Religion & Law in HP and Smelting Sticks

[Geoff Bannister]

No: HPFGUIDX 168947

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "Goddlefrood" <gav_fiji at ...> 
wrote:
>
> > Bart:
> > >
> > >> In intelligent Christian objections (intelligent being 
> > >> defined as based on knowledge rather than ignorance)
> > >
> > Goddlefrood:
> > >
> > >The ambiguity of the word ignorance is that it can mean both
> > >lack of knowledge and ignoring the facts, I'd be interested
> > >to know which one was meant as the context is not clear. It
> > >does seem to be the former usage, but I'd appreciate a 
> > >clarification.
> 
> > Bart:
> 
> > I mean in the sense of lack of knowledge, although this lack  
> > of knowledge is often on purpose. I am referring to taking 
> > things out of context, using coincidence in language, not 
> > even reading the books being criticized, or the books on 
> > which the criticism is based (i.e. the Bible). 
> 
> Goddlefrood:
> 
> So, then, wilful ignorance as well as not being knowledgeable, 
> thanks for the clarification.
> 
> I agree with the sentiments expressed by Bart and have noted 
> that many an argument relative to the detriment that would, in
> the argument of those attacking the HP books, be incurred by
> the younger reader or listener is based on no real grasp of 
> the facts. Personally I doubt if these people have actually
> a deep understanding of the Bible, in any form. What I think 
> is that too literal an interpretation of just about anything
> can lead to problems, except of course contracts ;-).
> 
> Mind you, even then it can lead to problems :-?
> 
> If anyone has any view of the underlying Christian doctrine, 
> which is, after all, based more on the New Testament than the 
> Old Testament, that differs from mine, which I would summarise
> as: be tolerant to others and respect different views, even if
> you do not believe in those views; or, even more simply: live 
> and let live, then I would be interested to receive them.
> 
> I certainly do not think that the books are in any way subversive,
> neither are they trying to undermine society in any way. They
> are enjoyable, amusing and a grand diversion from weightier
> issues, but ultimately they will not change the world, IMO.

Geoff:
Speaking as an evangelical Christian, Gavin, I think that many of the 
Christian members of the group would join me to disagree with your 
summarising of Christian doctrine outlined above. Certainly, within 
the UK, there are many, many people who would claim to be Christians 
using the same benchmarks as yours. However, "Love your neighbour as 
yourself" was the **second** of the great commandments mentioned by 
Christ and many people either neglect,or choose to miss, the 
first: "Love God with all your heart and mind and soul". 

Maybe the books will not change the world but the foundation blocks 
of Western civilisation and culture - for example education, 
medicine, freedom and justice - sprang from the actions of 
Christinans who followed the leading and purpose of God. Often these 
had been triggered by someone else's written or spoken comments.

Returning to the books and looking at the question of where JKR is 
coming from, she has indicated that she is a Christian and we know 
that she worships in the Church of Scotland, where she now lives. 
There are implicit hints to Christian belief in the HP books: 
Dumbledore's comments on choice; possible redemption (for characters 
such as Snape or Draco or Peter Pettigrew), sacrificial love as 
demonstrated by Lily to mention a few - and there is certainly a book 
in existence "The Gospel according to Harry Potter" which draws 
comparisons between events in the books and quotes from the Bible. 
Obviously, the structure of the books did not lend itself to overtly 
Christian observations (in the same way as LOTR).

Ironically, a couple of years ago, there was a groundswell of 
criticism from a number of members on the group which included 
Wiccans, atheists and alchemists inter alia, who suggested that 
Christians were hijacking the books completely.

I agree with you that there should be tolerance, respect and 
understanding of other people's views but I do not accept that I 
should short changing my own belief when it is belittled or attacked. 
That said, I am suspicious of attempts  made to block our enjoyment 
and free access to these books - even if those involved might claim 
to be fellow believers.

Geoff
Trying to think sensibly while on holiday 
in a foreign country (namely Wales!!)