I have just finished reading the Harry Potter series (actually, I’ve read books 2-7 all in the last two months!), and I must say that I am quite disappointed with the conservative Christian community. And I hope they’re feeling a bit ashamed of themselves of making such a big deal of the magic and sorcery mentioned in the Harry Potter series (as if Rowling was trying to use a children’s book to promote Wicca) now that the final book in the series has revealed has revealed it to be perhaps the most redemptive, Christocentric series since the Chronicles of Narnia.
This, of course, should come as no surprise given that Rowling professes a love for the Inklings – that group of friends that included none other than C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, and others (In fact, Rowling pays tribute to Lewis in the series, naming two of her characters “Cedric Diggory” and “Andrew Kirke,” both referring to “Digory Kirke,” the old professor from The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe who discovered Narnia in The Magician’s Nephew. ..She has, in fact, even talked about her belief in God and her Christianity in some interviews.
If you are reading this, you must also be wondering about the title of this blog. I must be honest: The reading of the Harry Potter series – The Deathly Hallows especially – has been a balm to my soul and has renewed my vigor and love for the gospel story (what C.S. Lewis called a “true myth” and early church father Tertullian said was worth being believed because it was “impossible”). Rowling’s ability to tell a good story while weaving in – without forcing – redemptive metaphor and allegory when it is appropriate has helped me to appreciate again the power of Love, the One who conquered death, and the mythical nature of the grand story we find ourselves in.
There is so much that could be said from an examination of the Harry Potter books. The books address general themes that are not only important for children to ponder but for all of us – notions like love, justice and equality, racism, good versus evil, providence, the corruptive nature of power, ethical tensions (e.g. – should one lie if it will prevent the death of other people?), the importance of friendship and commitment, bravery and courage, the value of having a place called home, the importance of family and parents, and the truth that those who are considered nobodies in the world’s eyes are capable of doing amazing things.
So without further ado, the next several blogs will most likely deal with Harry Potter in some fashion of literary analysis…
A Prayer to Live in Abundance Not Scarcity
3 years ago
2 comments:
Yes, the Harry Potter books certainly appeal to people who like the Inklings' books, though I wonder how much the Inklings would have liked them. After reading "The deathly hallows" I saw the film of "Order of the Phoenix", and reread it and the "Half blood prince", and that confirmed my view that "Order of the Phoenix" was the weakest of the series -- too long, too much teenage angst. But the last two recover well.
Yeah, I have to agree with you on the teenage angst parts. There were several scenes that I just thought, "Ok Rowling, I know teenagers have roller coaster emotions, but this way too much!" As to whether or not the Inklings would have liked Harry Potter... I guess that one is mostly speculation... Thanks for the post.
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