Religion in the Wizarding World. (Was: Re: Halloween Toasts)

[Steve]

No: HPFGUIDX 191420



--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "Geoff" <geoffbannister123 at ...> wrote:
>
> --- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "peter kersbergen" <kersberg@> wrote:
> 
> kamion:
> > there is no baptism mentioned at any page of HP, so there isn't any.... ...
> 
> Geoff:
> That is a logical non-sequitur.
> 
> ...
> 
> Baptism isn't specific to the story line but, as a UK reader, I am 
> inclined to believe by the mention of a godfather that there has 
> been one (a Baptism that is)...
>

Steve:

I've made my views clear, but let's review. I'm not specifically saying that Harry wasn't baptized, I'm merely saying that he wasn't /necessarily/ baptized. 

But in this case, I'm inclined to agree with you, the lack of mention of baptism is not the same as the absents of baptism. 

I think, as I previously said, that these are events that are written by an avowed Christian, and further take place in a predominantly Christian influenced society.

Harry and Teddy could very well have been baptized, but it may have been in a very wizardly way. That is, it may not have been in way we muggles traditionally assume. The it is not the mechanics of the event that define the event, but the intend is the key. 

Once again, I think JKR intended to write a somewhat secular book, that is, a book that does not specifically promote a particular religious view, but at the same time, it does take place in a society that is dominated by Christian influence. Yet, one can not deny a falling out between mainstream muggle religion and the world of witches and wizards.

Again, even while Christianity and all it trappings are not promoted, neither are they denied. 

I further contend that the Godparent aspect can and is sometimes a separate issue from Baptism. In that case, Godparent simply being synonymous with 'guardian of last resort'.  

I think it is just as wrong to absolutely deny the possibility of baptism, as it is to insist on the absolute certainly of it. We can and should only speculate on the likelihood, not the certainty, of either view.

I further contend, as I already have, that anyone of any religion can take spiritual inspiration for these books. They take place in a Christian world, but they reflect values common to most religions. 

And that ... is my opinion.

Steve/bboyminn