Christians are falling for an Internet hoax involving the Harry Potter books, according to Christian apologist Tal Brooke. Brooke criticized Christians for being taken in by a fabricated Harry Potter Satan story that has been circulating among Christian groups by e-mail and originating from an Internet publication called “The Onion.” The false story’s headline states, “Harry Potter Books Spark Rise in Satanism Among Children.”
The story includes fabricated quotes by British author J.K. Rowling. It says Rowling told The London Times, “I think its absolute rubbish to protest children’s books on the grounds that they are luring children to Satan. People should be praising them for that! These books guide children to an understanding that the weak, idiotic Son of God is a living hoax.”
Unrealistic quotes
Brooke’s suspicions were aroused by the obscenities in some of the alleged quotes since he did not believe that England’s most prestigious newspaper would have printed such words. He also doubted that Rowling’s agents or handlers would allow her to say anything that could hurt the marketability of the popular book series.
“Unfortunately this article is currently being promoted in many Christian circles — especially fundamentalist ones — as proof that Harry Potter is satanic,” says Brooke, who is president of Spiritual Counterfeits Project. “While I have not the slightest doubt that Harry Potter books promote witchcraft among young people, the problem is that we need to ensure that we not blow our case by the falling for a sensationalistic invention that will only come back and embarrass us.”
Brooke notes that “The Onion” is known for satire, and suggests that the Harry Potter story is intended to lampoon scare tactics about Satanism sometimes used by Christian leaders.
“The fact that so many Christians have fallen for this obvious fabrication, especially when it only takes a minute to check the Web site, is a sad reflection of the way Christians hunger for sensationalism,” said Brooke. “In some ways this is a deep indication of corruption within the Christian ghetto. We don’t seem to have any discernment here at all about what is truth or about how the real world operates.”
Brooke notes that the Web site operated by “The Onion” is filled with intentionally ludicrous stories, many of which are also blasphemous.
For instance, one issue’s religion section has headlines announcing, “Christ Announces Hiring of Associate Christ,” “Christ ‘Categorically Denies’ Speaking to Lutheran-College President” and “Christ Converts to Islam.”
“It’s the humor of Mad magazine with an X-rated twist,” he said. (EP)
Share with others: