I don't understand why people vilify Harry Potter, but seem to find Biblical parallels with Lord of the Rings. Personally, I don't see that much of a difference between the two. They are both fantasy, both OBVIOUSLY fiction, both are just as apt to turn kids into something they're not.
2007-04-23 14:38:45 · 19 answers · asked by mormon_4_jesus 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
For the second part of the first sentence, I believe that J. R. R. Tolkien and C. S. Lewis were contemporaries, possibly even friends. They should have influenced each other if that is true. Therefore that would have allowed the Bible to indirectly influence J. R. R. Tolkien via C. S. Lewis.
As for people vilifiying Harry Potter stories, I don't get that either. But then again, I feel I know how the telling of mythologies are supposed to work. They are simply an entertaining vehicle that is supposed to transmit morals and values.
What's great is that in many mythologies, from Tolkien's works, to Star Wars, to Arthurian legends, we can extract the good principles that allow us to teach our children how to become heroes and how to avoid becoming villains, and even how to get ourselves back to the path of being a hero when we've lost our way. What's even better is that we can apply the same principles to our examinations of the life of Christ, as He is obviously the Grand Hero of All Mankind. And yes, I know that by sharing His story, it is more than an "entertaining vehicle" but is supposed to be that goal that we are reaching to.
I do understand there are things we shouldn't be teaching our children, but we must somehow acknowledge the existence of sin and other problems. And I guess some people think that some of the stuff in Harry Potter falls in that category.
In short, I believe I agree with you that we should not "throw out the baby with the bath water". People's comprehension of some things are different than others, but that's okay. That's how all of you teach me.
Thanks for letting me respond,
Alvin R.
2007-04-23 15:03:12 · answer #1 · answered by Alvin R 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think that it's because Harry is new. The Lord of the Rings has been around for decades. People tend to shift when they see anything new come on the scene. There was a time when it was considered a sin to watch the movie Snow White and the Seven Dwarves. It's just the same stupid thing. People not wanting an entertainment that they think shows something that they consider a sin. But it's always the new guy that gets the bad rap.
2007-04-23 14:53:56 · answer #2 · answered by Christian Sinner 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
As much as I love Harry Potter, LORD OF THE RINGS IS THE BOSS.
2016-04-01 04:20:28 · answer #3 · answered by Mary 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Religites take their fiction seriously. Harry Potter is about a wizard, while "Lord of the Rings" includes the word "Lord" in the title. They don't care about the content, as long as you place the lord first.
2007-04-23 14:45:07 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
They're both obviously fiction; you're right there. The main difference is that J.R.R. Tolkien was a Christian and incorporated Christian themes into his writing while he was telling a story; Rowling just tells a story, and the "witchcraft" is much more present in Harry Potter.
2007-04-23 14:56:32 · answer #5 · answered by nazgulslayer78 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
lord of the rings is a much more mature work, harry potter is very entertaining but it is based on cliche...the good boy who lives as a slave with a family that doesnt love him and all that is very oliver twistish.
about the biblical references in lord of the ring, well in literature you can find anything, it is all apt to be interpreted
2007-04-23 14:44:35 · answer #6 · answered by alberto k 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sorry... I'm an atheist, and I like them both... although if I had to pick a fav... it would be lord of the rings. No spiritual parallels, just fun fantasy fare.
2007-04-23 14:43:21 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Lord Of the Rings is kind of based in old pagan culture, which makes it realistic for its time. It's good literature. Harry Potter is basically a bunch of trash.
2007-04-23 14:50:31 · answer #8 · answered by Brigid O' Somebody 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Harry Potter is a noob. And it's about dorky little brats with wands. And the other characters have gay names.
LotR is about a world in middle earth. With REAL wizards, and elves, and sword battles, and REAL dragons, and none of that whimpy Harry Potter magical wand chanting crap.
Bottom line, Harry Potter's for kids...
2007-04-23 14:43:03 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋
Everyone loves those little Hobbits. But they hate Harry cause he's British.
2007-04-23 14:42:44 · answer #10 · answered by Nanook~Maybe I need a longer Name?~ 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋