J. K. Rowling, author of the
Harry Potter series, replied:
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.
Having read the series a few years ago, I think that's probably accurate. If you're very knowledgeable about Christian theology, Christian scripture or Christian literature, it was pretty clear all along where Harry Potter would end up.
I'm still excited about the forthcoming two films, though.
Are you excited about the new Harry Potter movies? Does it surprise you that J. K. Rowling is a Christian? What do you think about her comments on her faith?
True
Comments (52)
That's interesting, because when I was younger my mother wouldn't let me read harry Potter, because she thought it was of the devil.
It's suprising how much people don't know.Wow I'm not Christian and I do enjoy the Harry Potter. There are some devils and heros also. I respect different belieives. Are there any conflicts between christian and harry potter?
@NiShaCoRnEr@xanga - I used to believe the same thing as well. One of time teachers once said that having Harry Potter books and that sort of stuff "invites demons into your home". So with that idea, along with just being too busy to read the ENTIRE series, I never got around to it. However, I am reviewing the movies and getting ready for Hallows. I've yet to come across any Christian themes as of right now though.
I am not too surprised, based on how the books end. Strong Christian themes.
@NoHeroesForTomorrow@xanga - I don't want to spoil it, but the end of the series is strong.
She writes about witch craft. So whether or not she claims to be a Christian or not, she obviosly hasn't read the bible. Nothing in her writings speaks of Holiness.
i couldn't possibly care less about an author's religious beliefs.
IF she was a true christian her books would teach people about God. Instead, her books take people away from God. Jesus said people would know we are His followers by our fruits. I cant say more then this, couse her books speak for her.
@Celtic_haven@xanga - pretty sure the Bible teaches AGAINST witchcraft. Right on...
@Celtic_haven@xanga - @bmojsilo@xanga - @TheyCallMePaulNow@xanga - Now, now. True, there is witchcraft and all that hocus pocus, but part of the art of writing is creating a vehicle suited to drive your message to your readers. The Narnia series, by C.S. Lewis' -- maybe arguably one of the most recognized theologians of modern times -- contained many elements of magic. Tolkien, a friend of Lewis and a Catholic himself, said that the Lord of the Rings is an allegory for Christianity as well.
Now, what people take from a book is an entirely different issue itself. This is what bmojsilo seems to be worried about. There is often a discrepancy between the author's intended message and how the reader interprets that message. Even supposed Christian books like Narnia and LOTR are also seen as stories with no connection to Christianity at all. Is that the author's fault? Not at all. It is the reader's freedom to interpret the work.
I'm not saying, "Yeah, go read Harry Potter now!" That's ultimately up to your own convictions. What I am trying to argue against is the simplified notion that, "Pffttt this book/movie is about glorifying witchcraft!" No carefully crafted book is ever about ONE thing (otherwise that would be boring!). Meanings can be buried in literature, and it's important to look for that.
@Celtic_haven@xanga -
Truth be told, the witchcraft in the HP books is so far removed from "real" witchcraft,
that it really should have a different name. Harry, Ron and Hermione
are more akin to Gandalf and co than wiccans. (Albeit Gandalf WAS an
angelic being, but that is going down a whole other path.)
As a children's worker myself, if I HAD to see an issue in the books, rather
than the "witchcraft", it would be the fact that Harry and his friends
often break rules and get away with it, but this is FAR outweighed by
the themes or bravery, justice and especially love - in many different
forms.
That said, some of these themes ARE lost in the translation to the big screen.
I hope to be able to read Harry Potter to my children someday, and maybe
we can talk about these things and it will open up some great talks.
PLUS, how can we judge whether she has read the Bible? Really, thats quite a bold statement.
did she say she was a Christian? because "believing in God" does not equal "being a Christian"
i thought the defining feature was "believing in Jesus"
just wondering if she had said that
@NoHeroesForTomorrow@xanga - As a Christian, should we use witchcraft as a vehicle to reach the unsaved? That's the question. Jesus used vehicles to help his audience understand his message without using witchcraft as an example. I don't care who wrote a "Christian" book. Magic, witchcraft, or any mysticism is evil according to the Bible. Why would a Christian support something so opposite what God is and stands for? There are too many biblical verses against it...
@elvinwei@xanga - Satan and his demons believe that God exists. That doesn't mean that he has a relationship with God through Jesus Christ.
@NoHeroesForTomorrow@xanga - what you say is true, but I think that author should, in a certain way show his true message through stories he writes. When I was reading Harry Potter, when I first became a chrisitan I only found it to be a story about a magitian. When I was reading Hobbit and LOTR I also found them to be stories of adventure, nothing more nithing less. Although I like Hobbit more than LOTR, and I am not a huge fan of Harry Potter either. But I will say this. God can show himself, or send a certain message to anyone through a work of fiction. I learn all sorts of things just by watching movies.
@TheyCallMePaulNow@xanga - I KNOW. did you read my question correctly? i was asking "did JK Rollins say taht she had a relationship with God through hr faith in Jesus?" that is what i meant to ask, your reply to me is something i already know
Honestly, you guys take all the fun and fullfilment out a wonderful book series. Ugh.
Aw come on, Harry Potter is innocent fantasy! I don't get what's so "demonic" about it; yes there's obvious references to witchcraft, but it shouldn't even be called that because it's completely fantasized "witchcraft." Real witches don't actually do any of those things! There's nothing wrong with having an imagination and a love for creative writing, while still being Christian. Think of The Chronicles of Narnia; those series were written by a devout Christian who has written multiple books on Christianity, yet The Chronicles of Narnia has many references to magic. It's the art of creative writing! :)
@etoile_violette@xanga - It's the art of creative writing! :)
Exactly! I agree with you.
@elvinwei@xanga - sorry. i was trying to support what you were saying. that's all.
It's difficult to assess someone's spiritual relationship from a book like this.
I thought she was mormon...or jehovah's witness. Or was that Stephanie Meyer. Idk.
She has certainly gained the worlds ear.
Let's see what she does with such a responibility.
Same with each of us, who is watching our lives and what do they SEE?
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@NoHeroesForTomorrow@xanga - very well put