Pope's top exorcist says Harry Potter is 'king of darkness'

[IChing]

Last Updated Sun, 03 Sep 2006 14:16:40 EDT
CBC Arts

Pope Benedict XVI's chief exorcist, Rev. Gabriele Amorth, has called fictional wizard-in-training Harry Potter the "king of darkness, the devil."

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, the sixth installment of the series, racked up 10 million in sales on the first day of its release in 2005.
Amorth made the statement about the star of the best-selling children's series by British author J. K. Rowling during an interview with Vatican Radio during the week.

"Magic is always a turn to the devil," said the Roman Catholic priest, according to Britain's Daily Mail newspaper. Amorth, who is also the president of the International Association of Exorcists, said the series contains many positive references to "the satanic art" of magic and makes no distinction between black and white magic.>>>snip

http://www.cbc.ca/story/arts/national/2006/09/03/harrypotter-exorcist-pope.html

[Lindacooks]

1. Wait a minute.

The pope has an 'exorcist'??

:rofl:

:rofl:

:rofl:

:rofl:

:rofl:

[TexasLawyer]

24. not just AN exorcist,

but a hierarchy of exorcists! (Just guessing from the title Chief Exorcist.)

[and-justice-for-all]

37. I'M THE KING OF FUCKING DARKNESS!!!!!

[katsy]

38. Expelliarmus!

Petrificus totallus!

Evada Kedavra!

Crucio!

Oh poop. Nothing works.

In that case, welcome to DU justice!

:hi:

[neebob]

48. *appreciative chuckle*

from someone else who realizes the Prince of Fucking Darkness is already taken.

[jokerman93]

56. Get in line...

ANARCHIST!
:evilgrin:

[Ready4Change]

57. Yes. But Harry is the King of normal Darkness.

He's not competent enough to handle any of the expletive darknesses.

Just wanted to clear that up. Have a nice day.

[IndianaGreen]

2. Another Vatican religious crackpot!

The International Association of Exorcists is in serious need of psychological therapy!

[IChing]

8. I wonder what he thinks of "The teachings of Don Juan" and the series

of books by Carlos Castaneda
but I digress
isn't the Harry Potter series a work of fiction?

[undergroundpanther]

46. Excorcism IS therapy now..

http://www.amazon.com/Approaches-Counselling/dp/0415139929
It ALWAYS has been

[Selatius]

3. Somebody tell him to exorcise Bush. I think he's possessed by evil.

Somebody stop him! He'll kill us all! He must be stopped!

[Erika]

4. The Pope is Mr. Silly

Harry is family oriented with a definite sence of right vs wrong. Shame on the Pope for being so out of touch and disconnected.

He could have real things to worry about like hunger and disease. Mr. Silly needs to wake up.

[anitar1]

19. Maybe they need to look at

their establishment to find more bad guys who "love little kids". Could it be that these are the real bad guys, who are not fictional characters ? Mr. Silly needs to wake up, indeed.

[MADem]

5. Uh, no, that's total bullshit. -'''DARKNESS'''- is none other than

CHARLIE MURPHY!!!

Rick JAMES said so!!!

Ask Dave Chappelle if you don't believe me!!!

[Fox Mulder]

7. That was the best episode of Chappelle's Show.

I still laugh my ass off at the repeats. :rofl:

:thumbsup:

[MADem]

17. The Pope should do the same! He'd get off that nonsense!

[Fox Mulder]

6. Have people forgotten that magic is make-believe?

Seriously...what is wrong with these people? Hello! It's fantasy! Not real!

Geez!

:eyes:

[Erika]

10. The right wing zealots police the media

for anything against Christian right wing theocracy.

Then they viciously attack it.

[Fox Mulder]

11. How is magic anti-Christian when it doesn't even exist?

[wtmusic]

23. It's not THEIR make-believe

and it's crowding their turf! :crazy:

[Divine Discontent]

28. some Christians believe in magic

in fact, in normal Protestant churches I've heard the term "magic" used many times in reference to what power Christ has. I am born again, and I believe in magic, in the sense of having a gift. I'm sure though, when most hear magic they think spells and incantations. I believe those exist when they are directed to Satan for power. I believe in heaven & hell, and therefore there is good & evil, a spiritual magic and a dark magic (afformentioned spells).

I think the Catholic leadership is a bunch of loons, however, and I liked the one person saying "exorcize the pedos". They're a very messed up church because of their dogma and leadership. There's many fine Catholics that agree with me.

[Viva_La_Revolution]

9. the "Pope's top exorcist"

:spray:


:rofl:


:rofl:


:rofl:

[Akoto]

14. We all need someone to get the monsters from under the bed.

:hide:

[Viva_La_Revolution]

20. hell, I have a baseball bat...

I don't need no stinkin exorcist! :rofl:

[gumby]

25. I once had a battery powered cattle-prod.

It would knock a cow down.

I don't know what it would do against Harry Potter.

Maybe I should reinvest. Terra-ists and Kings Of Darkness and all. ZZZZZZAAAAPPPP!

[Viva_La_Revolution]

32. oooooh! Cattle prod!

You wouldn't happen to know where I can pick one up, do you? :evilgrin:

[Fridays Child]

12. Magic is always a turn to the devil.*

*Exceptions to this rule include, but are not limited to, virgin births, transformation of water into wine, loaves and fishes multiplication, and raising the dead.

[jdadd]

22. You forgot.....

EXORCISMS...:evilgrin:

[TexasLawyer]

30. LOL!!!!

:rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl:

and don't forget transubstantiation!

[and-justice-for-all]

39. What do you think Catholics do?

CHRISTIAN VESTMENTS AND THEIR WITCH/SORCERER PARALLELS:

The Cincture is a parallel to the Witch's Cord or Girdle
The Alb is a Ceremonial Robe
The Bishop's Miter is a copy of the Ancient Egyptian Crowns of the Gods and the Pharaohs
The Crosier represents the sorcerer's blasting rod and bears a strong resemblance to the Ancient Egyptian Crook

THE XTIAN ALTAR IS SET UP NEARLY IDENTICAL WITH A RITUAL ALTER FOR WITCHCRAFT:

The usual xtian mass/service makes use of the following:

The Bell
The Incense burner/Thurible
The Candles
The Host
The Book
The Chalice filled with wine
Oil
Yet, in spite of this, the xtian church murdered enmasse, those accused of being witches, sorcerers and those of Pagan religions.

Confession- stolen from the Papyrus of the Royal Mother Nezemt

The Communion Host: STOLEN

During a mass or church service, the priest or minister recites the line of "Eat my body and drink my blood" for the blessing of the communion host/eucharist. This is a carry-over from sacrificial rites. The nazarene was a human sacrifice as well, so it is no suprise they would want to "eat his body and drink his blood." This is what the host and the wine represent- AGAIN- stolen from early Pagan rites. Many Pagan religions today, use small cakes, similar to the host in their rites.

Xians venerating relics, ringing bells and burning incense are unwittingly imitating Hindu rituals that were established many centuries before judeo/christianity.

The praying hands were stolen as well. They are an ancient Yogic Mudra. There are statues of the Hindu Gods and also the Buddha with the praying hands known as the "NAMASTE MUDRA." The folded hands as well, a variation, is yet another mudra that was stolen. Mudras are used in meditation to connect the minor chakra circuits in the hands and fingers. Many Yoga asanas have these as well. Check any on-line images of Hatha Yoga postures. Yoga predates xianity. Note the halo on the image of the Buddha below as well.

The Saints took the place of the Old Gods in the Catholic religion as the pope used this replacement method for converting polytheists to monotheism. Ancient Pagan Temples were destroyed and razed by xtians and churches were built over these. Many of these temples were built on Ley Lines, especially in Europe. This was at first an attempt to encourage Pagan peoples to attend xtian masses, but when this did not work, other methods such as torture and mass murder soon followed.

And we can not forget all the Holidays they ripped off....

THe crucifixtion story is bullshit too..Romans did NOT nail people to wooden crosses, they were tied by their wrist with their feet on the ground and knees bent. The "Latin cross" was not a part of xianity until the 7th century and not fully acknowledged until the 9th century. Primitive churches preferred to represent the nazarene with the lamb. The lamb, by the way is another stolen symbol. The sacrificial lamb of Easter is represented by the sign of Aries the Ram." (which begins on March 21st of every year). The Lamb was also carried by Hermes and Osiris." In addition, Odin, Krishna, Marsyas, Dodonian and Zeus also hung from trees. Set was “crucified” on a “cross” known as a furka -From the book "The Woman's Dictionary of Symbols and Sacred Objects" by Barbara G. Walker, Page 54.

The entire stucture of the Xtian religion is based on deception, lies and manipulation of historical facts.

[silverweb]

13. Then so is Mickey Mouse!

And the poor, unsuspecting sucker who got this tattoo of the Mickey Devil is going to burn!



When are these idiots going to get a fucking clue and give up the bullshit?

:crazy:

We really are headed back into the Dark Ages, aren't we....

[jdadd]

15. Sounds like

This guy must be off his lithium...

[baldguy]

16. There are neocons in the world

and the Vatican is worried about Harry Potter? Someone has their priorities fucked up.

[tabasco]

18. Is this guy supposed to exorcise the pedos too?

Religion is a bad joke.

[countmyvote4real]

21. My cartoon religion is better than your cartoon magic.

This is just STUPID.

[Sinti]

26. You have to understand, it's imagination itself that's the problem

If people start reading, especially at a young age, and using their imaginations, then they start thinking for themselves. When they start thinking for themselves they realize they don't need the priest to tell them what to think. When that happens TEOTWAWKI is upon us.

I remember doing a conference once with a bunch of priests trying to figure out how to get people back into the fold - (it's my job - their money is as green as anyone else's) - these priests are horribly, terribly concerned that people are going "directly to god" on their own, with no intervention. Heresy of the worst kind, they say. IOW, imagination is bad for business.

:shrug:

[niyad]

27. oh my, he must have been reading the Onion story about HP leading

kids to satan.

[Why Syzygy]

29. Wine into Blood?

Or is it the other way 'round? Wafer into flesh? That's white magic?

[Joe Bacon]

31. Well lets check that list, Eggy Baby

1) Embrace "Intelligent Design"
2) Endorse all Republicans
3) Go after Harry Potter

Wow, you're getting closer to the real stupidity embraced by Hagee, aren't you?

[crim son]

33. That's it. The last nail has just been pounded into

the coffin of my Catholicism.

[CanuckAmok]

34. What's the Vatican's kickback for this free publicity?

They must have a stake in this, right? Headlines ike this don;t come cheap, you know.

[longship]

35. Dear Pope.... Harry Potter is *FICTION*.

Get it, Pope?

It's just like your Bible, made up shit--and far more entertaining, that all those silly begats.

[roguevalley]

36. Magic is always a turn to the devil. What does it mean that Jesus

raised the dead, walked on water and turned water to wine, among other things. Last time I checked, that matched the textbook definition of magic.

The dimwits.

[PinkUnicorn]

40. Potter? A rank amateur

Harry Potter is a rank amateur! Strap yourself in DU'ers, put away your crucifixes, spin your heads through 360 degrees and stock up on the green vomit, because I will reveal some TRUE dark magic from the evilest of tomes!

*Recites in an ominous voice (with optional audio flange effects)*

Fireball
Evocation (Fire)
Level: Sor/Wiz 3
Components: V, S, M
Casting Time: 1 standard action
Range: Long (400 ft. + 40 ft./level)
Area: 20-ft.-radius spread
Duration: Instantaneous
Saving Throw: Reflex half
Spell Resistance: Yes

A fireball spell is an explosion of flame that detonates with a low roar and deals 1d6 points of fire damage per caster level (maximum 10d6) to every creature within the area. Unattended objects also take this damage. The fireball sets fire to combustibles and damages objects in the area. It can melt metals with low melting points, such as lead, gold, copper, silver, and bronze. If the damage caused to an interposing barrier shatters or breaks through it, the fireball may continue beyond the barrier if the area permits; otherwise it stops at the barrier just as any other spell effect does.

So there you have it, pure satanic evil at its best! The forbidden tome of the D&D players handbook is rife with these evil magics, just ask Jack Chick! But don't tell Ratzo's chief exorcist or he'll have an aneurysm.

But now for the question of the ages...if Jesus saves, does he take half damage? :P

[TransitJohn]

47. My +21 plate mail of Prismatic Invulnerability

bestows immunity to fire, acid, cold, and all breath weapons. Oh yeah, I have unlimited hit points and maximum charisma.

[Ready4Change]

58. Hah. My rogue with improved evasion will have none of that.

I rolled a nat 20. :P

[personman]

41. Inconsistency in the Hierarchy of Darkness?

Isn't the devil the PRINCE of darkness?

Does the Chief Exorcist need a tutor of darkness or something?

He shouldn't be all misrepresenting ranks of darkness and shit, thats shadey.

Edit: He's the make-believe expert, as a facts and logic guy who am I to argue.

[muriel_volestrangler]

42. This is actually a 4 year old story come back to life (a zombie?)

Fr Amorth, who is also the president of the International Association of Exorcists, told the Italian ANSA news agency, Rev. Amorth said "Behind Harry Potter hides the signature of the king of the darkness, the devil."

He said that Rowling's books contain innumerable positive references to magic, "the satanic art". Amorth noted that the books attempt to make a false distinction between black and white magic, when in fact, the distinction "does not exist, because magic is always a turn to the devil."

4-Jan-02

http://www.cathnews.com/news/201/17.php

Which the Daily Mail used to pad out a piece about Amorth claiming Hitler and Stalin were possessed:

"However I have no doubt that Hitler was possessed and so it does not surprise me that Pope Pius XII tried a long distance exorcism."

In the past Father Amorth has also spoken out against the Harry Potter books, claiming that reading the novels of the teen wizard open children's minds to dabbling with the occult and black magic.

Father Amorth, who is president of the International Association of Exorcists, said of the JK Rowling books:"Behind Harry Potter hides the signature of the king of the darkness, the devil."

He said that Rowling's books contain innumerable positive references to magic, "the satanic art" and added the books attempt to make a false distinction between black and white magic, when in fact, the distinction "does not exist, because magic is always a turn to the devil."

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news.html?in_article_id=402602&in_page_id=1770

So the man's a fool, and has been for several years; but it's interesting to see that a fictional children's book is bigger 'news' than a real genocidal tyrant.

[darkmaestro019]

43. Hmm

I think Voldemort, Darth Vader, Sauron, and Ozzy Osbourne are all going to go and kick this guy's ass for interfering with their street cred.

Oh, and Rowling called for ya, guy--she said thanks for the free press, but she's really got more than she can handle as it is, and maybe you could worry about, yanno, REAL PROBLEMS?

Starvation, AIDS, Bush?

If anyone on EARTH is possessed by an evil spirit, it's Georgie. Go wave magic--uh, RELIGIOUS items at him and yell magic words--uh, HOLY RITES OF EXORCISM--at him, and see what sticks.

: )

[saltpoint]

44. If a fictional "devil" can get kids to read in vastly increased numbers

all over the world, then more such devils should there be.

More and more kids looking forward to reading & excited about going to a library or bookshop... It is a splendid gift Ms. Rowling has given us.

More power to Harry.

[w4rma]

45. These people live in the dark ages. Or they are whacked in the head. (nt)

[immoderate]

49. So how do you wash OFF the blood of the lamb?

:shrug:I see a product niche here.

--IMM

[saltpoint]

50. I spent every bit of half a second today worrying about whether Harry

Potter or Jerry Lewis was the greater threat to my soul.

I decided Lewis was.

I can't stand that damned Telethon.

[ContraBass Black]

51. And when Potter was saved by tears from the Pheonix, a symbol of Jesus,

What was that?

[trotsky]

52. Ummm...

the phoenix goes back to ancient Egyptian mythology. Christians later stole and co-opted it, as they have with many symbols and traditions from other cultures.

[bedazzled]

53. my 8 year old son is reading his first real book by himself. harry potter

i am SO PROUD. always wanted to teach someone how to read, and hope he'll be as crazy about books as his parents are!

unfortunately, my mom has embraced roman catholicism since my dad died several years ago and it seems to have a negative impact on her. she is constantly depressed and worried about everyone going to hell, and is unpleasant and judgmental. i am trying to get her to deal with her depression, but according to her, god (the same one who floods cities where there are homosexuals) will take care of everything. it isn't possible to reason with someone like that...

[saltpoint]

54. Run for your lives! It's a fictional character!

[NAO]

55. Yeah, the Pope's top astronomer declared Galileo a Heretic, mistaken

The Pope and the Catholic church lost all credibility centuries ago. Sure, they destroyed Western Civilization in the 4th and 5th centuries, and tortured and murdered millions of "heretics" for the next 1,000 years, but their heyday is long past.

The Pope should just shut up and be glad there is not some kind of world-wide class action lawsuit against the Vatican for their pedophile priests - some judgment large enough that it would result in a financial settlement that would force the Vatican to liquidate. An "everything must go sale" in the basement of the Vatican. Now I'd love to see that!

[Ready4Change]

59. Diversion.

Benedicts predecessor reportedly regretted his growing frailty. He felt a great evil was coming, and felt that our own nations growing hostility was being fanned by the antiChrist.

But he's out now, and in his place is Benedict. And rather than concentrate on true dire and evident evils being committed by those in high offices, he stoops to smiting a childs book.

Benedict: A candidate for Worst. Pope. Ever?

[muriel_volestrangler]

60. Nice try - the comment was made in 2002, under JP2

see post #42.