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Why take the enjoyment out of their lives?

Because they're playing with fire.

You make your point well. But children should learn very early to stay away from the occult, particularly because children's literature, movies and TV are so full of occult practices and imagery today. Things have changed a lot since I was a kid, 30 years ago.

You might want to go into the Catholic Answers on-line archives of past radio programs and listen to some of the shows with Fr. LeBar, the exorcist for NYC, I believe. He says that many times those who become posessed began with "innocent" play with a ouija board. I've heard many stories of children of very young age (kindergarten) "playing Harry Potter" and casting spells on each other. Of course, most children won't become posessed, but demonic oppression to varying degrees is very possible.

I agree that children should stay away from the occult. However, I don't think that Harry Potter on its own is effecting a major trend to child-occult practices. There have always been, and always will be, people who try to attract youngsters with the allure of "magic". It is up to us as a society to ensure our children are properly educated about where the fairy tales stop and the danger begins. I don't see any danger in the Harry Potter stories. I think the problem is that their popularity has brought the issue of children and the occult to the forefront, in both positive and negative ways.

Sure makes a great debate too - after a short respite following the release of HP#4, it's back with a vengeance in time for the movie!