What are JKR's religious beliefs?

[Penny Linsenmayer <pennylin@swbell.net>]

Hi 

I said, in part:
> > Certainly most of these Christian
> > commentators I've discussed above
> > believe that she is Christian and
> > that this shows through in her
> > work. I'd agree with that
> > assessment in general.

Petra Pan asked:
> 
> Say, Penny, can you tell me if in the 
> process of discussing the various 
> themes and motifs of JKR's books the 
> authors of these books that you've 
> been reading distinguish between that 
> which is at the core of just about 
> every major religion in this world of 
> ours AND that which is specifically 
> of the Christian tradition?

<big snip>

I am curious to know if 
> these books offer insights of even 
> broader scope...or do they only 
> explore the common ground between the 
> HP themes and Christianity?

Ah, yes.  Well, all of these authors are perhaps necessarily biased by
the fact that they *are* Christian, which no doubt colors the analysis
in some measure.  But, Francis Bridger's work very definitely
addresses the universal themes in HP ..... universal themes that are
common to many of the world's religions that is.  IMO, he doesn't
dwell as much on themes or symbolism that are specific to Christianity
and takes overall a more humanist view in his analysis.  After I read
it and when we were discussing potential special guests to Nimbus -
2003 last fall, I recommended that non-Christians on the Nimbus staff
read the Bridger book.  I know Gwen did .....and that she liked it.  

Killinger emphasizes his belief that the Judeo-Christian heritage is
the underpinning to Rowling's work, so he does go a bit beyond
straight Christianity.  He also acknowledges the universalism of many
of the books' themes.  But like Granger, he finds a great deal of the
symbolism in HP to be Christian.  Granger flat-out says that Rowling
either is a Christian or has a remarkable fetish for Christian imagery
and symbols.  <g>  Connie Neal's books would probably not be terribly
appealing to non-Christians.....or at least I would imagine that
non-Christians would find more insights in Bridger, Killinger or
Granger.  

Look for my book review ......it really *is* upcoming soon. 
:::ignores the whispers of "yeah, right" resonating:::::::

Penny