7/7/2000

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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
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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
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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
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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

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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
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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
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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
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From: "R H Seaborn" <rseaborn@ozemail.com.au>
To: "Contender For The Faith" <rseaborn@ozemail.com.au>
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
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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
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*))) 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
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