Offend. Well I hope I didn't offend anyone with my H.P. story. For many years I myself banned H.P. on the basic premise of "There are many good books to read that have nothing questionable in them and I'm not so sure on all this wizardy business". Frank and Cannon begrudlingly obliged. Then.. during a random conversation with one of our church's deacon's wife-who happens to also be a on the Iowa Board of juevnile fiction guild-made a comment about the books. I must confess I was shocked. So I questioned her about the books, J.K. herself, etc. I still had misgivings. Then I found out my sis-in-laws family-all of whom are strong Christians- were reading the series. My interest was piqued, but I was still very guarded (I'm pretty old school on some things-I don't regret that I just tread very cautiously with many things or avoid them altogether). I came across a book by a father (John Granger) who was also very conservative and read the 1st H.P. book to outline in great detail his reasonings for taking the book away from his 11 yr old dau. He then went on to explain the difference b/t invocational magic and incantational magic. I'm not saying this to offend or convince anyone; each person must and should act on their own convictions and leading of the Holy Spirit. Frank and Cannon read the books together and had many discussions-this is the route our family agreed to. In fact, a week ago Cannon left a friend's house b/c his friend wanted to play a game involving demons and Cannon was leery of this. So I believe we have gotten the correct message across to him. anyway.. those are our thoughts- I hope I didn't offend anyone.
Smiles,
Jennifer