[xsmommy]

of course we have free will. but here the target audience, and the protected class, from the Pope's perspective, is children, who are at the stage when character and morality is being formed. i also see this as a point of distinction. i see HP as more widely read by younger children than Tolkein, so i don't think you can treat them equally.

no one is worried about adults being seduced into evil by HP, the question is, does it interfere with the process of character and morality formation in children, by blurring the distinctions between good and evil.

[hobbes1]

As I said above. I think you are looking at attenuated differences, at a time when generalities are being established....


Kinda like trying to teach a 7 year old to catch a 60 yard post pattern, in stride over his shoulder, rather then trying to first teach him to catch a ball.

[secret garden]

And following your point, if these children are purchasing the book themselves and reading it themselves with zero parental involvement, there is already a problem in that house. We always read the books together and discuss the stories and characters. I must disagree with the rap music permission since it has no value whatsoever. It's not music, it's not poetry, it's not even good vocabulary. It's crap, pure and simple, which degrades people.