2001 Harry Potter Wake Up Call

LOS ANGELES (BP)--Among Christians, it seems, Harry Potter has become one of the most controversial pre-teens in history. Since his entrance into pop culture in the late 1990s, Christians have often debated Harry's spiritual ramifications.

McMINNVILLE, Ore. (BP)--School field trips, remember them? Brown bag lunches, crowding single file onto yellow buses, teachers admonishing students to "pay attention" and "stay together," writing an essay about what was gleaned on the outing were all part of the learning experience. The times, they have certainly changed.

MERRITT ISLAND, Fla. (BP)--After having seen a pre-release screening of the first Harry Potter movie, I left wondering what it was going to take for the church to wake up. The movie appears to be directed to children 13 and younger. For those Christian parents and pastors who have wanted to believe that the Harry Potter books are really not about witchcraft, they are going to be disappointed. Using witchcraft is the way Harry, a child who grew up in an abusive situation, gains power and fame.

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. (BP)--"Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone," the most anticipated film of the year, opens this Friday, Nov. 16. And depending on your outlook, it will either completely delight you or totally appall you.

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. (BP)--Marcia Montenegro, once a renowned astrologer and now a Christian author and speaker, understandably is concerned about the new movie "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone," which opens nationwide Friday, Nov. 16.

WHEAT RIDGE, Colo. (BP)-Nov. 16 is the day "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" comes to theaters across the country. Parents, like it or not, it's time to make a decision about whether you and your family are in the Harry Potter fan club.

LAKE FOREST, Calif. (BP)--Millions of children strolling into the new Harry Potter movie, which opens Nov. 16, will get a crash course in occultism, said Richard Abanes, author of "Harry Potter and the Bible," released last January by Horizon Books.

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. (BP)--Hoards of kids in America want to see the upcoming "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" movie. The question is, should they?

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. (BP)--"For the first time in his life, my kid is reading. And I owe it all to Harry Potter!"

MERRITT ISLAND, Fla. (BP)--Parents and even pastors who have found the Harry Potter books harmless rely on the fact that these books are fantasy and therefore conclude the witchcraft presented in the books should be ignored.