The theory of Harry Potter symbolising the Path of Alchemical Liberation.

[Tonks]

No: HPFGUIDX 125570


The Hogshead Barmaid has asked that I leave my wand at the door.  
Which I do, as I look around to be sure that others are also 
unarmed. ;-)

First let me say that the only reason that I debate these points 
here is that I feel that the Bible and Christian belief is being 
misrepresented.  Since there are folks on this list that may know 
nothing about Christianity I feel that I must present an accurate 
portrayal. 

I have no problem with anyone who wants to write about the Tao of 
Harry Potter or even the "Liberation of Harry Potter".  I am sure 
that the author writing about the Buddhist or Taoist view of Harry 
would not use the Jewish religion to prove his point.  And likewise 
it should not be necessary to present a perverted view of the 
Christian religion to prove a position that is not only non-
Christian, but one that is anathema to Christianity.  (Christianity 
being defined as all of the branches of the one Holy, Catholic, and 
Apostolic Church, as confessed in the Creeds and Counsels of the 
Church over the past 2000 years.) This is a bit harsh, but it must 
be said.  Moving on


There are many paths to the truth that is the Ultimate Truth.  There 
is only one Ultimate Truth but many paths.  I am more liberal than 
most Christians in that I personally believe that the important 
thing is that a *seeker* follow the path that he knows as outline in 
one of the major world religions. (In other word, I personally don't 
think that everyone in the world must be a Christian.  Many 
fundamentalist Christians would not agree with me on this.)  All of 
the world religions have a body of knowledge and practice, perfected 
over time, that will lead the *seeker* to the Truth.  (Some are 
easier to practice than others and some may lead to a more direct 
path.)  I think that it is important to follow the foundation and 
traditions of your own religion whatever that may be, and to really 
practice it on the deepest most mystical level.  All of the world 
religions has practices that will keep the *seeker* safe.  It is not 
wise to go off on ones own, especially at the mystical level.  The 
Buddhist, Taoist, Jewish, Muslim, Native American, Christian and 
others all have teaching and traditions of practice that will help 
the *seeker* and keep them safe at the same time.  We can all become 
what a Christian would call a *Saint*.  It is in all of us to become 
that, by whatever name you know it.

I am sure that a person of whatever faith can find something in the 
Harry Potter story that fits with their own belief.  That is part of 
what makes the books so popular.  JKR has written a series of books 
that speak to the deepest part of all of us.  And that deep part is 
found in all people the world over.  

When Hans reads the books he sees the Rosicrucian path.  When I read 
the books I see the path of mystical Christianity as followed by the 
contemplative religious orders of the Church. It is also the path 
taught by the great Saints of the Christian Church. Both the 
Rosicrucian and Christian mystical paths use similar terms: *to 
become Christ* or *become one with God* and * Mystical Marriage*.  
So why such heated debates?  Like many arguments among people, what 
is at the heart of the disagreement is not what one presents as the 
topic.  It is not really the Harry Potter books that we are arguing 
over.  It is, for me at least, the use of one religion against 
another to prove a point of view that is not part of the orginial.  
I think that the Hogshead Barmaid said it well when she suggested 
that if we did not all present our views as the one and only view of 
the books we could all sit and enjoy a butterbeer together.  Maybe 
even on the house?  Where is that barmaid?

Peace,
Tonks_op
(For anyone that wants to study the mystical path of Christianity, I 
suggest the writings of St. Teresa of Avila as a start, then if you 
are really brave, St. John of the Cross.)