Friday night I wrote about my reactions to the new Harry Potter film. My son, Josh, and I have enjoyed the books together, and we had a great time seeing the film on its opening night here in Redwood City.
As a Christian (and a minister particularly), I am sometimes asked about how I can possibly be a fan of, and even an advocate of, the Harry Potter series. I'm sure everyone's heard the concerns about the witchcraft and wizardry in the series, and I cannot deny that every book and every movie is FULL of spells, curses, dark magic, broomsticks and the like. I don't blame Christians for being discerning, and I think it's great that parents are trying to guard their kids from evil. I try to do that too. But after looking at the evidence, reading a lot of articles, and perhaps most importantly, reading the books and seeing the films for myself, I have come to the conclusion that Harry is not only fine, he's good for us. His epic battle with evil, all the while being a fallen person who battles the evil within himself, mirrors my everyday experience! And we see clearly that, in the end, good wins. Love saves the day.
I want to add more fule to the fire by posting some resources for those of you who are wondering about this for yourselves. Maybe you're a Christian battling false guilt for secretly enjoying this series. Maybe you're someone who's decided that this is not for you or your children, for whatever reason. And maybe you're not even a religious person and you're wondering, "What's the big deal?" Read on...
First, the naysayers... Here's the Plugged In review. Plugged In is "a web site of Focus on the Family [Dr. James Dobson] shining a light on the world of popular entertainment." They are probably the most conservative of all the Christian review sites. Their final take? "Whether it’s grim treachery or comic relief, the film’s wall-to-wall sorcery is birthed from a faulty worldview that taps into the occult and never recognizes any divine authority."
Dick Staub, at Faithandculture.com, writes "With every new Harry Potter movie I find myself drawn into a debate, seemingly unavoidably, I wish not to be part of. I refer of course to the battle between those who oppose the Harry Potter series as antithetical to faith, and those who are thrilled to see their kids reading, and who find the series imaginative, believing also that it provides teachable moments." More here...
Hollywood Jesus is a great resource, with tons of links, reviews and resources. Check it out.
I especially appreciate Relevant Magazine's take on the series.
Peter Chattaway, at Christianity Today, writes a great review here.
Finally, here's a wrap-up from Christianity Today, with lots more links and thoughts on the subject.
Happy reading and thinking! May God give us wisdom as we interact with the culture He's graciously placed us in!