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

[fair wynn]

No: HPFGUIDX 153499

Back in 1999, Rowling said that she wouldn't comment on the book's religious 
content until after the conclusion of book 7.  That's rather interesting, 
since it implies not that there *was* no religious aspect, or that she 
didn't *intend* a religious aspect, but more that there is such an aspect 
and she wanted to get all of the books completed and published before she 
would comment on it.

More recently, in 2005, she said regarding the religious or secular nature 
of the books, "Um. I don't think they're that secular," she says, choosing 
her words slowly. "But, obviously, Dumbledore is not Jesus."

I tend to think that she *does* intend the books to have something of a 
religious message.  Perhaps it will be solely in themes of good and evil.  
Or she may use the spiritual journey aspects of alchemy.  But her very few 
comments on the subject sound to me like she has a religious intent, but 
won't talk about it until she's completed all of the books.

When she has the Wizarding World observe the Christian holidays of Christmas 
and Easter, and has James and Lily get Harry christened, I think she is 
intentionally keeping her characters within the general broad umbrella of 
Christianity.  If she means a great deal more by it, I expect she'll do more 
with it in Book 7, as she has said that she wants book 7 complete before 
talking about any religious aspects.

wynnleaf