So, I just took a brief break from the other books I'm reading to read JK Rowling's latest in the Harry Potter series, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Like the others, I loved this book as well. I'm fascinated by the details that Rowling has come up with, the world she has created. I admire people who can write so creatively.
What I don't understand, really, is the condemnation of the books by some Christian groups. I really just don't get it. Some of my other favorite books, as I've mentioned before are the Chronicles of Narnia from CS Lewis. I realize he's a theologian writing clearly with Christian themes, but he certainly still talks about witches and wizards and magic in a way that doesn't say they are evil. What makes Harry Potter so bad?
Indeed, as the series progresses, Harry has to struggle with deeper ethical questions. I won't pretend they are blantantly theological questions of course - but they are ethical life questions. Harry's adventures are really about the choices he makes. And Rowling is emphasizing that love is the ultimate power, indeed, that sacrificial love is more amazing than any tangible power another can hold. In the end, Harry's magic powers are just a side note to the decisions and choices he has to make. I think it is sending all the right messages to young (and older!) readers, in a make-believe world that is fun and exciting.
What do you think?
What I don't understand, really, is the condemnation of the books by some Christian groups. I really just don't get it. Some of my other favorite books, as I've mentioned before are the Chronicles of Narnia from CS Lewis. I realize he's a theologian writing clearly with Christian themes, but he certainly still talks about witches and wizards and magic in a way that doesn't say they are evil. What makes Harry Potter so bad?
Indeed, as the series progresses, Harry has to struggle with deeper ethical questions. I won't pretend they are blantantly theological questions of course - but they are ethical life questions. Harry's adventures are really about the choices he makes. And Rowling is emphasizing that love is the ultimate power, indeed, that sacrificial love is more amazing than any tangible power another can hold. In the end, Harry's magic powers are just a side note to the decisions and choices he has to make. I think it is sending all the right messages to young (and older!) readers, in a make-believe world that is fun and exciting.
What do you think?
Comments
I think that the message is a positive one of good triumping over evil. The books also touch on many concerns of young people in a positive way.
Those within the churches who denigrate these books lead me to despair. They diminish the credibility of the church and for what!
In the week since "Half-Blood Prince" came out, my husband has been asked for his thoughts on Harry Potter by some of his co-workers, who are aware that he teaches Sunday School and works with the youth of our church. When they learn that he has read and approves of the books, their next question is, "Well, don't some religious folk disagree?" His answer: "Well, I'm glad that we've overcome poverty, homelessness, hunger, social inequality, and all that big stuff so that the worst thing they have to worry about is a children's book."
Conservative Christians should really shut up about Potter. It just makes them look really ignorant.
I think preachers could study the stories for the choice of words, phrases, and other fantastic story-telling techniques on display.
On the way to Hogwarts,
Andy B.
Darrell, I don't want to comment til you've finished reading, but I'd love to hear what you think after you are done. I will agree that Harry is very driven by his need to avenge his parents' death - but I think the adults he respects most (Dumbledore) try to show him a different perspective. I don't think I can be reading love in - Dumbledore repeatedly tells Harry without beating about the bush that Love is the thing that he has to give that Voldemort does not...
I also wanted to thank you for your web page and your Blog. I truly enjoy reading them and occasionally throw some of your thoughts into our local pastors' text study.
Blessings to you,
Pastor Chris
Darrell
the movies actually aren't bad, as movies go, but you are right, the books are of course better!
But our church (UMC Finland) is deeply divided over them, so the kids have felt torn. My daughter's bringing the new one back with her tomorrow from Ireland - we start reading it together out loud. Like we did for the earlier ones, and the Narnia books too.
Rowling might not be a theologian, but she's an excellent writer - and for many kids and families, she has restored the joy of reading. Many may pick up their Bibles again because of this, God always works for God I say!