=================== ************************* 7/7/2000 **************************** What common threads have raised "Harry Potter" and "Dungeons & Dragons" to their peaks of popularity? Please point your browser to an intriguing article by Berit Kjos - http://www.crossroad.to/text/articles/D&D&Harry.htm ========================================== PARENTING RADIO PROGRAM IS NOW ONLINE Parent Talk, the nationally syndicated daily radio program featuring parents talking to parents about issues that affect their homes, can now be heard online. The live 53-minute call-in program features Randy Carlson, Steve Wright and other experts such as regular guest Dr. Kevin Leman. Listeners may hear the program live as it airs or later in the day at their convenience, or they may select from any of the previous thirty broadcasts. Tune in daily and build healthy family relationships with solid, biblically-based advice. Be sure to also check out online featured articles: "FAQ's about Pokemon," "The Anxiety Cure," "The Vanishings" (with a special report on Harry Potter) and more. Parent Talk is a non-profit outreach of Family Life Communications Incorporated. Parent Talk: http://www.flc.org/parenttalk/ Family Life Communications: http://www.flc.org ======================= ARE YOU IN TROUBLE WITH HARRY POTTER--OR IS HE IN TROUBLE WITH YOU? Parents' Place (Focus on the Family), highlights "The Trouble with Harry Potter," an article by John Andrew Murray, relating to the popular children's book series. This series, based on the adventures of an alleged young wizard, has captured the imagination--and wallets--of millions of families whose elementary kids stand in line for the newest release, "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire." The article comments, "Some Christians think Harry Potter is a hero. Others think the young wizard's best-selling adventures are simply evil. What's a concerned parent to think?" This thought-provoking article written from a Christian perspective may help you decide who's in trouble--Harry Potter or you! Parents' Place article: http://www.family.org/pplace/schoolkid/a0009678.html ____________________________________________________ =============================== KIDS 4 TRUTH BOOKS: A CHRISTIAN ALTERNATIVE TO HARRY POTTER Kids 4 Truth offers "captivating, creative, Christian children's books." Read "Sherlock Jones and the Willoughby Bank Robbery" about "a fantastic 11-year-old who builds his own computer, memorizes his school books at the beginning of each school year, finds hardened criminals and brings them to justice!" Then there's "Escape to Liechtenstein," (Hans and Gretchen in an Austrian suspense story), "Cave of the Inca Rey" (a South American adventure), and "Jed Cartwright and the Dangerous Journey." Read the first chapter of each book online; find ordering info online or call (877-455-2665). "Fun to read and full of scientific information," these books will be a welcome addition to any kid's library! Kids 4 Truth: http://www.kids4truth.com Kids 4 Truth Bookstore: http://www.kids4truth.com/book_store.htm ================================== WHAT'S WRONG--OR RIGHT--WITH HARRY? CHRISTIAN/FAMILY-FRIENDLY PERSPECTIVES Christian and family-friendly Web sites, aware of the popularity of the best-selling Harry Potter books for young readers, have a variety of thought and recommendations about the appropriateness of these books for children. IFC recently featured one con-Potter Christian review; our thanks to Youth Specialties for additional links, pro and con, to help you decide your own family's stance on this issue--to buy or not to buy; to read or not to read. Be an informed Christian--whether you agree or not, each link is worthwhile reading! A note from Youth Specialties: "While the Harry Potter books are basically aimed at elementary-aged children, I'm sure some of your kids [teens] are into them as well. If you have parents in your church asking about this massively popular series, here are some links to articles from Christian publications. You'll hit about every point on the spectrum with these--but they can help parents, youth workers and youth decide on Harry's suitability!" Youth Specialties: http://www.youthspecialties.com Harry Potter and the Existence of God: Sehnsucht and the Bookstore (Charles Colson, Breakpoint): http://www.breakpoint.org/transcripts.taf?_function=detail&ID=1425&Site=BPT&_UserReference=AE296C7EEEEB2ECC3975D9A0 Harry Potter: What you should know (Pastors.com): http://www.pastors.com/portal/news/july/potter.asp More Clay than Potter (World magazine): http://www.worldmag.com/world/issue/10-30-99/cover_1.asp Opinion Roundup: Positive About Potter (ChristianityToday.com): http://www.christianityonline.com/ct/current/9c13/9c13b.html Parents Push for Wizard-free Reading (ChristianityToday.com): http://www.christianityonline.com/ct/current/9c13/9c13c.html Should "Harry Potter" Go To Public School? (Family Friendly Libraries) http://www.fflibraries.org/Book_Reports/HarryPotter/HPRNo3.htm The Trouble with Harry (Focus on the Family/Parents' Place), reported in IFC #114: http://www.family.org/pplace/schoolkid/a0009678.html What Shall We Do with Harry? (Focus on the Family/Plugged In): http://www.family.org/pplace/pi/genl/A0008833.html Why We Like Harry Potter (ChristianityToday.com): http://www.christianityonline.com/ct/current/9c13/9c13a.html ____________________________________________________ ==================== HARRY, HOAXES, AND THE NEED FOR CHRISTIAN DISCERNMENT The fourth Harry Potter children's book has been out for weeks now, but the discussion sparked by the popular series shows no sign of abating. The Apologetics Index, examining a recent email hoax that has unfortunately made its rounds through many Christians' in-boxes, reminds us that "no matter what side of the Harry Potter debate you're on, it pays to check your sources!" You'll also want to check out Focus on the Family's insightful article calling for more discernment on the part of Christians when it comes to pop culture in general and the Potter books in particular. More on the Potter email hoax: http://www.gospelcom.net/apologeticsindex/p03.html#hoax Focus on the Family article: http://fotf.org/pplace/pi/genl/A0008833.html ____________________________________________________ ============================= HEY, KIDS! VISIT PROFESSOR POCKETS' PLACE FOR GOSPEL FUN AND GAMES! At Professor Pockets' Place, A.L.B.E.R.T. (Arcade, Language-Based, Educatable, Responsive Tool), also known as a seven-foot-tall talking computer, will welcome you to a Web site full of fun and activity! Enjoy ALBERTweb games, painting fun, story time, games, jokes, hobby activities, study helps, Internet safety tips and much more. Follow the exciting adventures of Rod Lightning, join the International Creation Kids Club, read news just for kids--and of course, find the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ--kid style! Adults will enjoy the professor's editorials: "Breaking the Spell: Wicca in the News," "Is Harry Potter Evil?" "What's Wrong with Pokemon?" and more. Professor Pockets is getting ready to launch a weekly TV series--so stay tuned! Professor Pockets' Place: http://www.ALBERTweb.COM ===================================== From: "R H Seaborn" To: "Contender For The Faith" Subject: Harry Potter Books and Rise in Satanism Date: Sat, 16 Sep 2000 22:08:53 +1000 Dear Friends In Christ Please go to the following URL to see (if you love the Lord your God) one of the most diabolical news items you will ever have read. http://theonion.com/onion3625/harry_potter.html There is one comment in the final paragraph of the article that should not be viewed by minors, so please show discretion. I would urge you to forward this news item to as many of your contacts as possible, particularly parents, pastors, school teachers, etc. Yours in Christ - Hughie Seaborn ========================== Read the facts on Harry Potter - have you been tricked by The Onion? See attached and http://www.christian-witness.org/html/harry_potter.htm ================================== *))) Harry Potter, teenage wizard--is he a do-gooder? Ask your parenting questions live. Parent Talk, Dr. Randy Carlson; Call in times Monday-Friday at 1:06pm. http://www.oneplace.com/newslink.asp?slink=2002 ==========================================