"By far the most serious criticism of the Harry Potter series comes from those Christians and Jews who believe any mention of magic in literature is completely and automatically off-limits based simply on the Biblical prohibitions against witchcraft.
"I respect such critics, but I disagree with them. A few of them go overboard, muttering darkly about bargains with supernatural forces. But many are sincere and intelligent."
If kids read the Bible (or any other worthwhile religious literature), prayed, and attended church with the same enthusiasm and dedication they read these Harry Potter books, this would be a better world.
It's not really the magic I take issue with. I have seen some Harry Potter films in parts, and what I certainly don't appreciate is the dark, disturbing violence in them, particularly when these films are targeted at children. But, hey, Hollywood producers and J. K. Rowling are laughing their way to the bank.
I agree the movies are a little dark. But you should see what other movies are marketed to kids. It's awful. Look at Fantastic Four. It's PG-13 (my 14 year olds have only seen one PG-13 they are so bad) and is marketed in Toys R Us! There really are so few movies that are good for the whole family.
I for one was happy these are there for all of us to enjoy. No sex, no graphic violence, hey, a little troll snot, but you can't have everything!
The things you do for fun are always going to be done more enthusiastically than what you do for duty, and one really should not read scripture, pray or go to church for entertainment.
Are you saying that they don't read the Bible because they read Harry Potter? To the extent some kids don't read the Bible as much as they read Harry Potter, I don't see any reason to infer that the two are connected even remotely. It's not like they sit down and say "well, I could read either the Bible or Harry Potter. Gee, I think I'll go with Harry Potter today."
Kids just don't read as much, and that has nothing to do with HP.
As far as being dark and violent, are they any darker or more violent than the Universal horror films and Hammer horror films (the ones which added color and gore) that I loved when I was a kid, and I'd at least like to THINK that I turned out OK. :)