Christianity and HP

[Pat]

No: HPFGUIDX 112514

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, squeakinby <squeakinby at t...> 
wrote:
> juli17 at a... wrote:
> > Regarding whether HP reflects "Christian values" 
> > (who dislikes seeing sacrifice, love, morality, etc, co-opted by 
ANY religion or belief system)
> 
> Wouldn't this be a good time to end this thread then?
> 
> Jem

Pat here:

You are probably right, but I want to add my thoughts, having just 
read all the posts on this topic.

>From my definitely Christian point of view, I see many Christian 
themes and symbols.  They really aren't hard to find.  (Think of 
Fawkes sacrificing himself to swallow up the snake, and then being 
re-born--hmmm.)

That's not to say that the same things don't exist in other 
religions.  Joseph Campbell had a lot to say on this whole subject, 
where he talks about the hero and his universality.  But I, like all 
of you, read the books from my own understanding and perspective.  
It's just that having read or heard the interviews where JKR says 
that she is Christian and does attend church for more than weddings, 
funerals and Christenings, it seems to me that her perspective is 
from the Christian point of view.  I don't think, however, that she 
has done this intentionally, as C.S. Lewis did with the Chronicles 
of Narnia.

When we have a certain belief system and a way of seeing how the 
world around us works, it is only natural that anything we say or 
write is reflective of those beliefs.  More than being specifically 
about religion, I have always seen the books as being about good and 
evil, plain and simple.  Throughout, we see Harry fighting evil and 
choosing good--and that is the theme that is expounded over and over 
by Dumbledore--that we always have the ability to choose our actions 
and reactions, and that is what shows who we are.  I see the story 
in the context of my Christian beliefs, but I understand that 
everyone else sees that message in the context of their own 
beliefs.  And I think that is what JKR has intended.

The use of the specific holidays are, in the way the books are 
written, more of a cultural thing than anything else.  Had she set 
the books in Japan, I would think she would have used holidays 
specific to the Japanese culture.

I think when we get to the end of the 7th book, we will each be 
allowed to put the details into our own points-of-view.  It is 
brilliant that JKR has allowed for such a universal appeal.  Rather 
than avoiding these kinds of discussions, I find it to be 
enlightening and extremely interesting.  One of the best things 
about the Harry Potter books, aside from so many people reading, is 
that people are talking to each other about their opinions, 
emotions, and yes, even their religious beliefs.  That's a good 
thing--communication is the best way for us to understand each 
other.  (And I think that's is a rather subtle theme throughout the 
books, as well--if DD had talked to Harry... if Hermione had really 
listened to what the house elves were saying....  if the three of 
them had been more open with their ideas with any of the professors 
in any of the books....)

Pat, who commends everyone who has posted for presenting their ideas 
respectfully