RELIGION AND THE HARRY POTTER SERIES

By Penny Linsenmayer

Religious References in the Books

Religion does not figure at all in the lives of the muggles or the witches and wizards who populate the Harry Potter books. The only real references to religion within the books are to the Christmas and Easter "breaks" from school and the Christmas Day celebrations. Many American readers were left wondering why Rowling chose to use Christian holidays rather than secular references (such as "winter break" in place of "Christmas break" and "spring break" instead of "Easter break").[1] However, the British members explained that school breaks in the U.K. are typically referred to with reference to Christian holidays.[2] The British members of our group have also clarified that while many Britons will profess a belief in God, not so many of them would label themselves "Christian" (which implies active and regular attendance at church services). They have noted that the overall population of modern-day Great Britain is not particularly religious.[3]

Everyone is largely in agreement that the Christmas Day celebrations at Hogwarts are completely secular and Dickensian in nature.[4] One member has pointed out, however, that it is possible that religious services are available for Hogwarts students if they choose. They aren't depicted, but omission of explicit references to religious services may not necessarily indicate they are non-existent.[5] American members also questioned why a suit of armor in the Hogwarts Castle would sing incomplete lyrics to "O Come, All Ye Faithful," a clearly religious Christmas carol, rather than a more secular tune such as "Jingle Bells." The British members again clarified that it is fairly typical for religious Christmas carols and hymns to be sung in British schools and for school-children (and adults) to fail to attach any religious significance to the words of the songs themselves. They also noted that the most frequently-sung carols are the religious ones (no one would know the words to "Jingle Bells," according to one member).[6]

If none of the witches/wizards practice Christianity, it is a bit of mystery how the Fat Friar came to be the resident ghost of Hufflepuff House.[7] Some members have wondered whether muggle-born witches and wizards might have Christian, Jewish, Muslim or other "muggle" religious beliefs.[8] Others have argued that "pure-blood" (or "half-blood) witches and wizards might just as easily have "muggle" religious beliefs.[9] Most of the Wiccan members are in agreement that the Harry Potter books contain no references to Wicca (paganism) and that nothing in the books would suggest that witches & wizards within the Harry Potter universe are Wiccan.[10]

J. K. Rowling and Religion

She has said she is not a Wiccan.[11] She has said that she believes in God and attends church from time to time ("more than weddings and christenings").[12] She has mentioned involvement with the Church of Scotland, but has so far not been too much more specific about her own religious beliefs.[13]

Religious Themes in the Harry Potter Series

Members of our group have not spent much time exploring potential religious themes in the book, other than to occasionally note the possibility for a Christian allegory to eventually play out in the series as a whole. One member has noted that the celebrations within the wizarding community after infant Harry's victory over Lord Voldemort are celebrations of the victory of a "savior." Lily Potter died to "save" her son.

A number of articles exploring these themes can be found at the website, Harry Potter: Culture and Religion (http://www.cesnur.org/recens/potter_00.htm).

Some of the articles on this site that are recommended by our members who might be interested in exploring religious themes in the books include:

"Harry Potter: A Christian Hero?" -- http://www.cesnur.org/recens/potter_mi_eng.htm

"'First Things' Endorses Harry Potter" (Catholic journal "First Things" endorses the series and explores the deeper Christian meanings in the books) -- http://www.cesnur.org/recens/potter_016.htm

"Wiccans Dispute Potter Claims" -- http://www.cesnur.org/recens/potter_069.htm

Claims of the Anti-Harry Potter Groups

This group has not spent much time debating the validity of claims advanced by the anti-Harry Potter groups. The major claims of those opposed to the Harry Potter books can be summarized as follows:

1. The books portray witchcraft and the occult (supernatural) in a positive light, thereby desensitizing children to the real-life dangers of true witchcraft.

2. The books are not written from, and do not promote, Judeo-Christian ethics.

3. The books contain violence and material that may be frightening for younger children.

"Bewitched by Harry Potter"

http://www.worthynews.com/harry-potter.html

"Latest 'Harry Potter' book meets 'cautionary response' from Christians (Baptist Press)

http://www.cesnur.org/recens/potter_044.htm

"What shall we do with Harry?" (Focus on Family publication)

http://www.family.org/pplace/pi/genl/a0008833.html

"Not Every Christian horrified by Harry Potter"

http://www.cesnur.org/recens/potter_039.htm

"'Christianity Today' reports controversy, reports in favor of Harry"

http://www.cesnur.org/recens/potter_010.htm