OK, I'll confess: I'm reading the latest and last Harry Potter book and enjoying it. It's a little hard to get used to the grittiness of this book, because I'm used to the lighter, kid-friendly atmosphere of the previous books. The body count is appalling. But there is a kind of edge-of-your-seat excitement in the book, partly because of the fear of mortal danger. But enough of playing book critic.
The reason I hesitated to put this on my "what I'm reading" list is because there are so many in the Christian community who are up in arms about witchcraft as the subject of a book. (I would protest that the Harry Potter books aren't so much about witchcraft as they are about being an outsider in a society that prizes conformity. ) The same people might be a little put out that I've read "Pornified", but I could justify that as research for a sermon series and be let off the hook.
Am I a role model? Sure, and so is everyone. "Your life may be the only Gospel some people may ever read" as the saying goes. So should I avoid Harry Potter? Depends on what you think I'm a role model of (sorry for the terrible grammar but it gets the point across better). I don't want to be a role model of a narrow perspective of Christianity as promoted by a small group of powerful people. I want to be a role model of someone who is following Christ and engaged in my world so that I can know how to help others follow Christ in this world.
So I continue to be interested in a wide range of things, partly because I'm naturally curious and partly because I want to be as engaged as possible in this world that God loves and for which he gave his Son to redeem. I hope I'm a good role model of someone who is "in the world but not of it" (cf. John 15), rather than of someone who is "so heavenly minded he's of no earthly good."
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Hi Steve -
I think it should be noted that Harry Potter is some of the most Christian writing out there. More so than many of the "Christian Books" you will find at the average Christian Book Store.
For those who doubt this statement, consider these facts:
How do Harry's father and mother die?
Giving their lives - laying them down to protect their most beloved son.
How do Harry's mother and father's deaths come about?
They are betrayed to the evil one (Voldemort) by one of their closest and dear friends. It isn't for 30 pieces of silver, but it isn't that far off the mark.
What protects Harry from the evil one
The love expressed by his mother when she laid down her life for Harry. It protects not just Harry but those around him who openly scorn him (the Dursleys).
What are the most beloved Holidays at Hogwarts
Halloween (all Hollows Eve), Christmas, and Easter...no "Winter Celebration" or "Spring Break" here...
A little bit of a spoiler warning here...
What most happen to Harry before he can ultimately defeat Voldemort??
No getting around it, he died. And he was brought back to life. He - like Christ - could have chosen to pass from this world to the next, but he made the choice to come back and save those he loves...
Who was last, looked down upon, and revilled as weak and not up to it...
Neville Longbottom, who ultimately is key to the salvation of Hogwarts...sounds like the "last shall be first, and the first shall be last to me..."
And if anyone still questions the Christian foundations of Harry Potter, I challenge them to go back and review the quotes on the tombstones of Harry's ancestor, his parents, and Dumbledore's sister....
You might have to run them through your digital concordance, but I think you will be surprised by what you find :-)
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