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I told my 13 year old that people thought these books encouraged occult and satanism and he about spit out his milk. And I quote, "But it's FICTION!"

Ahhh, the wisdom of a 13 year old. I remind you that one of Satan's greatest feats is to convince the masses that HE is a work of fiction and does not exist.

Stating "But it's FICTION!" means nothing. Nobody has suggested that the tales of Harry Potter were based upon an actual person named Harry Potter. Even J.K. Rowling admits that. But it is the CONCEPTS and underlying message of developing one's own personal, occult, supernatural power that poisons the mind. While I am not a Catholic, I point out that Pope Benedict himself endorses that view of the Harry Potter books, and I daresay that he is more of a Biblical scholar possessing more understanding of these issues than you and I put together.

You think you're smarter than the Pope?

Too bad adults can't get that. I devoured the entire Oz series as a kid and never even considered trying to be a witch or create spells. They are just as filled with potions and witchcraft as HP. Why didn't kids in that era (1910's) turn to the occult?

Just because you did not dive head first into the occult does not mean that others did not.

And they most certainly did.

I am not sure about the Pope's IQ. I hope it is quite high. More concerned about the Pope's connection with the Holy Spirit and His guiding of the Pope.

That the Pope has come out against these books is a distortion, refuted on several FR threads. I don't have the time to link them, but they should be easy to search for.

I think you need to lighten up. Stories of wizards and witches have been with us from the beginning of the written word (sent to us by Satan, I'm sure you will say). Some will take up the dark side, but most will not. I doubt a book can change them. I guess we agree to disagree.

I just feel sorry that you cannot find the joy in these books or any number of others. Really, try the Oz books. I am rereading them with my third son now, so it's about my fifth time through them. What great little stories with really witty puns (a la Alice in Wonderland). I love a children's book with 4 syallable words!

I point out that Pope Benedict himself endorses that view of the Harry Potter books, and I daresay that he is more of a Biblical scholar possessing more understanding of these issues than you and I put together

No he didn't. He wrote a letter to a fuss-budget politely saying "You might have a point, I shall waste no time in reading your book"