Book Review: Harry Potter and the Bible.
Think of these words: "The naive believes everything, but a sensible man considers his steps. A wise man is cautious and turns away from evil, but a fool is arrogant and careless." (Prov. 14: 15-16). Yes. We are told to be discerning of what hear and what we read; and not to be taken in by it. We must, at all times, be very careful in what we read. And more so, for Christian Parents with young children-- for what may seem harmless may in reality be very dangerous for our souls. In His book, Harry Potter and the bible, Richard Abanes gives us a most helpful and thorough examination of this series of books (he looks at the first 4); in order that we can come to better position on some key points. This book consists of 14 chapters; which are broken down into 2 sections: section one: has 8 chapters; two to each Potter book (a) a brief summary; (b) a closer look. The section two holds 6 chapters: 2 on the enduring battle; two on beyond fantasy; and two on lessons learned.
In the introduction to this book, we have this perceptive quote: "anytime the dark side of the supernatural world is presented as harmless or even imaginary, there is the danger that children will become curious and find too late that witchcraft is neither harmless nor imaginary." (Pg. 1) And this is a worrying trend because it shows a lack of discernment. It can be witnessed when nearly every kind of agency such as Christians or non Christian begin to allow this to be something that determine their out look. Take note of this Catholic journal who says that Harry Potter is "a great deal of fun" "charming" "a kind of spiritual warfare, a struggle between good and evil." (pg. 5) I have said else where that it is a battle, not between good and evil, as it is often thought; but a lesser and greater strand of evil. Or what about Chuck Colson (born again Christian) who said of Harry Potter "courage, loyalty, and a willingness to sacrifice for one another-- even at the risk of their own lives. Not bad lesson in a self-centred world." (pg. 5-6) And the list of endorsement could be multiplied. Now the point here is simple: exercise some discernment.
Let us take note of some of the common threads in these works; there are two diametrically opposing themes running parallel in the narrative: (1) a weakened version of a biblical principal: a love that compels one to give everything up for another. whether that be a mother for a child; or one friend for another or a whole collection of friends. (2) Pagan and occult undertones which can be found in subtle and outright forms even down to many of the creatures and names employed: Minerva and Griffins. Do you see the issue in this? It simply at the heart of it: a blending two worldviews one which Christianity which is good and pure; and the other Paganism and Occult which is bad and impure or even evil. And this is what you have in these books. The question that arises from this is simple: which one is more predominant?
Now in parting I wish to add that even with occasional biblical reference it does not change the fact that these works are not Christian. Must reads in this book critiquing the Potter books chapters 2; 4; 6;8.
