HARRY POTTER FEVER--FINDING GOD IN HARRY POTTER

In the great tradition of J.R.R. Toklen and the Anglican theologian C.S. Lewis, we remember the Inklings. These remarkable human beings defended Christianity against much spiritual skepticism following both World Wars. In their footsteps lies J.K. Rowling, who has created the fantasy world of Hogwarts, similar in beliefs to Tolken’s Middle Earth and Lewis’ Narnia, where we can explore true reality. In this world, there are instances where the readers can’t help but discover similarities between Harry’s own journey and that of Christ, as told in the gospels.

As we all know, The LAST Harry Potter book is hitting shelves in just 3 weeks! AND, St. Benedict’s is going to see the 5th movie on July 11th! Because of this excitement, we thought we’d share some thoughts correlating Harry Potter and Christianity; after all we are a church! Speaking of, in the following verse we can encapsulate an underlying theme of this series.

Romans 12:21 “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

Even from the first pages of the novel, it is clear that Harry Potter is surrounded by evil. His Aunt, Uncle, and Dudley are among some of the most detestable fictional characters that come across in literature. Harry overcomes these evil characters with some help from friends and this theme of overcoming evil is prevalent in the following books and movies. Harry faces many forms of evil including “He-who-shall-not-be-named” and Draco Malfoy and the Slytherin’s. When faced with wicked forces, Harry, along side his friends and Dumbledore, fights evil with his knowledge of decency and morals, which appear to be hardwired into him.

An article that appeared in the Atlanta Journal Constitution on June 30th effectively describes other similarities between Harry Potter and Christianity. Below is a passage.

“A more profound, if subtle, moral interplay is found between Harry and Dumbledore, who effectively lead the joint forces of good… Dumbledore knows Harry plays a unique and indispensable role in the battle against evil, and outwardly helps him from time to time. Yet for most of the series, Dumbledore keeps Harry unaware of their relationship's depth, of the goings-on known or orchestrated by Dumbledore involving the bigger picture. Harry often feels Dumbledore is ignoring his personal needs.

A well-known, heart-wrenching passage in the Bible, from an anguished Jesus on the cross, captures their relationship well: "My God! My God! Why have you forsaken me?"

When Jesus says that, he feels abandoned by God. We know from earlier in the Gospels that he understands the special role he is afforded by God the father in the Bible. But at that moment, it's as if he feels separated from God or doesn't comprehend the metaphysics of God's plan to redeem the world through his sacrifice… Harry has followers who are devoted to him even if they don't always understand him, and other fair-weather fans who probably don't know what to make of him half the time. And, of course, enemies.

Sound familiar?”

It is a spectacular accomplishment that Rowling and her famous character Harry Potter can be compared to great authors such as Tolken and Lewis. These men wrote of similar worlds that cannot be explained through science and they stood up for the beliefs of Christianity. We must honor the accomplishments of them and of Rowling as she helps us understand the struggle of good vs. evil and to see the true reality of GOD’s love and Christ’s sacrifice.

We hope this insight will help you find your inner Harry Potter!