Rev. Doug Taylor’s claim (June 29) that the Harry Potter books and movies “glorify the dark arts” is false.

Hagrid warns Harry against bad wizards and “dark arts.” Dumbledore tells Harry love is the greatest magic. Harry’s godfather would die rather than betray his friends; he tells Harry “those that love us never really leave us,” but can be found in our hearts. Harry and friends risk their lives to stop a murdering megalomaniac. Hogwart’s celebrates Christmas; they teach “defense against the dark arts;” the Patronus charm is a positive force of radiant white light; good prevails over evil.

I think Jesus would love Harry.

Rome couldn’t control Jesus’ followers, so it commandeered Christianity. The church changed “poisoner” to “witch,” justifying the torture and murder of an estimated nine million pagans, acquiring their victims assets. “Christians” slaughtered Muslims in their “holy crusade,” used a “convert or die” tactic in the Americas, stole Native American children from their families, turned their backs on Holocaust Jews. “Christians” murdered health clinic workers. “Christians” tortured and murdered Matthew Shepard. “By their fruits you will know them?”

Relentless persecution obscures pagan history. Many pagan societies were (and are) cooperative, egalitarian, deeply spiritual and ecologically responsible. Maybe today’s pagans don’t brag about their contributions to society – modesty and humility are part of the spiritual path.

Taylor condemns pagans because some foolishly call upon dark powers. Shall I condemn Christianity for hundreds of years of brutal inhumanity and the atrocities of today’s Christians?

What would Harry Potter do?

Joanne D’Unger, Leeds

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