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Claim: Harry Potter books are sparking a rise in Satanism among children.
Example: [Collected on the Internet, 2000]
Origins: The excerpt quoted above about the Harry Potter series of books drawing impressionable young children under Satan's spell is the opening to a fictional article taken directly from The Onion, a satirical publication. Unfortunately, hysterical religious groups determined to demonstrate that any children's book dealing with "wizards" and "magic" must be a pernicious, evil influence upon young minds have not only failed to realize this article is satire, they've actually cited it as proof that the ghastly phenomenon of satan-worshipping youngsters is real:
Dear Christian, This is the most evil thing I have laid my eyes on in
Web publications such as WorldNetDaily ran a 26 November article by Ellen Makkai (ironically described as someone who "began writing columns The Harry Potter books are THE NUMBER ONE selling children's books in Barnes & Noble or Waldenbooks storefront. Go to Amazon.com and read the reviews. Hear the touting by educators and even Christian teachers about how "It's great to see the youth so eagerly embracing the reading experience!" Harry Potter is the creation of a former UK English teacher who promotes witchcraft and Satanism. Harry is a Her creation openly blasphemes Jesus and God and promotes sorcery, seeking revenge upon anyone who upsets them by giving you examples (even the sources with authors and titles) of spells, rituals, and demonic powers. I think the problem is that parents have not reviewed the material. The name seems harmless enough "The Harry Potter books are cool, 'cause they teach you all about magic and how you can use it to control people and get revenge on your enemies" said Hartland, WI, Or how about the REALLY young and innocent impressionable mind of a "Hermione is my favorite, because she's smart and has a kitty," said And here is dear Ashley, a DOES THIS GET YOUR ATTENTION? If not, how about a quote from High Priest of Satanism: "Harry is an absolute god send to our cause," said High Priest Egan of the First Church Of Satan in Salem, MA. "An organization like ours thrives on new blood (no pun intended) and we've had more applicants than we can handle lately. And, of course, practically all of them are virgins, which is gravy." (Since 1995, open applicants to Satan worship has increased from around 100,000 to now It makes me physically ill, people! But, I think I can offer you an explanation of why this is happening. Children have been bombarded with action, adventure, thrills and scares to the point Hollywood can produce nothing new to give them the next 'high.' Parents have neglected to see what their children are reading and doing, and simply seem satisfied that 'Little Johnny is interested in reading.' Still not convinced? I will leave you with something to let you make up your own mind. And finally, a quote from the author herself, "I think it's absolute rubbish to protest children's books on the grounds that they are luring children to Satan," Rowling told a London Times reporter in a My hope is that you will see fit to become involved in getting the word out about this garbage. Please FWD to every pastor, teacher, and parent you know. This author has now published FOUR BOOKS in less than Pray also for the Holy Spirit to work in the young minds of those who are reading this garbage that they may be delivered from its harm. Lastly, pray for all parents to grow closer to their children, and That a bond of sharing thoughts and spiritual intimacy will grow between them.
High Priest Egan of The First Church of Satan in Salem, Mass., celebrates Harry's contribution, saying, "Harry is an absolute godsend
Apparently the obvious humor of a High Priest of the First Church of Satan's calling the arrival of the Harry Potter phenomenon a "godsend" went right over more than a few people's heads. (The Onion's quote has since been excised from the WorldNetDaily version of this article, but it still appears in the original from Creators Syndicate).
Those determined to demonstrate that the Harry Potter's popularity is an evil influence on children incredibly maintain that even if The Onion piece is parody, it nonetheless accurately reflects author As the Associated Press reported:
Scottish author J.K. Rowling calls the accusations "absurd," saying Harry Potter's world is entirely imaginary.
As to the issue of hordes of children willingly flocking to join "satanic cults," this concept is ably debunked at length in Jeffrey S. Victor's 1993 book, Satanic Panic: The Making of a Contemporary Legend. We can't summarize his lengthy analysis in a single paragraph, but the introduction offers a good overview of his thesis:
"I have met thousands of children now, and not even one time has a child come up to me and said, Though more than 50 million copies are in print worldwide, there has been no evidence of widespread conversions to paganism or witchcraft.
Again and again we are told
If The Onion's parody has demonstrated anything, it's that we should be worrying about adults not being able to distinguish between fiction and reality. The kids themselves seem to have a pretty good grasp of it.
This popular tale is almost entirely without foundation, but the legend continues to gather momentum, in the teeth of evidence and good sense. Networks of 'child advocates', credulous or self-serving social workers, instant-expert police officers, and unscrupulous ministers of religion help to spread the panic, along with fabricated survivors' memoirs passed off as true accounts, and irresponsible broadcast 'investigations'. A classic witch-hunt, comparable to those of medieval Europe, is under way. Innocent victims are smeared and railroaded. Satanic Panic uncovers the truth behind the satanic cult hysteria, and exposes the roots of this malignant mythology, showing in detail how unsubstantiated rumor becomes transformed into publicly-accepted 'fact'. Last updated: 30 May 2008 This material may not be reproduced without permission. snopes and the snopes.com logo are registered service marks of snopes.com.  Sources:
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Daniels is as close as you can get to your typical 9-year-old American girl. A third-grader at Lock Haven Elementary School, she loves rollerblading, her pet hamsters Benny and Oreo, Britney Spears, and, of course, Harry Potter. Having breezed through the most recent Potter opus in just four days, Ashley is among the millions of children who have made Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire the fastest-selling book in publishing history.