Jehovah's Witnesses, why is watching films like Harry Potter a no-no?

Question

..but many of the brothers and sisters are comfortable watching films like The Wizard of Oz and Star Wars?

I remember hearing many talks at assemblies about being on guard against films with "spiritualistic overtones" and witchcraft like Harry Potter - and I always thought these films were a no-no. I don't know any JW who watches these.

But thinking about it, many of you own films such as Star Wars, which contains magic (the force) I mean, what is the "force" if it isn't magic? It allows the characters to read other people's thoughts, move things using the power of the mind, and gives strength.
Just because it's a sci-fi film, does that make it right?

Also The Wizard of Oz (my FAVOURITE film of all time!! I mean, that has a witch practicing evil spells, a wizard, and flying monkeys that used to scare the crap out of me.

Why is Harry Potter a no-no but these others aren't?

Thanks!

Answer 1

Harry Potter is outright spiritism.....wizardry, witchcraft, casting of spells, etc...etc.....things that are explicitly against Jehovah and pure worship.



Although Star Wars has nothing to do with witchcraft and spiritism, there are those who don't watch the Wizard of Oz because of the witch, and others whose consciences aren't bothered by watching it since it's just a musical.



Nobody in Star Wars is reading other people's thoughts. It is a sci-fi film series, and there is no spiritism involved.



Ultimately it's a conscience matter. Star Wars has no elements of spiritism to it, but Wizard of Oz does have that witch. Some may find it acceptable to view it, others may not.



But there's no getting around the fact that Harry Potter is blatant spiritism and clearly wrong for Christians to view.



*** No, nothing about Star Wars remotely sounds like spiritism to me. Nobody's consulting books of spells, trying to raise the dead, or anything like that.



*** Unsilenced should watch her step, and her mouth. The only hypocritical one here is her.

Answer 2

Do you intend to use your mind more compared to the generally 10% average person does the understand the fascinating field of hypnosis with this specific plan https://tr.im/tIpEn , Black Ops Hypnosis.

 

Hypnosis issues knowledge social dynamics and knowing what the other person can do before they take action and it's carefully associated with adjusting behaviors. When you are just meditating, you're just enjoyable yourself. But, you still absence appropriate information about the main cause of the problem.

For example, people might never recognize that their lack of cultural life and active hectic schedules have already been creating stress. They could believe they're very pleased with their careers and lives, and hold ignoring the situation till it gets worse therefore figure out how to most useful solve this dilemma with Black Ops Hypnosis.

 

Answer 3

Hi, I never thought about "the Wizard of Oz". Use to watch it as a little girl, now I find it boring. I don't like the witch part or the scary monkeys. However, since this IS Satan's world, there will always be some spiritistic form in the movies, moreso nowadays than back then. Remember, for Satan himself keeps transforming himself into an angel of light. I think this traps many Witnesses that's why going to the KH are great reminders to not become desensitized with violence and more.



A lot is up to a person's conscience but that doesn't make it right just because they view something that they think is okay. Many Witnesses loved the "Twilight" movies...don't know why since it has to deal with demons (vampires). It's just best to worry about yourself (oneself) and keep our own integrity to Jehovah. Doesn't matter what other Witnesses do since all are held accountable to Jehovah for their actions. Just don't let anyone stumble you my sister!



“Each individual should weigh matters carefully and make decisions that will leave him with a clear conscience before God and man.”—1 Corinthians 10:31-33.

Answer 4

Reading some of your responses it seems to me those responses from the Jehovah's Witnesses are accurate, I would like to say that it's an individual responsibility to know what is and what is not to be watched for entertainment whether it be movies, music or reading material. I would not allow any material about "Harry Potter," in my home knowing that this particular character does practice witchcraft, plain and simple! "Wizard of Oz and Star War," again it's an individual decision, we are forwarned against getting involved with Satan and his demons.

Answer 5

I certainly agree with you that there are a lot of television shows and movies that have a spiritistic overture that we must be careful of. Satan is very very busy as we all know.



I personally do not watch any of the things that you mentioned.



But remember that Jehovah has told us through his organization many times that we must be on constant guard as to our entertainment. We also know that the conscience of every person is different and we are not to impose our conscience on anyone else.



(Reminders such as this are not imposing - just to clarify.)



Perhaps though, you will remember this paragraph from our Gods Love book:



Understandably, not all Christians have developed their moral perception, or discernment, to the same degree. (Philippians 1:9) Moreover, Christians realize that in the area of entertainment, tastes vary. Therefore, it is not to be expected that all Christians will make exactly the same decisions. Even so, the more we allow godly principles to influence our mind and heart, the more eager we will be to avoid any form of entertainment that could displease Jehovah.—Psalm 119:11, 129; 1 Peter 2:16.



REMINDERS LIKE THIS ARE ESSENTIAL FOR US ALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



It is very easy to fall victim to the trap Satan lays of worldly entertainment. There is something out there that Satan can snatch each and every one of with us. And it's different for each and every one of us.



I can't say (as can no one else) that any particular show or movie is wrong. I can say that my conscience will not allow me to watch it. And the more I grow spiritually the more I find my own conscience changing as to what I will and won't watch. Movies, shows, and music that I used to think were ok, I n longer have anything to do with.



WHY?



Because my relationship with Jehovah has grown and become more precious to me. Even if those things may not have NECESSARILY been wrong in and of themselves, what may they have led me to? Were they softening me into maybe beginning to accept thing that ARE wrong?



WHY RISK THAT?



My relationship with Jehovah is far to special to risk loosing over a television show, movie, or music!



So, again, I can't tell anyone what is and isn't acceptable. What I will say though, is this:



WHATEVER YOU CHOOSE TO WATCH AND LISTEN TO IS GOING TO DETERMINE WHETHER JEHOVAH CHOOSES TO WATCH AND LISTEN TO YOU!!!

Answer 6

See how Satan like to veil peoples minds? You are right. Even watching super hero movies smacks of the occult. These super humans fighting evil with forces that give them strength beyond human. Reminds me of the mighty ones, the man of fame talked about in the Genesis account of the nephilim. Genesis 6:4. They are fighting good. but use violence to do it.....Never underestimate Satan, he is smart! He starts with our young ones with violent cartoons. Yes it certainly hard to stay away from everything bad....Satan is the ruler of this world.(John 12:31;14:30;16:11; 2Cor 4:4.) He has his hand in EVERYTHING! so we much try hard to avoid as much as possible.

Answer 7

One would have to believe that they would also be against watching cartoons as well.



I remember that Mick mouse was a sorcerer’s apprentice in one Disney movie, and all that violence of the other cartoons. Just look at the road runner and that poor coyote got so hurt so many times but still came back for more.



Also, where did he get all that money to buy all those things he used?

Answer 8

Actually J.K. Rowling pushes the fact that Harry Potter has nothing to do with witchcraft as wiccan and pagans practise. if you actually pay attention they celebrate christmas and easter not solstices and equinoxes.

Answer 9

Malachi 3:5 "So I will come near to you for judgment. I will be quick to testify against sorcerers, adulterers and perjurers, against those who defraud laborers of their wages, who oppress the widows and the fatherless, and deprive aliens of justice, but do not fear me," says the LORD Almighty.



This scripture give suitable warning.

Answer 10

(Isaiah 52:11)  Turn away, turn away, get out of there, touch nothing unclean; get out from the midst of her, keep yourselves clean, you who are carrying the utensils of Jehovah.





(2 Corinthians 6:17-18) “‘Therefore get out from among them, and separate yourselves,’ says Jehovah, ‘and quit touching the unclean thing’”; “‘and I will take YOU in.’” 18 “‘And I shall be a father to YOU, and YOU will be sons and daughters to me,’ says Jehovah the Almighty.”

Answer 11

Appropriate answer would be: It is a matter of conscience.



don't see anyone saying that

Answer 12

yes, it might be right

Answer 13

Hey there.



Thank you for asking such a question. This issue basically boils down to which entertainment should you choose for yourself and your family. What choices you or I make depend largely on our conscience. Why don't you ask your mother to give you the book "Keep yourselves in God's Love". It has a fantastic chapter on the conscience, and it also covers some Bible principles regarding entertainment.



I will just summarize a few of the Scriptural points for you.



As servants of Jehovah we want to do what is pleasing to him. He has given us a helper so that we can do so to the best of our ability. It is called the conscience. Just as a compass helps find our way when we do not have any other guidance a conscience can help us make decisions on issues that are not spelled out in God's word.

(Romans 2:14,15; 9:1)

Just like a compass can be damaged by its proximity to a powerful magnet, our sinful heart (Jeremiah 17:9) can exert a powerful influence on our conscience and cause it to be corrupted.

So to train our conscience we need to study and meditate on God's Word. Considering Bible verses like those mentioned in other answers on spiritism and violence help us get GOD's thinking on matters and consider - "How would Jehovah feel if he saw me being entertained and entranced by things he hates?"

(Psalm 139:23,24)

So as we continue to learn how our heavenly Father feels, and strive to imitate him, it will be natural for our "internal judge" to tweek us if we are looking at entertainment that clearly violates Bible principles.



It is very very important for you to understand that a conscience is a personal tool. The Bible speaks clearly of different situations where the conscience of one Christian would not be bothered but the conscience of another would. It would be good for you to read and meditate on the following verses. Think of how it would apply in this situation - and ask yourself "Should my conscience be used to judge others? Should I put my personal views before someone else? How should I react when someone I trust does not make the same decisions I do about entertainment or other areas where there is not a definitive law or principle?" Pray over the matter - and discuss it with your mother or another one of Jehovah's servants who you trust.



(1 Corinthians 10:23-33) 23 All things are lawful; but not all things are advantageous. All things are lawful; but not all things build up. 24 Let each one keep seeking, not his own [advantage], but that of the other person. 25 Everything that is sold in a meat market keep eating, making no inquiry on account of YOUR conscience; 26 for “to Jehovah belong the earth and that which fills it.” 27 If anyone of the unbelievers invites YOU and YOU wish to go, proceed to eat everything that is set before YOU, making no inquiry on account of YOUR conscience. 28 But if anyone should say to YOU: “This is something offered in sacrifice,” do not eat on account of the one that disclosed it and on account of conscience. 29 “Conscience,” I say, not your own, but that of the other person. For why should it be that my freedom is judged by another person’s conscience? 30 If I am partaking with thanks, why am I to be spoken of abusively over that for which I give thanks? 31 Therefore, whether YOU are eating or drinking or doing anything else, do all things for God’s glory. 32 Keep from becoming causes for stumbling to Jews as well as Greeks and to the congregation of God, 33 even as I am pleasing all people in all things, not seeking my own advantage but that of the many, in order that they might get saved.





(Romans 14:1-10) 14 Welcome the [man] having weaknesses in [his] faith, but not to make decisions on inward questionings. 2 One [man] has faith to eat everything, but the [man] who is weak eats vegetables. 3 Let the one eating not look down on the one not eating, and let the one not eating not judge the one eating, for God has welcomed that one. 4 Who are you to judge the house servant of another? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for Jehovah can make him stand. 5 One [man] judges one day as above another; another [man] judges one day as all others; let each [man] be fully convinced in his own mind. 6 He who observes the day observes it to Jehovah. Also, he who eats, eats to Jehovah, for he gives thanks to God; and he who does not eat does not eat to Jehovah, and yet gives thanks to God. 7 None of us, in fact, lives with regard to himself only, and no one dies with regard to himself only; 8 for both if we live, we live to Jehovah, and if we die, we die to Jehovah. Therefore both if we live and if we die, we belong to Jehovah. 9 For to this end Christ died and came to life again, that he might be Lord over both the dead and the living. 10 But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you also look down on your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of God;



Finally - remember there are many issues where the bible is very clear and the Divine Law is also clear. For instance you would never want to become a witch or practice sorcery or divination in your home. That is obvious. But should you be entertained by such activity? And how should you view other entertainment that is coloured by such activity? That is for you to decide. Please let me know if the references I gave you helped you.



Hope you are doing well, and growing closer to Jehovah each day.