Christianity and HP

[macfotuk at yahoo.com]

No: HPFGUIDX 112202

I don't know if I should, as a lapsed catholic and probable present 
time agnostic/atheist, be starting (or more likely continuing) a 
thread on Christianity. Even if it's original (which I really doubt) 
I'm somewhat loath to (re-)start a posting topic that could generate 
controversy or else run and run for all the wrong reasons. Even so:  

How is it that Hogwarts always celebrates Xmas? (see also 
http://www.ad2000.com.au/articles/2002/apr2002p10_969.html) Jews 
don't. Muslims don't. Why should wizards? especially when 
historically the church saw wizardry as devilish? (Satan = opponent 
of God the father of JC). 

Of course in HP hallow'een also looms large (how could it not for 
witches? - something significant always happens on Hallow'een (Harry 
and Nevilles's conception as I've noted before, '*that* night' at 
Godric's Hollow, NHN's bungled beheading, the troll in PS/SS, the 
basilisk's first strike in CoS, Sirius' 1st attack at Hogwart's in 
PoA, Harry's choosing by the GoF, though nothing obvious in OotP). 
Although halloween has older roots as a solstice than as all 
hallow's eve, the latter name definitely derives from the idea of 
saints and a Jesus-based religiosity. Is JKR trying to signify that 
Hogwarts works on 'good WASP traditions' like any English public 
school (where pupils, Christian or otherwise, have to sing hymns and 
celebrate Christian festivals like Easter, Xmas, Michaelmas etc, or 
that wizards aren't as dark as all that because they 'do' Xmas, or 
what?

There is a recent thread on JKR's beliefs (based on a mysterious 
Canadian interview?) suggesting she is a Christian and that she said 
if she stated what she actually believes then we would all know too 
much about the ending. This is weighed against the attacks by deeply 
Christian folk (whatever you want to name them) suggesting HP is too 
wickedly heathen/dark and wizardry/magic generally is 
unchristian/unholy.

Harry doesn't go to church that we see, nor Hermione nor anyone else 
in HP yet it just seems to be assumed that Christianity is a theme 
present but largely unspoken of/ignored - sad to say (for those who 
are wholeheartedly Christian) rather like the prevailing view of the 
majority of folk in the real world in the UK or much of the US at 
least. Many profess to be Christian but do little that is in any way 
religious in a Christian sense, like pray, attend mass, live their 
lives with Christian values, or otherwise express what are supposed 
to be firmly held and all pervasive beliefs (faith).

Any comments? (and PLEASE keep these in relation to the books/JKR's 
WW and not about Christianity per se such as your own personal 
views, strongly held or otherwise e.g. Jesus being the sole 
salvation of humanity or entirely otherwise)

I note in passing that from the J.K.Rowling.com Edinburgh 2004 
interview transcript:

Q: Does Harry have a godmother? If so, will she make an appearance 
in future books?

A (by JKR): No, he doesn't. I have thought this through. If Sirius 
had married
 Sirius was too busy being a big rebel to get married. 
When Harry was born, it was at the very height of Voldemort fever 
last time so his christening was a very hurried, quiet affair with 
just Sirius, just the best friend. At that point it looked as if the 
Potters would have to go into hiding so obviously they could not do 
the big christening thing and invite lots of people. Sirius is the 
only one, unfortunately. I have got to be careful what I say there, 
haven't I?

Mac now: so Harry was christened ... hmmmmmmmm (I do hope JC isn't 
supposed to be behind 'that' door at the MoM or else anything to do 
with the veil).