issues

I'd like to point out the religious discrimination put forth by Mr. Arnold and his critique of paganization.

First of all, the term pagan first came into usage to religious devotees who did not follow Christianity. Many pagan religions, communities, and healers were stomped out in the "witch burnings" which happened to kill more people than the Holocaust. Some people now are trying to find out more about these religions and the values that they hold. Today, paganism refers to a number of varied and scattered religious beliefs vaguely connected to the Western European (and some other areas) indigenous spirituality.

Secondly, Harry Potter does not depict paganism!!! It depicts characters using a fantasy-genre based magic that is presented as a fact of life and not a spirituality. That is simply the placement of the book. If another book was simply set in London, without talking about Christianity, specifically showing Christians, or visiting a church, it would be ludicrous to think that it was promoting Christianity. But this is exactly the type of critique Mr. Arnold makes.

Finally, I would ask you how you would respond to a criticism we ought to be aware of Schindler's List because it promotes Judaism, the Horacio Alger story because it promotes Protestantism, Aladdin because it promotes Islam, or the Lion King because it promotes Paganism (a more realistic claim). Those arguments would be received as discriminatory, hateful, and a bit silly. I hope you respond to The Trouble With Harry in a similar way.

I read the first 2 books in the Harry Potter series and then listened to Matthew Arnold's audio tapes (twice!) I found Arnold's series insightful and well researched. I realized in listening to this audio set that I need to be more critical of what I read, listen to, and watch on television. Matthew Arnold addresses the Harry Potter series, but also the sad fact that many of us have lost the ability to critically analyze what we read. I enjoyed this audio set and have recommended it to many friends who have questions regarding Harry Potter books. It is good not only for Catholics, but all parents who are concerned about good reading materials for their children! A++

Funny... I had reviewed this audio set last month and it still isn't posted. I just wanted to say that this is the best researched information out there. I doubt the people who reviewed this set even listened to it. Especially the one who says she "read" it, since it isn't a book but an audio set! Matthew Arnold gives a truly Catholic perspective and obviously is educating us Catholics on what that really is. For you "faithful" and "devout" Catholics who I know pray your rosaries every day - try reading the lives of the saints or the early church fathers instead of this disguised "Satanic" Harry Potter trash. Do all for the glory of God. May the Sacred Heart of Jesus have mercy on us!