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AUGUST 4, 2003 at 1:53 PM
Posted by GERI
Source: WZZM TV via The Leaky Cauldron
The Jesus Non-denominational Church in Greenville organized a Harry Potter book burning 
this past Sunday to demonstrate that glorifying wizardry and sorcery will lead people to accept and believe in Satan. They were trying to save their souls by tearing up the devil and burning his words.
Pastor Tommy Turner said:
The younger members of the church agree. Kristi Eastman says many books teach that sorcery is okay.
But Tasia Kisscorni, a high-school teacher says the church is making a much 'to do' about nothing:
Harry Potter wasn't the only thing that took a burning - some of the parishoners also burned music CD's like 'NSync. They say the music is not glorifying God, so they don't need it.
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Transfiguration Professor
Points: 2990
Choralee says:
More time wasted in the pursuit of what? Complete freedom from all material missing the label of "Christian"? Some people need to get a life. Burning HP and an N'Sync CD? I agree whole heartedly with [b]alchemist530. Narrow minded people need not walk into a book store for any reason - I can just see these folks lighting the place up....
Posted Aug 4, 2003 at 9:56 PM EST
Hufflepuff Princess
Points: 24832
Waddi Wasi says:
That's disgusting. At least they're helping book sales, though. :D Reading HP is not using sorcery. God knows that there is no such thing as the "magic" in HP, I'm sure. I'm a Christian, but HP is like 25% of my attention span. I'm religious.. but then again, this is exactly why I stopped going to church every week. How do they know what God wants? God wants people to read, surely, and that's what HP is letting people do.
About the NSync thing.. just because they don't need it.. why burn it? Is there a point to that? Really ::laughs:: what are they exactly trying to show? It's not stopping HP or NSync. Honestly.. some people are weird.
Posted Aug 4, 2003 at 10:18 PM EST
Points: 81
Malvagia says:
The church preaches respect, yet they burn books? A bit hypocritical no?
And what is so wrong with Wicca? It just happens to be quite a peaceful religion. I think that this particular church is out of order... Everyone is entitled to their beliefs! Everyone.
Anyway, back to the point- JKR doesn't deserve all this nonsense.. I'm very relieved she isn't affected by the ridiculous and taseless actions of these type of bigots. I'm so sick of people making a big deal out of something that doesn't concern them. If they have a problem with Harry Potter (which just happens to be the best book series I've read, and I read a lot) then they should control themselves and keep their negativity to themselves. A book burning? Honestly, people like that give the church a bad name. HP just happens to contain and promote very many useful and positive messages. I really can't believe some people these days.. GET-A-LIFE!
Posted Aug 4, 2003 at 10:45 PM EST
Professor
Points: 1155
MissMaryPotter says:
"The church preaches respect, yet they burn books? A bit hypocritical no?"-Malvagia. Much agreed!!! Here! Here!!!
The church needs to be more concerned with their "naughty preists" then the readings of Harry Potter, think of all those poor alter boys. I've said it before and I'll say it again, leave Religion out of Harry Potter! The world would be a better place without organized religion.... okay, that's just my opinion... don't crusify me for it or burn me at a stake.
Posted Aug 4, 2003 at 11:00 PM EST
Squib
Points: 111
Oliver Wood's Girl says:
Well lets look at the bright side of this...they were contributing to the overall sucess of Harry Potter by purchasing the books to burn in the first place. Every sale counts right? Especially in a world where everyone is so greedy and money is everything to them. So - let them burn the books if they want to- its their choice. It's their problem, they don't get the oppourtunity to enjoy one of the greatest books of the century. After all, it is only a harmless fictional children's book.
The more books sold the better for JKR, the publisher's, Warner Borthers, Potter fans, and anyone else associated with potter-mania. Harry Potter is a great book, and I still walk into book stores and see "The Philosipher's Stone" on the best seller's shelf.
Personally I think there is something wrong with the parents if they lead their children to believe the witchcraft and events in the story are real. I mean come on- when I was little and I believed in stories like the boogey man, my mom was the first one to hug me and say "Now Katelyn, its just a story, the boogey man isn't real" and little kids trust their mom's and dad's. Harry Potter is fake...its writing on paper. Some people need to realise that.
Posted Aug 4, 2003 at 11:01 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 2nd Class
Points: 1783
Juno Puddifoot says:
Markhiem boy you sure hit the nail on the head. It really frightens me that people that follow others like this ... that they cannot ask themselves what is wrong with the picture ... a lot are too scared to even question the word of others (say their preacher) because they fear then that they are questioning God I suppose.
Posted Aug 4, 2003 at 11:26 PM EST
Prefect
Points: 342
Precious says:
Plain and simple: these people need lives.
Posted Aug 5, 2003 at 12:10 AM EST
Squib
Points: 181
stupefy128 says:
I think its pretty sad that somone would burn a book just to show a point. Also why would somone go out buy a book then burn it their wasting money and time, unless they stole the book of course but I dont think anyone would be that stupid.
Posted Aug 5, 2003 at 12:15 AM EST
Wizard
Points: 502
Padfoot05 says:
I still don't understand why harry potter is causing so much controversy. these people don't know what they are doing. I think actually they are the one that believe in satan. i have so many crhistian friends that they don't like the attitude of those people. I think burning books is a way to call satan. I still don't get it.
Posted Aug 5, 2003 at 7:31 AM EST
Professor
Points: 1012
Imperio says:
I think that these people are so blinded by their own ways that nothing we can do or say to make them change their ways, so the best that we can do to fight it is to ignore it because they want the attention and the news coverage.
Posted Aug 5, 2003 at 9:31 AM EST
Head Boy
Points: 423
ApplebyArrows says:
It's not like anybody is actually practising magic and sorcery and stuff. And the books make us go for the people doing good magic. Burning the books is going just a little bit to far.
Posted Aug 5, 2003 at 9:32 AM EST
Head Girl
Points: 468
Charlie'sMum says:
I'm beginning to think that these people (and this particular one seems to be one of those non-denominational 'born again' churches not affiliated with one of the established churches) use Harry Potter not because they really believe that HP has anything to do with witchcraft really, but rather because using Harry Potter is guarenteed to get them publicity.
N'Sync? Seriously - N'Sync? If I were going to pick a band that was the polar opposite of something that would generate conterversy I would pick N'Sync - a band of singers (to paraphrase Giles in B:TVS) chosen for their ability to dance. Of COURSE they don't mention God. They sing about puppy love and, I don't know, hair or something. They aren't supposed to be singing about God. Sheeze.
Posted Aug 5, 2003 at 9:39 AM EST
Student
Points: 233
magic_cat111587 says:
Ummm.... these people are phsyco's ok right now that i read the books i think im going to go and do some witchcraft i mean come on these people are really stupid. my god.
Posted Aug 5, 2003 at 11:32 AM EST
Muggle
Points: 62
Rose_Miller says:
I'm very disturbed by this. I though book burnings ended with the last millenium. I am even further aggitated by the fact that my own mother lives right in greenville and we have passed that church many times and my mother has to pass it everyday. If they don't like the books then don't buy them or read them, they were actualy supporting Harry Potter just buy purchasing the books and it was a waste of money. But I agree about the N'Sync thing, I don't like them either..haha..I'm joking.
Posted Aug 5, 2003 at 1:39 PM EST
Head Girl
Points: 463
Madam Hooch says:
In what century are we living? Is this the Middle Ages? People don't burn books, that I know of. It won't stop people reading them anyway, and if they don'tt want to read it, fine, but don't go burning a book. For one it's just stupid, and for two, it's bad for the environment (even more burnt trees!).
Posted Aug 5, 2003 at 3:53 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 1st Class
Points: 1990
HarrysGran says:
If somebody doesn’t want to read a fantasy book, ok, then don’t read it. But to burn it, declare it evil and forbid it to others, that’s not ok. It reminds me of other book burnings sixty years ago and this was the beginning of great evil… Everybody has the right to speak their own mind and read what they like. I think it’s kind of criminal to forbid books which increases your imagination and let you dream. But it is right, unimaginative people are easy to lead…
Posted Aug 6, 2003 at 2:58 AM EST
Squib
Points: 147
narcissablack22 says:
Wow, that is really depressing that some people are so closed minded that they can't just let people go on reading something they enjoy, just because they dont agree with it. Its just not right, and burning books is not gonna change anyones opinions of the book, well, at least if someone is a HP fan or if they just like the books, then a book burning is not gonna make them rip up the book and pick up a bible. So, i dont understand why anyone would want to burn a book. If they DON'T LIKE IT, DON'T READ IT!!!! Its not rocket science! I think it is true, people would make something evil out of anything! Good point Miss Understood.
But lets hope they dont make chocolate pudding evil. Whats wrong with it? I like it! lol.
Anyways, it is scary that they have turned to burning books, because it does make me wonder if they would ever resort to burning "witches".
Posted Aug 6, 2003 at 11:59 PM EST
Points: 216
RhondaWeasley says:
No, these people are completly right. Right after reading Harry Potter I put on an N'Sync CD, got out my cauldron and wand, started on some potion making and practiced some hexes on my sister. Then I went on a flight on my broomstick to attend a meeting on Satanic worship.
Of course, I don't own a cauldron anymore than I own an N'Sync CD.
Why is Harry Potter getting attacked like it's the only story ever to portray a magical world/education of young witches and wizards? I remeber something similiar called 'The Worst Witch'.
Posted Aug 7, 2003 at 2:42 PM EST
Witch
Points: 742
TigerEyez says:
I just want to say that it's not even physically possible to hold up a wooden stick and cast a spell! these people are so unreasonable!
Posted Aug 8, 2003 at 12:57 AM EST
Student
Points: 293
jjkhp says:
I do not think that this will stop people from reading the harry potter books.
Posted Aug 8, 2003 at 4:25 PM EST
Auror
Points: 2303
padfoot5312 says:
This Pastor is not right! To burn books is wrong. I agree with the teacher "If you don't like something don't let your kids read it, that's fine. But you shouldn't make a public to do of it." This is not the right way. This to me is not following the bible. People need to get a life and not try to tell people what to read
Posted Aug 9, 2003 at 10:54 PM EST
Auror
Points: 2229
Ms.MikhailBlack says:
Fire will take away evil. Yea okay. Sure it will, now grab your cross and run along. That's right, go on. Keep walking yep, oh god watch ot for that hole...Oh too bad.
Posted Aug 22, 2003 at 11:34 AM EST
Keeper of Harry's Fate
Points: 9051
TheOneWhoMustBeNamed says:
Oviously, some one is very rigid and out of touch.
Posted Oct 24, 2003 at 4:54 PM EST
Professional Beater
Points: 20891
feltonluver says:
Book burning is not going to solve anything, this is extremely ridiculous!
Posted Dec 21, 2003 at 3:04 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 3rd Class
Points: 1445
PotionMaster says:
I get so sad reading about book burnings. First of all, I am a Christian and I love Harry Potter. Does that mean that I'm going to go out and do witchcraft? Of course not. IT IS FICTION!! I just don't understand what the big deal is. I suppose that a child reading these books might think it's cool to cast spells and stuff but then it's up to the parents to make sure they know that it is make believe. Another bit that gets me is that Lord of the Rings is actually considered a Christian story. I completely see where they are coming from for that but what I don't see is how Harry Potter is evil and Lord of the Rings is not. LotR has wizards and magic and make believe creatures as well. I just don't get it.
Posted Mar 6, 2004 at 7:02 AM EST
Unspeakable
Points: 3920
stocco says:
That's got to be the most disrespectful thing I've ever heard of. How can you burn something so significant to pop culture? Harry Potter books and Nsync CDs. I mean, it's ridiculous.
Posted Mar 16, 2004 at 10:37 PM EST
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