Update on Rick Warrens Minsitry Toolbox endorsing Harry Potter to over 400,000 pastors
I just received this in my google alert box a update and statement from James Emery White. This is a quote from the article-
"Those who put Harry in the “dangerous” camp are concerned about the use of magic and the presence of certain "dark" themes and even violence. They have dismissed them as being blatantly occultic, and have forbid their children to read them. I was reminded of this anew when just a few weeks ago I released my annual “Summer Reading” list through this Update (Vol. 3, No. 11). My friend Rick Warren reprinted that Update, as he has others in the past, through his “Ministry Toolbox” email which is sent to over 400,000 pastors around the world.
I began to see a few “Google Alerts” come my way as a handful of bloggers began to write how Rick Warren was now endorsing Harry Potter through “contemplative advocate” (huh?) James Emery White (I always thought of myself as more of a cultural apologist). My reading list, of course, is not meant to endorse the content of the books, but to recommend the importance of reading the books. For example, the list also recommended reading one of the three main “atheist” apologetics released this year, such as Christopher Hitchens’ God Is Not Great. I am surprised a blogger or two, using the same reasoning, didn’t accuse me and Rick of endorsing atheism!
Granted, it wasn’t a firestorm. I’ve had much worse of late. But I stand by my recommendation to be familiar with Rowling’s works. This is a momentous occasion in popular culture." end quote-
Read the entire article here
http://www.crosswalk.com/blogs/JWhite/11548000/
So it seems that Rick Warren does endorse reading Harry Potter or considers it harmless fantasy.
I hope Rick would have the backbone to put out a written statement of his own that reading Harry Potter is ok.
Rick Warrens Ministry Toolbox goes out to over 400,00 pastors worldwide.
I would be interested to hear from other pastors and see what they think about Rick Warrens Ministry Toolbox endorsing Harry Potter as recommended reading.
I would also love to hear from Richard Abanes who wrote a very good book warning people about the dangers of Harry Potter.
James's eye opening article ends with this statement-
"Yet the larger conversation can be more positive, for the Harry Potter books and films give every parent and child something to think about as Christians, such as the reality of good and evil, the critical importance of choices, and the nature of sacrificial love.
So I, for one, say pick up and read.
I know I am going to.
James Emery White"
Maybe James and Rick both need to look in Gods Word what the Bible states about witchcraft and the practice of occultism.
Let me know what you think-
Peace
Tim
posted by Tim Wirth | 2:49 PM
7 Comments:
You left out everything White said in his full blog that addressed your very concerns. That was very misleading. He dealt with the occult issue head-on, and in a way that other evangelical leaders - like Charles Colson - have as well. This is a cheap shot. His point is that it's more Tolkien/Lewis than anything, where you also have witches and warlocks and spells abound! Are you against them, too? Hope you approve this to be posted - it's only fair.
And P.S.
In an earlier post, you make mention of White just being a pastor, and that it doesn't mean that much these days. You should know that White's not just some pastor. He's a well-known author with InterVarsity Press, professor of theology at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary (and former president of GCTS), and holds a Ph.D. from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Have some humility that there can be two sides to these things between thinking Christians who hold to a high view of Scripture and condemn the occult.
I will post all opposing views as long as there is no bad language.
I usually will not approve a comment that does not have a name attached. I have made a exception here.
And to answer your comments notice I left a link to the article and pointed the link out.To make sure Im not accused of taking someone out of context.
James endorses reading harry Potter.
I know what the Bible teaches about witchcraft.
Nuff said.
Tim
Wow thats pretty impressive.
Its a shame with all those credentials James does not seem to know what the Bible teaches about witchcraft.
Peace
Tim
Tim, I think White's approach is more like Paul's in Acts with the Athenians, where he preaches with a knowledge of the cultural context. White is advocating that we understand the culture we evangelize in, not that we adopt its worldview.
Certainly, you're not suggesting we all wear "intellectual burkas" when we read...?
Why is it OK for J Tolkien and CS lewis to use wizards and witches but any one else is dubbed a heathen and heretic and we should gather all the books up and burn them then grab J K Rowling and burn her at the stake that would be the good Catholic and Lutheran thing to do. I think that is what Jesus would preach. Did any of you know that Martin Luther was a Heretic. He pushed what the Catholics did want to hear even though it was in the bible kinda what these guys on this web site are doing.
Always good to hear from Rick Warren followers and defenders.
I am nether catholic or lutheran. I was raised catholic though but then read the bible and saw the differance.
Im sorry you cant see the differance from Tolkien and CS Lewis compared to Rowling who purposly put witchcraft in her books to spread a agenda and intice children. I also dont believe anyone should be burned at a stake for anything, even though the bible shows where they burned magic books. I dont think that verse would cover burning Harry Potter books though.
I would not encourage that practice even though reading the books could be potentially dangerous
Tim
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