Some Christian fundamentalist groups are preparing to mount a campaign against Warner Bros.' planned release of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone in November. Boston Globe columnist Alex Beam observed today that the group Focus on the Family has assigned a writer to cover Potter mania for its Plugged In magazine who worries that the Potter tales are part of "a culture that glorifies, promotes, and markets witchcraft to teens." [The group's leader, Dr. James Dobson, broadcasts a daily commentary carried by many CBS Radio stations. There is no indication whether the Potter movie will figure in any of his future broadcasts.]
Christian educator Richard Abanes, Beam also notes, plans to promote his book, Harry Potter and the Bible: the Menace Behind the Magick, during an appearance on Pat Robertson's The 700 Club on the day the movie opens.
