I believe the Evangelical community owes JK Rowling an apology, and we’ve never given it.

When the Harry Potter series first came on the scene there were many Christians who condemned it, due to the presentation of magic. They judged it without really studying the books or considering the usages of magic within the books. The fear of neopaganism and fringe Satanic worship is what fueled this phobia. Unfortunately, too many Christians condemned without considering the how differently Rowling presented magic in her books as compared to the Wicca view of magic. Wicca claims that everyone can perform magic, they only need to be taught how to tap into it. In Rowling’s world, magic is a talent someone is born having, and not everyone has it.

From the very beginning, I always saw the Harry Potter books as a simple tale of good versus evil. I did notice that many of the symbols for good and evil she used in her books were often medieval Christian symbols. At first, I thought it just coincidental since she wanted to use ancient symbols, and with over 1500 years of Western, Christian symbols and culture intertwined it was just her using them without thinking. But as the later books unfolded, I realized I was wrong. Without a doubt, The Deadly Hallows presented Harry Potter was a Christ figure. Looking back at the entire series it should have been obvious. Lord Voldemort’s Hogwarts house was Slytherin, and the mascot was the snake, while Harry was in Gryffindor. Sort of the serpent of Satan versus the Lion of Judah. Add to that the term Horcrux comes from “dehors crux” or “outside the bounds the cross.” The symbolism even of Harry’s name hints at him being a Christ figure. Harry is a nickname for Henry, which means ruler or prince. And every Christian should recognize the imagery from Romans 9:21 of God being the potter.

Of course her books are not perfect allegories, but then neither is Lord of the Rings. And yet, Evangelicals have no problem with Tolkien’s works, even though it has virtuous characters using magic. When I pointed this out to a Christian friend, he said Tolkien was acceptable because he was a Christian. When I added that we don’t know Rowling’s beliefs he angrily asked, “Why doesn’t she state them?” He felt her silence condemned her. I’m not going to guess about her faith, or lack of it, but if she is Christian, I think I know why she was silent about it when writing her books. Andrew Klavan in one of his podcasts (I’ve searched on YouTube and can’t find it.) told of how he had written a mystery novel, and in it, he had the main character state that his reason for pursuing justice was his Christian belief in doing the right thing. It was a small throwaway line that gave insight to the hero’s moral code and motivation. Klavan wasn’t using it to preach. He had the book published in America and was trying to have published in the UK. His UK publisher wanted to have the paragraph removed. When he refused, the publisher dropped him. Klavan was forced to go to a smaller less known publisher, and as a result had lower sales. If Rowling had said she was a Christian and admitted to her books’ having Christian overtones, she would never have been published.

Ms. Rowling, I hope you accept my sincere apology for the actions and words of some of my Christian brothers. We judged and condemned you without consideration. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive us.

#JKRowlings, #HarryPotter, #Magic, #apology, #AndrewKlavan, #ChristianSymbols