote:

> You've got me soooo curious. Completely showing my ignorance and
> predjudice here (without really meaning to be either), are there many
> Pentecostals who've read any of the books? How do you answer fellow
> members who do shred the books without having read them?

I didn't think there were any (except me!) but I've already found one more
on here.  So who knows how many there really are out there.  When I get
funny looks if people see my HP keychain or books or folder or whatever else
I happen to have, I tell them not to knock it until they've tried it.  They
can't actually find debate it if they haven't read it, can they?
Unfortunately, some of them refuse to do so.  So then I start on a different
angle.  I ask what they think of Lord of the Rings.  They usually admire it,
great Christian author, etc.  Christian book stores even sell it.  I ask
them what Gandalf is.  A wizard.   Does he have a wand?  No, a staff.  Same
difference.  And on it goes.  Then we move on to fairy tales.  Cinderella.
What is the Fairy Godmother?  A nice name for a witch.  Sword in the Stone.
What is Merlin?  A wizard.  Beauty and the Beast--plenty of sorcery there.
And it goes on and on.  Sometimes they at least start second guessing
themselves.

If I get through to them there, I head for the Christian symbolisms in HP.
Sure, it could all be a coincidence, but it sounds really good to spring on
them.  I had my friend's jaw drop a dozen times when I told her some of
them.  She's convinced.

On a similar note, someone in New Orleans tried to stage a book burning June
21st but for some reason nobody wanted to go. :)  My mom said if they want
to burn something, why don't they burn some porn magazines or something
that's actually bad.

Richelle