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Harry Potter for Christians?
by Matthew Vines
Because the Harry Potter books are directly related to witchcraft and sorcery, many Christian critics claim that the book series is contrary to Christianity. I myself am a Christian, and this page explains why I believe that the Harry Potter books are compatible with Christianity.
Many critics of the Harry Potter series have called the books "Satanic" and "demonic" because the books revolve around witchcraft and wizardry, and because the Bible speaks strongly against these practices. There is a basis for this criticism, and below are several of the Bible verses commonly cited by these critics:
Leviticus 19:26- "Do not practice divination or sorcery."
Deuteronomy 18:10- "Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or
sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead."
Galatians 5:19-21- "The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and
witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the
like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God."
In light of these verses, it is understandable why many Christian critics have formed these views. I agree that the actual practice of witchcraft
and sorcery is sinful, and I do not condone engaging in those practices. However, the Harry Potter books are merely fantasy, not reality, and kids realize that. It's a fantasy setting in which many of the themes of real life
are played out. The main themes addressed in the book series are love, friendship, bravery, loyalty, and growing up. Another theme of
the series is the constant battle between good and evil. These themes are presented in engaging ways, as they are intertwined in wonderfully intricate plots that spark one's imagination.
Despite the fact that almost all children realize that the books are fantasy, parents should still pay attention to their kids' reactions to the books. If a parent sees that their child is interpreting the books as reality rather than fantasy, they should intervene and use the books to teach them the difference between reality and fantasy, and also that witchcraft and sorcery are not practices that we should engage in in our real lives.
Connie Neal has written a book titled "What's a Christian to do With Harry Potter?" This book provides insight to help you deal with the accusations or simple questions you or your children may receive from Christians who oppose Harry Potter. (Most critics will readily admit that they haven't read the books, so that may be your first suggestion.) To read more about Ms. Neal's book, click here, and to purchase it online, click
here.
Also, thanks to Sebas for bringing this article on the illustrious Pope John Paul II's approval of Harry Potter to my attention. He said, "I don't see any problem in the Harry Potter series. They aren't bad. If I have understood well the intentions of Harry Potter's author, they help children to see the difference between good and evil."
Author JK Rowling had this to say on the subject in a 1999 interview with Book Links:
"If this subject offends people, that isn't what I want to do, but I don't believe in censorship for any age group, and this is what I wanted to write about. The book is really about the power of the imagination. What Harry is learning to do is to develop his full potential. Wizardry is just the analogy I use. If anyone expects it to be a book that seriously advocates learning magic, they will be disappointed. Not least because the author does not believe in magic in that way."
In fact, Ms. Rowling is a Christian herself, and said in a January 2006 interview with Tatler Magazine that her faith is "important" to her.
John Granger, a Christian author, reluctantly read the Harry Potter books and was pleasantly surprised. In fact, he had the initiative to write a novel about his views and supporting evidence that he uncovered during his readings. His novel, entitled Looking for God in Harry Potter, can be purchased on Amazon. Publishers Weekly writes: "This book transcends the responses of some other Christian writers (those in support, like Connie Neal, or in sloppy accusations, like Richard Abanes) to offer a serious literary and Christian appraisal of the first five books. Granger begins with the thesis that all humans are 'wired' to respond to 'stories that reflect the greatest story ever told,' including that of Harry's struggle against evil."
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