J.K. Rowling has done a superb job at bridging the gap between the magical make believe and genuine pagan practices. The Harry Potter movies and book series are nothing more than an introduction to real witchcraft. Rowling makes witchcraft, wizardry and sorcery look fun, intriguing and desirable.

But the fact is witchcraft is a religion. Wicca and other neo-pagan groups have been recognized by governments in the U.S. and Canada and given a 501(c)3 tax-exempt status and are listed as nonprofit organizations. Wiccans have been granted access to penitentiaries and the military in the same manner as a Christian chaplain, Muslim cleric, Catholic priest, Jewish rabbi, etc.

If Wicca is really a religion and they practice the craft of witches, and J.K. Rowling’s books are filled with witchcraft, or should I say religious content, then what right does the public school system have in promoting and endorsing these books? They are of religious nature. God forbid if a child brings a Bible into school.

Imagine if I authored a book series and instead of a school of witchcraft and sorcery, I created a Bible school setting and taught my little disciples to study the Bible. Rather than cast spells, I taught them the sacraments of baptism and communion, and graduates became pastors, evangelists and missionaries rather than witches, warlocks and sorcerers.

Can you imagine the opposition from those who would be outraged by the religious nature? My message as a religious leader would be, “Society, wake up!”

Rev. Douglas E. Taylor, Lewiston