I'm sorry if I'm getting redundant with all this Harry Potter talk but I'm really having a hard time with this. I've been reading Potter books for years and years so it is no light decision for me to give them up. I know J.R.R. Tolkien was a Christian and Ms. Rowling is not but other than that, there's magic in both books. What's the difference between the two? Why is one more widely condemned then the other? And if you're Christian do you read both, or just one, and why? If you want, throw C.S. Lewis into the mix as well.
2007-05-06 17:15:11 · 14 answers · asked by AlliwantISAfrica 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Incidentally, Rowling claims to be a Christian.
"Yes, I am, which seems to offend the religious right far worse than if I said I thought there was no God. Every time I've been asked if I believe in God, I've said yes, because I do, but no one ever really has gone any more deeply into it than that, and I have to say that does suit me, because if I talk too freely about that I think the intelligent reader, whether 10 or 60, will be able to guess what's coming in the books."
2007-05-06 17:22:52 · answer #1 · answered by Doc Occam 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Professor Tolkien created the genre of fantasy fiction.
Harry Potter would not exist without "Lord of the Rings." CS Lewis, a friend and contemporary of the Professor's, and his Narnia Chronicles - which JRR hated, by the way, thinking it simple minded and unclever, almost sappy and trite (an assement I agree with) - leans heavily on Professor Tolkien's work. There have been many, MANY others that have come since "Fellowship of the Ring" was first published in 1957, and none as are fine a piece of literature as "Lord of the Rings." None can reach the level of characterization, or depth of plot, or create a world as rich in history, language and lore as Middle Earth. The Professor's books are beloved by millions, and will continue to be in the future.
Read the trilogy! You'll see!
As to the magic element, HP had the distinct disadvantage of coming out right when the Religious wingnuts were starting to flex their muscles. Sort of a test run just to see how far the would be able to go with their crackpot ideas and need to see that everyone kowtow to their beliefs before someone slapped them back into their place. Unfortunately, that didn't happen, and you can see the result of that sitting in the White House and on the Supreme Court.
Harry has survived, however, and it still going strong!
What I find the most ironic about the people screaming about the magic in HP, they are the same ones that flocked to see "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe," which has magic in it as well. Ironic and hypocritical.
"The road goes ever on and on..."
B
2007-05-07 00:35:04 · answer #2 · answered by beatriceorme 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You're absolutely right...when it comes to the "magic" debate, there is no difference in these books. But walk into a Christian bookstore and you will find a display of the Lord of the Rings movies/books and a display of books against Harry Potter. I am a Christian and I love the Lord with all of my heart. I feel this is important to establish before I answer your question. I have even been on short term mission trips and have felt God calling me into career missionary service. I'm saying this to show you my true love for God. And yet, I still read Harry Potter and really enjoy the story. For many years, I thought they were sinful and looked down on people for reading them.
However, God has been working on my heart for the past couple of years and I have realized how judgemental and wrong I have been all growing up. My dearest friend in the world, who is also my pastor's wife!, and I have discussed this topic many times. We both agree that there is nothing wrong with the books. They are stories. That's it. Just like Lord of the Rings. There is no real magic in them.
And as long as we're debating this, throw Star Wars into the mix. Most people have no problem with that...but come on!! Some of the same themes run there...PLUS either Anakin or Luke (don't remember which one) was supposed to have been born of a virgin. THAT bothers me far more than a boy going to a magical school.
Thanks for asking the question!!
2007-05-07 00:27:12 · answer #3 · answered by misskatiemichelle 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The answer may be as simple as the era of introduction of the material.
Book comparison: The writing styles are vastly different. The purported audience is different. The magic content of the Rowling books is "in your face" while Tolkien's approach is more subtle.
2007-05-07 00:24:29 · answer #4 · answered by NC Mom 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Tolkien didn't write for kids (and, I think, a much better writer). No sign of Tolkien's religion exists in his books, so that doesn't really matter.
Who can decipher the illogic of Christians? *shrugs* You ought to pose these questions to the 'highest' guy (if you're Christian, I seriously doubt a female holds any significant position) you can find at church. Let HIM field the tough questions, lol.
2007-05-07 00:23:11 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
JK Rowling wrote for children. They are shallow stories. JRR Tolkien wrote deep books in a fantasy world, yes, but they address many real problems and are a joy to read. CS Lewis was a wonderful and insightful man. Actually Lewis and Tolkien were good friends and their books speak to my soul. Rowling does not measure up to them in her writing abilities.
2007-05-07 00:22:24 · answer #6 · answered by Ally 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It depends on how far you want to carry it. I'm a christian and a huge fan of Harry Potter books. If you raise your kids to think that its witchcraft, so be it. My son and I enjoy it for the great fictional storyline and acting. She truely has a gift, I just wish the book burners would get over it.
2007-05-07 00:19:49 · answer #7 · answered by Mulereiner 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The answer I have heard has something to do with the fact that J.R.R.'s books take place on a planet in a universe where magic is normal and you either can do it or you can't, but the Potter books take place on Earth and you have to say the right words for magic to happen... something like that anyway.
2007-05-07 00:19:55 · answer #8 · answered by hanknowaff 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Not reading or enjoying a book blindly due to religious affliliations is just plain stupid. The difference between the books is only what YOU make it. If others make that decision for you, I'm sorry, but you are weak, and being controlled by others.
2007-05-07 00:23:37 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The difference is J.R.R. Tolkien's books are much better written and geared more for an adult audience.
2007-05-07 00:18:36 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋