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Vatican hits out at the Harry Potter 'lie'



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Published Date: 16 January 2008
THE Vatican has launched a new attack on JK Rowling's Harry Potter novels, claiming that the boy wizard is the "wrong type of hero" and encourages children to learn about satanism.
In its official paper, L'Osservatore Romano, the Vatican said that the Edinburgh-based author's books spread a "grave and deep lie" by showing witchcraft in a positive light and promoting a "malicious image of the hero, an unreligious one".

In an article, entitled The Double Face of Harry Potter, it also claimed the best-selling books should not be compared with classic novels such as The Lord of the Rings or The Chronicles of Narnia – as they did not favour "the discovery of true Christianity".

The paper also said that the books led towards new-age spirituality, known to be something that Pope Benedict XVI dislikes, and led to an unhealthy interest from youngsters in satanism.

The Pope has previously said that the books contain "subtle seductions" that undermine children's religious development by blurring good and evil.

Rowling has previously come under attack from Christian groups in the USA who also believe that her books promote devil worship and black magic.



The full article contains 200 words and appears in Edinburgh Evening News newspaper.
Page 1 of 1

  • Last Updated: 16 January 2008 10:23 AM
  • Source: Edinburgh Evening News
  • Location: Edinburgh
  • Related Topics: JK Rowling & Harry Potter
 
1

malkster,

Scotland 16/01/2008 10:40:31
Can these idiots not get a grip on reality. Though I suppose it is better than the some hard line religions that would tell their beleivers to kill J K Rowling.
2

oder,

Scotland 16/01/2008 10:43:15
Sorry your Holiness
being a catholic I don't see anything unchristian in Harry Potter books even kids know its not real, so should you.
3

Steve Ev,

Malta 16/01/2008 11:06:36
A bunch of Biggots, just probably jelous of the fact that Rowling is probably earning more than this corrupt sect.
4

Biker,

Ayr 16/01/2008 11:09:47
For fairy stories, perhaps the Bible has the march on them all.
5

Flan Haggis,

16/01/2008 11:12:44
One day everyone will see that religions are simply cults, but which have been around longer, with wider membership and generally more widely accepted ideologies.

I personally like to form my own views of things. However if you like adhering to books which are thousands of years old and having your lifestyle choices dictated by an old guy on the other side of the world, then that's your own free choice. Unless your parents brought you up in that religion, in which case it was programmed into you, instead of being a conscious decision you made.
6

umbongo,

16/01/2008 11:17:52
oh good. a bunch of self-righteous morons are upset.

*buys harry potter books*
7

whateverthename,

Avignon 16/01/2008 12:15:09
after the mass in Latin and celibrating mass with his back to the congregation; the lad just doesn't know when to stop digging. Maybe he should talk to Bush then he would get a good grasp of the forces of good and the forces of evil.
8

McStumpy,

Edinburgh 16/01/2008 12:26:08
I think Dolores Umbridge is behind this.
9

Hibee in Italy,

16/01/2008 12:28:47
Oh my God...and you're lucky to have this crap miles away. Does anybody want to adopt a Hibee gone to Italy by mistake and get him back to his Beloved Scotland?
10

Helen,

16/01/2008 12:35:48
As a practising Catholic I'd like to suggest to Benedict and his cronies that there are more important things to worry about...like their appalling attitude to women in the 21st century and their blatant discrimination against LGBT people.
A novel is a work of fiction and is therefore understood by the reader not to be true. Unfortunately the Vatican seems to think that the laity aren't very bright and need to be guided as what they can and can't read. They need to recognise that many of us are theologically educated and have a good grasp of the issues. No-one will be telling me what to read. I have no problem with new age spirituality and can see some aspects which mainstream Christianity could benefit from. I've never read a Harry Potter book because as a 40 something, I'm a bit old to read children's books and I'd rather do the necessary reading for my Masters degree...though I imagine the Vatican would disapprove of women who go out and get themselves an education!!!
11

The Genuine Mario Antoinette,

16/01/2008 12:36:09
People , you are free.

Who cares what this cult or any other has to say.
12

Duncan in Edinburgh,

16/01/2008 12:37:23
Haha. This is almost as good as the cardinal who had a go at the Da Vinci Code saying "The book is everywhere. There is a very real risk that many people who read it will believe that the fables it contains are true." There's a marvellous lack of self-awareness in these people.
13

Calum Crubag,

16/01/2008 12:47:52
As is priests and popes are the right kind of heroes? Especially given the Catholic church's shameful silence on the child abuse of Catholic children.

It's not long since Darwin and other important figures were on a Vatican list of heretics and we all know what used to happen to them. Will there be Bibical calls for Rowling to be burned at the stake or stoned to death?
14

Elderberry,

16/01/2008 12:48:27
I think #13 is one of Djookers many ID's
15

Calum Crubag,

16/01/2008 12:49:59
Most children who arent subjected to Christian brainwashing will have no trouble in seeing that both the Bible and Potter are ficticious.
16

nolimits,

Northern Alberta...today 16/01/2008 12:50:00
Well, well, well.....The RC Church authorities rear their ugly heads again.I wonder when they will ban the Harry Potter series Hmmmm...? That brings to mind another book banned by the church, it was called 'Heavenly Discourse'. You can only find it in University libraries over here now. Too bad, it was a great read. Very well thought out, which of course is what their holinesses and minions are afraid of......independent thought.
17

D Fiasco,

Borders 16/01/2008 12:50:45
Not that I am the least bit concerned; just bunch of dried-up old goats jealous of a morally-balanced children's hero who is more popular than their own obsolete dogma.

God Bless Harry Potter (and J.K. of course) for encouraging our children to read again. There's hope for society yet!
18

Alternative (High Octane) Fuel Head,

Edinburgh 16/01/2008 12:51:03
#4:

Agreed.

For the sake of this discussion, Satanism is just as valid a religion as Christianity---and it does not involved sacrificing virgins either.

Perhaps the Pope may wish to consider the fact that other religions exist besides the mainstream ones, they are not all bad and evil and it is peoples' choice as to which one they follow (if any). Perhaps he may also like to consider the fact that an interest in religion---whatever religion---can broaden the mind. Nearly all religions have something to offer in the way of wisdom and life principles. The problem comes when you start taking them literally.
19

Mirrorman,

In the dungeon 16/01/2008 12:56:25
I suppose there will be secret interviews shortly for sados who would like to join the Inquisition.

I've got my fireside tongs and hand held food processor ready for the call.
20

hassan i sabbah,

edinburgh 16/01/2008 12:58:38
Mebbe if Dumbledore and Hagrid abused the young Potter and his friends, the Vatican would find Rowling's work more palatable.
21

Steve Evans,

Malta 16/01/2008 13:01:38
Just wonder if the Vatican might like to read David Yollup's, In Gods Name. All all about the evil corruption in the Vatican Bank and the mysterious death of the smiling Pope John Paul 1st. Ceedy and Evil on their part!!
22

Rulesbutnotrulers,

Federation, not separation 16/01/2008 13:04:56
Well done H Potter. Satanism isn't in there anywhere and is in any case just as fictional as the Christian Church (which has little or nothing to do with what Jesus was on about).
23

Darren :-),

on ma way to ibrox 16/01/2008 13:16:27
jesus, these "people" make me laugh! harry snotter is just a book, its fake, not real!
24

,

16/01/2008 13:18:42
Comment Removed By Administrator
Reason:
25

Paul Voltaire,

16/01/2008 13:29:59
Nobody really cares what the Vatican thinks these days.
The Pope is really just a figure head in much the same way as the Queen and has no grasp of life in the real world.
26

Alberto.,

16/01/2008 13:39:25
I think their latest 'Con'-vert the well known man of all faces one 'Tony B£air' will approve of 'Harry Potter' and its author - a very nice 'big' earner!! - now that's what really matters in this world for people of true dedication to any cause - regardless!!
27

Finbarr Saunders,

16/01/2008 13:53:04
Hmmmmm, reading through some of these responses here has convinced me that the Pope may well be onto something here, and that you have all been subtly seduced towards the dark side by reading those evil Harry Potter books.

The power of Christ compels you!

The power of Christ compels you!

The power of Christ compels you!

The power of Christ compels you!


28

Bill MacD,

16/01/2008 13:55:51
Get a life!!

If only the religious nutters would spend more time doing things that were actually GOOD (remember that word, anyone?) they'd get more respect. But as it is they are obsessed with persecuting gays, repressing women, causing wars against Islam(ic nutters), and generally behaving much like any other hate organisation like the National Front. And then they wonder why they're losing public respect!
29

Stone of Destiny,

16/01/2008 14:10:46
As someone who has discovered the truth of the Gospel(and is free from the spiritual blindness, pride & arrogance that is required to declare that the Bible is a fiction),I do sympathise with the popes comments - though I'm not a catholic.
If you actually knew what 'real' wizards and witches got up to you would not want to glamourize this lifestyle.
30

Arrow,

edinburgh 16/01/2008 14:24:30
#30 sounds more like "Stoned of destiny". the truth of the gospel! which one. there were dozens that were considered in the very early years of the church and vetted. those that were "acceptable" to the judges (no pulitzer prizes then) were deemed OK and the rest i beleive were seen as heretical. the Bible is the biggest collection of fairy stories, myths and soft porn that is likely to be put inot one book (i excuse those holiday books that you get at the airport)
i have never seen a priest yet who did not enjoy Tam of Shanter and that is about warlocks and witches. get a life.
31

Finbarr Saunders,

16/01/2008 14:27:39
#30 - Stone of Destiny - Why don't you you tell us muggles what those 'real' wizards and witches get up to, then?

Until you do, we'll just imagine them all playing Quidditch and stuff!
32

Let's have the truth,

Queensland 16/01/2008 14:42:06
"Rowling has previously come under attack from Christian groups in the USA who also believe that her books promote devil worship and black magic".

......I can't see how her books promote the worshipping of Dick Cheney.
33

Big Aggie,

16/01/2008 14:44:40
It's only a matter of time before the Pope and his cronies will be out burning piles of Harry Potter books, and any other literature they don't agree with, in the streets, just like that other German dictator back in the thirties. What WAS his name now...........?
34

Finbarr Saunders,

16/01/2008 14:49:05
#33 - Let's have the truth - You won't find much of an audience for your US political jokes here, I'm afraid.

35

The Genuine Mario Antoinette,

16/01/2008 14:56:33
Well , the Vatican has a powerful media arm and still has a wide following of ignorant people who actually believe that bread becomes his body during a wee service and that by going in a wee booth you can confess your sins and all will be okay until next week.

Basically, the vatican are just doing their job - as are johnston press in telling us this rubbish.
36

Ganjass,

The Burgh 16/01/2008 15:03:05
What gets me about the bible is that God kills way way way more punters than Satan. So in that work of fiction the moral of the story is Satan is actually not of the heinous mass murdering persusion that God is such a big fan.

And while on the subject if the good are rewarded by god, surely the bad would be rewarded by Satan, so why would bad people "burn in hell", is this a christian eupamism for party?
37

Pontificatus Maximus of Avignon,

16/01/2008 15:32:08
Seems to me that Benny XVI needs to get a life!
38

Witchy poos,

Stirling 16/01/2008 15:36:28
Stone of Destiny (30)

As a real witch I'd be intrigued to hear what you THINK we get up to. Seriously. Personally I prefer ice hockey to Quidditch, but apparating would be handy
39

walter,

16/01/2008 16:01:54
#30
What thing like "And thou shalt offer thy burnt offerings, the flesh and the blood, upon the altar of the LORD thy God: and the blood of thy sacrifices shall be poured out upon the altar of the LORD thy God, and thou shalt eat the flesh" as described in Dt 12/27
40

The Genuine Mario Antoinette,

16/01/2008 16:42:23
" And Lo , Harry came off up the mountian with a virginious goat in hand"

"Blessed be the completely ridiculous belief in God".
41

JG,

Fife 16/01/2008 17:02:38
Could someone tell the Pope that "Harry Potter" isn't an autobiography?
42

Duncan in Edinburgh,

Edinburgh 16/01/2008 17:30:13
#43 How does she smell?

Hello again, by the way :)
43

Monkey shines!,

16/01/2008 17:36:30
#43

I drank one once, but like the French I prefer le Piat d'or
44

Andrew Allan,

16/01/2008 18:12:35
This is the Vatican on almost every issue these day - This is black, this is white, this is black, this is white etc..., I can remember a story I heard a while ago which goes like this: Good and evil were facing up for the final show down, but there were some who were not as pure as the driven snow, but were not evil either, these people went to the good to ask if they could join with them, but the good saw these people to be less than good, so saw them as evil and said no, so these people had no choice but to go to the evil side, who went on to win.
45

Horrible Cankers..dans le Cyber Shebeen,

16/01/2008 19:28:57
As far as I am aware modern Wiccans do not recognise Satan as it is an invention of Christianity..which they also do not recognise....and here's the crux of the matter...dabbling in the supernatural..the search for alchemy...herbalism...the belief in healing energy etc...all of these things were around way before the fable of God, Jesus and Mary chained to the lot of them....of course, Christianity/Catholicism and all the other extremists helped stamp (literally) that out...and no we aint talking virgin sacrifices here...midwifery and homeopathy...so obviously they aint going to want it to rear its ugly head again as guess what..it might just become popular again eh?
46

Finnking,

Lempäälä 16/01/2008 19:30:27
Terve

"More Americans know who Harry Potter is than Tony Blair, according to a survey commissioned by producers of an online game show based on modern pop culture."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/4793489.stm

Tells us something but i'm not sure what.

Tony Bliar recently became a Catholic. Maybe the Pope should look atthe first picture on this site: Priceless.

Also, it seems that Gorgon Broon is up for a bot o' Satanism, according to the man in Italy wearing a dress and a pointy hat;

"...... Gordon Brown already down as the Cabinet's official Harry Potter fans...."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/3256792.stm

47

LDawnZ,

The Internet world 16/01/2008 19:51:47

I think this is because she announced dumbledore was gay

48

Fanling,

Somewhere up the Yangtze in a Buddhist temple 16/01/2008 20:56:22
Alarm bells! Catholic Church under threat from a more entertaining branch of fiction. Who is the real liar here? With religion, especially the catholic version of Christianity, it's all about control. Control of susceptible minds. Whether the Fat Controller is a pope or an ayatollah makes not a grain of difference.

Religions perceive "reds under the bed" everywhere and anywhere that their mind control is under what they automatically assume to be a threat. Attacking a work of fiction aimed at stretching children's imagination - it encourages them to read, blinkered fools - is plain stupid. Selfish yes, but ultimately stupid, stupid and more unbelievably stupid. Did I mention selfish and narrow-minded?

Religions prefer to mould and shape young, impressionable minds in their own twisted image of reality ("believe and don't ask questions"). And the controller is always a man, usually in fancy dress. JK is a woman, and a damn fine one too.

Threat ...? To whom and to what? If religions were secure in their own skins - and they are inherently insecure - there would be no question to raise. What a load of predictable spew this non-issue is.
49

joppa jock,

Huntingdon 16/01/2008 21:06:30
I was in Rome last year and was disgusted at the amount of cash that was being ripped off tourists to get into the Vatican. The queue was at least half a mile long and they took 8 quid of everybody. What they do with that loot is a mystery, for some catholic countries are amongst the poorest in the world. Why can't they concentrate on what is going on in today's world instead of worrying about Harry Potter.
50

Itchy,

16/01/2008 22:52:03
"30 Stone of Destiny,16/01/2008 14:10:46
As someone who has discovered the truth of the Gospel(and is free from the spiritual blindness, pride & arrogance that is required to declare that the Bible is a fiction),I do sympathise with the popes comments - though I'm not a catholic.
If you actually knew what 'real' wizards and witches got up to you would not want to glamourize this lifestyle."

Lifestyle? The book is a work of fiction.

Never heard of witches and wizards abusing children. I have heard of a certain church that gets caught all the time.
51

Ross Fyffe,

16/01/2008 23:09:48
The anti-Christ makes me sick, he is a leader in an awful multi-billion dollar industry
52

scotsdoc,

NANAIMO BC CANADA 16/01/2008 23:14:33


Bless~ed are they that expecteth little,(from the Vatican), For they shall not be disappointed.

Do 'Protestant ACtionists' still declaim from the speaker's corner at the 'Foot of the Mound'?
53

Kipling,

16/01/2008 23:17:49
What an ingenuous new way of marketing the book. Put it on the Index, and then everyone can look it up. I've never read Harry Potter and I'm not going to try. Surely this will only serve to boost sales? (And possibly broomsticks, which is one way of getting the kids to sweep the front doorstep.)

Ps. how many of the posters above are duplicates?
#45. Duncan in Edinburgh, you're tasteless. I bet you stink of cologne to cover up your real biological putrefaction. Nuns are equally the victims of a discriminatory church. Would you go out and work with lepers and get no recognition for it? At least for a priest there's promotion to bishop, etc.
54

McMillan,

Newcastle under Lyme 17/01/2008 03:45:50
JK Rowling writes a Cracking good story. I have read every one of her books to my children at bed time.

They loved them, and well they should.

The Church has a long and bloody History using Hysteria and Superstition to Strenghtion its grip on people in the past. Nothing changes, it would seem.

My money is with JK Rowling.

Can't wait for her next book!






55

an interested party,

17/01/2008 06:53:58
at least the pope doesn't come across as mad and out of touch


oh wait...
56

paulr,

edinburgh 17/01/2008 08:37:28
Typical garbage spouted by the vatican and their fanatic followers
57

james 1st,

hamilton 17/01/2008 08:48:19
one of the worst things about the catholic church is that they elect as a leader only among the oldest persons in their church. popes generally lack vision, hope for the future and the ability to reason. get rid of this silly old man and elect someone at 45 to 50 tears old who might be able to bring the church nearer th 21st century
58

S. A. C.,

17/01/2008 10:45:19
It should be remembered that the Vatican helped Nazi war criminals escape by giving them Red Cross passes and laying on transport to other "SAFE" countries. Obviously there is no comparison to the boy Wizard Harry.
59

pentagram,

Glasgow 17/01/2008 13:12:40
This pope was a member of the Hitler Youth looks like he has learned a few lessons from Adolf next we will have Book Burnings in St Peters Square
60

Michael Orapronos,

USA 17/01/2008 16:53:38
I am a Catholic who's read and enjoyed all 7 Harry Potter books. I also can partially see the Vatican's point here. Situational ethics abound, as they do in society in general. Christ is nowhere to be found in any of the books--although the stories reflect some very positive and Christian character traits. Make-believe witchcraft is shown in a positive light. But encouraging an interest in satanism? No more so than, say, the Malleus Malificarum. On a different point, I've noticed a lot of hostile criticism of the Holy Father in the comments here. Can someone please clarify what Pope Benedict has to do with this? I don't see any authorship credited to the L'Osservatore Romano article, nor any quote from His Holiness. His name is only mentioned once, in connection with his criticism of New Age spirituality. Clearly, someone in the Vatican (possibly someone with nothing better to do than read children's books) is seeing something in Harry Potter that is not readily apparent to most adult Catholics (which makes it very unlikely that children will see it either, unless it's been spelled out out for them by some public controversy). However, I doubt that someone is Pope Benedict.

 

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