Wizard Religion

[Emily F]

No: HPFGUIDX 48183

AD said:
>But another question that's probably already been raised -- How would a
Muggle-born witch or wizard who was raised in an extremely religious family
adapt to the knowledge of his or her nature?  So many lines of faith state
that magic is inherently evil, comes from Satan, etc...  How would the
child cope with the knowledge?  And what would his/her family do?  And
what, if any, intervention would come from the WW?

Me:
Actually, a lot of religions believe in "magic", and indeed find nothing 
evil in it inherently.  Christianity, Judaism, and Islam all contain magic 
or mysticism in one form or another.  I know that many of the saints and 
great figures of Christian history are known for their mysticism or their 
ability to perform miracles.  It's not the *magic* but the *source* that is 
evil.  If everyone in the WW worships Satan and receives their power from 
him, then I might be a tad bit horrified if my child were called to join 
their ranks!  :-)  However, it's safe to say that that isn't true.  Perhaps 
Dumbledore explains this to Christian parents in a letter or something?  I'm 
sure he's had to make this distinction before.  Alas, I doubt Rowling will 
enlighten us.

(Note: I don't intend for this to lead into a discussion on how different 
sects of each religion have treated this subject; suffice to say, I 
recognize the fact that not all members of each religion agree on 
mysticism.)

I have a general belief that, in the HP world, magic is a gift or talent 
that some people possess, and some don't; but if one is gifted, then it must 
come from somewhere.  If the WW were real, I for one would have no problem 
reconciling it with my religious beliefs, and I'm a Bible-thumping 
Christian.  ;-)

Emily

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