I concur that their are several logical problems with trying to say that the HP books are "evil" and that others are not. Rational arguments about the use of magic in stories and the "moral-ness" of the books are also discussions too often ignored in favor of trench warfare topics like:
* "Why Christians against HP are stupid illiterate gits." or
* "Why anyone that has ever read as far as page six hundred and sixty-six in GOF is now dammed to hell".
Both sides seem committed to this sort of brinksmanship and little good will come from either blog flames or pulpit slams.
I can't say much to the non-Christian HP community about their actions, because (unlike believers) they don't hold themselves to a non-relative standard of right and wrong. The HP philosophy is not satanic - or even pagan: It's humanistic. As a certain headmaster so often says, It's not our history or abilities, but our choices, that determine who we are.
Making right choices about good and evil is at the heart of the HP series; it is the central theme. This sounds well and good - and it is for the humanist - but as Christians, we are called to an absolute truth that is "TRUE" regardless of our choices. With that in mind, HP is not evil, merely a reflection of the fallen world we live in.
If there is value in Lewis or Tolkien over Rowling, it is not in how women are treated or how violence is portrayed (Rowling is much more "enlightened") Neither is it in how good magic is handled or how many dark arts are exposed or triumphed over. The difference is that the HP universe points to nothing beyond ourselves, while Middle Earth points to a great something that should be reverenced and explored and Narnia points directly to scripture with a flashing arrow. This lack of "pointing to" isn't a malevolent evil - it's simply the absence of that divine perspective that believers are blessed with - faith. Rowling has hope and even a bit of love, but it's devoid of The Answer and real truth.
Without this guiding standard, the HP books can be a pitfall. As I mentioned, there is no TRUTH, but it smacks of faith-ishness. I'm pretty sure that the Superman effect forrest mentioned will clean up some misunderstandings; but because the books are set in a world so near our own - there is a potential that some seeking answers might be more receptive to those all to happy to provide them. I say this is might be a pitfall - because all of the ecclesiastical trash talk and spiritual sound bites will likely get in the way of our ability to share the gospel with some HP fans. They won't find this lack of "love" among the true pagan missionaries that are seeking converts.
[Oh, and for the record, Forrest, Gandalf wasn't a wizard ... He was an angel. Men called them "wizards".]
11 comments:
You are such an intellectual my friend... Can angels also be pretty too? (check out my new post)
I enjoy books for the ride, and I like Dash to provide the intellectual insight. He is very smart. I knew Dash would have a better look at this topic than me. I'll stick to talking about music.
I appreciate your comments. It is interesting to see your views. I agree that their is some danger in "...some seeking answers might be more receptive..." Actually, Shanart and I had a conversation about this and felt that the same could possibly be the case with Lewis or Tolkens books, if someone didn't know better. There are always opportunities for misinterpretation. As Christians I do think we need to show love, whether or not you agree with the person or not. In fact, that is how "they will know we are Christians". However, I think that a discussion about truth will show love, if done with the right motives. Interesting news about Gandalf being an angel, I never caught that mention about him.
I laughed outloud in regards to your blog name and description! I love to beat the dash, but I think I am not to your level yet. Thanks!
Welcome to the dashboard dwhitey!
On the Gandalf thing .... he says at one point in The Two Towers: "Olorin I was in my youth in the west - but that is forgotten"
In the Silmarillion, Olorin is identified as one of the lesser angels that "Iluvatar" (Tolkien's tranlitteration of Jehova)inspires to create the world according to HIS song of creation.
There is a large portion of the silmarillion that attempts to weave what we would call greek mythology into the christian world view by re-casting the "gods" as angels put in charge of creating/maintaining the earth ... sun, earth, wind, sea etc.
So when Gandalf and the other "wizards" show up in middle earth to prevent the return of Sauron ... one of Olorin's peers, the men called them wizards.
You have way too much information in your head then one should ever admit! BTW, why can't you remember conversations if you can quote books like that? HUM??? Selective memory maybe? :) :) :)
Thank you for the welcome and the detailed description. It has been awhile since I read the books and the movies moved so quickly, if it was mentioned I didn't catch that. Gracias!
I'm still trying to figure out what Hewlett Packard has to do with fantasy literature. :)
I couldn't agree with you more about your assessment of the two sides on the Harry Potter argument. Reading stories with witches isn't evil, but it is unlikely that Narnia or Middle Earth can be compared like apples and apples to Hogwarts. I don't know this firsthand, though, since I haven't taken the time to read the books yet. Someday, probably.
Dust - If you wait about 2 more years, you can avoid the cliff-hanger problem entirely. The last book will have already been released and you will be able to move from book to book without any of the dreadfull waiting.
By the way, in case you wondered. The last chapter of the last book has already been completed.
The last word of the series is "scar".
Dash, to be completely honest, that is part of the reason I have been waiting. There is no point for me to get totally immersed in a story only to have to wait a year or two to read the conclusion.
Hey there! Over thanksgiving we went to a missionary "retreat" camp. Guest speaker used to work for Disney. He said (and I quote)... "God still OWNS the word MAGIC so just get OVER it people..." Thought of you for SOME reason!!!
So in essence, Harry Potter is really no different than our beloved "Star Wars."
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