Bonfire Night/Godparents (some comments)

[meboriqua at aol.com]

No: HPFGUIDX 17323

 > Although the origins of godparenthood are religious, it is often 
used simply as a means to honour some close friends or siblings of the 
parents and they may then do little more than give the child gifts on 
significant dates.  The religious aspect is, as Catherine said, that 
the godparents are seen as religious or spiritual guides for the 
child.  At the Christening (baptism), they are expected to step 
forward and speak on the child's behalf.  I think many people just ask 
their chosen godparents and don't go near a church.  I was baptised 
and I have a very devoutly Christian godmother and two atheists (one 
late) as godfathers, none of whom has ever offered me guidance.  
However, a medium once told me that I am possessed by my deceased 
godfather (who is also my uncle), but I digress.... As to Penny's 
question, I think a godparent could be seen a proxy guardian, but 
grandparents, aunts and uncles (The Dursleys - gaaaah!!!) would 
probably be considered first, and there is no legal bond (unless 
specified).  To me a godparent seems a bizarre thing to have in a 
world based in witchcraft, but on second thoughts, JKR has not so much 
embraced Wiccan or Pagan beliefs, as created a word of Magic 
intermingled with many comforting Muggle traditions, such as the 
rather secular Christmas celebrations. It's my view that JKR is 
portraying Sirius as an alternative guardian, not someone the Potters 
chose to be a religious guide.> 
> Neil>

Hi Neil!

I had to respond to this even though it is quite OT, but I will 
connect it to Harry Potter so...

The question of religion in HP is interesting to me, and I know I 
(among others) brought it up a while ago, but I stand by my belief 
that if the wizarding world were to be assigned a religion, it would 
most definitely be a Christian one.  Why do I insist on this?

Well, I am Jewish, and in Judaism there is no Christmas and absolutely 
no Godparents.  Whether either of these things are secular or not (and 
I do love Christmas decorations and go a little nuts decorating my 
classroom for the holidays), they are still religious based.  My 
boyfriend is not Jewish and has mentioned having godparents for our 
baby (if we ever have one) and that makes me very uncomfortable.  In 
fact, religious Jews do not celebrate Halloween either.   Since I was 
not raised in a religious home, I was lucky enough to be able to 
participate in Halloween (my very favorite holiday - you should see my 
classroom in October), but many Jewish people do not.

My point is, I think people are taking for granted that we live in a 
very Christian world, and Harry Potter celebrates Christian holidays 
and observes Christian traditions.  BTW, this does NOT bother me in 
the least, and I ABSOLUTELY am not criticizing ANY religion 
whatsoever.  I do not want to offend anyone (and would feel very bad 
if I did).  I just wanted to add my two knuts in here with a slightly 
different perspective.

--jenny from ravenclaw, who, if she was a 14 year old witch at 
Hogwarts, would still date H