Defense Against the Dark Arts: A Christian's Cautious Case for Harry Potter
"Any kingdom divided against itself is laid waste; and a house divided against itself falls. And if Satan is divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand?"
--Luke 11:17-18
"There is no good tree which produces bad fruit; nor on the other hand a bad tree which produces good fruit. Each tree is known by it's own fruit."
--Luke 6:43-44
"The last enemy that will be abolished is death"
--1 Corinthians 15:26 (this passage appears in the final book of the Harry Potter series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows and J.K. Rowling, the author, claims this scripture is the theme of the entire series).
Would it surprise you to learn that J.K. Rowling, the author of the wildly popular Harry Potter series is a Christian? A lot of the Christians I know would look with skepticism on such a revelation, but for those of us who have read and appreciated the books nothing seems more natural.
Harry Potter has been much vilified, especially among conservative Christians. His story is said to be glorifying witchcraft and promoting Satan. And indeed, Harry and virtually all of the leading characters in his world are wizards and witches. The argument goes that these books encourage a careless attitude towards magic and the occult. If our hero Harry can cast spells, what's the harm in me investigating using magic in real life? Harry sets us up to be lured into a world of Satanic deception.
It's a legitmate concern, I suppose, except that anyone who actually reads Harry Potter will quickly recognize that the values that are exalted in the Harry Potter tales are diametrically opposed to those promoted by Satan. This is a story whose abiding theme is that "love is the most important force." And by love I don't mean just warm, fuzzy feel-good emotion, the cheap and easy love glorified in pop songs and sentimental movies--I mean sacrificial love. Love that lays down it's life. Love that conqueors death. Satan is the father of lies but the Potter books lift up truth. Satan's kingdom is built on the primacy of self. The theme of Rowling's stories is power of selflessness. For these books to be the province of the devil, he would have to be pushing people toward embracing everything he is fighting against. What would Satan have to gain by encouraging people to be more selfless, more sacrificial, more loving?
But what about the witchcraft you ask? Well, all but the most casual reader, will quickly recognize that the world Rowling has created has nothing to do with any real-life sorcery. This is a made-up world. Her wizards and witches aren't human beings tapping into supernatural powers and using them for their own ends--her wizards and witches aren't human beings at all! They are a "magical race" who live in fantastical world invisible to ordinary human beings (who are known in magical parlance as Muggles). In other words, her creations are complete fantasy--and if they bear any similarity to any spiritual realities it would be to the spiritual realm of angels and demons rather than the world of the occult. The presence of unicorns, dragons, and all kinds of other imaginary creatures make it abundantly clear that her characters are not meant to be analogous to any real-life counterparts. Even a child can understand this distinction (though, it might be important for parents to explain to their children that there is such a thing as real-life witchcraft and it is not the same as what they read about in Harry Potter). In this respect, the book is not much different from C.S. Lewis's Narnia series. In fact, the biggest reason that more Christians haven't accepted and even promoted Rowling's books may be because of her refusal to claim a religous agenda. She insists--ironically--that she's not trying to convert anyone to Christianity, and perhaps this is her great crime in the eyes of many Christians, whether they realize it or not--that she refuses to evangelize. But whether intentionally or not, her books draw clear parallells with Christian themes. Just because someone (or a book) doesn't carry the name "Christian" does not make it any less so, just as merely labeling something Christian doesn't make it so. We know the true nature and origin of someone or something not by their labels, but by their character, by their principles. We will know them, as Jesus said, "by their fruit." What are we to make of a book that carries the label wizard and witch but bears the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness,and self-control?
--Luke 11:17-18
"There is no good tree which produces bad fruit; nor on the other hand a bad tree which produces good fruit. Each tree is known by it's own fruit."
--Luke 6:43-44
"The last enemy that will be abolished is death"
--1 Corinthians 15:26 (this passage appears in the final book of the Harry Potter series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows and J.K. Rowling, the author, claims this scripture is the theme of the entire series).
Would it surprise you to learn that J.K. Rowling, the author of the wildly popular Harry Potter series is a Christian? A lot of the Christians I know would look with skepticism on such a revelation, but for those of us who have read and appreciated the books nothing seems more natural.
Harry Potter has been much vilified, especially among conservative Christians. His story is said to be glorifying witchcraft and promoting Satan. And indeed, Harry and virtually all of the leading characters in his world are wizards and witches. The argument goes that these books encourage a careless attitude towards magic and the occult. If our hero Harry can cast spells, what's the harm in me investigating using magic in real life? Harry sets us up to be lured into a world of Satanic deception.
It's a legitmate concern, I suppose, except that anyone who actually reads Harry Potter will quickly recognize that the values that are exalted in the Harry Potter tales are diametrically opposed to those promoted by Satan. This is a story whose abiding theme is that "love is the most important force." And by love I don't mean just warm, fuzzy feel-good emotion, the cheap and easy love glorified in pop songs and sentimental movies--I mean sacrificial love. Love that lays down it's life. Love that conqueors death. Satan is the father of lies but the Potter books lift up truth. Satan's kingdom is built on the primacy of self. The theme of Rowling's stories is power of selflessness. For these books to be the province of the devil, he would have to be pushing people toward embracing everything he is fighting against. What would Satan have to gain by encouraging people to be more selfless, more sacrificial, more loving?
But what about the witchcraft you ask? Well, all but the most casual reader, will quickly recognize that the world Rowling has created has nothing to do with any real-life sorcery. This is a made-up world. Her wizards and witches aren't human beings tapping into supernatural powers and using them for their own ends--her wizards and witches aren't human beings at all! They are a "magical race" who live in fantastical world invisible to ordinary human beings (who are known in magical parlance as Muggles). In other words, her creations are complete fantasy--and if they bear any similarity to any spiritual realities it would be to the spiritual realm of angels and demons rather than the world of the occult. The presence of unicorns, dragons, and all kinds of other imaginary creatures make it abundantly clear that her characters are not meant to be analogous to any real-life counterparts. Even a child can understand this distinction (though, it might be important for parents to explain to their children that there is such a thing as real-life witchcraft and it is not the same as what they read about in Harry Potter). In this respect, the book is not much different from C.S. Lewis's Narnia series. In fact, the biggest reason that more Christians haven't accepted and even promoted Rowling's books may be because of her refusal to claim a religous agenda. She insists--ironically--that she's not trying to convert anyone to Christianity, and perhaps this is her great crime in the eyes of many Christians, whether they realize it or not--that she refuses to evangelize. But whether intentionally or not, her books draw clear parallells with Christian themes. Just because someone (or a book) doesn't carry the name "Christian" does not make it any less so, just as merely labeling something Christian doesn't make it so. We know the true nature and origin of someone or something not by their labels, but by their character, by their principles. We will know them, as Jesus said, "by their fruit." What are we to make of a book that carries the label wizard and witch but bears the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness,and self-control?
"Well," some may argue, "God would never use something that is theologically false or misleading to communicate spiritual truth." I would disagree that statement, and if you're a Seventh-day Adventist Christian and have read Luke 16:20-31, I'm willing to bet you'd disagree too.
Thoughts on the Nature of Magic
"Why doesn't God let us do magic?" One of our students--a fourth grader asked me that question not too long ago (and no, we weren't talking about Harry Potter). It was an interesting question, one I'd never thought about until then, but in thinking about and answering this kid's question I realized a lot of about the nature of magic. Magic is ultimately about power. It's about being able to make objects, the elements, and even people bend to your will. There is no faith in magic--one only needs to learn the secrets and apply them and the magic will work whenever you want it to. The magician is self-dependent, and in this sense magical power is ultimately a selfish power, and this is why God does not give us the power to do magic and in fact warns strongly against it. Magic is about getting whatever I want whenever I want without having to follow the regular "rules" that limit everyone else. No wonder it has always held such an appeal to our sinful human natures.
So what does this have to do with Harry Potter? Simply this, the magic in Harry Potter is not the magic I described above. In Potter's world magic is as common place as electricity. The magic may fascinate the reader, but for the characters in the story magic is like math--a subject to be learned in school, to be applied to the practicalities of every day life, to be used as a tool at work, and yes, used as a weapon by those eager for power. In Potter's world magic lacks the allure it has in ours because everyone--or at least, all magical people--have everyday access to it. Yes, it is powerful, much as technology in our "Muggle" world is powerful, and as such it can be hoarded, abused, and selfishly used. The temptations and pitfalls of power are one of the big themes in the Potter books. Furthermore, the Harry Potter books make a simple truth clear--magic does not solve all our problems.It is very clear that Harry's ability to zip through the air on a broomstick or "apparate" from one location to another in seconds does nothing to address the fundamental problems of the human heart. While, I suppose it's possible for someone to come away from the Potter books wistfully dreaming of having magic powers, it's unlikely because, ironically, magic is not what Harry Potter is all about.
I'm not suggesting that Christian parents must go out and buy the Harry Potter series for their kids. If someone is personally convicted that the Harry Potter series unnecessarily confuses spiritual imagery and messages, I can respect that and I recognize the legitmacy of that concern for some Christians. It's the reason my case for Harry Potter is a cautious one. (That, and I that I'm always wary of hype and mania over anything--and Harry Potter is no exception. That sense of caution comes from my mom, who when were kids always would taper off our access to any cartoon or superhero we became too overly consumed with). Still, though it may not be for everyone, I believe Potter can do a lot of good for those out there who would ordinarily shut down at the first sign of a Christian agenda. Potter is a modern-day parable--and like all parables, not everyone will get it's deeper meaning. For many it will just be an exciting, well-written story, with some worthwhile themes. But for those who have ears to hear, there may be a deeper message. Someday those people may hear the story of a Man who was willing to lay His life on the line in order to defeat evil and death, a Man who won His victory and saved the world through the power of love, and they will, think--"But wait, I know this story. I've heard this before. Who knew it was actually true?"
There is the Christianity of outward appearances--the faith in being right, in having everything fit the way I think it should, the trappings of language and culture. And then there is Christianity of the heart--faith rooted in elemental principles that transcend the our shopworn imagery and religious jargon, faith that can appear in the strangest of places, in the most contradictory of disguises. The world of sorcery Harry Potter inhabits is the modern Nazareth (can anything good from there?) from whence God unexpectedly makes Himself known.
Thoughts on the Nature of Magic
"Why doesn't God let us do magic?" One of our students--a fourth grader asked me that question not too long ago (and no, we weren't talking about Harry Potter). It was an interesting question, one I'd never thought about until then, but in thinking about and answering this kid's question I realized a lot of about the nature of magic. Magic is ultimately about power. It's about being able to make objects, the elements, and even people bend to your will. There is no faith in magic--one only needs to learn the secrets and apply them and the magic will work whenever you want it to. The magician is self-dependent, and in this sense magical power is ultimately a selfish power, and this is why God does not give us the power to do magic and in fact warns strongly against it. Magic is about getting whatever I want whenever I want without having to follow the regular "rules" that limit everyone else. No wonder it has always held such an appeal to our sinful human natures.
So what does this have to do with Harry Potter? Simply this, the magic in Harry Potter is not the magic I described above. In Potter's world magic is as common place as electricity. The magic may fascinate the reader, but for the characters in the story magic is like math--a subject to be learned in school, to be applied to the practicalities of every day life, to be used as a tool at work, and yes, used as a weapon by those eager for power. In Potter's world magic lacks the allure it has in ours because everyone--or at least, all magical people--have everyday access to it. Yes, it is powerful, much as technology in our "Muggle" world is powerful, and as such it can be hoarded, abused, and selfishly used. The temptations and pitfalls of power are one of the big themes in the Potter books. Furthermore, the Harry Potter books make a simple truth clear--magic does not solve all our problems.It is very clear that Harry's ability to zip through the air on a broomstick or "apparate" from one location to another in seconds does nothing to address the fundamental problems of the human heart. While, I suppose it's possible for someone to come away from the Potter books wistfully dreaming of having magic powers, it's unlikely because, ironically, magic is not what Harry Potter is all about.
I'm not suggesting that Christian parents must go out and buy the Harry Potter series for their kids. If someone is personally convicted that the Harry Potter series unnecessarily confuses spiritual imagery and messages, I can respect that and I recognize the legitmacy of that concern for some Christians. It's the reason my case for Harry Potter is a cautious one. (That, and I that I'm always wary of hype and mania over anything--and Harry Potter is no exception. That sense of caution comes from my mom, who when were kids always would taper off our access to any cartoon or superhero we became too overly consumed with). Still, though it may not be for everyone, I believe Potter can do a lot of good for those out there who would ordinarily shut down at the first sign of a Christian agenda. Potter is a modern-day parable--and like all parables, not everyone will get it's deeper meaning. For many it will just be an exciting, well-written story, with some worthwhile themes. But for those who have ears to hear, there may be a deeper message. Someday those people may hear the story of a Man who was willing to lay His life on the line in order to defeat evil and death, a Man who won His victory and saved the world through the power of love, and they will, think--"But wait, I know this story. I've heard this before. Who knew it was actually true?"
There is the Christianity of outward appearances--the faith in being right, in having everything fit the way I think it should, the trappings of language and culture. And then there is Christianity of the heart--faith rooted in elemental principles that transcend the our shopworn imagery and religious jargon, faith that can appear in the strangest of places, in the most contradictory of disguises. The world of sorcery Harry Potter inhabits is the modern Nazareth (can anything good from there?) from whence God unexpectedly makes Himself known.
posted by Sean at 3:56 AM
4 Comments:
Great insight and post Sean. This year one of my resolutions is to read more and I have been wanting to start this Potter series for the longest time. I'm probably the only one who hasn't read these books yet! Thanks for sharing.
Interesting conclusion. You haven't totally convinced me to go out and read Harry Potter, but you did help me see the other side. I will be careful and thoughtful before I lamblast Harry in front of my kids.
What do you think about the Golden Compass series. There's lots of hubbub about these too. My Seniors love 'em. The movies look cool, but I've read some quotes from the author that make me nervous about putting this book in the hands of our youth.
A big concern I have with Potter, Compass, and pop entertainment in general, is do we have the time? If Jesus is coming back so soon, do I have time to sink a few hours into reading this book?
This is a struggle for me. I swing back and forth from saying "who cares" to swearing off movies. I don't have the answers, but I can't help but feel that hours invested in some forms of entertainment are pulling us away from something better.
Thanks for your thoughtful comment, Grant.
My aim wasn't actually to convince anyone to go out and read Harry Potter, just to encourage Christians to not judge the books if they haven't read them and to recognize that while the books don't need to be "required reading" for the Christian home, they can serve as an effective witness in the wider world.
I've heard about the Golden Compass series but am not very familiar with the story. My understanding though is that the author is pretty staunchly anti-God and I've heard that this becomes more and more evident as you read more of his series. It's been said that the last book is pretty much a thinly disguised attack on God. I guess the author has real issues with religion.
I think it's consistent with my take on Harry Potter that I'd find the Compass books of greater concern. Again, it's the deeper themes rather than the fantasy trappings that I find either edifying or cause for concern.
I agree that there is a lot of "stuff" out there whether books, film, or television, but I don't know that it's "all" a waste of time. If you're reading/watching things that lift your thinking to higher things--to the big issues of life, spirituality, and God then I don't think it's a poor use of time in the final hours.
But it can't hurt to be vigilant about the quality of what we're taking in.
Well said.
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