Apparently, the Vatican (in their spare time, of course, when they're not calling for a One World Global Authority and Economy) likes to watch movies -- movies with a strong occult and satanic theme.
The Vatican lauded the latest Harry Potter film on Monday, saying "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" made the age-old debate over good vs. evil crystal clear.
Nice. Thanks for that. It's tough for us common folk to pick up on such subversive thematic elements such as "good vs. evil" in popular films these days. It's nice to know that the Holy See sees the truth and can tell us what that is because we certainly can't figure it out on our own.
Now, before I continue I want all my Catholic Brothers and Sisters in Christ to know that I'm not attacking or criticizing you. I love you all. I'm attacking and criticizing the men who run the institutional Catholic church system and specifically those at the Vatican because it's absolutely ridiculous to me how they can downplay the spiritual while elevating the worldly.
See, my problem is that if they truly want to be "relevant" and make contributing, constructive comments about pop culture, then they need to seriously get in line with what God's Word tells us about such things and speak to that.
I mean, where's the commentary about how this is pure occult and witchcraft on full display, glorified and romanticized, for audiences worldwide (many of which are impressionable young children)? Shouldn't it be the job of the "holy" Vatican to stand for truth -- no matter how unpopular -- and warn people about the dangers of embracing such things let alone encouraging people to go see it by their endorsement?
The Vatican newspaper L'Osservatore Romano even gave two thumbs up to the film's treatment of adolescent love, saying it achieved the "correct balance" and made the stars more credible to the general audience.
Really? Funny, I wonder if their "two thumbs up" on the film's treatment love is also applicable to another kid of relationship that is shown prominently in this installment of the series? In other words, does their thumbs up equal a thumbs up for homosexuality as well since the character known as Dumbledore is gay?
The irony (and sad part of this entire story) can be found in the article's final three paragraphs:
The Vatican's praise follows the sharp criticism of the Harry Potter series by a Conservative Austrian priest at the center of a church crisis earlier this year.
The Rev. Gerhard Maria Wagner had characterized Harry Potter novels as Satanism, while also suggesting Hurricane Katrina, which ravaged New Orleans and surrounding areas, was provoked by sin.
Pope Benedict XVI promoted Wager to the post of auxiliary bishop in Linz, Austria's third largest city, in January. But amid an outcry among Austrian Catholics over his comments, Wagner eventually gave up the promotion.
Wow! While I'm surprised the reporter even included that in this story, it's incredible to me that here we have the contrast between both views on full display and the position the Vatican should adhere to is the one this Reverend is being blasted for.
In other words, the message is quite clear to the rest of us: If you are a Christian who holds to similar views, then you're the one who's "on the fringe" and fostering a "crisis" by maintaining such a harsh and outdated point of view on a harmless movie no less.
Yeah right! The pure irony! This would be laughable if it wasn't so incredibly sad and disturbing. In the end, it's just another sign of the times I'm afraid.
The worst part is that I keep thinking about that time back in December 2008 when Pope Benedict himself said that the end times and Jesus' return is not close, and that there's nothing to worry about, and that we shouldn't be concerned with prophecy let alone watching for Jesus' return. What was that!?! Seriously? Yes! He actually said that!
Don't read your Holy Bible. Go out and watch a movie instead. I hear that the new Harry Potter film is a good one.
RECOMMENDED READING:
Renewed Calls For Ban On 'Harry Potter' Over Witchcraft, Homosexuality
It's Tough To Ignore The Pope
22 Comments:
JRed,
Nowhere in the Harry Potter books does the author, J.K.Rowling, states or even intimates Professor Albus Dumbledore is gay. Rowling said that in response to a question from the audience when she spoke in New York after the last book was published.
Since Dumbledore being gay is no where in the books, Rowling's comment was gratuitous.
Fair enough Eowyn, but even if it is "gratuitous" that doesn't change the fact that an author's belief system will influence their work in subtle ways. But let's forget about the subtlties and still look at what's in plain sight -- ooccult, witchcraft, satanic thematic elements, right?
In Christ,
Jeff (JRed)
Hmmm...
Interesting things coming from the Vatican in the last few months. UFO's are real and aliens might be our 'brothers'. We need a 'One World Government' and money system. And now a movie about witchcraft and the occult get 'two thumbs up'.
Imagine.... all this coming from the 'true church'... the 'bride of Christ'.
Any true believers that are still in that system better obey Jesus Christ in Rev.18:4 and come out.
'By their fruits ye shall know them'. The Vatican's true fruit is being exposed by the Lord day by day and His loving cry is "Come out of her MY people".
I have observed and been concerned about the desensitization and innitiation of our youth into occultish themes for 20 years now. Many christians think that it is innocent fun to indulge in the Potter series as well as video games/movies that promote such things. The point is, they do promote the occult satanic themes and as many of my friends and I who came out of the old man/new age garbage can tell you, it isn't all that innocent. shalom
http://www.zenit.org/index.php?l=english
you will find the previous article much more balanced than the second hand stories you are quoting on Pope Benedict. The Pope's Document "Caritas in veritate" is a major statement on the Church's position on Social Justice and World Development today. Papal Encyclicals are definitely not political documents-though the teaching may affect and influence political positions.
I wouldn't read second hand what the pope "supposedly" says .This Harry Potter story was no-where in the newspaper L'Osservatore Romano - 8 july 2009-weekly edition. that the yahoo news story quoted so could you please tell me where I can find it? thanks.
what you were saying about the pope telling you not to concentrate on prophecy so much can be summed up best by pope John Paul II's statement about the 3rd secret of fatima--
Pope John Paul II, in answering questions on the Secret of Fatima, said this:
"It should have been made public in 1960, but because of its troubling content, and to dissuade the superpowers from undertaking war, my predecessors in the papal chair have chosen the diplomatic way. All Christians should be content in the knowledge that the oceans will inundate whole continents, and millions of people will die from one moment to the next. Hearing this, people should not long for the rest of the secret."
I've read the Pope's new eycyclical, and he does not call for a "one world government". So that is reading into the text something that is just not there. He supports a reform of the United Nations to "protect and [give] poorer nations an effective voice in shared decision-making. A reformed UN that seeks to "common good and to make a commitment to securing authentic integral human development inspired by the values of charity in truth".
The Pope looks after the whole human family, and it grieves him to see the terrible injustice done to and exploitation of the poorest of the poor nations in the earth, while others get more money than they know what to do with.
Globalization is here whether you like it or not, and what the Pope proposes is a system based on Christian principles of justice, truth and love. Without those principles, economics tend to use and abuse people, exploiting the poor and powerless to line their own pockets.
Actually, I think you both nailed it. The problem -- for me -- is that the contemporary church (in this case the Catholic Church led by the Pope and the Vatican) seemd more concerned with social issues than with spiritual issues.
Maybe it's just me, but shouldn't they spend more time preaching the Gospel of Salvation and telling people worldwide about Jesus Christ instead of spending so much energy and focus on social issues let alone the economy?
Look, I'm not saying that they should never attempt to lead when it comes to the various social issues that are important in this day and age, but I think we'd all agree that I hear the Pope and the Vatican spending more time talking about social issues like the economy and interfaith concerns than I do about the person of Jesus Christ and how a relationship with Him is what's most important in this life before you can even think about trying to impact the world in honor of Him.
In Christ,
Jeff (JRed)
I am a Catholic and I am seriously weirded out by these recent developments.
Lisa said "...The Pope looks after the whole human family, and it grieves him to see the terrible injustice done to and exploitation of the poorest of the poor nations in the earth, while others get more money than they know what to do with. ..."
Not to put too fine a point on it, but if you examine history, you should notice that those nations that "get more money than they know what to do with" have, historically speaking, been Christian nations. About 1/3 to 1/2 of the 3rd world countries are Catholic, and have been for hundreds of years. Draw what conclusions you may from those historical facts.
I have read the Harry Potter books. I have also played video games that had "spells" and "magic". What I tell my son is that, while it is fine to imagine doing magic and spells in a game or a book, it is not the same as doing it in real life. (I don't go around trying to drop anvils on a roadrunner's head either. :) )
I do agree that if not properly reminded of the dangers of actual witchcraft, and "spells" and "magic", children may see it as harmless. Or, more insidiously, a good thing. Unfortunately, how many parents remind their kids of such things?
One of the more disturbing things about the Harry Potter stories is that the author did MUCH research into the occult and witchcraft in regards to spells, names, locations, potion ingredients, etc.
More and more, I'm beginning to think the Vatican is the false prophet, or at the very least, the forerunner of it.
Oh, and great article, as usual. :)
http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/0903210.htm
As "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" was set to open worldwide July 15, L'Osservatore Romano, the Vatican newspaper, once again downplayed concerns that the film and book series by J.K. Rowling promote magic and witchcraft.
EZ 33:6
'But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet and the people are not warned, and a sword comes and takes a person from them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood I will require from the watchman's hand.'
Again Jeff I think we all know how manipulative the media is and not above stretching the truth. If you take the time to read the articles posted on Zenit I think you'll come to the conclusion that the pope is on our side. here's an example.
http://www.zenit.org/article-26439?l=english one of his recent homilies(sermons). Thanks for sharing.
Here is a short summary of the encyclical that I think it pretty accurate:
http://www.comingintheclouds.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=11
I am kind of biased, though, as I am married to the author:)
I just checked the link I posted in the comments section and it took me to a totally different place "LastDay.net" I have NO idea why that happened, but that is NOT the link I was trying to post. SORRY EVERYONE:(
http://www.comingintheclouds.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=11&start=0
Last try, I PROMISE:)
Bunch of questions to all devoted Catholics:
Were Jesus saying that Christianity will have large buildings and vast treasure?
Why there exist clergy in today´s church-all denominations?
Why Vatican do not listen the very word from Bible itself?
Why there is so many idols in evry church ,starting from Vatican?
Didn´t Jesus said that the knowing of God is not in buildings,ceremonies,dressing codes,idolatry,structural organizations with mediators inbetween God and people,not knowing the word of God, all those rules,modern phariseeism???
Hellooooo people? Anybody alive here???
What the heck was Jesus speaking and giving his life about so we will still live like Jews did under their clegry and rest?
Do God needs to knock you all in the head so you can wake up and realize the deceit Satan did AGAIN against all of us???
Do you still have any brain left?
Didn´t Satan quoted Scripture when he wanted to fool Jesus???
WAKE up and READ your Bible and strike down all delusions or organized religions!!!
Also remember the verse where Paul says that some people were actualy caught alive to work for Satan and they were not even aware of that fact!!!
In hope of awakening of people under God and Jesus,all the best
Max
Jeff said:
[i]I think we'd all agree that I hear the Pope and the Vatican spending more time talking about social issues like the economy and interfaith concerns than I do about the person of Jesus Christ and how a relationship with Him is what's most important in this life before you can even think about trying to impact the world in honor of Him.
[/i]
Jeff, if you would take the time to read the encyclical which is posted on vatican.va, you would see that it is full of references to love, love of Christ, and how love of Christ as Christians impels us to act in love for others. That is the impetus to social justice, as the pope explains.
As for Harry Potter, I have read the books and seen the movies and regard them as simply harmless entertainment, as they are meant to be.
The more I stare at the circle of energy in the image you included, the more it looks like a portal of sorts...is it just me?
I'm thinkin' someone (in Hollywood) knows somethin' about somethin'...like unleashing demons and nephilim.
BostonRog
Come on you guys!
You allow your children to watch occult themed Movies & play witchcraft type video games and you think it's ok because you warn them in advance not to do it in real life?
What kind of hypocrisy is this?
You're allowing your children to fantasize about a virtual occult world.
Do you realize how YHWH feels about it? I don't believe you do or your conscience would kick in.
Please repent & read your Bible. Seek out God's word on the matter & turn away from it.
We honor, love, & worship a HOLY -Blameless-Spotless- All powerful God. Don't you know who He is?
People die from a lack of knowledge. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. I beg of you to find out how He feels about the occult. It doesn't matter one iota how we feel about it. For obvious reasons the Bible does not specifically mention "movies" or "video games" but had they been around it would have been included.
Isaiah 66
The 1st part speaks of God's Majesty. verse 2)...But on this one will I look: On him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, And who trembles at My word. (we are not going to tremble if we don't know it intimately.)
Then it explains men who have done things their way instead of God's way.....3.) Just as they have chosen their own ways, And their soul delights in abominations, So will I choose their delusions, And bring fears on them; Because, when I called , no one answered, When I spoke they did not hear; But they did evil before My eyes, And chose that in which I do not delight."
Revelation 22:15 — But outside [heaven] are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie.
Acts 13:8-10 — Elymas the sorcerer tried to keep Sergius Paulus from accepting the gospel. Paul rebuked him saying: “O full of all deceit and all fraud, you son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, will you not cease perverting the straight ways of the Lord?”
Galatians 5:20,21 — Those who will not inherit the kingdom of God include those who practice “sorcery”(“witchcraft” — KJV). This includes the occult in general, but refers especially to the use of drugs and potions brewed by witches in their cauldrons, etc.
Exodus 7:11,22; 8:7 — Using their “enchantments,” Pharaoh’s magicians tried to duplicate the miracles done by Moses and Aaron. “Enchantments” refer to the ceremonies or rituals sorcerers and magicians use to accomplish their ends: incantations, spells, magic words (“hocus-pocus”), wearing of charms (amulets), etc.
Isaiah 8:19,20 - When they say to you, “Seek those who are mediums and wizards, who whisper and mutter,” should not a people seek their God? ... To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.
***The bottom line is that God finds these things detestable & since we are indwelled with the "Holy" spirit we should too.
Quotes taken from: The Bible and the Occult:
Witchcraft, Wizards, Wicca, Sorcery, Magic, Spiritualism, Paganism, and Psychics
I read fantasy novels most of my young adulthood, and believe me, they were harmless entertainment. They didn't draw me into witchcraft or the occult. I don't read them any more; neither do I read romance novels. I grew out of them.
I think MOST people can determine the difference between entertainment and witchcraft and the occult. The Harry Potter novels are very entertaining. The are NOVELS, MAKE BELIEVE. They don't bring people into the occult or witchcraft.
My children who are now 16 and 22 are solid Christian young women who enjoyed the HP novels as Entertainment because they are discerning young women.
I don't believe that I have anything to repent of and neither do they.
It seems to me that there is a lot of hatred or sarcasm or accusations coming from "christians" towards the Vicar of Christ, the catholic church and catholics in general. Not just from a few of the comments I have just read here but also on many other web sites including youtube. Now,I have nothing personal against any other christians, however I do think, when I hear comments expressed by individuals regarding idolatry, riches etc.. against one religion it's like saying that one corrupt protestant tv evangelist makes every protestant corrupt. or having a manger under a Christmas tree makes one idolatrous. One thing I will tell all of you is that if ever you think being a catholic is easy just read Christ's teachings to St. Bridget of Sweden--http://www.prophecyfilm.com/
Wherefore he that thinketh himself to stand, let him take heed lest he fall. 1corinthians 10:12
Am I the only one who can't get into the site for the past week? All I can get is the home page with no articles, and I've having a little withdrawal :)
Post a Comment