These literally just touch on the tip of the
iceberg. There are so many parallels that can be made between
aspects of the Harry Potter series and Christian teaching. There are so many
examples from each of the themes that I mentioned. But not only on Christian
themes, but also just on cultural issues. For example, racism. The house elves
and how they are treated by most wizards and witches versus how Harry and
Dumbledore treat them. They take a more Christian approach to their interaction
with the house elves. There really is so much for our young Christian population
to learn from these books and movies, if parents are willing to take the time
to engage in the process of education. I hope that I have at least opened your
eyes to some of these themes and ideas. Ultimately, you should read the series
and think for yourself. You won't regret it!
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Immortality and Eternal Life
John: 16 tells us that,
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever
believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” We see this idea
present throughout the Harry Potter series. Of course there is the Voldemort’s
unhealthy and improper longing for immortality, which is a good example of what
immortality isn’t meant to be. Voldemort is hoping to flee from death in his quest
for immortality. Rather we should look at Hermione’s mention that there is a
difference between “defeating death”, as Voldemort is trying to do, and “living
after death”. She also says, “Look, if I picked up a sword right now and ran you
through with it, I wouldn’t damage your soul at all. Whatever happens to your
body, your soul will survive, untouched.” The Harry Potter series not only
discusses the idea of immortality but also the idea of immortality as eternal life
as the Christian perspective sees it. With knowledge of this eternal life, the
deaths in the Harry Potter series are not corrupting to young readers. They are
no different than the death of a loved one in a child’s life. If a child
experiences the death of a loved one, it is explained through Christian ideas
that the person will live on in heaven. The Harry Potter series does not deny
that is true; it just doesn’t specify “heaven”. As a result, the issue of
deaths in Harry Potter should not be as concerning for the Christian critics if
they have taught their children about eternal life in heaven.
Community and Relationships
Over and over we are
told in the bible to find community and to live in that community with one
another; or in friendship. I have found this concept to be overwhelmingly
present in Harry Potter as well as in Christianity. Galatians 6:2, which says,
“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” And
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 says, “Two are better than one, because they have a return
for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But
pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down
together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may
be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not
quickly broken.” This verse proves that there are countless advantages to being
in community with one another; to living in unity. This is seen in many
situations throughout the Harry Potter series. We see examples of community
everywhere. The Houses are an example of this community. The students are
grouped together based on a certain criteria and are encouraged to bond in
community with these people. We see this ultimately in the fact that Voldemort
could have never been defeated without the banning together of Harry Potter and
his friends. Harry finds a community made up of his friends, professors, and
mentors in addition to the entire community of wizards and witches who claim
good rather than evil. They work together towards the common goal of defeating evil
and Lord Voldemort. It is essential for our youth to realize that life cannot
be lived alone. Reliance on other individuals is sometimes seen as weakness,
when in actuality it requires strength and courage. This also goes against what
culture says about independence. While independence is admired in culture and
certainly has its significance, there is something to be said about living with
one another. In Christianity this is stressed because it’s recognized that one
cannot reach their full potential of goodness without the encouragement and
accountability of fellows. Recognizing that dependence is acceptable by young
readers is important. The collaboration between Harry, Ron, and Hermione
provide that example that they can strive towards. They could not accomplish
all that they did without the support of one another.
Mercy and Forgiveness
The Christian idea of
mercy and forgiveness is also seen in the Harry Potter series. First, Harry,
Ron, and Hermione are constantly shown mercy for getting into the trouble that
they get into. Their punishment is often times much less severe than it should
have been. We see this when Professor McGonagall takes points from Gryffindor
for their misdemeanors, but also awards them points back for the efforts and
achievements that resulted from those misdemeanors. Secondly we see Harry show
mercy and forgiveness to Pettigrew the rat in The Prisoner of Azkaban. He spares his life, not because he wasn’t
guilty, but because Harry knew that it was not necessary to kill him and that
he had another option, to forgo the desire for justice and show him this mercy
and forgiveness we are talking about. Young readers see in Harry Potter that
there is another option to justice. This option is mercy in addition it teaches
them about forgiveness and what that means and how it is typically more
beneficial than seeking revenge or holding a grudge.
Christian Idea of Fate in Harry Potter
Christianity and the Harry Potter series also share the theme of fate. In
Christianity this fate is often times viewed as a calling. Christ calls certain
people to certain things. Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for
you,” declares the Lord, “Plans to prosper you, plans to give you hope and a
future.” We can see this sort of fate or calling present in Harry Potter as
well. In Deathly Hallows,
Dumbledore says, "It is a curious thing, Harry, but perhaps those who are best suited to power are those who have never sought it. Those who, like you, have leadership thrust upon them, and take up the mantle because they must, and find to their own surprise that they wear it well." It is evident that Harry
has a certain calling to be a leader in the wizarding world, and that it is his
fate to defeat Voldemort to protect his friends. Likewise, Jesus Christ had a
calling to die for the sins of man. This concept sparks the thought in young
readers that they too may have a calling. It is vital for young readers to
think about the idea of what they are to become.
Sacrificial Love
Sacrificial love and
selflessness is another theme that can be found throughout the Harry Potter
series, and is also very present in Christian teaching. Sacrificial love can be
defined as affection for people or a person to the point that you are willing
to give up something for their benefit. John 15:13 says, “Greater love has no
man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” We see Christ
living out this love in dying on the cross for the sins of all men, and also in
Harry Potter’s willingness to give up his life for the protection and peace of
his friends against Voldemort. Now Harry Potter is no Jesus Christ, but his
actions teach children that they can and should strive to be as much like Jesus
as possible. Lastly we see this in Lily Potter’s death protecting her son. Not
only does Lily’s sacrifice protect Harry, but it also aids in the defeat of
Voldemort because he is debilitated by her magic. We consistently see Harry and
other characters in the Harry Potter series living out sacrificial love and
selflessness. In the Socerer’s Stone we
see Ron Weasley making a sacrifice while playing Wizard’s Chess. He sacrifices
his piece so that Harry can go on to find the stone and for Hermione’s safety. All
of the characters have the ability to display both sacrificial love and selflessness.
Harry himself sets a great example as an unselfish figure. It’s also important
to note that at some point throughout the Harry Potter series each character
makes some sort of selfish decision, therefore providing readers with multiple
examples. In addition it makes sure that readers don’t mistake anyone as being
exempt from making mistakes, or as being perfect.
Good vs Evil
Within both the world
of religion and the world of wizardry, there are differing sects or views. In
religion these are denominations such as Catholicism, Buddhism, and Islam. In
Harry Potter the division is mostly between the good and the bad. They are
separated and often times battle one another. This can be paralleled to the
battle between good and evil and to the spiritual warfare that all Christians
experience. Spiritual warfare can be defined as the daily battles fought by
Christians between following God’s will and following the misguided desires of
our hearts. In Harry Potter, the choice between good and evil has always been
stressed by those surrounding Harry. He constantly has to make the choice to be
good. On the other hand we see Voldemort who is choosing to be evil. Children
should be aware of this battle between good and evil, for it is going on even
inside themselves. There is certainly a benefit to having knowledge about this
battle. It makes one much more informed when making decisions for good or for
evil. The Harry Potter series simply exposes them to the idea that they have a
choice.
Supernatural in Harry Potter and Christianity
Both Christianity and
Harry Potter have a crucial thing in common. This is the belief in and
acceptance of the supernatural. The supernatural is something that connects to
a higher power. In the case of Christianity, supernatural phenomena are
explained by the power of God. In Harry Potter these phenomena are viewed as
power given to witches and wizards in the wizarding world. The power of God and
the power given to witches and wizards aren’t so different. In both cases,
there is a division between the supernatural and the normal world. There is a
clear difference between heaven and Earth, just like there is a clear
difference between the muggle world and the wizarding world. This division is
important to this discussion. It is pretty clear to the readers of the Harry
Potter series that the muggle world, which has no magic, and the world we live
in on Earth are the same and that there is no way a muggle can become a witch
or wizard. With this being said, readers of Harry Potter are not encouraged to
think that they can perform magic in any way. Children make the distinction and
really take the books for the fiction that it is. Now, kids will be kids and
play imaginative games. But we don’t expect our young children playing house
with mom, dad, and baby is going to lead them to go get pregnant do we…?
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Welcome to the Harry Potter Teaches Christian Values Blog!
This blog is going to explore the presence of Christian
themes and teachings that are found within the Harry Potter series. JK Rowling’s
use of witchcraft in the books has dominated the Christian perspective on the series,
but in actuality, it offers so much more than that. It is my hope to present
you with a few lessons that are taught both by Harry Potter and Christian
teaching. I would like to offer proof that the series is good for its young
audience and even for young Christians to read.
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