Yes, Harry Potter Is Demonic: A Biblical Warning for Christians

For decades, the Harry Potter series has captivated and sparked the imagination of millions of people around the world. It presents a world full of magic, mystery, and wonder. And like any piece of art, it has the power to shape how we view life.

This leads us, as followers of Jesus, to ask, is Harry Potter just fiction? Or does this seemingly innocent fantasy world have hidden dangers? For many Christians, the answer is obvious. Yes, Harry Potter is demonic.

This might seem hard to believe and even farfetched. But let’s look at the series through the lens of God’s Word.

What Does the Bible Say About Magic?

The theme of the Harry Potter series is based around the practice of magic. In this world, there are witches, wizards, and magical forces that exist everywhere and seem to exist in tandem with our reality.

For some, these films and novels are just entertainment. However, as Christians, we must pause and think about what the Bible says about magic and witchcraft.

In the Old Testament, God is very clear:

“There shall not be found among you anyone who burns his son or his daughter as an offering, anyone who practices divination or tells fortunes or interprets omens, or a sorcerer or a charmer or a medium or a necromancer or one who inquires of the dead, for whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord.”

Deuteronomy 18:10-12 (ESV)

According to this scripture, anyone who engages in such practices is detestable to God. And this is not an isolated passage. We see similar admonitions throughout the Bible.

In Galatians, the Apostle Paul warns believers about the works of the flesh. He goes on to list sorcery as one of the behaviors that prevent people from inheriting the kingdom of God.

“Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”

Galatians 5:19-21 (ESV)

Again, the book of Revelations further emphasizes how dangerous it is to dabble in sorcery and witchcraft.

“But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”

Revelation 21:8 (ESV)

Clearly, Scripture does not take the matter of magic lightly. It condemns every practice of magic and encourages believers to avoid any form of witchcraft, sorcery, or occult practices.

In the Harry Potter series, magic is shown as an everyday part of life. And while it’s framed as “harmless” or “just fantasy,” it’s quite similar to the practices the Bible condemns. 

Curses, potions, and spells are made to seem like a normal part of the characters’ lives. It’s, therefore, easy to see how this can desensitize young readers and audiences to the real threat of the occult.

Are There Occult Influences in Harry Potter?

As we’ve already pointed out, the story of Harry Potter revolves around magic. Harry and his peers attend Hogwarts, a school for young wizards and witches, and there they learn how to brew potions, cast spells, and communicate with magical creatures. 

Sure, the books and films are categorized as fantasy. But they introduce children and adults to things like witchcraft, spell-casting, and the occult, so it seems harmless and fun. But let’s pause for a moment.

The Bible warns that the practice of magic is far from harmless. J.K. Rowling, the writer of the Harry Potter series, presents witchcraft as something that can either be “good” or “bad” in the fantasy world. Characters like Harry, Hermione, and Ron use their “good” magic to fight “evil” forces. 

This is a dangerous distortion of the truth. Biblically speaking, any and every form of witchcraft is inherently evil. There’s no such thing as good, neutral, or harmless witchcraft. 

When we look at the world of Harry Potter, we see a well-structured magical system that mirrors real-life occult practices. In the books, they invoke spells using specific incantations, wands, and gestures. All these strongly resemble witchcraft rituals. 

Furthermore, we often see mentions of magical creatures like ghosts and demons, as well as divination, potions, and curses. This isn’t mere innocent fantasy. It shows occult practices that are actively promoted as an acceptable and desirable part of everyday life.

What’s the Influence of the Occult on Society?

Practicing magic isn’t just fantasy. It’s based on the occult, something that has existed throughout human history. But what is the occult? What’s it about? 

The occult is about trying to find hidden knowledge or powers through supernatural means. This can include anything from astrology and tarot cards to necromancy (speaking to the dead) and spiritism. And according to Scripture, these practices can open doors to demonic forces.

Apostle Paul says:

“No, I imply that what pagans sacrifice they offer to demons and not to God. I do not want you to be participants with demons. You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. You cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons.”

1 Corinthians 10:20-21 (ESV)

As Christians, we are called to stay away from anything that might expose us to demonic influence. Magic, in its various forms, is one of the most common ways the devil tries to lead us astray. 

The Harry Potter series promotes witchcraft and sorcery as an exciting and accessible part of the fictional world. As such, it normalizes these practices and encourages a certain curiosity about them. 

Children, especially, are impressionable. Thus, glorifying magic could lead them to check out occult practices outside of fiction.

Why is it Dangerous to Normalise the Occult?

The biggest danger of Harry Potter is that it normalizes witchcraft. It blurs the lines between good and evil for young readers and viewers. In the series, the witches and wizards who practice magic are shown as sympathetic characters who use their powers for noble purposes. 

But the Bible makes it clear that there is no such thing as “good” witchcraft. Magic, in any form, is a direct gateway to spiritual deception and a tool used by the enemy to lead us astray.

Peter warns us.

“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”

1 Peter 5:8 (ESV)

We are alerted to the deception of the devil in this verse. His strategy is to use subtle ways to gain access into our lives and minds. When he normalizes magic and occult practices in the form of Harry Potter, the enemy can slowly desensitize us to the hidden spiritual dangers. 

In many ways, it prepares the ground for a deeper acceptance of occultism and witchcraft outside the realm of fiction. Many children who read Harry Potter grow up to be curious about the real-world practices of magic, tarot cards, astrology, and witchcraft, unaware of the spiritual consequences of their actions.

Harry Potter and the Spiritual Battle

In his second letter to the Corinthian church, Paul reminds us of the spiritual battle that we, as follows of Jesus, face. 

“For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.”

2 Corinthians 10:3-5 (ESV)

The Harry Potter series is more than just a fantasy about wizards and magic. It’s a subtle war zone for the minds and hearts of all who see or read it. Remember, the devil is a master of disguise. He’s skilled at making black look white.

“For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness…”

2 Corinthians 11:13-15 (ESV)

You see, the Harry Potter series seems like mere entertainment. But, in reality, it’s demonic and tries to make us see magic as not only real but also appealing. It encourages us to embrace witchcraft, not as something dangerous but as something cool and fun.

As Christians, we must be discerning. We must guard our hearts and avoid things that promote values that are contrary to the Word of God. Remember Peter’s words.

“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”

1 Peter 5:8 (ESV)

The war for our souls is real, and the enemy will stop at nothing to get us to compromise. By engaging with books or shows that subtly promote occultism, like Harry Potter, we open ourselves up to spiritual influence that distances us from God.

What’s So Wrong About Practicing Magic?

As Christians, the Bible admonishes us to fix our eyes on Jesus, who is the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). In fact, Jesus tells us,

“I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

John 14:6 (ESV)

Jesus is the only path to true fulfillment, peace, and power. Magic, i.e., witchcraft, encourages us to look to forces other than God for power and direction. It presents an illusion of control and power, but is, in actuality, a counterfeit that leads people away from the truth.

At its core, magic is idolatry. Anything that takes your focus away from God is idolatry. And what does Jesus say about that?

“Be gone, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.'”

Matthew 4:10 (ESV)

Here, Jesus reminds us that we must serve and worship only God. We must reject any idols or counterfeit powers—whether they be magic, witchcraft, or the allure of supernatural control.

Protecting Our Children from the Influence of Witchcraft

Another problem with the Harry Potter series is its appeal to children. Young readers and viewers are very easily influenced by what they consume. And the magical world of Harry Potter can serve as a way to encourage an interest in the occult.

Therefore, it’s important for Christian parents to be aware of what their children watch or read and to guide them in the truth of God’s Word.

Here’s what the Bible says.

“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.”

Proverbs 22:6 (ESV)

Parents have a responsibility to protect the hearts and minds of their kids. They must ensure that what they watch or read aligns with the teachings of Scripture. 

Conclusion

The Bible urges us to test everything.

“But test everything; hold fast what is good.”

1 Thessalonians 5:21 (ESV)

We must test the movies we watch, the books we read, and every ideology. Sure, some may argue that Harry Potter is simply a work of fiction. But when we look at it through the lens of scripture, we realize that it promotes the occult and undermines God’s truth.

What’s the biblical test we can put any work of art through?

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things”

Philippians 4:8 (ESV)

Does that book or TV show leave you with thoughts that are in line with God’s Word? Remember, truth, for us believers, isn’t just what’s factual. Truth is the Word of God. Jesus, in a prayer to the Father, said,

“Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.”

John 17:17 (ESV)

As we’ve seen already, Harry Potter contradicts God’s Word. So, yes, Harry Potter is demonic.

And if you’ve already been influenced by the series, you can seek deliverance through prayer and repentance. God is merciful, and His grace is sufficient to heal and restore.

Written by Juliet (Chisom) I