Before I even get started on this subject, let me clear the air. I'm not directing this article towards any person or group. My interest is in the opinions of anyone, Christian or otherwise, on this topic. That being said, I am a Christian and write from that standpoint.
I am a huge fan of Star Wars and Harry Potter. I am a casual fan of The Chronicles of Narnia and the Lord of the Rings. I enjoyed The Magician's Nephew, but can't stand A Horse and His Boy. My favorite movie is Voyage of the Dawn Treader, which I've been told is the most religiously neutered of the movies. The Lord of the Rings films are good in some spots, but way too long and drawn out overall.
For years I have argued with my mother (respectfully, not in anger) about magic and sorcery in movies and how it's okay for one franchise to use it as a story vehicle but not another. Mom loves Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, and The Chronicles of Narnia. However, she loathes Harry Potter and many other films that delve into magic and mysticism.
My question to her and any other folks out there is, "What is the difference?" Does it really matter how the sorcery and magic is being used or the message the author or filmmaker is trying to make? If it's bad in one franchise, what makes it okay in another?
The defense I've always heard is that J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis are both Christians and used magic and sorcery to get across a religious concept. However, Harry Potter actually uses "cute" decipherable spells that encourage children and adults to explore magic and sorcery. Star Wars presents a combination of different world religions which will confuse Bible believers.
Star Wars is one of the best examples of the subject I'm discussing here. The Jedi use levitation, meditation, mind-reading, and other skills that many Christians consider taboo. I've seen people of all religions adapt George Lucas's space opera into a message perfectly fitted to promote their own doctrine.
Why am I bringing this subject up now? Well, because with a new Lord of the Rings TV series and new Star Wars movies coming out once a year, these franchises have never been more popular. A new Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them film is on its way and there's an online group who is constantly fighting and talking about getting a new Chronicles of Narnia movie made.
I would love to hear the opinions of the readers of this article on the subject. Again, I'm not looking down on anyone who enjoys films with magic and sorcery. I believe that some do go overboard in their use of magic and incantations and encourage children and others to dig too deep. Here are a few examples of what the Bible has to say about sorcery and magic to close the article.
"Idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God." - Galatians 5:20-21.
"And the light of a lamp will shine in you no more, and the voice of bridegroom and bride will be heard in you no more, for your merchants were the great ones of the earth, and all nations were deceived by your sorcery." - Revelation 18:23.
"But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.” - Revelation 21:8.
