My dad was watching Pastor John Hagee on television this morning (the same John Hagee that said Hitler was fulfilling God’s will by killing Jews). I was reading, but I looked up and paid attention long enough to hear this brilliant televangelist take a Bible quote completely out of context and make it mean “dragons are evil and invite Satan into your home.”
Now, taking the word of the Bible literally or not is a completely different discussion. Personally, I don’t think the Bible is meant to be taken literally, but many Christians do.
But, I digress. Hagee went on to mention other things in your home that could invite Satan in – occult paraphernalia…Harry Potter.
Whoa, whoa, whoa. Stop right there.
Back in high school, my friends can probably recall me mentioning that “magic” was evil. This is a teaching in some mainstream branches of Christianity, and it’s stupid, brainwashed rubbish. Luckily for me, I am older now and smart enough to realize that magic like in Harry Potter is absolutely harmless, even to Christianity.
There is a lot of “occult” stuff that I would say is evil. Anything that branches off of Satanism or is somehow harmful to people is probably good to avoid.
But Harry Potter? Here’s a lesson for you, John Hagee, since you’ve probably never even read the books or seen the movies.
Harry Potter is a series about a young boy that goes to a school to learn about wizardry. Throughout the story, Harry forges friendships, shows great displays of courage and heroism (moral fiber, à la Goblet of Fire), and also tries to do the right thing, no matter if it’s against the rules. Harry is famous because, as a baby, he was the only person ever to survive an attack from Lord Voldemort, the big, bad guy.
And how did Harry survive Lord Voldemort’s attack, John Hagee? His mother died protecting him. His mother’s love was stronger than Voldemort’s magic.
Yes, tales of heroism, friendship, and learning the right thing to do are pure and undeniable evil, Pastor.
A mother’s love overcoming evil forces is obviously a TERRIBLE thing for people to read about.
John Hagee, you are a prime example of what so many people hate about Christianity. You are an ignorant old man that acts as if God is an unforgiving, selfish, and unrespectable being.
No wonder atheism is rising among young people. Who would want to worship the god that you portray? The God I know is caring, kind, and does not spite those that read a book series that portrays MORALS AND VALUES THAT THE BIBLE ITSELF TEACHES.
You, sir, need to get off of the television before you do any more damage in the name of God.
-Philip