Yale Divinity Course Examines Theology in Harry Potter

mr_dumberton »

Fri Mar 28, 2008 9:32 am Agree: 4   Disagree: 5

Actually, Rowling claims to be a Christian. She is a member of the Church of Scotland. And for TMK - I have to disagree with you about avoiding anything with the potential to mess you up. Everything has the potential to mess you up! Sex can mess you up. Does that mean I should never teach my children about how God intended sex to be part of our lives? Absolutely not! We need to equip them to deal with the influences of culture, not pretend they aren't there. Being in the world but not of it should be a constant tension for us. Too many Christians are convinced that good parenting is defined by what kids are not exposed to. The less the exposure, the better the parenting. I protect my kids from things that are too mature for them to deal with, but I also want them to grow up as engaged disciples, sheltering them will not accomplish that.

Yale Divinity Course Examines Theology in Harry Potter

mr_dumberton »

Thu Mar 27, 2008 2:41 pm Agree: 6   Disagree: 7

Let me start by saying, I am a Christian and a pastor in the PCA. I am also a fan of Harry Potter. Do I think they are a Christian allegory such as the Chronicles of Narnia, or the Lord of the Rings? No. But I do think that J.K. Rowling clearly drew upon Christian imagery and themes in her books. There is a clear ressurection motiff that dominates the entire series culminating in the events of the final book (which includes direct scripture quotations from 1 Corinthians and the Gospel of Matthew) If you haven't read the books, then I hope you are not commenting on them and pronouncing them full of the devil. All that does is make Christians come across as close-minded bigots. Certainly there are aspects of the Potter series which could be confusing and potentially harmful to the faith of young children, but good Christian parenting includes teaching your children how to process ideas that are in conflict with their worldview. Rowling has produced a wonderful narrative filled with unforgettable characters, humor, and touching emotions. As Christians we should use these stories to find common ground with a lost world, building bridges by which we can share the ultimate truth of the Gospel.