The Role of Religion in the Potterverse

[Miles]

No: HPFGUIDX 186243

potioncat wrote:
> I think you've brought up some very good points that have really fit
> with the HP story. But speaking as a Christian, I personally don't
> mind a reference to a fictional character to a real person. So a
> Christ figure doesn't bother me. What does offend me is when a
> portion of the Bible is taught as literature.

Miles:
Answering as a Christian myself - they *are* literature. They are more for 
Christians and Jews, but for others they are "only" that.

If you look at bible exegetics, these scholars work with the same set of 
analytical instruments as those who work on non-religous texts. They try to 
find out about the authors of certain parts of the bible, when they lived, 
what political and cultural background they had. They try to find out when a 
text is written, whether a text is in it's original state, altered by 
"mistake" or on purpose. To work on bible texts in this 
"critical-historical" way (I don't know the terminus technicus in English) 
is crucial not least for a correct translation.

The bible is an important work of literature of this world, and it is more 
for those who are either Jews (partially) or Christians. I do not have 
problems of accepting both sides, and I would not impose other people not to 
merely read and describe the bible as literature.

Which brings me back to our On-Topic discussion on the term "Christe 
figure". While I agree with you that "Christ figure" is not a good 
description for Harry, I am not really happy with your rationale. In my 
opinion, we had a discussion about literary criticism, and "I do not like 
this category because it contradicts my faith" is IMO not a valid argument - 
your faith is not part of litery criticism, isn't it? If literary scholars 
use the term "Christ figure" in the way Carol tells us (and her expertise is 
obvious), we can discuss whether this category is helpful for general 
analysis or analysing Harry Potter - but whether it is right or wrong in the 
light of one's faith is a totally different discussion. Just my opinion and 
no offence meant.

Miles