i am a christian and have nothing against harry potter.
2006-12-15 15:28:01 · 13 answers · asked by =) 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
There are a lot of meanings related to religion in the story and the book is full of Christian symbolism. Most people think that the book represents satanism, but it's actually the opposite. Yes, as ironic as it sounds, the story represents and supports religion.
The book itself is formed according to the standards of religion. It's the eternal good vs. evil battle. Dumbledore represents God, Harry represents Jesus Christ, Tom Riddle aka Voldemort represent Satan, and the war between the wizards which is suggestively called the final battle represents the Apocalypse.
I'm glad you asked this question because this is a very intersting and witty subject, but it just can't be thoroughly presented and explained so easily. There is so much to say about this subject that I wouldn't want to mess it up. I'll just say this: you should definitely read the book by John Granger. He explains perfectly all the mystical implications and christian symbolism in the story. It's a great book. It proves that HP doesn't represent satanism, but ironically, it supports christianity.
2006-12-18 09:03:30 · answer #1 · answered by Cheshire Riddle 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The only thing maybe Christian about it is the essential fight of good v. evil as others have stated. There are some Christians that believe the books contain a satanic undercurrent, and that books about witchcraft should be banned. What I don't understand is that these books are FICTION. They aren't doing any harm. In fact, these books have helped encourage a new generation of children to actually step away from the t.v. and videogames and read something. Many of the characters also have very good values and morals and make the right decisions despite adversity. These are positive attributes the last time I checked. Those Christians that complain so actively against the Harry Potter books need to get hobbies. They're nuts.
2006-12-15 23:43:51 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Hey, I like Harry Potter, too (I do wish the books didn't have some of the swearing in it, though). I was thinking the other day that there might be some Christian symbolism in the books whether or not J.K. Rowling put it there intentionally or not. The strongest symbolism I see is that Voldemort is a symbol of Satan, who rebelled against all that is good and is still on earth today trying to destroy people for the sake of building up his own power. When Harry says, "Expecto patronus" and the silvery white buck appears, I was thinking that is tied in with the prince of the forest, or "Bambi," but it is like the phrase Prince of Peace, or a reference to Jesus Christ. In other words, the power and authority of Jesus Christ is able to dispel the dementors who are after Harry and Sirius Black (in Book 3). I also think the snake scene in Book 2 is reminiscent of Moses and the serpent /staff scene in "The Ten Commandments" with Moses in front of the pharaoh. Is this for an assignment or just for your personal interest?
2006-12-16 01:08:35 · answer #3 · answered by Cookie777 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Didn't the VATICAN discourage christians from following Harry Potter?
And JK Rowling already said she detested the kind of Christian preachiness that was in the Chronicles of Narnia! Why on earth would she inject the same thing in her own work?
P.S. I'd like to thank you though that you took a liking to the work despite the advice of the Vatican. I think that shows your open mindedness. But if there is ever any Christian symbolism in Rowling's work, it should be Rowling who should say so. I think she wants people of all faiths to appreciate her book.
2006-12-15 23:35:04 · answer #4 · answered by ragdefender 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
aside from the basic "good versus evil" theme of the books and movies i can't recall noticing anything "Christian" about Harry Potter.
although now that i think of it Hogwarts does celebrate Christmas with a Christmas tree but decorated trees isn't really a Christian tradition so no ... i still recall no notice of anything Christian about Harry Potter. hmmmm. maybe the Muggles are the Christians.
2006-12-15 23:36:04 · answer #5 · answered by nebtet 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It is the basic story of good vs evil. Harry Potter is good, and fighting against the evil.
2006-12-15 23:29:42 · answer #6 · answered by donnabellekc 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I think we need to avoid constantly looking for Christian symbolism in everything. Sometimes it is warranted, but usually not. In Harry Potter, there is no intention of putting Christian symbolism.
2006-12-15 23:33:22 · answer #7 · answered by Mr Ed 7 · 2⤊ 2⤋
ditto, same thing here. i love harry potter, they are some of my favorite books. i have been reading them since second grade, and so far, I have not joined the occult or tried to cast spells or anything. :) i attend church three times a week, and am pretty much normal...saying that harry potter turns kids to the occult is a load of crap.
2006-12-15 23:33:20 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Harry is like, uh... Joseph.
And Voldemort is totally a metaphor for Jezebel.
Think about it.
2006-12-15 23:30:48 · answer #9 · answered by Eldritch 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
christian symbolism in Harry Potter? thats an oxymoron if i ever saw one...
2006-12-15 23:31:50 · answer #10 · answered by yellabanana77 4 · 0⤊ 3⤋