A headteacher has urged parents to prohibit their children from reading Harry Potter because in his opinion it 'encourages difficult behaviour in children'.
In a blog entry posted on the Acorn School website, Graeme Whiting wrote: "Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, Game of Thrones, The Hunger Games, and Terry Pratchett, to mention only a few of the modern world's 'must-haves', contain deeply insensitive and addictive material". In the post entitled the 'Imagination of the child', Mr Whiting went on to say: "It is the duty of parents to spend time to study such matters and form their own conclusions, not to think that because the world is filled with such sensational literature they have to have it for their children, because everyone else does! Beware the devil in the text! Choose beauty for your young children!"
Whether you agree or disagree with this headteacher's comments, popular books have long divided opinion among Christians. As well as Harry Potter, here are three other books which many Christians have found controversial.
1. Harry Potter by JK Rowling Mr Whiting isn't the first Christian to come out against the Harry Potter series. The best-selling book has been objected to by Christians for its controversial themes ever since its release. Complaints around its publication and suitability for children have centred on its positive portrayal of witchcraft. However, Christians have also defended the books because of its exploration of Christian ideas. Its author, JK Rowling, identifies as Christian and has even said that Christianity inspired the books.
2. And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell Based on the true story of three penguins at New York's Central Zoo, this children's book about two male penguins who nurture an egg was the subject of ban requests all over America. It's been accused of 'promoting the homosexual agenda', according to complaints recorded by the the American Library Association.
3. The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky This New York Times Bestselling book has made the top 10 list of most challenged books numerous times in the last decade. The coming of age story has been criticised on the grounds that it features sexually explicit content and accused of being unsuitable for its target age group.
4. His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman Many Christians have opposed this Philip Pullman trilogy and the film adaptation because of its anti-Christian themes and its 'promotion of atheism and the occult'. However, there are Christians among the books' fans, including the former Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams. He praised the National Theatre's adaptation of the novels back in 2004.
