Episode 1656: Book Burning vs Index of Forbidden Books

The Harry Potter series explores various themes throughout its narrative. Some of the main themes include:Show more

Good vs. Evil: A central theme is the battle between good and evil, embodied by the conflict between Harry and his friends (representing good) and the dark wizard Lord Voldemort (representing evil).

Friendship: The importance of friendship is a recurring theme in the series. Harry, Ron, and Hermione's strong bond and loyalty to each other play a crucial role in overcoming challenges.

Courage: The characters in the series often demonstrate courage in the face of danger. Harry, in particular, is known for his bravery as he confronts various threats.

Identity and Self-Discovery: The characters grapple with issues of identity and self-discovery as they navigate adolescence and the challenges of the magical world. Harry, in particular, struggles with his identity as "the Boy Who Lived."

Prejudice and Discrimination: The series addresses themes of prejudice and discrimination, with the conflict between wizards and non-magical folk (Muggles) mirroring real-world issues of intolerance.

Sacrifice: The concept of sacrifice for the greater good is prevalent throughout the series. Characters make personal sacrifices to protect their friends, the wizarding world, and future generations.

Love: Love, in various forms, is a powerful force in the Harry Potter series. The love of family and friends, as well as romantic love, are depicted as forces that can overcome even the darkest magic.

These themes contribute to the richness and depth of the narrative, making the Harry Potter series not only a captivating fantasy story but also a reflection on universal human experiences and values.

What is J.K. Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter series, she has identified herself as a Christian, specifically as a member of the Church of Scotland. Protestant. Hmm

So what is missing in her books? Well lets see what the Catholic Church thought.

The Catholic Church have criticized the Harry Potter series for its portrayal of magic and wizardry, expressing concerns that it might promote an interest in the occult or be incompatible with certain Christian beliefs. Some critics argue that the series might be seen as encouraging a worldview that relies on magical solutions rather than faith in God.

Now lets juxitpose that with “The Hobbit” which led to the famous “Lord of the Rings series. J.R.R. Tolkien, the author of "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy, was a devout Catholic, and his faith significantly influenced his writings. Tolkien was close friends with C.S. Lewis, another prominent Christian author. Both Tolkien and Lewis were part of a literary group called the Inklings, which met regularly to discuss their works and share their Christian perspectives.

While "The Hobbit" is not a religious work, it does contain themes and elements that resonate with Tolkien's Catholic worldview. The concepts of heroism, self-sacrifice, the battle between good and evil, and the importance of free will are prevalent in his writings.

Tolkien himself stated that his Catholic faith influenced the creation of Middle-earth, and he denied that "The Lord of the Rings" was intended as an allegory. Instead, he described it as a "fundamentally religious and Catholic work."

Now why is this important to you as Catholics?
The Index Librorum Prohibitorum was a list of books that Catholics were forbidden to read without permission from Church authorities. It was first introduced in the 16th century and was formally abolished in 1966. The list included works that were deemed heretical, anti-clerical, or morally offensive. The purpose was to protect the faith and morals of the Catholic faithful.

The idea of a list of forbidden books has largely fallen out of use in the Catholic Church. The Second Vatican Council (1962-1965) brought about significant changes in the Church, including a more open approach to engaging with the modern world. The Index of Forbidden Books was officially abolished in 1966 by Pope Paul VI.

So that leads to a very important question. Why did the Church start this Librorum Prohibitorum? What was happening in the 1500’s?
The Index Librorum Prohibitorum, or the Index of Forbidden Books, was initiated by the Catholic Church as a means to control and regulate access to certain books that were deemed to be harmful to faith and morals. It was established during the Counter-Reformation, a period of intense religious and political conflict in the 16th century.

The reasons behind the creation of the Index were multifaceted:

Response to Protestant Reformation: The Protestant Reformation, which began in the early 16th century, challenged the authority of the Catholic Church and led to the emergence of new religious ideas and movements. The Catholic Church, in response, sought to protect its doctrines and prevent the spread of what it considered heretical or anti-Catholic literature.

Preservation of Doctrine: The Church aimed to safeguard the teachings and doctrines of the Catholic faith. The Index was seen as a tool to prevent the dissemination of works that could undermine or distort Catholic beliefs.

Moral Concerns: The Index also included works that were considered morally objectionable. This included writings that were deemed lascivious, obscene, or in any way contrary to the moral standards upheld by the Church.

Centralized Control: The Index served as a means of centralizing control over literature. By maintaining a list of prohibited books, the Church authorities could regulate what Catholics were allowed to read, emphasizing the importance of orthodoxy and doctrinal conformity.

Political and Social Control: The Index was not only a religious instrument but also had political and social implications. It was a tool for the Church to maintain influence over the thoughts and beliefs of the Catholic faithful and to suppress dissenting ideas that could challenge the established order.

It's important to note that the Index Librorum Prohibitorum underwent several revisions over the centuries, and new works were added as the Church's concerns evolved. The Index was officially abolished in 1966 by Pope Paul VI as part of broader reforms in the Catholic Church initiated by the Second Vatican Council. The decision to abolish the Index reflected a shift toward a more open engagement with the modern world and a recognition of the importance of freedom of thought and expression.
So what do many people say today “Oh its good that the church stopped this stupid practice because its akin to book burning”
Well that’s very liberal of you to say. As a matter of fact who burned books? Communists and Socialists. Why? Because they only wanted one theme and that was theirs but like good modernists, liberals and communists they always accuse you and the church of what they do, and this is no different. In this highly cancellation culture and wokeness which is just communism and liberalism in disguise you better not speak against the own narratives or you are banned and destroyed. What did the catholic church do with its index? As it has always done. If you want to read you have the free will and we will not burn but we will remind you that devil is like a ravenous lion seeking to devour your soul through all means necessary and books and movies (modern media is his playground. Before delving into these humanistic works guard yourself first by learning your faith through the great writers of the church and I guarantee you won't waste your time with the other nonsense.
No go out and convert someone! Good day!