“Magic Returns to Paris”—The Occult Revival in Our Own Backyard A Pastor’s Plea for Spiritual Discernment

 

A Pastor’s Plea for Spiritual Discernment

By Rev. Christian W. White, Ordained Bishop, Church of God
October 3, 2026

Today—and tonight—Paris, Illinois, is being invited to celebrate Potterfest.

The advertisements announce, “Magic Returns to Paris, IL.” They promote wand crafting, potion classes, wizarding attire, games, and Harry Potter–themed entertainment. One invitation welcomes participants ages five and up.

As a pastor, father, and grandfather, I look at these promotions with deep concern.

What are we teaching our children to admire? What are we encouraging them to imitate? Where can fascination lead when it becomes actual spiritual involvement?

I love Paris. I care about our families, our children, and our neighbors. That love compels me to examine the spiritual ideas being celebrated in our own backyard.

Many families see costumes, crafts, friendship, and an enjoyable evening downtown. The advertisements do not establish that organizers are conducting actual occult rituals or deliberately recruiting children into an occult religion.

Nevertheless, good intentions do not settle the question of influence.

Christians have a responsibility to examine what our entertainment celebrates—and what our children are learning to accept.

A Worldwide Multibillion-Dollar Enterprise

The commercial reach of Harry Potter is enormous:

• More than 600 million books sold worldwide, in 85 languages, according to Scholastic.

• More than $7.7 billion in worldwide theatrical revenue from the original eight films, confirmed by Warner Bros. Discovery in January 2026.

• More than $1 billion in retail sales from Hogwarts Legacy alone, reported in Warner Bros. Discovery’s May 2023 earnings release.

These figures measure different parts of the franchise. They do not represent its complete worldwide revenue or the author’s personal income.

But they establish its extraordinary scale: a commercial enterprise reaching generations through books, films, games, merchandise, and attractions.

Separately, the Associated Press reported that America’s psychic-services industry generated an estimated $2.3 billion in 2024, according to IBISWorld. That category includes astrology, psychic readings, palm reading, and fortunetelling. The report described annual revenue growth exceeding 4 percent over the preceding five years.

Harry Potter entertainment and psychic services are distinct markets. Both deserve attention in a discussion about the cultural appeal of magic and supernatural guidance.

The financial figures demonstrate reach. Scripture must guide our judgment about the spiritual practices involved.

In The Enigma Chronicles—Exposing Kingdoms and Uncovering Evidence, I wrote:

“The serpent has not changed his theology.

He has only changed his marketing.”

And:

“And now, in the Harry Potter and (blockbuster movie) Wicked generation, such practices are not merely tolerated—they’re marketed.

The occult has gone mainstream.”

—March 5, 2026 revision, PDF page 348.

Seeing wizarding themes promoted throughout our own community brings that warning close to home.

Desensitization and Normalization: When the Warning Begins to Fade

Desensitization means becoming less troubled by something through repeated exposure. Normalization means coming to regard it as ordinary, acceptable, or worthy of celebration.

My concern is what happens when witchcraft imagery becomes something children are encouraged to admire, imitate, and identify with.

The repeated message becomes: this is exciting; this is empowering; this is where you belong.

In The Enigma Chronicles—Exposing Kingdoms and Uncovering Evidence, I wrote:

“Witchcraft, spell-casting, divination, and ritual power are framed not as dangerous or forbidden, but as identity, talent, and self-discovery.”

I also wrote:

“This is why the warning is not abstract. The battle is not only over belief—it is over formation.”

—PDF page 282.

What we repeatedly celebrate can influence what we become willing to consider. Familiarity can soften objections. Community approval can make questioning uncomfortable. An attractive identity can make experimentation seem inviting.

Something does not have to be presented as religious instruction to influence a child’s spiritual attitudes.

A pretend wand does not prove that a child practices witchcraft. But parents should consider whether repeated celebration makes actual occult practices seem less troubling when children encounter them later.

Will they recognize the difference between a fictional story and a real invitation to seek guidance from spirits? Will someone have taught them why Scripture draws a boundary?

From Fascination to Bondage

Actual occult involvement carries serious spiritual dangers within the biblical understanding of allegiance, obedience, and forbidden spiritual practices.

It involves deliberate choices: seeking guidance through divination, attempting to contact spirits, performing rituals, and placing trust in spiritual powers apart from God.

My pastoral warning concerns a progression that can unfold:

Fascination → Involvement → Alignment → Acceptance → Allegiance → Bondage.

This is a documented spiritual progression.

Fascination: The imagery captures the imagination. Forbidden power begins to look attractive.

Involvement: Curiosity becomes experimentation—consulting a reading, attempting divination, following a spell, or seeking spiritual contact.

Alignment: A person begins adopting the explanations and values of the practice: “This gives me insight. This helps me. This offers power.”

Acceptance: What once troubled the conscience becomes justified, defended, and incorporated into everyday life.

Allegiance: The practice becomes a source of identity, direction, and trust. Spiritual loyalty shifts toward what promises knowledge or control.

Bondage: What promised empowerment begins to govern choices. Secrecy, dependence, fear, and divided loyalties can take hold.

The danger is moving from admiring imagined power to pursuing forbidden spiritual power—and then surrendering allegiance to it.

In The Enigma Chronicles—Exposing Kingdoms and Uncovering Evidence, I warned:

“Our children and grandchildren are being conditioned to think of witchcraft not as rebellion but as self-expression. They are being invited, lured, and trained in counterfeit spirituality under the guise of curiosity and empowerment.”

—PDF page 347.

Parents, we must teach discernment before fascination becomes experimentation.

The Interview Account Describes Desensitization Explicitly

The Enigma Chronicles—Exposing Kingdoms and Uncovering Evidence includes Appendix A-25, “Case Study: A Wizard in the Church—Worship on Sunday, Invocation by Night.”

It preserves the account of a man known online as Brother Matthew, who described growing up as a pastor’s son and becoming interested in occult practices during his mid-to-late teens.

His account describes escalating involvement: interest in manifestation, attempts to blend Christianity with occult practices, divination, spirit-conjuring rituals, and participation in occult groups. The appendix records his claim that a group he led grew to more than 700 people.

He described carrying divination tools and amulets, performing rituals while maintaining Christian appearances, and concealing his involvement from his wife.

One admission is especially relevant:

“I learned how to introduce small things slowly, little by little, to desensitize her—not enough to expose me, just enough to soften her reactions so I could keep going.”

—PDF page 843.

Little by little. Soften the reaction. Keep going.

The witness was describing intentional manipulation within his personal account. That does not establish that festival organizers have the same intention. But it illustrates why diminished resistance deserves attention.

His account also describes anger, destructive outbursts, and sorrow caused to his wife.

These are details from a witness’s testimony, rather than independently verified statistics or proof of supernatural powers. Their significance here is the progression he described: youthful interest developing into sustained practice, secrecy, identity, and allegiance.

My own commentary in The Enigma Chronicles—Exposing Kingdoms and Uncovering Evidence warns:

“The former ‘Christian mystic’ did not begin with blood rituals. He began with fascination, curiosity, and the belief that power could be accessed without consequence.”

And:

“What began as ‘exploration’ matured into obsession, then into ritual obedience, and finally into coercion.”

—PDF page 283.

This case study does not establish that Harry Potter caused his involvement. It illustrates the danger of deliberately pursuing occult practices while persuading oneself that they can coexist with loyalty to Christ.

A Christian upbringing does not remove the need for discernment. Familiarity with church does not make forbidden practices safe.

What My Research Discussion Says About Harry Potter

In The Enigma Chronicles—Exposing Kingdoms and Uncovering Evidence, the Harry Potter discussion states:

“Witchcraft, spellcasting, magical creatures, and supernatural elements are central to the world of Harry Potter. While it does not explicitly align with any one type of paganism, it contains many elements of Neopaganism and Wicca, such as the use of spells, charms, rituals, and magical plants.”

—PDF page 375.

Another passage states:

“The characters cast spells using wands, incantations, and specific rituals. This is similar to how modern witches use spells to achieve goals, aligning with Wiccan practices of using magic in a structured way.”

—PDF page 389.

These are comparisons made in my research discussion. Fictional spells and costume activities are not automatically actual occult rituals. Nevertheless, the resemblance gives Christian parents reason to examine what is being celebrated and what children may become interested in exploring.

We must take seriously the moment when “I am curious about it” becomes “I am practicing it”—and practicing becomes trusting, defending, and serving it.

Public Warnings About Harry Potter and the Occult

Concerns about Harry Potter’s occult content have been voiced publicly by former practitioners, Christian authors, and ministers. Some explicitly claim that the books contain actual spells. Others warn about real occult practices portrayed in the stories and the spiritual attitudes those portrayals may encourage.

These statements document the speakers’ assessments and testimonies. They do not independently establish that fictional incantations produce supernatural effects. Nevertheless, their warnings deserve thoughtful consideration.

Christine Pack: A Former Wicca Practitioner’s Warning

In her November 20, 2010 article, “How Much Witchcraft Is Okay?”, Christine Pack writes:

“I can attest that the Harry Potter books DO contain actual spells and witchcraft.”

Pack identifies herself as someone who previously practiced Wicca/witchcraft. She describes relinquishing her own attachment to these books after becoming a Christian and urges parents to consider their children’s entertainment thoughtfully and prayerfully.

Read Christine Pack’s original article.

Fr. Chad Ripperger: An Exorcist’s Explicit Claim

In a recorded lecture transcribed by Fr. David Nix, Catholic exorcist Chad Ripperger states:

“The spells in the book are actual spells.”

He adds:

“Well, because witches tell us they’re real.”

Ripperger advises avoiding the books. The practitioners he invokes are unnamed in this passage, and his supporting allegations remain disputed. His statement documents his assessment rather than establishing the authenticity of particular incantations.

Read the published transcript and recording reference.

Fr. Dan Reehil: Concern Expressed Through a School-Library Decision

Explaining his decision to remove Harry Potter books from a school library, Fr. Dan Reehil wrote:

“The curses and spells used in the books are actual curses and spells”

He further alleged that reading them could risk summoning evil spirits. This documents his stated concern and decision; it does not establish his supernatural explanation as fact.

Read the report reproducing his explanation.

Reehil also appeared on The Shawn Ryan Show, episode #141, on October 28, 2024. Around 1:13:14, the available transcript records him saying that Harry Potter had a dedicated class during his exorcist training. His school-library quotation comes from his written explanation, rather than that podcast passage.

Watch the official Shawn Ryan episode.

William J. Schnoebelen: A Warning Specifically About Younger Readers

In “Straight Talk #22 on Harry Potter,” self-described former magician and witch William J. Schnoebelen argues that children can learn authentic occult material from the series. He warns:

“All 21 of these concepts are dangerous, false ideas, especially for a younger person.”

His discussion includes divination, charms, blood rituals, and the attraction of occult knowledge and power. His warning concerns the material and worldview presented in the stories, rather than demonstrating that every fictional spell-word is an authentic ritual formula.

Read his ministry’s original PDF, especially PDF pages 17–19.

Stephen Dollins: A Recorded Teaching About Occult Instruction

Stephen Dollins, who describes himself as a former Satanist, produced the presentation “Under the Spell of Harry Potter.” His website’s description alleges that the series serves as a recruitment tool and says:

“It teaches spell casting, potions, curses”

These are his published allegations. His website provides links to the recorded presentation.

Read the presentation’s description.

Find Dollins’s recordings.

Brother Matthew: Occult Themes in Popular Entertainment

In the Almost False podcast episode “Ex-Master of Divination Shares the Truth about Christian Occultism,” published January 6, 2026, Brother Matthew recounts his former occult involvement.

Around 31:25–31:47, he connects Harry Potter with real-world occult material. His preceding remarks about real spells concern Doctor Strange specifically, so those remarks should not be transferred to Harry Potter.

His wider testimony describes what he experienced as the dangers of occult involvement, including secrecy, divided loyalties, and escalating commitment. This remains a personal account, and the publicly supplied transcript is automatically generated.

Listen to the interview and read the transcript.

Marcia Montenegro: The Danger of Becoming Desensitized

Former professional astrologer Marcia Montenegro compares Harry Potter’s fictional portrayals with actual occult practices, including divination and binding spells.

Read “Harry Potter—Sorcery and Fantasy”.

In a published interview, she warns:

“If we expose our minds to occult themes, after awhile the occult does not seem so bad.”

This addresses a central pastoral concern: familiarity can soften our response to something we previously recognized as spiritually serious. Her warning concerns desensitization and influence, rather than claiming that every reader will become an occult practitioner.

Read Montenegro’s interview.

Steve Wohlberg: A Warning About Moving From Fiction to Practice

On 3ABN’s Battles of Faith episode “Harry Potter—Wicca Connection,” hosted by David Shin, Steve Wohlberg argues that the stories contain:

“real components that are connected to real witchcraft.”

At approximately 12:00–12:54, he recounts a mother’s report that her daughter moved from reading Harry Potter to purchasing actual witchcraft books and subsequently experienced spiritual distress.

This is a secondhand account, rather than proof of an inevitable progression. It illustrates the concern he raises about curiosity moving beyond fiction into actual practice.

Read the broadcaster’s timestamped transcript.

Children Need Discernment Before Fascination Becomes Involvement

These warnings raise questions parents and church leaders should address. What are children learning to admire? What happens when they encounter actual occult instruction? Have we taught them where Scripture draws the boundary?

My pastoral conviction is clear:

Children have no business experimenting with actual witchcraft, divination, spirit invocation, or occult rituals. These are spiritually dangerous practices that Scripture expressly forbids.

Deuteronomy 18:10–12 addresses these practices directly. Acts 19:18–20 describes believers whose response to Christ included abandoning magical practices.

Fascination can lead to exploration, and exploration can lead to involvement. That progression is not inevitable, but it is a possibility worth addressing before curiosity becomes commitment.

We do not need to establish that every fictional incantation is an authentic spell before teaching our children to recognize forbidden spiritual practices. We do need to explain why seeking guidance or power through those practices crosses a boundary God has drawn.

Our responsibility is to teach that boundary with clarity, courage, and love.

This Concern Became Personal with My Grandson

In The Enigma Chronicles—Exposing Kingdoms and Uncovering Evidence, I included a photograph taken while visiting a bookstore with my grandson.

I explained:

“I deliberately showed him this section—not to alarm him, but to teach him discernment.”

I described the spiritual dangers presented to his generation as:

“Not hidden in back alleys, but displayed at eye level, beautifully packaged, and marketed as empowerment.”

—PDF page 347.

When real spellbooks, tarot decks, and spiritual practices are presented as self-discovery, children need more than a vague instruction to “be careful.” They need to understand what these practices involve and why God draws a boundary.

Attractive packaging does not answer the spiritual question.

What Does the Hogwarts Crest Represent?  

The Hogwarts coat of arms represents the fictional school of witchcraft and wizardry. Its four animals identify the school’s houses, and the central “H” stands for Hogwarts. Its Latin motto means “Never tickle a sleeping dragon.”

Displaying this crest identifies the Harry Potter theme; it does not establish that those displaying it practice occultism.

The broader concern remains: why are we encouraging children to admire and identify with a fictional school whose central subject is witchcraft?

As Christians, we should examine what these symbols celebrate and what spiritual attitudes their promotion may encourage.

What Are Our Children Being Encouraged to Read?

My concern also extends to school reading programs. Where Harry Potter titles are included in Accelerated Reader offerings, parents should examine how those books are presented and what alternatives are available. Availability in a reading program does not automatically mean a teacher assigns or endorses a particular book.

Nevertheless, the question deserves attention: when children encounter wizarding themes through entertainment, community celebrations, and school reading, who is helping them evaluate what they are learning to admire?

Reading achievement matters. So does spiritual discernment. Parents should ask which titles are available, whether students choose them or teachers assign them, and how their family’s convictions can be respected.

Scripture Gives Us a Boundary

Deuteronomy 18:10–12 warns against divination, witchcraft, sorcery, consulting spirits, and seeking the dead. These are serious spiritual matters in Scripture.

Acts 19:18–20 describes believers whose response to Christ included abandoning magical practices.

Ephesians 5:11 says:
“And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.”

Those passages address actual spiritual practices. Applying them to entertainment requires discernment about what a story celebrates and what participation encourages.

In The Enigma Chronicles—Exposing Kingdoms and Uncovering Evidence, I wrote:

“It is the revival of the oldest lie ever told—that human beings can access divine power apart from the One True God.”

And:

“Wicca and modern ‘manifestation’ rituals repeat this error: they promise control, illumination, and energy—without holiness.”

—PDF page 348.

The promise of power must never persuade us to disregard the authority of God.

Are American Church Leaders Now Afraid to Draw the Line Anymore Where There Is a Clear Line That Scripture Draws?

Must something become actual occult involvement before we examine the fascination that precedes it? Must a child begin seeking guidance through divination before we explain why Scripture forbids it?

Popularity, commercial success, and educational availability cannot settle questions of spiritual discernment.

If Scripture establishes a boundary, Christians have a responsibility to teach it—even when doing so is unpopular.

We can love our neighbors, respect their freedom, and still say plainly:

“Our family will not celebrate this. Our convictions require a different choice.”

Parents, draw the line thoughtfully and explain it lovingly. Pastors, teach the biblical reasons clearly. Churches, support families with meaningful alternatives and compassionate guidance.

We must help our children recognize the boundary before they are invited to cross it.

A Plea to Parents and the Church

Parents, talk with your children. Explain the difference between imagined powers in a story and attempts to obtain spiritual power through practices God forbids. Teach them why prayer, trust, and obedience belong at the center of our relationship with God.

Pastors, teach clearly about divination, spiritual allegiance, repentance, and freedom in Christ. Address the questions young people actually encounter.

Churches, offer prayer, patient conversation, and biblical instruction to people who have become involved. Help them turn toward Christ without humiliating them.

Our neighbors are people to love. Ephesians 6:12 reminds us that our struggle is not against flesh and blood. Spiritual conviction should produce truthful speech, prayer, courage, and compassion.

Love requires the courage to warn—and the compassion to help.

I love Paris. That love is why I am speaking.

Popularity cannot decide our spiritual boundaries. Scripture must guide us.

Lord Jesus, awaken Your Church. Give parents wisdom and pastors courage. Guard our children from deception. Where fascination has become forbidden involvement, bring repentance. Where allegiance has become bondage, bring freedom through Your truth and power.

Help us teach the next generation to recognize deception, resist its promises, and follow You.

Today—and tonight—may we walk as children of Light.

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Explore these subjects further in my two-volume work, The Enigma Chronicles—Exposing Kingdoms and Uncovering Evidence.

Both volumes available on Amazon