The premises upon which the Rev. Douglas Taylor’s letter is based are fundamentally flawed (May 17). As a student of comparative religion, and one who has written on the religious movements of Paganism (sic) and Witchcraft (sic), I must heartily disagree with the claims of Rev. Taylor.

Harry Potter is not an introduction to Witchcraft (sic). The truth is plain and simple. The same values that Witches (sic) express that are found in the Harry Potter series are basically those expressed by every major religion. The magic of Harry Potter’s world is nothing like the religio-magical elements of Witchcraft (sic) and Wicca. I find it offensive to have such a beautiful system so patronized by the waving of wands and muttering of incomprehensible incantations.

Harry Potter’s value in our society is neither as a promotion of Witchcraft (sic) nor as a wake up for society. Harry Potter allows the mind to escape and shows the power of good over evil. What can be so menacing about a series that does that?

On a side note, the word “witchcraft” should begin with a capital letter, in reference to the religion. It is as inappropriate to write “witchcraft” as it is “christian” or “buddhist.”

Rev. Nicholas Pearson,

Stuart, Florida

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