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.