The Harry Potter books are harmless fiction. The bible, on the other hand, could be seen as quite harmful fiction. Why anyone believes in any supernatural, obviously human made religion, is beyond me. It seems to me that 'christians' always want to ban things that they think will turn people 'bad'. Why don't they just let people think and make moral judgements for themselves without the need for religion?

Paul, Portsmouth,

I am a Christian and am also deeply offended by the Harry Potter books. Not, however, because they are evil. Simply because I cannot believe that books so skull-numbingly mediocre and dull have so captured the world's imagination.

One would have to be incredibly insensitive to read them without falling asleep.

Chris, London,

I hope the parents who banned their children from reading the Harry Potter books also ban their children from reading any traditional fairy tales - Cinderella, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty...all have magic in them! I watched all of these as a child, and being of reasonable intelligence was able to distinguish that magic, is in fact, not real. So I wasn't temped to become a witch so I could send people to sleep for 100 years, or make carriages out of pumpkins. These fundamentalist christians give all christians a bad name.

Emily, London, UK

When I was little (I'm 51), I loved reading Greek Mythology and every fairy tale book in the library. I also spent countless hours studying the bible. I don't think I turned out too bad.

Mary, Long Beach, CA

To the person who said they are main stream christian and that you are ashamed. Christianity also teaches us to to judge others. And what each parent chooses for there own child is for them to be concerned with. If you don't choose to let your children watch the so be it. Do not cast stones at those of us who do. I read an interesting article where psychologists talked about the benefit of teaching our children about good and evil, and that good prevails over evil. I took my son to watch the movie, and we discussed the movie and used it as a learning forum, as well as a great story line. Is it no different then the Narnia collection? It was fantasy, and a battle between good and bad, and there was violence. I read all those books as a child and I seem to be a well rounded, good Christian. Harry Potter can bring family together for great discussion, and bridging generational gaps. It is FANTASY! We have far worse problems in this world then Harry Potter, lets get real!

kathleen, fayetteville,

I'm a follower of Jesus, a 60 something year old grandma and I've read all of Harry and seen all but this most recent movie.
I had an opportunity to discuss the possibilities of the latest book with my grandson only last week. I'm so grateful to have had that opportunity.
I don't read a lot of fantasy (the Lord of the Rings trilogy couldn't capture my attention) but loved the Narnia series.
What Harry has for kids and adults is a discussion of good and evil, friendship, loyalty and excitement. The things that capture my attention in most well written books.
My grandson (who isn't a believer) is also reading Narnia.
What's wrong with reading?
The screamers embarrass me!

B Cooper, Boulder, CO

I am a Christian. I have brought up my three children along Christian principles. I did read the first HP book with this in mind - trouble was, I got hooked! They are really good stories with, as has already been stated, love at the core. They also have Christmas and Easter holidays, friendship and loyalty. The books are ripping good stories.

As a main-stream Christian I am ashamed of these fundamentalists, just as much as my Muslim equivalent is ashamed of theirs. They do not represent the true gospel of Christ Jesus and are an affront to my faith.

If boarding school applications and Snowy Owl sales have gone up because of HP then that is entirely down to the weakness and gullibility of parents, not the children. They know it's a story and have a perspective and understanding that most of these fundamentalists could learn from.

Nick Broadbent, Tunbridge Wells, UK

Is "dancing naked on a hill" a particularly evil activity?

Hamish, Glasgow,

Thank you Tara from Oklahoma. Would I rather my child read a book or play violent video games? Hmmm. Psychological harm from books and movies? Wow. Sounds like Alan from Cologne needs to see a psychiatrist for other reasons.

Michelle Prieur, Beaufort, USA SC

I don't understand these 451 god squads. Not a mention about Lord of the Rings of the Rings trilogy or The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe.

Magic, wizards, good and evil are all included in all three series.

Selective censorship is at work. J.R.R. Tolkein was a catholic, C.S. Lewis a protestant. J.K.Rowling - no fixed religious address.

As a Christian I enjoy the Harry Potter series and it's allusions to racisim, fascism and WWII.

Paul Cz, Vancouver, BC Canada

"I have no evidence they have done any harm, or led anyone astray, or convinced anyone to open a coven or to dance naked on a hill"

So there is 'evidence' presented against Sony where violence was perpetrated upon aliens after playing Fall of Man?

I believe the players in this game were also protecting what they loved from attack.

Just how many sets of standards are kids going to have to sort through?

M Riise, Oregon, USA

Oh good God. The fundamentalist God squads are back at it again. The problem with these Americans is that they cannot differentiate between religion and fiction. Unfortunately, they just can't help taking umbrage at that which does not comport with their very narrow wolrd view.

These fundamentalists book-burners do not represent the majority of rational, intelligent Americans. They are a peculiar minority of extremists.

Scott, Durham, NC, USA

Oh God do these people have nothing better to do? every so often these christian fundamentalists have something new to moan and winge about. Harry Potter is a work of FICTION. Not work of the devil, and if they believe it is the work of the devil then its clear the devil is just FICTION too. A myth about an angel gone "bad" out of Gods control to test all humans and "make" them sin... why can these people not put their negative energy into a more worthwhile cause!!!!!

nikaila b, leicestershire, uk

The Harry Potter series got my son starting to read real books and since then, he hasn't stopped! If this is magic, we could use more of it!

Actually, he and most kids know that the magic isn't really the story--it's the setting. The story is about good fighting evil and winning.

(By the way, I do consider myself a Christian.)

Paul Davison, Perry, Georgia

I've read one too many fundamentalist commentary and they all say the same thing. Frankly, it all sounds like one big joke. I only feel terribly sorry for their children who are being raised to become biggots. A true Christian (any decent person regardless of religion for that matter) can read a Harry Potter book and not think "Ah, why don't I try harming someone?" It's fascinating how close-minded some people can get in the name of God. It is the fundamentalists who give Christianity a really bad name.

Kat, Phoenix, AZ

i think all you fundamentalist christians are exactly the suffix to your name, "mental". What is your problem with these books? Are you so afraid that people may stray from your crackpot beliefs and control system that you have to try and take away people's right to read something they want to read? America is a free country, don't push your beliefs on everyone else. If you don't want to read it, then don't. And if you haven't read it, how do you know whether it's demonic or not?

Evan, temecula, usa/ca

Lol Christians, I'm so happy they're a dying breed, the sooner they're gone the better

stuff stuff, Marlon Brando, California

I'm so sick and tired of over zealous religious fanatics. Maybe parents need to start letting children use their imaginations again, and maybe take the time to teach them between real and make-believe. If they were half the Christians they claim to be, they should be able to instill in their children the values that they care about without trying to desperately stop kids from having a thought of their own. Those that take movies like this too far are a very small number and often lack the guidance they need from their parents. Kids need to be taught right from wrong, real from imaginary. Why can't people seem to do this without banning, condemning, or blaming books, movies and TV for their failures as parents. How about we take the time to teach our children something and at the same time let them enjoy something extaordinary.

Heather, San Diego, CA

Shame on JK Rowlings for getting millions of Kids all over to READ and use their IMAGIINATIONS.

Becky, Roseville, Michigan

But...but...but what about global warming? Think of all the poor little trees MURDERED for the sake of Harry Potter books? Sniff.

Mack, Kirbyville,

Talk about over-reaction. It's a book of fiction never intended to be a manual to aid kids in their quest to satanism and witchcraft. They can do that by watching the TV, films and reading thousands of other books sold worldwide including 'The Path To The Devil; Beginners Edition' (which probably exists somewhere.)

In the end, the Harry Potter books are all about friendship, love and family; about fighting for what is right and for what you believe in; about defeating the bad guy and saving the day - just like 95% of all other fantasy or semi-fantasy fiction!

If these religious fanatics get their own way and ban the book they might as well ban their own religious texts for all the references to evil, witchcraft and the Devil they contain.

In all fairness, you can't 'protect' children from literature except by failing to teach them how to read. The more you say 'NO!' the more they'll want to do it.

Nichola Cockayne, Nottingham, England

Harry Potter? Just like Enid Blyton. Goblins, elves, pixies and witches - the stuff of nightmares. Magic spells and other supernatural rubbish. I shudder to think how many sensitive kids watch the films only because of peer pressure and suffer psychological harm from them. I personally can't bear to watch these horror films. And I'm not religious. I'm not a child either. I'm an atheist and an old man. I'm against banned-lists, but if anyone deserves to be put on one it is Rowling, and not Twain, Salinger or Steinbeck.

alan, cologne,

I think the books convey a very powerful message about the conflict between good and evil.

Lionel, London, UK

You don't have to be a christian fundamentalist or even a common-or-garden christian to reject Potter. As an atheist, I don't see any sinister satanism in these books - no, I just can't accept the promulgation of magic - black, white or othewise. Filling children's easily manipulated minds with supernatural drivel is, in my opinion, harmful - in a similar way to religion - in that it hinders rational thought in later life. Apart from that, I presume lots of sensitive children suffer nightmares from the frightening films, which many only watch because of peer-pressure, and probably even more so from the books. I speak as one who was caused much mental stress as a child by Blyton's goblins and witches.

alan, cologne,

I think people need to remember what a book is! People love this story, and not just children. Reading is something most parents have to force their children to do. I'm a mother of 3, and when I see my children this excited to read a book that was not on the summer must read list from the school I think it's great! People just need to get over it. You can have all the bible readings you want, burn the book if you think thats what you need to do to save your soul from literature, but leave the rest of us alone. Let the rest of us choose what we check out of the library please.

Tara, Edmond, U.S.A. Oklahoma