Baptism/Christianity in HP: was Looking for God in Harry Potter

[Ceridwen]

No: HPFGUIDX 153426

Leslie:
> Well, I guess my one disagreement there would be that Lily and James 
were "nominal" Christians.  "Nominal" Christians do not make a singular 
effort to have their infant baptized in a "hurried affair" with just 
them and the godfather present. Obviously Lily and James were under 
duress, hunted by Voldemort, etc. Nevertheless they took the time and 
trouble to see to it their son was baptized.  Were they "nominal" 
Christians they would not have bothered about it, I think. 

Ceridwen:
They knew that they and Harry were in danger.  They were in hiding, and 
there had been a prophecy made about a child who may have been theirs.  
Even nominal Christians may have their infant baptized in a hurried 
affair if they belive that infant's life to be in danger, such as from 
a disease.  I think they were probably CofE, too, since it is the 
predominant religion.  But I don't think we have enough to go on to say 
that they were practicing, devout, or nominal at this point.

Ceridwen.