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

[xuxunette]

No: HPFGUIDX 153431

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.

xuxu:
I tend to think that James and Lily baptized Harry in haste more out
of pragmatism than because of religious reasons. The couple was aware
that the three of them were under serious death threat, and obviously
they were also ready to sacrifice themselves to protect Harry's life.
In this configuration, James and Lily wanting to designate a godfather
for Harry through baptism, basically a tutor for their child, in case
something bad happened to them seems to be a logical scheme of action.

I think James and Lily christening Harry only because they were sure
of his death is kind of OOC, submitting to destiny is not very
gryffindorish. It would also made me sad. 

xuxu