Harry Potter: A Theological Analysis Ever since the first book of J.K.

Rowlings Harry Potter series burst onto bookstore and library shelves worldwide, it has been a source of both controversy and acclaim. Most among the books millions of readers would say that it is great. Children love the books because of things like their comedy, the wizard sport "Quidditch," their empowerment of unlikely heroes and the magical world they presuppose. Meanwhile, parents and educators find the books valuable because they have gotten so many children reading. However, along with all of the positive aspects of the Harry Potter phenomena, there is the backlash created for some by Rowlings use of fantasy. Many would purport that Harry Potter promotes witchcraft and by extension Satanism. This has led to many public protests of Harry Potter, which range from demonstrations trying to ban the books from school libraries, to the writing of numerous editorials warning others of Harry Potters dangers. Most opponents of Harry Potter start their argument on the basis that the books are "anti-Christian," "pagan," or even "satanic" and are vehement in their accusation that the books are detrimental to childrens fledgling religious sensibilities. An example of this can be seen in an article that appeared in the January 10, 2000 issue of Christianity Today. This article tells of nine-year-old Jean-Paul Landreneau, whose third-grade class was reading Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone. His mother, Johanna, was shocked at the idea that her son was being exposed to such material, stating, "I felt [St. Lukes Episcopal Day School in Baton Rouge, Louisiana] shared the same values I did." She believed that Harry Potter was in fact going against the values she was trying to instill in her son at home. Jean-Luc says that, "In the bible is says not to do witchcraft." He thus started to go to the library when Harry was being read aloud." The other side of the debate about Harry Potters use of fantasy and magic is equally represented, however. Even in the same issue of Christianity Today as the article about the Landreneaus, there is another commentary entitled "Why We Like Harry Potter." In opposition to the Landreneaus, this article purports that J.K. Rowling "has created a world with real good and evil, and Harry is definitely on the side of light fighting the "dark powers." Indeed, it shows that Harry Potter is in several ways pro-Christian. A similar editorial from The Christian Century would agree with this viewpoint as well. It speaks of how writer G.K. Chesterton claimed, "his own journey to Christian faith began with his childhood absorption in fairy tales." He learned from them "that the world is precious but puzzling, coherent but

mysterious, full of unseen connections and decisive truths." From this standpoint then, one could defend the point of view that Harry Potter actually helps children develop their own understanding of the Christian faith. It is not pagan or satanic, but the books overall message is actually supportive of Christianity. It is such because it opens childrens minds to the possibility of mystery and its role in faith. Harry Potter is not the first series of books to be questioned for its use of fantastic elements. But what is it about Harry Potter specifically that makes its worldview appear so threatening to some, so meaningful to others? One answer to this question may lie in the deeper theological issues that the Harry Potter series addresses. Discussed here will be one such issuewhat is "good" versus "evil" in Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone. It is hoped through this presentations section on "good" and the other section on "evil," the reader might come to rest on the conclusion that the novel is not detrimental to children, even those of the Christian faith. Some of the books views about these two forces actually reflect what some Christians believe. Hence, the themes in Harry Potter can actually challenge children positively to think about what they believe about good and evil.

Synopsis of the Harry Potter Stories

The story of Harry Potter begins as he is about to celebrate is eleventh birthday. Up until this time, Harrys birthdays have come and gone like any other day; they have been nothing worth celebrating. You see, Harry has lived in a cupboard under the stairs in his Uncle Vernons and Aunt Petunias house. He has never received a birthday present worth remembering. His very few possessions have been the hand-me-downs of his cousin Dudley. Harry has never known why the Dursleys have never treated him well. All he knows is that his mother and father died in a car crash and he came to live with the Dursleys when he just one year old. But all things will forever change on Harrys eleventh birthday. He learns from a letter, given to him by an unknown, very large person name Hagrid, that he is not just a regular person. He learns that like his mother and father, he too is a wizard. Harrys life changes in an instant. The letter he receives is an acceptance and invitation to study at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Upon arriving at Hogwarts, Harry is sorted into the Gryffindor House by the Sorting Hat. At Hogwarts, Harry will learn what it means to be Wizard. He will

learn many things about wizardry from his teachers and Head Master, Dumbledore. He will learn that not all people come from wizard families. Some, called Muggles, will also study at Hogwarts. For the first time, he will meet and make friends. Hermione Granger (Muggle born) and Ron Weasley (Wizard ), will help Harry through a most challenging first year at Hogwarts. Harrys first year at Hogwarts will be challenging as he comes to learn more about his past and the death of his parents. Not only did Harry learn on his eleventh birthday that he was a wizard, but he also learned that his parents died at the hands of a wizard practicing dark magic:Voledmort. And although, Voldemort attempted to kill Harry, something saved him. Instead of Harry dying, Voldemort lost his powers. Harry is reminded of that fateful night each time he looks in the mirror and sees a lightening bolt scar on his forehead and as others greet him famously wherever he goes. Harry will experience many life threatening situations during his first year. These situations will arise as he comes to learn more about Voldemort and those that follow him. Every experience Harry, Hermione, and Ron will find themselves in, will bring Harry closer to the one that must not be named, Voldemort.