Harry and Christ (Was Re: veil/Ddore's cowardice? (longish)

[feetmadeofclay]

No: HPFGUIDX 78121

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "James Redmont" 
<jamesredmont at h...> wrote:
> --- > The fact is that most religions have the same core beliefs 
(doing 
> right) and that *this* is something fundamental in the human 
> psyche.  The fact that this says something to us (HP is a huge 
deal, 
> right?) is important...there's something about Harry that appeals 
to 
> us.  And part of this is spiritual, or moral, or however you choose 
> to put it into terms.  
> 
> James Redmont

I have to disagree here and this is the main problem I have with such 
the treatment of Christian ethics in the book.  

In books 1-4 the beliefs were relatively compatable with my own.  
They were general western ethics.  Proably ethics held by a great 
many peoples. 

Do good, help your family and friends and try your best.  

HOWEVER - the idea that Harry will destroy Voldemort through love and 
that love is a force within him is NOT a universal theme.  It is very 
Christian.  It has nothing at all to do with my beliefs. 

I must admit to some annoyance when Christians or people with a 
Christian background (who are irreligious themselves) think that 
everyone part of some general theory of ethics.  

I think different things and believe different things.  And I have no 
problem with HP being particularly Christian in is theological bent.  
I merely wish it was a theme strung more obviously through the story 
from the beginning.  I think it would have been more honest.

There is a big difference between drawing on magical traditions of 
Christianity and drawing on a Jesus theme... ONe is a part of a 
magical tradition - ie part of the point of the book and not 
particularly deeply treated.  For instance Rowling allows Alchemy to 
be part of the background.  The kids never use the stone.  But Harry 
martying himself through his love is distinctly Christian.  

And it ain't universal.

Golly