That Whole Christian Thing

[susanmcgee48176]

No: HPFGUIDX 173317

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "jmgarciaiii" <jmgarciaiii at ...> 
wrote:
>
> I'm of the opinion that JKR included some parallels/allusions to 
> Christianty. This is different than saying these books are allegories 
> for the Crucifixion of Christ, etc.
> 

Of course, JKR included at least two biblical quotes that I'm aware 
of...at the two tombstones at Godric's Hollow....but of course she also 
includes a quotation from Aeschylus.

We do know that JKR is a Christian so it's possible that there's a 
crucifixion parallel here. However, Harry did NOT die...whereas the 
death of Jesus is a major part of Christian theology. I'll wait for JKR 
to tell us whether the parallel exists. Supporting that theory would be 
the fact that she names as one of her favorite series the Narnia 
Chronicles, and C.S. Lewis does not bother to hide his Christian 
parallels. 

I can easily make the case that it's a pagan analogy (royal sacrifice), 
but that speaks to me because I AM a pagan...I suggest that Harry's 
experiences resonate with Christian beliefs if you're a Christian, and 
that belief system is important to you. There are a bunch of religions 
and myths that include a dying god/sacrifice for others/resurrection, 
many of them predating Christianity.

I do feel terribly sorry for the children who are forbidden HP because 
of their parents' beliefs (particularly as so many of them have not 
read the books). I have a hard time understanding why parents would not
love books that teach the value of love, friendship, doing the right 
thing, making good choices, making mistakes, but trying again to make 
better choices, etc.

I read an excellent critique of the books which suggested that the 
problem with the books from a Christian perspective is not the use of 
magic or "witchcraft" but the total lack of religion in the book. The 
holidays are Christian (although since Christmas borrows almost all of 
its symbolism from pagans one could argue that it's really a pagan 
celebration...lol).....but no one goes to church, trusts in God, 
mentions God, prays, etc. (Of course, no one mentions God or goes to 
church in the Lord of the Rings either, but perhaps Professor Tolkien's 
Christianity has been more publicized - and there are more Christian 
parallels - the Valar, Gandalf as an angel, etc.)

Also, in answer to that commentary about how Harry doesn't struggle or 
his character doesn't change, etc. First, I don't agree, I think going 
to one's death willingly is an incredible struggle, but second, so what 
if the book is really about Snape and not Harry? Second, who really 
believes that this is "just" children's literature? 

Susan McGee