There are Wiccans in our schools

and young people involved in the occult right here in Peachtree City.

These are some of the most desperate and misguided young people I have

ever encountered. The "coven" (their name, not mine) confessed

to promiscuous behavior as part of initiation rights, extensive drug use

and having ceremonies to try to bring curses and calamities on their enemies.

To their credit, Wicca distinguishes between good and bad witches/wizards

just as J.K. Rowling does.

To counter Ms. Gaynor's letter,

Harry Potter is NOT a Christ figure; God has not changed his mind about

witchcraft. Jesus was not a wizard nor a warlock. Harry Potter is NOT

an allegory of Christ; Harry learns to operate in power apart from and

opposed to Christ.

While there may be similarities,

a major theme in most literature is overcoming adversity and the battle

between good and evil. I doubt seriously that children who come out of

the Harry Potter movies are saying to their parents, "Thanks Mom,

this movie really showed me a picture of Christ." Such complex thinking

is done by adults. Children are much more likely to identify with Harry's

more pronounced qualities and become curious about witchcraft, perhaps

even dabbling in something that God prohibits.

Many Christians have considered

the issue and, like Ms. Gaynor, felt it beneficial to allow their children

to read and watch Harry Potter. However, based on God's Word as well as

my understanding of the occult, we'll pass!

Our young people are indeed

hungry for the supernatural. They need to know that there is a God in

Heaven who loves them and is full of supernatural power, that if they

trust Him, He will fight for them. Hollywood cannot be a credible substitute

for this truth!

Chris Turner

Peachtree City, Ga.