Harry Potter, Magic and Should I Read It?

There has been much controversy among Christians ever since the Harry Potter books first came out whether these books should be read. I must confess that my wife and I did not start reading them until the 6th book was coming out, because we had simply bought into the belief that they were not to be read due to the utter focus on magic and did not investigate it for ourselves.

Having just finished the 7th and final installment of the series (at 12:30 this morning!), I can honestly say from a literature standpoint, it was very well written, and the themes and plots of the series were wrapped up quite nicely (I will not say anymore since there are likely people reading that have not finished/may want to read the books!).

For those that would wish to criticize the book, I would ask them to examine their reasons from refraining. Is is because they have carefully looked at its content and in good conscience not wished their children to read it? If so, then I wholly support that conviction. However, it is often that there are those that take one look and state "it has magic in the book! It is evil! It cannot be read!" Funny, so did The Chronicles of Narnia series by C.S. Lewis (though there are those who do not think these novels should be read either).

My friend Joseph Bailey wrote an article recently (which I cannot find, but as soon as I do, I will link it here--I will attempt to paraphrase) about the Potter books and others like it, in that when he looks at stories or books and whether they are appropriate for a person to read as a Christian, he looks at the overall themes, such as the fight against good and evil.

In the books, evil is not glorified, and teamwork, courage, love, and trust are exemplified. Now, it is important not to make the books do more than they are made to do, since that goes beyond Ms. Rowling's intentions. This book is not to be overly trumpeted by Christianity, something for us to shove theology in every nook and cranny of the story that we can find. To do so tortures the story and goes to the opposite extreme--though I will say that the theme of redemption is prevalent.

Ms. Rowling tells a great story, the books are a great read, and I believe they can teach valuable lessons. Magic and the wizarding world only provides a backdrop for the relationships that are formed and the fight against good and evil (and that often such a fight requires sacrifice). So, in examining whether to read this or any other piece of literature yourself or to children, ask yourself what is being held up as truth in the themes and concepts of that book? What is glorified? Asking such questions can help us know whether we are living by conviction or simply rejecting something (which may have value) without thinking--Truth is in the world and God owns that Truth, wherever it may be found.