'HP and the Bible' and thoughts on Harry...

[Scott]

No: HPFGUIDX 17641

Agh! Comprehensive tests are always fun aren't they? (More tomorrow 
too...) When I came home and finally got a chance to catch up on 
messages I couldn't wait to unwind. However I've only become wound up 
and angry at this whole 'Harry Potter and the Bible' debate. I'm now 
fuming, but I hope I can come across as civil. Regardless, this shall 
be my first and last post on the topic, which IMO doesn't deserve the 
attention it's getting.

Mr. Abanes you surely knew when you posted here you were walking into 
a lion's den and were sure to get bitten, especially with some of the 
biting remarks you've made. (As you said the word 'ignorant' had no 
condescending meaning I suppose you won't mind that I feel many of 
your views are ignorant as well?) ;-) I will not claim to be a 
Christian, or to share your views. I don't. However I believe that 
there is truth in many forms, and Christianity may or may not be one 
of them. Life isn't black and white. If we blindly believe what 
you're saying (and as I've stated before blind faith is IMO more 
dangerous than no faith at all) then we aren't learning anything. 

Harry Potter as a character is not perfect, therefore the books that 
bear his name aren't either. On the contrary Harry is realistic. Yes 
he lies, but would you rather have a book that portrays children who 
are absolutely honest and never lie (and therefore unrealistic)? 
Cm'on. 

Mr Abanes wrote:
"Regarding Harry letting Peter go  TRUE, this is an act of mercy. 
HOWEVER, how does Rowling handle this rare good deed??? She ends up 
having the good deed turn out to be the WORST thing Harry could have 
ever done!!! Because Peter was allowed to live, Cedric dies in book 4 
and Voldemort rises. So, here we have a truly good deed  causing 
evil, but in other place many times we have bad deeds  (lying, 
cheating, stealing, breaking wizard laaws) bringing about fun and 
goodness. If that isn't cockeyed for a fairy tale/ fantasy, I don't 
know what is."

--And? If you're trying to say that "moral" decisions should always 
turn out good, and "immoral" decisions should always turn out bad, 
then I'd like to know where you're living. Things aren't that simple 
in my life (I wish they were), and they aren't in Harry's either.

Perhaps you should read Peg Kerr's essays on the seven deadly sins, 
and seven heavenly virtues among others in the files section of this 
group. She pointed out that Harry's most noble choice, (sharing the 
cup with Cedric) led to an innocent death. Not every author can do 
that, but JKR pulled it off quite effectively.

Mr Abanes also wrote:
"ANSWER: Rowling herself says that she studied magic, occultism, and 
Witchcraft in order to write the books and that up to 1/3 of what she 
has in her books is real. Sorry. Regarding the channeling, 
Trelawney's prophetic episode is CLASSIC spiritism and mediumship." 

--Classic indeed. JKR Rowling's Harry Potter stories are not new. 
They are a retelling of classic themes that are (perhaps) as old as 
humanity itself. It can be found in the Bible (prophecies of
Jesus' 
birth etc.) and in countless Greek and Roman writings...

Mr Abanes also commented:
"Now, discussing it from a purely literary standpoint is a DIFFERENT 
issue."

--It is indeed Mr. Abanes, and one that I do not think you have 
engaged in since joining this group. Please keep in mind that we are 
interested in discussing the Harry Potter books by Jo Rowling, not 
'Harry Potter and the Bible' by yourself. If you want to discuss
HP 
great, but if all you are going to do is squabble over your differing 
beliefs then perhaps you'd be happier elsewhere.

HARRY'S WEAKNESSES
Someone, can't remember who, mentioned one of Harry's other 
weaknesses was procrastination. I can COMPLETELY relate to this (I am 
the worlds greatest!). This is most evident in the TWT, but I can see 
how it could affect Harry later in the books.

What else are Harry's weaknesses? I think one of the greatest would 
have to be his longing for family.  (i.e. His obsession with the 
Mirror of Erised)

Scott
As someone said- "Peace, Love, and Harry Potter"