the hidden key to Harry Potter; Soc Sci 101

[arrowsmithbt]

No: HPFGUIDX 60320

I've been reading the interesting posts by Kia and Pennylin regarding the Granger 
book.

Don't know if the Moderators will pass this, but I think it necessary to make folk 
aware that social attitudes and behaviour cannot be  implied with impunity.

By the tone and content, I would guess that you are both from West of the Water.
Maybe you aren't aware that British attitudes towards religion are somewhat different 
to those in the USA. Over here it tends to be a very private thing and those that freely 
discuss or expound their religious beliefs in public are thought a bit embarassing and 
perhaps a bit odd by  a lot of their listeners. It is also thought to be a breach of 
manners to imply beliefs or attitudes to someone you don't know or who hasn't 
publicised them.

The Narnia books are reckoned to be moderately good childrens books, but because 
of the action, not the symbolism. Few adults read them. If I remember correctly the 
Inklings consisted of a lot more than two or three writers, most of whom drifted off 
when they realised all that was happening was the release of a lot of hot air.

So JKR attends Church of Scotland services occasionally - I wouldn't read too much 
into that - belief in a Deity yes, but more would be considered an intrusion. Formal 
church attendance has little to do with your personal religious leanings over here. (I'm 
talking of Protestant attitudes here. Other churches I can't speak for. )

Paul Johson in his ( Very Good ) History of the English, reckoned that historically, we  
considered that religion was just something to do on Sundays. Even when there were 
fines for non-attendance for church services, attendance was still only about 50%.
It's no co-incidence that the stricter Puritan sects considered us a Godless society and 
stampeded onto the Mayflower. They had freedom of worship here, but they got 
nowhere with influencing the rest of us.

My advice - be very cautious discussing a Brits supposed religious beliefs, especially 
when they are being expounded by some one who may not appreciate the social 
nuances of a foreign society.

Kneasy





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