all the rage?
all the rage?
Since
the original publication of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's
Stone in 1997, J.K. Rowling has become a literary sensation
overnight. Her work has inspired countless students to read long
books that might have been previously overlooked if they concerned a
different topic, and have also caused some critics to cry "foul"
because of her books' magical emphasis.
Few books have wide appeal to young and old readers alike, but Rowling has managed to write a book series that does. Not only is the basic plot of young students attending Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry appealing, but the relationships and interactions of the main characters with their fellow students, professors, parents, and the occasional muggle are authentically engaging. Rowling keeps her readers wanting to come back for more.
To the nay sayers who see Rowling as a promoter of the occult and anti-Christian values, I say, "Get a grip-- this is just fun reading!" Certainly many things can be taken to a negative extreme, but a rationale that seeks to prohibit all Halloween celebrations and costumes (or require students to dress up as "story book characters" instead of anything scary) as well as take Harry Potter books off school library shelves is an example of good intentions gone awry. Yes, I do prefer the religious backdrop and underpinnings of C.S. Lewis' The Chronicles of Narnia, but Rowling's magical universe remains a fun and, yes, enchanting destination for young and old readers alike that should not be missed.
This endorsement of Rowling's works is not unqualified hower: I do NOT think Rowling's books or movies are appropriate for people of ALL ages. I would recommend the books for 5th grade and older students. If younger children are very interested in reading the books, parents can read them together and then discuss the books as a family. There are some good themes in the novels including friendship, loyalty, and good versus evil that can be seeds for thoughtful discussion. Much better to read the Harry Potter books as a family and discuss various aspects of the stories, including the controversial ones, than have children read them away from adult supervision and go exploring alone on the internet.... and find occult material that certainly IS objectionable and offensive.
Some
valid points have certainly been made by critics like Richard Abanes,
author of the book "Harry
Potter and the Bible : The Menace Behind the Magick." There are
significant differences between the theological backdrop of Rowling's
books and other fantasy books that appeal to children as well as
adults, like C.S.
Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia or J.R.R.
Tolkien's Lord of the Rings Series. None-the-less, Rowling's
books are still fun to read and should not derail the Christian walk
of young believers as long as parents remain engaged and in dialog
with their children, discussing what they are reading and learning
together.
Another
book recommended to me by a trusted source about this topic is
'What's
a Christian to do with Harry Potter?" by Connie Neal. This book
takes a more moderate view of the Harry Potter debate from a
Christian perspective.
The premiere of the first Harry Potter movie in November 2001 further fans the flames of excitement surrounding Rowling's imaginative creations, and I can't wait for book five and the next movie release!
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