Finding Christ in Harry Potter II
by Dennis Byler, Burgos, Spain
Thanks to Ryan Ahlgrim for his insightful comments (and those of his discussion group) on the Harry Potter books. I have been an admirer of the nonviolent manner of conflict transformation in these books ever since we bought the first one, years ago, for our children.
In this area I have found Harry Potter much closer to the spirit of Christ than the characters in C.S. Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia (to say nothing of his space trilogy). Narnia’s characters must habitually engage in warfare and killing to overcome evil, which I have always found distressing.
I’ve been maintaining over the years that J.K. Rowling could still disappoint me on that account. She has come near that in this last book. I wish it had been possible to defeat Lord Voldemort without killing Tom Riddle. In the end, this is the only character without nuance—totally evil, and his death thus becomes “necessary.” Not quite the same as Paul’s insistence that our warfare is not against flesh and blood. But this is probably mere quibbling. I still maintain the model of conflict transformation in these books is far more Christian than what can be found in C.S. Lewis’ fiction.
Associated Issue: Healthy bodies and stewardship - Sept. 18, 2007
Associated Article: Finding Christ in Harry Potter
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