We have Christian friends who allow their children to watch and read the Harry Potter series.
How can we explain to them that this isn’t innocent children’s stories? God Bless you!
This probably isn’t the answer you’re looking for.
When I was growing up Aesop’s Fables and the Brothers Grimm were big, and comic books and TV shows featured Hercules and other mythological figures. These half man-half god heroes were based on the actual history of horrible demonic beings called the Nephilim of Genesis 6. They were soulless creatures, the offspring of unnatural marriages between angels and women. These superhuman abominations almost destroyed the world and were a major cause of the Great Flood. All ancient civilizations worshiped their mythological adaptations as gods. Paul taught that demons lurked behind each one of them (1 Cor. 10:20) but we viewed their fictional exploits as harmless entertainment.
Then there’s Santa Claus, the all-seeing, all-knowing, omni-present giver of gifts who rewards good and punishes evil. I thought that was God’s job. Or how about the Easter bunny, whose origins are in the worst sort of pagan revelry and sexual license. These characters were purposely devised to replace God in His two most holy observances. Why are so many Christians OK with inviting these insults to God into their holiday celebrations? And why can more children of Christian parents explain what Santa Claus and the Easter bunny do, than what Jesus did?
In contrast, Harry Potter is obvious fantasy. I personally believe that the stories of Moses, Joshua, Samson, David, and Elijah are much more exciting, and every bit as fantastic. But to be honest, having watched the Harry Potter series myself I fail to see the danger for someone who is old enough to understand the difference between fantasy and reality.
As to your question, we parents need to realize that prohibiting something always increases its allure for our children and guarantees that they’ll experiment with it when we’re not around. But with a little education and supervision we can often make it harmless. I’ll bet that for the most part, any kids who might have been led astray by Harry Potter were living in a spiritual vacuum. One that should have been filled by the God that nobody told them about.