descent begins

ah, how the media is already trying to discredit the Holy Father! And how young people are falling for it! that's the worst part!! it's the whole "the Pope is against Harry Potter novels, but I'll still read it!" bit.

so I did some research (since I've found word of mouth and even american news to be unworthy of trust) and found this:

http://www.envoymagazine.com/envoyencore/Detail.asp?BlogID=2379

So,In defense of the statement, it seems that it's the critic that's been quoted (more often than what the Pope stated, and as Cardinal Ratzinger, and released after his elevation to the pontificate). The critic says that Harry Potter books "corrupt the hearts of the young" (paraphrased by the article). What the Pope stated as the head of CDF Cardinal Ratzinger is that what the critic is saying is good for people to hear and think about because of the "subtle seductions, which act unnoticed and by this deeply distort Christianity int he soul, before it can grow properly." What's that mean?

my interpretations:
Pope Benedict (when he was head of CDF as Cardinal Ratzinger) thought that this critic's work of exposing and instructing people about the subtle ways that the Harry Potter novels CAN corrupt Christianity if it was not formed properly or is still in state of formation. I don't see that being significant since almost anything can do that and IS DOING THAT: television, books, movies, friends, and yes, even the news (as we see in this case). However, this has become a media frenzy because of the fact that this new release is so popular (I see it as being orchestrated by the media and made even larger by the frenzy). In response as a responsible and active Universal Pastor, he made public his statement from before. It's his duty and obligation to warn people (mostly the ones that are not well educated in their faith and so: in the state of formation of Christianity in their hearts) about the possible negative effects of something like this. it's a RESPONSE to the popularity of it and just a warning. There was no statement "good Catholics must not read it." I don't bevlieve there are any books that "good Catholics cannot read" or would be a sin to read. Though we're recommended to NOT read something from satanic cults (I wonder why?! yes, that was sarcastic) but it's not a sin to (right? I need to check on that). What IS a sin would be to subscribe and believe in it. Same with Harry Potter books, or any fantasy books for that matter, to believe they are real.

So, sadly to say, especially with the youth in my community (there's many fans of Harry Potter here, as I assume there are everywhere in the US), they're taking the news and thinking it's the Pope that's the bad guy....Same old story...Just cause he's new in office and hasn't the charismatic nature or the reputation that JP2 had, he's more easily discredited. And they buy it. I see it as a good thing. the line is going to be drawn. The Cafeteria is CLOSED!! hahahah, we're going to have to find out which side we're on once the line is clear. I just hope we're not too closed minded to think outside what we're being fed to believe in our culture!!