Is Harry Heretical?

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Since the introduction of homeopathic treatment in Egypt, we have had major successes with patients in the treatment of chronic conditions. It has led to the establishment of a Scientific Society of Homeopathic Medicine with a view to providing evidence based proof of the efficacy of homeopathic treatment. As a practitioner we see daily evidence of success in acute and chronic treatment of a whole range of medical conditions (and some failures as well, of course) but on the whole it is a safe and effective mode of treatment that should be expanded. "At least, do no harm" was Hippocrates' dictum for the physician. This can be said of homeopathy but, unfortunately, not modern allopathic medicine, which, according to the Journal of the American Medical Association is the cause of approximately 200,000 medically induced deaths per year in the US alone. Society needs to investigate effective alternatives to a system which is increasingly expensive and dangerous. Lammert Holdijk

I am a practicing homeopath and can site innumerable cases that have been helped by homoeopathy and the results proved on the basis of objective evidences in the form of laboratory investigations, radiological evidence etc. The cases range from chronic cold to diabetes to multi-system disorders. Those who do not believe in homoeopathy should also think in terms of limitations of today's science. Dr. Ajey D. Jogalekar

Gay marriage

I believe that Germany should legalize gay marriage. (My partner and I) were married in Canada and have been together for 10 years. We have few civil rights in the USA and are being taken over by the far religious right. I hope that doesn't happen in Europe. We want the same rights and freedom to love and protect our relationship that heterosexual couples enjoy. Carol O'Brien

Canada legalized gay marriage about two years ago. Spain is following Canada's admirable example. While most Northern European countries allow some kind of civil union for gays, there won't be full equality until gay marriage is legalized. So Germany should definitely follow the example of Canada and Spain and at least make an effort to legalize gay marriage. Anurama

Harry Potter

Yes, Yes, YES -- Thanks be to God for our wonderful pope who warns us of the evil contained in the pages of Harry Potter books. Evil is generally presented as attractive, appealing and popular. I know many good Catholics who believe these books are harmless fun. But they are not harmless. Janet Wain

No question, the pope is right. Not because he is the pope, but because ANY amount of black magic is too much. Under the guise of harmless entertainment, the Potter books start too many young people on the road to Hell. And even if they don't do that, they vulgarize young and impressionable minds with violence and unacceptable behavior. Rosalie Dancause

I do not appreciate the Pope's views on Harry Potter books. Everyone has an imagination and just because this book is "filled" with too much black magic, does not mean it is sinful to read. Yes, if you read the book and attempt to live your life by that black magic, of course, that would not be putting God first in your life. Anything, subject, object, or thought that takes the place of the Trinity in your life can be damaging. But a strong foundation should not be shaken by words of a fictional book. Deborah Williamson

I think the pope should express himself as leader of the church on earth. However, my view is that the Harry Potter books are not nearly as harmful as "The Da Vinci Code." That book blasphemes against Our Lord and therefore, I think he should blast out against that book more than the completely fictional Harry Potter series which most people read as fun and don't take seriously any more than Snow White or Cinderella. Martha Dancy

I believe Pope Benedict XVI will work diligently at rooting out evil in all of its manifestations -- wherever it exists today. Certainly the Harry Potter books have been responsible for many innocent souls opening themselves up to the dark side of the spirit world. His condemnation of these books would be a bold and courageous first step in clearly spelling out what the Church teaches in regard to good and evil. St. Benedict was extremely powerful in standing up against the forces of evil in the sixth century, and I feel that Pope Benedict will follow closely in his footsteps in our modern world. Mary Kay Mahowald, USA