Twilight, Harry Potter and.....

"Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said to the woman, 'Has God indeed said, ‘You shall not eat of every tree of the garden’?' And the woman said to the serpent, '... God has said, ‘You shall not eat it [the fruit of the tree], nor shall you touch it, lest you die.’ "Then the serpent said to the woman, 'You will not surely die.... So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate." Gen. 3:1-6

If my goal were to undermine Christianity, incite rebellion against parents, eradicate Biblical values, and spread moral chaos, I would urge teens to read the Twilight, Harry Potter book series. I would prompt them to immerse their minds and emotions in the dark, emotional whirlpool of sensual occultism. And I would not warn them of the consequences.

If my goal were to expose this assault on Biblical faith then I would equip potential readers with information that enables them to resist the temptation to join the collective journey into the mind-changing realm of the occult, I would expose the raging spiritual war that is intensifying even as I write.

Bella's passionate love for the mysteriously handsome Edward may be fiction, but the obsession felt by teenage readers who "resonate" with Bella is very real! Young super-fans (Twilighters) identify with her plight, sense her fears, and "feel" her passion. They love the story because it arouses strong, unforgettable emotions -- the kind of enchanting thrills that can best be shared within the peer group, not with parents.

Harry Potter's wizardly world is becoming strangely familiar to today's youth. No longer do mystical incantations, transforming potions, dark omens or "the noble art of divination" (as Harry's divination teacher called it) shock or alarm those who call themselves Christians. Popular magic -- real or imagined -- has become a normal part of our postmodern culture.

Whether impulsive or planned, each magical spell performed by Harry Potter is an expression and extension of Harry's will," says a former occultist. "That's a foundational occult reality, and it clashes head on with Biblical truth." God calls His children to trust and submit to Him and His will, not their own. "Not My will, but Thine, be done," prayed Jesus. "I can of Myself do nothing," He told His disciples earlier."... I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me." Luke 22:42, John 5:30

God' Word clearly tells us ~

"...have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret." Ephesians 5:11-12

"For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? And what agreement has the temple of God with idols?... Therefore 'Come out from among them and be separate,' says the Lord." 2 Corinthians 6:14-17

Popular fantasies, with their boundless thrills and unforgettable images, bypass logical thinking. Their subtle suggestions face little conscious resistance. Designed to stir feelings and produce strong emotional responses, they create new realities in today's "open" minds!

"For as he thinks in his heart, so is he." Proverbs 23:6

God tells us to "abhor what is evil" and "cling to what is good." (Romans 12:9) When today's youth love the emotional thrills of popular occultism, they are desensitizing their hearts and minds to its evil. They are turning God's truth upside down. And they, with a little help from the marketing industry, are turning America's values upside down.

Few Twilighters see their new passion as evil. After all, Edward is a relatively "good" vampire, isn't he? Though he lusts for Bella's blood, he restrains his craving. Other vampires, and some of the werewolves, in the saga are downright murderous, but he's a good guy! Isn't he? Lovers of the Harry Potter series increase daily as parents, grandparents, teachers and friends suggest the series is "harmless."

When we choose to follow the ways of the LORD, He gives us a heart to love Him, spiritual eyes that can know and love His Word, the comfort of His presence, and a confidence in His constant care - no matter what happens around us.

But, when we refuse to follow Biblical teachings...

"...the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. But you, be watchful in all things..." 2 Timothy 4:2-5