[HPforGrownups] Re: Dark Book - Draco - Calvinism

[wynnleaf fair]

No: HPFGUIDX 177316

I haven't posted in a long while, but this thing about HP and Calvinism is making me post.
   
  First, I'm a very strong Calvinist and I know my theology backward and forward, having, among other degrees, an undergrad degree in Biblical Studies from a college that teaches within Calvinist doctrine, and having studied under some of the best teachers of Calvinism in the 20th century.
   
  The idea, as I understand it, is that the characters in Slytherin are "ordained" to be in Slytherin and are reprobate.  That is, nothing they can do can make them "good."
   
  Characters in Gryffindor are "ordained" to be in Gryffindor and are therefore "the chosen" and are always considered "good," no matter what they do.
   
  The idea that being "chosen" means that it doesn't matter what you do, or how bad your actions are, you're still counted among the "good" just because you're chosen is actually considered antinomianism and is generally considered a heresy, even in Reformed (Calvinist) churches.  In Calvinism, the basic idea about actions is that if you're chosen by grace, then your *heart* is changed.  The focus is on heart change, not outward affilliation.  If a person was first thought to have been chosen, but no corresponding change of heart was detected (generally through the person's actions and choices), then one would begin to seriously question whether the person were "chosen" at all.
   
  So, if true Calvinism were really being played out symbolically in the HP series, I would think that someone would start to wonder why the supposed "good guys" were showing no greater goodness of heart than the bad guys.  
   
  Many people outside of Calvinism assume that the belief is more organized around outward affiliation.  The "chosen" people all are identified by their verbal affiliation whereas what they actually do, how they act, the kind of people they are, doesn't make any difference.  But although common, that is a complete misunderstanding of Calvinist doctrine.  In reality, the sign of "election" is a changed heart.  Evidence of a changed heart and election is "made sure" by actions and choices that exemplify the state of the heart, not by claiming affiliation with a certain group.  
   
  If the HP series truly does send the message that being in Gryffindor makes you "good" or being in Slytherin makes you "bad," yet the actions and choices of the two do not reflect this, then that is *not* Calvinism, but antinomianism.  Do I think JKR, would consciously write something supporting that doctrinal position?  Absolutely not. 
   
  wynnleaf