Final 'Harry Potter' Hits Shelves … as a Christian Tale?

Christian Post Reporter

Sat, Jul. 21 2007 09:51 AM ET

[-]Text[+]

E-mail Print RSS More on Topic

Whether Christians may agree with it or not, the newest and final volume of the “Harry Potter” series has come full force into bookstores.

Enlarge this Image

(Photo: The Christian Post)

A display for the new ''Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows'' by J.K. Rowling is seen next to a counter after its release at a bookstore in Washington, on Saturday July 21, 2007.

The tension had especially been built up over the past few weeks for the release of the “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows,” and that anticipation came to an end on Saturday at midnight for many.

“Speculation has been mounting for weeks, if not years in fan circles, as to how the final book will conclude the best loved story of the modern day,” explained Christian author Nancy Carpentier Brown in a statement. “Will Harry die? Is Snape really a good guy or bad guy? Will the dead Dumbledore play a part in the last book? Will Harry conquer the evil Lord Voldemort?”

While many Christians have criticized the boy wizard of occult magic, others have been quite impressed with the youth novels. And with all the press going towards the seventh book in the “Potter” series, Christian groups have been jumping in as well to promote Christian values that they feel are inherent in the fantasy tale.

The Church of England just recently came out with a study guide that goes along with “Harry Potter,” using the popularity of the literature to tie in with Christian themes.

Other Christians have gone even further, however. Some say that the books are indeed Christian-centered novels and always have been.

"In the midst of all this political correctness, this tolerant, non-judgmental, relativistic world, enters a story about a school where right and wrong are defined, rules are enforced, misbehavior comes with detention, evil is evil and must be fought and goodness is rewarded," said Brown, author of The Mystery of Harry Potter: A Catholic Family Guide and a former mother completely against the novels. “Rowling has packaged a Christian story with a wrapping of witchcraft and magic, and through this disguise had drawn millions of children – millions of adults to read a redemptive moral story that perhaps can teach more than a religion class ever could."

Looking at the symbolism in the J.K. Rowling creations, other people have gone so far as to claim that Harry Potter is even a symbol to represent the Son of God – Jesus.

"As we approach the release of the seventh and final book in the Harry Potter series, Potter friends and foes alike are in for the surprise of their lives," wrote Abigail BeauSeigneur in an article on the most-visited Harry Potter fan site, Mugglenet.com. "The story of Harry Potter is, and always was, a Christian allegory – a fictionalized modern day adaptation of the life of Christ, intended to introduce his character to a new generation."

To back up her claims, she cites examples such as their prophetic births, personality traits, life events, opposition to authority, battles against evil, unfair trials, as well as similarities between Lord Voldemort and the devil.

So the question that remains is whether or not J.K. Rowling is a Christian in disguise.

"Rowling is a genius to tell a Christian story in the unexpected disguise of a witchcraft tale – people who would never pick up an overtly Christian story are reading Potter by the millions, attracted to it by its modern themed packaging," concluded Brown in a statement. "Christianity has always produced great writers. Tolkien, Lewis, Percy, Chesterton to name just a few. I believe J.K. Rowling is a Christian writer."

But then again, there are many Christians who would disagree.

“[T]he movie version of ‘Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix’ is liable to still do great business at the box office,” stated Dr. Ted Baehr, founder of MovieGuide.org, as the fifth installment of the ”Harry Potter” film series was released last week. “Regrettably, however, this means that even more children will be lured away from God and His Infallible Word, which says that witchcraft is evil and abhorrent. Instead of dreaming about the joys that God gives us through Jesus Christ, they will be dreaming of casting spells, using magic spells, riding brooms, and rebelling against their parents.”

According to the Associated Press, "Deathly Hallows" has a print run of 12 million in the United States alone, and Internet retailer Amazon says it has taken 2.2 million pre-orders for the book. Britain's Royal Mail says it will deliver 600,000 copies on Saturday; the U.S. Postal Service says it will ship 1.8 million. Over 20,000 requests were received at Amazon.com on July 17 alone.

Comments

Most recent comments

View all

fantastyfreak

Sat Aug 25, 2007 2:18 pm
: 0
: 1
Flag

Children are not going to become witches just because of some silly book! Seriously, I agree with the Church of England, Christianity today, and the writer of Mugglenet. Harry Potter does have Christian symbolism, maybe not as blatant as say Narnia, but it does.

cmrk3

Wed Jul 25, 2007 4:39 pm
: 2
: 3
Flag

The most important thing is to take our culture, and using the cultural language of the people around us - preach the gospel. Harry Potter is now just as much a part of that culture as Narnia, the Wizard of Oz, Shakespeare, Santa Claus etc. Now - I would respect somebody who is consistant and believes that all fictional witches are bad and that reading about them will lead us to hell ... but for everyone else - it is a major turn off to criticize a children's story that we haven't read when we should and could be using these very same stories to make truth more understandable and more acceptable.

alex12

Wed Jul 25, 2007 10:09 am
: 5
: 1
Flag

I can say there is a positive that comes out of these things because people ask questions. One thing that we have to remember is that we have the truth. When do lies ever win over truth when there is a debate? As Christians our commission is called to shepherd the lost sheep so it is important that we are sharp in the word and also sharp in the understanding of what influences the lost away from Christ. Paul was a great apostle because he was able to become all things to win over the lost. We can’t be over protective of our families because lack of knowledge leads to ignorance. Allow the kids to distinguish between light and dark. You can tell a kid that a stove is hot and keep them out the kitchen but they don’t learn until they get burnt. God is the guiding factor in all our lives and because of his guidance even we who are sinners are still redeemed. Can anyone admit they did not do bad things when they were little? Everyone is guilty but I think like myself others are guided through that experience. When I evangelize I am happy to run into people who have read The Da Vinci Code because I know they will stay to talk rather then saying no thank you. God has created a chance to give them the truth. I have learned over the years that God works in ways we can’t comprehend and he makes a way when it seems blocked. We can’t confine our selves. Christianity is not something that can be confined. It is ever evolving because people were given freewill the core issue is for them to understand that God loves them. If a parent can allow the child to understand their love through a story that is what is important. Because when the child has love fear and respect will develop. God will work through Harry Potter like he worked through the death of Stephan in expanding the Gospel.

csa686

Wed Jul 25, 2007 8:29 am
: 3
: 1
Flag

It's pretty easy to say Harry Potter is bad, and so is Charmed and buffy the vampire slayer. but no one is knocking Narnia, and the Lord of the Rings. Both using mythical beings and magic. Now I am going to leave it up to Rowlings to say if it is Christian or not, but to me, the point is that whether it is Christian or not, it brings to conversation Christianity. I think it is a good way to tell kids that magic and witches are bad. I haven't let my kids watch it, but many kids have and even if Satan intended it for evil, we can turn it around and use it for good to help teach kids about the bad stuff being bad and the good stuff being good. I'm not saying take your sunday school class to go see the movie. But make sure you talk to the ones that have seen it, and not in a condeming way. But like I said, teach them through it. Our actions towards this can affect a lot of kids views on Christianity. DON'T MESS IT UP!!

AlTheAardvark

Tue Jul 24, 2007 1:24 pm
: 6
: 5
Flag

God tells us to be in the world, but not of the world. God selects a few chosen people to investigate these types of books and movies, and protects them from their influences. I don't claim to be one of those, but I do feel that I've been led to read some and watch the HP series, if only for my children's sakes. I recognize the darkness, and thus far have been apparently protected by God through His discernment. I could not continue to do so without constant infusions of God's Holy Spirit and without regular Bible consumption.

It's like swimming underwater. You don't dare take a breath without surfacing, unless you have that air tank that gives you a little more time to do what needs to be done. You still need to fill the air tank, though.

Just like The Davinci Code, some of us need to know how to discuss the issues with non-believers. Before reading TDVC, I read several other of Dan Brown's books, to familiarize myself with his fiction. With that background, I realized that he's a fiction writer, who must make his fiction believable, while pushing the envelope of reality. Once that was established, the rest has been easy, and I've had several pretty good discussions about Dan Brown.

HP is dangerous because of the philosophy it embraces. This is not Biblical Christianity that HP promotes, but a New Age teaching, that pushes ancient belief systems based upon sorcery, divination, magic...in other words, Satan's angels of light. If we are not prepared, that light might be attached to the front of a train and we are on the tracks. What does the Bible say? Turn away from evil? Repent? Have you read HP or instead your Bible today? Which is more important? More life changing?

inspired

Tue Jul 24, 2007 12:11 pm
: 12
: 4
Flag

My Word. i cannot believe my eyes, Christians, Christlike, filled with the Holy Spirit bible believers, even suggesting reading something filled with words, ways, and potions that are ALL against God and His Holy Word given to us to know HIm, and learn of His ways, and to obey them all would even believe that such things as harry potter would be like Christ. This is too much. Even to side with the enemy against God's people and say were hypocrits in a fashion because they have spoken against such worship of witchcraft and idolatry that were picking on harry potter, the Bible says have no communication, lest any reading into your very spirit and soul of this kind of materials. Why do you need to read this materials to learn how to reach young children or harry potter fans.. Read the Word of God. you dont study the devil to learn how to turn people from him, you read about Jesus and the HOLY SPIRIT reveals revelation about Jesus and the Word of God teaches all you can learn, with the Holy Spririt. When did Christians instruct Christians to study the world ways to teach Jesus believers, and not Jesus ways Himself. I cannot believe my eyes, thats why i decided to respond. The word is really true when it says that there will be a great falling away in the these last days. I pray that the Lord God would raise up a standard in the hearts of His people in these days that we all will be wise as serpants, and rely on His Word, and His Holy Spirit for everything as He Im sure intended in the first place.

I pray that all that read these articles would be FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT AND FIRE, AND NOT DENOUNCE GOD BECAUSE OF MAN, AND NOT JUDGE GOD'S ABILITY'S TO TEACH HIS PEOPLE AND KEEP THEIR MINDS IN PERFECT PEACE WHOSE MINDS STAY ON HIM ALONE NOT IN THE WORLD, NOT IN HARRY POTTER TO DELIVER BUT ONLY IN THE ONLY ONE WHO COULD SAVE THE WHOLE....WHOLE ....WHOLE WORLD............HIS NAME IS JESUS, HE'S THE ONLY WAY, HE WILL BE THE ONLY WAY TO THE FATHER, AND TO LEAD TO HIS FATHER IS JESUS, ONLY WITH THE TRUTH, CAN WE LEAD OTHERS, IS BY JESUS AND THE HOLY SPIRIT.

laforte2007

Tue Jul 24, 2007 1:50 am
: 4
: 3
Flag

a reply to zenodaddy

* Mon Jul 23, 2007 12:18 pm
* : 2 * : 4
I see this whole Harry Potter issue as one thing... A great tale of right and wrong. Most Christians are part of the whole... do as I say, not as I do crowd who only opens their bibles on Sunday mornings and then try to take what the preacher says in his 30-minute sermon and then make it into some sort of witchcraft themselves. To be quite honest, most of us fall under the whole casting spells problem as well. How many of you ask God for things? Do you expect Him to give it to you? If so, then you fall into the system of using God as your OWN personal Genie.

We are all Hypocrites, but to single out Harry Potter for your failure as a parent is asinine.

Thank You. this is my reply,the enemy of God is lusifer,devil,satan,ect including those who go and do what God has said not to do,the biblical meaning of Hypocrite is a play actor,one who pretends or plays the role(actor)we may all be sinners but surly we are not all hypocrites,some realy truely apply what has been shown to them by God,others however do what theyve been taught in the world,and the World is the devils playground,I hope you dont look for sucess in the failures and frailitys of others but rather in the wisdom of God found in the scriptures,God said seek ye first the kingdom of God and his rightiousness then all these things would be added to us (however that promise was and is with conditions attached,humble oneself,repent,seek his was and act on them,and trust him to take care of our needs,perhapst some one else can add to what ive said.

SweetBeloved

Mon Jul 23, 2007 7:08 pm
: 11
: 2
Flag

As the Lord warned us, straight is the gate and narrow is the way and few are they that will enter in... to work out our salvation with fear and trembling...to watch and pray lest we fall into temptation...

He knew that to give the flesh an inch it will grab a mile and keep going. People allow just a little bit of sin and think its harmless, then a little more and it quickly grows into something that is out of control and they are caught up not being able to discern truth from error.

Those who embrace deception will practice deception and deceive others. There are people who will dress up something so blatantly evil and make it look like a good thing, even to the extreme of cleverly twisting it to appear Christlike. They can make up as many fanciful reasons as they can number but it still does not make it the truth. The devil twists the Word of God to deceive people. Harry Potter is no more Jesus or a Christlike story than the devil himself.

God says you will know a tree by its fruit. What kind of tree is it that glorifies evil and calls it God?

SweetBeloved

Mon Jul 23, 2007 3:48 pm
: 9
: 3
Flag

(Part 3) God is so very good, so holy, so exquisitely beautiful, so perfect in all His ways and He loves us so very much! But He has given us very explicit warnings that He alone is God and we shall love and serve Him with all our hearts and not serve evil...Why? Because He so loves us and wants us to have eternal life with Him in eternal glory. He loves us so much that He died for us so don't we owe it to Him to wake up and stop letting our flesh make up the rules into disobedience and away from God and His infallible Word?

I pray in the blessed Name of Jesus God will open your hearts to Him and to abide in Him only and not sinful flesh and that you may have His covering protection and blessings on this earth and more importantly, eternal splendor with Him forever more! Amen. Praise God Most High forever!!!

SweetBeloved

Mon Jul 23, 2007 3:45 pm
: 8
: 2
Flag

(Part 2) J.R.R. Tolkien, a professed Christian, but he used his God-given talent to attractively open and inspire people to the world of sorcery in his writings. I believe JK Rowlings and professing Christians including some of those named in this article who are basically saying "Gee whiz isn't this just cute, harmless fun? Sure, come on buy into it." have no idea of or are completely ignoring the holiness and infallibility of our precious, Lord God Almighty, the warning He gave us to be not conformed to this world and its ways, or the severity and endlessness of hell.

Before I was saved (Praise God! Thank You Jesus!) I was headed down a very dark road. I was mezmorized by these forms of entertainment. I did not know any true Christians or have anyone warning me that by indulging in it I was actually rejecting God and His Word. It got into it more and more and even became a numerologist, astrologist, new ager who believed in reincarnation. (I look back now and I shudder!) I crashed hard, called out to God to save me with everything I had in my being and the Spirit of the Lord came upon me like a ton of bricks (I never even knew about the blessed Holy Spirit or being baptized in Him!). Before I even understood what was happening to me, one of the first things Holy Spirit said to me lovingly, yet loud and clear was this, "ASTROLOGY AND NUMEROLOGY ARE THE DEVIL'S DEVICES AND YOU SHALL HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH THEM!"...I had never known, nor read, nor heard it was in the Bible or detestible to God! I heard it from God Himself! He also commanded me to guard my ear, eye and mouth gates and to have nothing more to do with anything idle or abominable to Him; to not only clean my home of everything abominable to Him (books, music, items, etc.) not sell it or give it away, but to destroy it so that no one else could have access to it lest their blood be on my hands; to weigh my time with Him carefully and He showed me how very important it is to Him and His command as His Bride to cleanse ourselves from all habits and things of the world even though we live in it... amazing things have been happening to me ever since! I've witnessed miracle after miracle! Bless the Lord!...

Please help us to monitor our message boards by flagging Abusive, Spam, Offensive, Illegal, Racist or Libellous Posts.

View all