Profile for Overwhelming

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Field	Value
Displayed name	Overwhelming
Member number	4637
Title	Infiltrator
Postcount	483
Homepage	http://boa-center.uni.cc/
Registered	Tuesday, June 29 2004 07:00

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Author	Recent posts
The arrow of time in General
Overwhelming Infiltrator Member # 4637	written Monday, July 18 2005 11:45 Profile Homepage #5 There's so many possible variables that will determine future behaviour, that it's impossible to preview the future. The advantage of the past is that all main variables can be known, because they exist/existed. So, we can't remember the future because there is no way to know what are the variables which, in turn, will determine a specific future. So, untill those variables are known, the future doesn't exist. Once they are known, they are past and present, not representing the future anymore. Anyway, I don't understand what do you mean exactly with "I don't remember tomorrow" and what is its relation with "the basic equations of physics do not distinguish the direction of time". Unless with "remember" you mean something else than memmory. -------------------- Visit the Blades of Avernum Center and the Beta Testing Center -------------- "Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ." Colossians 2:6-9 Posts: 483 \| Registered: Tuesday, June 29 2004 07:00
BoA Editor Remake in Blades of Avernum Editor
Overwhelming Infiltrator Member # 4637	written Monday, July 18 2005 11:30 Profile Homepage #135 quote: Originally written by KernelKnowledge12: The good thing about the program I'm working on right now is that it should allow for a quick change from alpha release (of the remake) to beta release, since many editing features can be scripted. For example, it should be possible to turn Khoth's Wall Drawing Tool into a script, and therefore avoid going through the trouble of adding it directly to the code. Is that scripting accessible to other programmers? And non-programmers? Anyway, that sounds really interesting. It makes me imagine your editor remake as a customizable editor, where the scripts would be the plugins. Of course, I may have understood wrong. :) What's still left to do until alpha release sounds complicated to a non-programmer like me, but keep up the good work. We're looking forward for the alpha release. -------------------- Visit the Blades of Avernum Center and the Beta Testing Center -------------- "Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ." Colossians 2:6-9 Posts: 483 \| Registered: Tuesday, June 29 2004 07:00
BoA Editor Remake in Blades of Avernum
Overwhelming Infiltrator Member # 4637	written Monday, July 18 2005 11:30 Profile Homepage #135 quote: Originally written by KernelKnowledge12: The good thing about the program I'm working on right now is that it should allow for a quick change from alpha release (of the remake) to beta release, since many editing features can be scripted. For example, it should be possible to turn Khoth's Wall Drawing Tool into a script, and therefore avoid going through the trouble of adding it directly to the code. Is that scripting accessible to other programmers? And non-programmers? Anyway, that sounds really interesting. It makes me imagine your editor remake as a customizable editor, where the scripts would be the plugins. Of course, I may have understood wrong. :) What's still left to do until alpha release sounds complicated to a non-programmer like me, but keep up the good work. We're looking forward for the alpha release. -------------------- Visit the Blades of Avernum Center and the Beta Testing Center -------------- "Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ." Colossians 2:6-9 Posts: 483 \| Registered: Tuesday, June 29 2004 07:00
A long-expected Parting in General
Overwhelming Infiltrator Member # 4637	written Monday, July 18 2005 05:04 Profile Homepage #29 27 posts this month? A high record for me, it seems. I should start spamming. :P Nah... What's good about having a high post count, anyway? -------------------- Visit the Blades of Avernum Center and the Beta Testing Center -------------- "Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ." Colossians 2:6-9 Posts: 483 \| Registered: Tuesday, June 29 2004 07:00
hi in General
Overwhelming Infiltrator Member # 4637	written Monday, July 18 2005 04:41 Profile Homepage #3 Hi and welcome. ^_^ -------------------- Visit the Blades of Avernum Center and the Beta Testing Center -------------- "Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ." Colossians 2:6-9 Posts: 483 \| Registered: Tuesday, June 29 2004 07:00
Time vs. Money in General
Overwhelming Infiltrator Member # 4637	written Monday, July 18 2005 04:39 Profile Homepage #20 quote: Originally written by Drew: An infinite supply of money would make money worthless, ruining the world economy. An infinite supply of something worthless is just that. Time is money. There's not a moment to be lost! Time=Money Infinite Money=Worthless Infinite Time=Worthless Time=Worthless/Infinite=0/oo=0=Worthless Are you saying Time is Worthless? :P -------------------- Visit the Blades of Avernum Center and the Beta Testing Center -------------- "Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ." Colossians 2:6-9 Posts: 483 \| Registered: Tuesday, June 29 2004 07:00
Time vs. Money in General
Overwhelming Infiltrator Member # 4637	written Monday, July 18 2005 04:35 Profile Homepage #19 No matter what you do or what you have, you'll live for a limited time. Time's very precious, so we should be conscious about how we use it. In a more abstract concept: without time, there wouldn't be existence. -------------------- Visit the Blades of Avernum Center and the Beta Testing Center -------------- "Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ." Colossians 2:6-9 Posts: 483 \| Registered: Tuesday, June 29 2004 07:00
Harry Potter in General
Overwhelming Infiltrator Member # 4637	written Monday, July 18 2005 04:19 Profile Homepage #172 It looks like HP books really fiddles with people's emotions... :P -------------------- Visit the Blades of Avernum Center and the Beta Testing Center -------------- "Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ." Colossians 2:6-9 Posts: 483 \| Registered: Tuesday, June 29 2004 07:00
How evil is too evil> in Blades of Avernum
Overwhelming Infiltrator Member # 4637	written Monday, July 18 2005 04:14 Profile Homepage #27 Have you noticed that people demand a good motive for an evil guy to be evil, but don't care why a good guy is good? :P If you design in your scenario a kid helping an old lady cross the road without justifying it, that's gratuitious good. :P Anyway, I don't agree about good/evil blending. You can make "grey" characters without blending good/evil. Remember that "grey" is just white tainted black (or vice-versa), so the binary good/evil is always present. Keep that binary clear. -------------------- Visit the Blades of Avernum Center and the Beta Testing Center -------------- "Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ." Colossians 2:6-9 Posts: 483 \| Registered: Tuesday, June 29 2004 07:00
BoA Editor Remake in Blades of Avernum Editor
Overwhelming Infiltrator Member # 4637	written Monday, July 18 2005 03:38 Profile Homepage #132 It's looking great. The greater area view, all towns and outdoors in a tree at one side, the palletes... Keep up the good work! You're making it all easier for everyone to create their scenarios. Thanks! -------------------- Visit the Blades of Avernum Center and the Beta Testing Center -------------- "Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ." Colossians 2:6-9 Posts: 483 \| Registered: Tuesday, June 29 2004 07:00
BoA Editor Remake in Blades of Avernum
Overwhelming Infiltrator Member # 4637	written Monday, July 18 2005 03:38 Profile Homepage #132 It's looking great. The greater area view, all towns and outdoors in a tree at one side, the palletes... Keep up the good work! You're making it all easier for everyone to create their scenarios. Thanks! -------------------- Visit the Blades of Avernum Center and the Beta Testing Center -------------- "Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ." Colossians 2:6-9 Posts: 483 \| Registered: Tuesday, June 29 2004 07:00
Missing... in Blades of Avernum Editor
Overwhelming Infiltrator Member # 4637	written Sunday, July 17 2005 02:58 Profile Homepage #34 It's looking great, although I liked the lit hills better. The columns in flat panel look a little bit odd. Anyway it's great. Keep up the good work! -------------------- Visit the Blades of Avernum Center and the Beta Testing Center -------------- "Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ." Colossians 2:6-9 Posts: 483 \| Registered: Tuesday, June 29 2004 07:00
Missing... in Blades of Avernum
Overwhelming Infiltrator Member # 4637	written Sunday, July 17 2005 02:58 Profile Homepage #34 It's looking great, although I liked the lit hills better. The columns in flat panel look a little bit odd. Anyway it's great. Keep up the good work! -------------------- Visit the Blades of Avernum Center and the Beta Testing Center -------------- "Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ." Colossians 2:6-9 Posts: 483 \| Registered: Tuesday, June 29 2004 07:00
Harry Potter in General
Overwhelming Infiltrator Member # 4637	written Saturday, July 16 2005 02:56 Profile Homepage #161 quote: Originally written by Thuryl: You do realise that didn't actually happen, right? I wouldn't laugh otherwise. -------------------- Visit the Blades of Avernum Center and the Beta Testing Center -------------- "Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ." Colossians 2:6-9 Posts: 483 \| Registered: Tuesday, June 29 2004 07:00
Harry Potter in General
Overwhelming Infiltrator Member # 4637	written Saturday, July 16 2005 02:02 Profile Homepage #158 Don't tell any spoilers, or this might happen! lol -------------------- Visit the Blades of Avernum Center and the Beta Testing Center -------------- "Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ." Colossians 2:6-9 Posts: 483 \| Registered: Tuesday, June 29 2004 07:00
Missing... in Blades of Avernum Editor
Overwhelming Infiltrator Member # 4637	written Saturday, July 16 2005 01:52 Profile Homepage #26 quote: 2) Cannot do underhanging rocks. BoA is unfriendly about it (tile coverup) Think about changing the wall terrain to give that spikey look (like estalactites [sp?]), instead of adding any graphics to the base of the floating islands. About the nebula pic you say you can't shrink... What's the problem about shrinking it? Maybe I can do it for you. -------------------- Visit the Blades of Avernum Center and the Beta Testing Center -------------- "Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ." Colossians 2:6-9 Posts: 483 \| Registered: Tuesday, June 29 2004 07:00
Missing... in Blades of Avernum
Overwhelming Infiltrator Member # 4637	written Saturday, July 16 2005 01:52 Profile Homepage #26 quote: 2) Cannot do underhanging rocks. BoA is unfriendly about it (tile coverup) Think about changing the wall terrain to give that spikey look (like estalactites [sp?]), instead of adding any graphics to the base of the floating islands. About the nebula pic you say you can't shrink... What's the problem about shrinking it? Maybe I can do it for you. -------------------- Visit the Blades of Avernum Center and the Beta Testing Center -------------- "Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ." Colossians 2:6-9 Posts: 483 \| Registered: Tuesday, June 29 2004 07:00
Harry Potter in General
Overwhelming Infiltrator Member # 4637	written Wednesday, July 13 2005 02:18 Profile Homepage #135 Duh... You talk about me drowning a discussion with long posts, how about many users posting relatively long posts at the same time? :P Anyway, I don't feel like continuing this discussion, or I would have to spend all day replying to you all. I'll just clarify certain points you raised: 1. I just gave my opinion about Harry Potter in a short sentence. Also mentioned what I think about the book's price, in a short paragraph. Someone asked about my opinion, then I answered and the discussion begun. So I didn't come here to change anyone's mind. I expressed my opinion (and I think I have the right to have my opinion) and you came rebuking it, talking agains't it and, some of you, in an personal agressive way, calling me fundamentalist (it looks that anyone who has a different opinion or doesn't agree with you must be a fundamentalist). 2. I said my opinion has a christian point of view. But as you said, christianity has many different denominations with different opinions. So when I say my opinion is based in christian beliefs, I'm not saying that my opinion represents all christian's opinions. 3. I'm amazed that people don't understand what's the problem/danger here. Some still think that the problem is that kids might start trying to wave their wands and produce magic. Well, I can only say this: read what I wrote again and try to understand. But since you are already with your minds pre-set to rebuke my words, you have no openess of mind enough to even understand what I'm trying to say. 4. This is the most important one as someone asked: where in the Bible? Where is it written that wichcraft is evil? Etc, etc, etc in the Bible? Well, to spare this thread from another long post, I'll make my words the following text in this site (you just had to google a little bit): http://www.christiananswers.net/q-eden/edn-occult.html 5. About Harry Potter books' seduction to the occult, that you just don't want to believe because you think a book can't change anything... Well, I won't even talk about those kids who killed all coleegues and teachers, influenced by books/videogames, etc... That's an extreme example. I'm talking about subtle changes in a persons mind and personality that a book can offer. Your personality is a result of what you learned through your life: family, school, friends, books... Trying to deny it is trying to shut your eyes. Anyway, here's some interesting articles about Harry Potter's seduction to the occult: http://www.surfinthespirit.com/entertainment/harry-potter-1.shtml http://www.fillthevoid.org/Entertainment/Harry-Potter-2.html 6. I'll be quoting an interesting text: quote: Even some Christians leaders agree that it's "just fantasy" and generally acceptable for the Christian reader, including Chuck Colson of Breakpoint, the editors of World Magazine, and Connie Neal (author of What's A Christian To Do With Harry Potter?) However, occult experts, Marcia Montenegro of Christian Answers for the New Age and Caryl Matrisciana, author of Gods of the New Age, disagree with their Christian peers. Both have personal experience in the occult before becoming Christians As one example among many, Caryl points to a chapter in the fourth book entitled "Flesh, Blood and Bone". "Harry is magically transported with his friend Cedric to a dark, scary graveyard. There, Harry is tied to the headstone of Lord Voldemort's father's tomb by Voldemort's slave, Wormtail -- a shapeshifter who takes the form of a rat. A slithering snake, synonymous with the presence of Voldemort, circles around Harry. Following an order to kill from a voice of unknown origin, the slave utters a death curse. In shock, Harry witnesses the murder of his friend Cedric." Perhaps all of this sounds a bit scary, but nothing to be concerned about. Potter fans say that this world is just make believe and has no bearing on the real world. While a few Christians don't even like to read or see classics such as Sleeping Beauty, Lord of the Rings, or Chronicles of Narnia due to the mere presence of evil, most Christians recognize the good vs. evil element as being clearly delineated. Evil is evil, and good is good, and good is promoted while evil is not. But in the Potter series, the line is not so clear. The "good" guys practice "white magic", while the bad guys practice the "Dark Arts". Readers become fascinated with the magic used (explained in remarkable detail). Yet God is clear in Scripture that any practice of magic is an "abomination" to him. God doesn't distinguish between "white" and "dark" magic since they both originate from the same source. "There shall not be found among you anyone who ...practices witchcraft, or a soothsayer, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, or one who conjures spells, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead. For all who do these things are an abomination to the LORD, and because of these abominations the LORD your God drives them out from before you. You shall be blameless before the LORD your God. For these nations which you will dispossess listened to soothsayers and diviners; but as for you, the LORD your God has not appointed such for you." Deut. 18:10-14 Furthermore, if one were to use the reasoning that such objectionable material can be included in fantasy literature, then "that line of reasoning would tell you that you could include in fantasy any violence, pornography, whatever you wanted, and still defend those books by that very same statement." 7. Finally, about the vatican saying Harry Potter is ok. Those are the same who named the Inquisition as "Holy" Inquisition. I don't recognize the vatican any authority. Specially over the Bible. (It's amazing how you can bash religion and the Bible, but use them if they fit your opinion. You shouldn't change shirts like that.) Over and out. :) -------------------- Visit the Blades of Avernum Center and the Beta Testing Center -------------- "Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ." Colossians 2:6-9 Posts: 483 \| Registered: Tuesday, June 29 2004 07:00
Harry Potter in General
Overwhelming Infiltrator Member # 4637	written Tuesday, July 12 2005 04:58 Profile Homepage #130 quote: Originally written by Thuryl: quote: Originally written by Overwhelming: quote: Originally written by Thuryl: quote: Originally written by Overwhelming: Blind to the true nature of God, children will synthesize or blend Biblical truth with the pagan beliefs and magical practices demonstrated in the Harry Potter movie. In the end, you distort and destroy any remnant of true Christian faith. For our God cannot be molded to match pagan gods. So Easter eggs are satanic now? Good to know. If "satanic" to you means "everything not God's/Christian"... If Rowling's books fit the criterion of "molding of God to match pagan gods" (despite the fact that they don't particularly mention the Christian God in any capacity whatsoever), then the modern celebration of Easter certainly does, and as such should not by your own logic be any more acceptable to you. Since celebrating Easter with chocolate eggs is a more entrenched and widespread cultural practice than reading Harry Potter novels, I'd think you'd be going after that custom with more fervour. And there are many more subjects more important than this, but we're in a Harry Potter thread, so I guess it would be off-topic talking about the other subjects. You should try to do the same: stay in-topic and contribute for the discussion. But I know you like just to pop-in without reading the whole topic and throw some "witty" short sentences and see the reaction. :P -------------------- Visit the Blades of Avernum Center and the Beta Testing Center -------------- "Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ." Colossians 2:6-9 Posts: 483 \| Registered: Tuesday, June 29 2004 07:00
Harry Potter in General
Overwhelming Infiltrator Member # 4637	written Tuesday, July 12 2005 04:55 Profile Homepage #129 quote: Originally written by Drakefyre: quote: Anyway, we're talking about the same thing: using fun, attractive and a covered way to teach things. In this case, "bad things". But that's not what's happening! JK Rowling wrote the series to make money, not to indoctrinate children into witchcraft. And I don't see how the books teach that witchcraft is a good thing or morally acceptable. That burden of proof is on you. All you said was already addressed in my previous posts. I don't claim the author does that intentionally, but that's not the point. The point is that the books do it. About how Harry books can be harmful, was already explained, I won't repeat. (Someone could accuse me that I was repeating myself just to drown the discussion). -------------------- Visit the Blades of Avernum Center and the Beta Testing Center -------------- "Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ." Colossians 2:6-9 Posts: 483 \| Registered: Tuesday, June 29 2004 07:00
Harry Potter in General
Overwhelming Infiltrator Member # 4637	written Tuesday, July 12 2005 04:51 Profile Homepage #127 Several points I will address: 1. quote: Imaginary ... experiences ... can affect the mind ... as much, if not more, than actual experiences. (attempted to cut down on the long-windedness) Also you cut down it's whole meaning too. And you're following conclusion just shows that: This, apparently, is your argument for the conclusion that fantasy is harmful. However, you take an unmentioned premise which I disagree with, spelled out below: "Imaginary experiences that affect the mind are harmful." I never said that and never wanted anyone to think that. There can be good imaginary experiences that affect the mind. Hey, how could you believe in God ig you don't know to abstract and imagine? The point is, kids can be deceived without even noticing it. The premise, here, is that "God's perspective" (or, more accurately, the perspective of the particular religious denomination you appear to belong to despite your previous claim to the contrary) is the correct one, As I said, I don't belong to any religious denomination. I just consider myself christian and believe in the Bible. My knowledge on the subject is from the Bible and many religious denominations (even non-christian ones). Anyway, I claimed that my opinion is with christian morals in mind, didn't hide it from anyone. If you agree with it or not, it's up to you. That's why I said it's only my opinion, not a dogma or law. and that taking another perspective - such as, say, that of an atheist or other religious faith, is harmful. This premise, needless to say, is equally false. As I said to someone else, if you're not christian, then what I say doesn't concern you, as what I say is having in mind christian faith. And atheísm, for example, is harmful for the christian faith. But if you're not christian, then you don't care and I don't blame you for it. At various points, you quote a book that, while certainly a very ancient and at certain points worthwhile work of literature, holds no authority whatsoever in a meaningful debate. Not even Christians (take me for instance) unanimously endorse this book as an ultimate truth of any kind. The Bible quotes are a complement. If you don't like them, then limit yourself to read the main text. Anyway, let's not start devianting from the subject, by discussing the Bible's authority. You go on to hold up the great impact that "Harry Potter" has had on our culture as a negative effect. Again, you base this on a false premise and circular reasoning (see point one). Point one was false. Try again. As a matter of fact, there are few popular works of literature that have not influenced culture to an extreme extent - take the Bible as an example. So has "Lord of the Rings". So have the plays by William Shakespeare. Is it your intent to label all works of literature that influence culture "harmful"? Or merely the ones that run contrary to your own opinion? Once again, point one was false, so I guess this point ceased to have a reason to exist. BTW, LotR isn't comparable with Harry. There a clear notion of what's good and evil, there's not wichcrafting teaching, the evil is not made good and good is not made evil, good wins over evil. Many people even claim that LotR is full of christian allegories. -------------------- Visit the Blades of Avernum Center and the Beta Testing Center -------------- "Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ." Colossians 2:6-9 Posts: 483 \| Registered: Tuesday, June 29 2004 07:00
Harry Potter in General
Overwhelming Infiltrator Member # 4637	written Tuesday, July 12 2005 04:34 Profile Homepage #124 quote: Originally written by Thuryl: quote: Originally written by Overwhelming: Blind to the true nature of God, children will synthesize or blend Biblical truth with the pagan beliefs and magical practices demonstrated in the Harry Potter movie. In the end, you distort and destroy any remnant of true Christian faith. For our God cannot be molded to match pagan gods. So Easter eggs are satanic now? Good to know. If "satanic" to you means "everything not God's/Christian"... -------------------- Visit the Blades of Avernum Center and the Beta Testing Center -------------- "Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ." Colossians 2:6-9 Posts: 483 \| Registered: Tuesday, June 29 2004 07:00
Harry Potter in General
Overwhelming Infiltrator Member # 4637	written Tuesday, July 12 2005 04:32 Profile Homepage #123 quote: This is just complete bull. I don't know of anyone who has read the Harry Potter books and begun to think of witches, witchcraft, and wizardy in normal terms. It more than that. Just read what I wrote and quoted. The problem is not if children will start trying to make magic. But I've already talked about what the problem is, so I won't repeat. quote: Books are an escape. They let you drift to a fantasy world, and children know that. They're not the little impressionable porcelain dolls that you seem to think they are. You're 8 or 80, ain't you? Anyway, even adults can be influenced, the kids should be even more susceptible. But since it seems you didn't understand what the problem is (judging by the quote above), it's no use to talk first about who and how that problem can "hurt". quote: And isn't the Kingdom of God supposed to be abnormal? I'm talking about occult, not abnormalities. Anyway, as I stated, I'm presenting a christian point of view, opinion. If you don't care about God, Bible, Christ or whatever, then what I say doesn't apply to you. quote: That's not what edutainment is. Edutainment is making learning fun, like Mario Teaches Typing, or Reader Rabbit, or the Magic School Bus. So, you avoid to talk about the point of the text, just to point out what you think the term "Edutainment" means? General Custer would say you're being dishonest here. :P Anyway, we're talking about the same thing: using fun, attractive and a covered way to teach things. In this case, "bad things". quote: Again - you give children too little credit. Already answered this. -------------------- Visit the Blades of Avernum Center and the Beta Testing Center -------------- "Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ." Colossians 2:6-9 Posts: 483 \| Registered: Tuesday, June 29 2004 07:00
Harry Potter in General
Overwhelming Infiltrator Member # 4637	written Tuesday, July 12 2005 04:21 Profile Homepage #121 quote: Originally written by George A. Custer & The SE Party: Someone has got to teach you that there's inherent dishonesty and disingenuity in attempting to drown a conversation. I'm going to respond to you bit for bit, because I think you've made it intentionally difficult to do so and thus tried to force a conversational high ground, and as a debater and conversationalist I resent that. But it'll take time. I think you're the dishonest one here. What you claim is false. I like to justify my opinions and contextualize my answers. If you prefer a debate with short paragraphs but endless posts, that's your taste. Now don't start questioning a person's integrity without a good cause. -------------------- Visit the Blades of Avernum Center and the Beta Testing Center -------------- "Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ." Colossians 2:6-9 Posts: 483 \| Registered: Tuesday, June 29 2004 07:00
Harry Potter in General
Overwhelming Infiltrator Member # 4637	written Tuesday, July 12 2005 03:36 Profile Homepage #117 quote: Originally written by Drakefyre: It can glorify the occult all it wants, because magic and witchcraft aren't real. Kids know that. What about Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny? Isn't that just as occult? Kids are not stupid. It's just a book. I fail to see the harm that this brings. Imaginary (or virtual) experiences and well-written fantasies can affect the mind and memories as much, if not more, than actual experiences. Designed to stir feelings and produce strong emotional responses, a well-planned myth with likeable characters can be far more memorable than the less exciting daily reality -- especially when reinforced through books, toys and games as well as movies. Small wonder Harry's fans have been counting the days until their next fantastic journey into Hogwarts' classes on sorcery, divination, potions and spells. Each occult image and enticing suggestion prompts the audience to feel more at home in the dark, paranormal setting. Children identify with their favorite characters and learn to see wizards and witches from a popular peer perspective rather than from God's perspective. Those who sense that the occult world is evil face a choice: Resist peer pressure or rationalize their imagined participation in Harry's supernatural adventures. The second choice may quiet the nagging doubts, but rationalizing evil and justifying sin will sear the conscience and shift the child's perception of values from God's perspective to a more "comfortable" cultural adaptation. Even Christian children can easily learn to conform truth to multicultural ideals and turn God's values upside down - just as did God's people in Old Testament days: "But they hearkened not, nor inclined their ear, but walked in the counsels and in the imagination of their evil heart, and went backward, and not forward." Jeremiah 7:24 "Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness.... Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, And prudent in their own sight!" Isaiah 5:2-21 Immersed in the values taught at Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry, children become spiritually blind. They lose their natural aversion for the devious spirits represented by the creatures and symbols in this eerie world. Caught up in the exciting story, they absorb the suggested values and store the fascinating images in their minds -- making the forbidden world of the occult seem more normal than the Kingdom of God. Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ." Colossians 2:6-9 This inner change is usually unconscious, for the occult lessons and impressions tend to bypass rational scrutiny. After all, who will stop, think and weigh the evidence when caught up in such a fast-moving visual adventure? Fun fantasies and strategic entertainment has a special way of altering values, compromising beliefs and changing behavior in adults as well as in children. This learning process has been named "edutainment" -- a favored way to train multicultural citizens for the envisioned 21st century community. Its power to influence beliefs and behavior is illustrated by today's marketing firms which spend billions on entertaining ads that touch emotions, ignore the facts, yet motivate people to buy the product. "Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things, and revive me in Your way." Psalm 119:37 The main product marketed through this movie is a belief system that clashes with everything God offers us for our peace and security. This pagan ideology comes complete with trading cards, computer and other wizardly games, clothes and decorations stamped with HP symbols, action figures and cuddly dolls and audio cassettes that could keep the child's minds focused on the occult all day and into night. But in God's eyes, such paraphernalia become little more than lures and doorways to deeper involvement with the occult. In contrast, He calls a person "blessed" who - "walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful [mockers]; "But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. Whatever he does shall prosper." Psalm 1:1-3 It might be hard to escape the symbols that remind people of Harry. His words and phrases help fuel today's cultural transformation: The mainstream media uses the word "muggles" to deride those who don't want children to read Harry Potter books. "A columnist from the Chicago Daily Herald used Harry-Speak.... He said that a particular NBC Olympics commentator was the 'dementor of the sports commentators.'" "Coeur d'Alene, Idaho is going to name this year's snowstorms after the Harry Potter characters. The first blizzard of the year will be called Albus...." The implied source of power behind Harry's magical feats tend to distort a child's understanding of God. In the movie as in the books, words traditionally used to refer to occult practices become so familiar that children begin to apply the same terms to God and His promised strength. Many learn to see God as a power source that can be manipulated with the right kind of prayers and rituals -- and view his miracles as just another form of magic. They base their understanding of God on their own feelings and wants, not on His revelation of Himself. Blind to the true nature of God, children will synthesize or blend Biblical truth with the pagan beliefs and magical practices demonstrated in the Harry Potter movie. In the end, you distort and destroy any remnant of true Christian faith. For our God cannot be molded to match pagan gods. “For My people have committed two evils: They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters, And hewn themselves cisterns—broken cisterns that can hold no water." Jeremiah 2:1 God tells us to "train up a child in the way He should go." It starts with teaching them God's truths and training them all day long to see reality from His, not the world's perspective. To succeed, we need to shield them from contrary values until they know His Word and have memorized enough Scriptures to be able to recognize and resist deception. Once they have learned to love what God loves and see from His perspective, they will demonstrate their wisdom by choosing to say "no" to Harry Potter. “And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up." Deuteronomy 6:6-7 While some argue that Harry Potter and his friends demonstrate friendship, integrity and honesty, they actually model how to lie and steal and get away with it. Their examples only add to the cultural relativism embraced by most children today who are honest when it doesn't cost anything, but who lie and cheat when it serves their purpose. "And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased [depraved] mind, to do those things which are not fitting.... They are whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them." Romans 1:28-32 -------------------- Visit the Blades of Avernum Center and the Beta Testing Center -------------- "Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ." Colossians 2:6-9 Posts: 483 \| Registered: Tuesday, June 29 2004 07:00

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