URL: http://www.ccc3.org/response.htm Youve probably come to this site as a result of the media attention thats been given to something that had been intended as an exercise for our local congregation. Heres my summary response. _________________________________________________________________ On Sunday morning, December 23^rd, I preached about sorcery and witchcraft in a message titled, The Baby Jesus Or Harry Potter? In the message, I referred to the popular Harry Potter series as an example of our societys growing preoccupation with the occult. The Potter books present witchcraft as a generally positive practice, while the Bible expressly condemns all occult practices. While there are many condemnations of witchcraft, witches, sorcery, divination, and the occult in general, one reference is enough. The Apostle Paul expressly wrote that those who practice witchcraft will not enter into heaven, according to Galatians 2:20. (By the way, such intolerance may not be popular in culture, but its clear the Bible isnt at all concerned about being politically correct or pluralistic in any way!) In my sermon, I had also announced that on Sunday evening, December 30^th, after the evening service, we were going to end our year by imitating what was described in Acts 19:19-20. In that passage, a detailed description is given about the Apostle Pauls powerful preaching at Ephesus, and the response of many hearers accepting salvation. Persuaded of Christs Lordship, those who had come to salvation responded by gathering their occult paraphernalia and associated writings--entirely of their own volition--and they burned them. All we did at our church was give those who wished an opportunity to imitate the action of the Ephesian believers. I would also like to point out that this practice has been exercised in some form for many, many years. Many American churches of differing denominations have done something similar to this, where believers have burned or thrown away occult paraphernalia, pornography, music with profanity and/or vulgar themes, demonic emblems and/or posters, occult games, as well as personal written confessions of sinful habits and spiritual concerns. At our holy bonfire, some burned books they felt to be a personal hindrance to them spiritually, not only Potter materials, but also pornographic magazines, an Ouija board, and some burned other books. Each person acted upon his/her own conscience; there was no supervision of what people chose to burn, and certainly no compulsion. To avoid toxic fumes, CDs, tapes, and plastic materials were not burned, but simply destroyed and then thrown away. Others chose to exercise the symbolism of burning a written note describing some spiritual hindrance in their lives, with the prayer that Christ would help break the power of some practice or addiction. Despite what one Letter to the Editor suggested, this event was not planned to get media attention. None of us had any idea of the media frenzy that would develop. How could we? Other churches have done the exact same thing, without such virulent reaction. One local staff writer for the newspaper reported that our plans were finally uncovered. Such dishonesty in reporting might be editorializing hype for a story--but its certainly not the truth, nor is it honest reporting. We never hid anything! In point of fact, all of our services are public, audio tapes are publically available, practically every sermon is posted on the Internet, video tapes are available for most of our morning services, and most Sunday morning services are also aired on our local Christian TV station. With all of that exposure, it would be very difficult tohide anything! The simple truth is that there wasnt anything to uncover because nothing was hidden. Our services and sermons are--and always have been--entirely open to the public. All I did was preach my sermon, and announce our local church plans. Obviously, someone was displeased and carried their summary to the media, and then various media decided to make a national story out of it. I cant help but wonder, however, where were all of these interested parties on the two other occasions when our church has had holy bonfires? Those werent done any differently than this one. Ive been in ministry for 50 years--28 of them here, as the founding pastor of this church--and I know that many other churches have done what we did. Ive never heard, however, of such a hostile reaction. Of course, Harry Potter wasnt around for most of them, and the volatile backlash weve seen merely reinforces my personal conviction. I believe the Harry Potter series symbolizes our current cultures obsession with things spiritual, as opposed to things Christian. American media and culture is increasingly obsessed with tolerance and inclusiveness of anything and everything--except orthodox Christianity. Let me end by quoting Jesus, who declared something that will really offend some people by its severe intolerance and lack of cultural sensitivity. These are Jesus final words to His disciples, just before His ascension: Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned, (Mark 16:15). May the Lord bless you, dear reader, as you ponder your own Christian walk. If you are a church member, I encourage you to be faithful and stand for righteousness. If you are a church officer, I encourage you to trust God as you seek to boldly touch your community for Christ. If you are a critic and an adversary, I wish you well, and I bless you in Christs name. I hope that you come to know Christ personally and will be prepared for eternity! In His glad service, Jack D. Brock, Pastor Christ Community Church CHRIST COMMUNITY CHURCH of Alamogordo SUNDAY SERVICES: 10:30 AM & 6:30 PM SUNDAY SCHOOL: 9AM LOCATION: 2960 North Scenic Drive, Alamogordo NM CONTACT INFORMATION: Church office hours are 8:30am - 4:30pm (Mountain Time Zone), Mon-Thurs. Telephone: 505.437.4241 FAX: 505.437.1320 EMAIL: [27]ccc@ccc3.org POSTAL ADDRESS: P.O. Box 2975 Alamogordo, NM 88311