Harry Potter Paper

1714 Words4 Pages
bulb-icon

Recommended: Religious themes in harry potter

JK Rowling could have never imagined in 1990 when the thought of Harry Potter first appeared to her, how much this fictional character would capture the hearts of readers all over the world. Similarly, Tolkien’s Series The Lord of The Rings has had a resounding effect on its readers, some even going so far as to learn the Elven language that Tolkien himself created. Both of these fantasy works, though incredibly different, are very similar in regards to their Christian themes and underlying message they read. Probably more debatable by fans is whether or not the Harry Potter series is a Christian work, let alone if it even carries Christian themes and undertones. Many within both the evangelical and non-religious world seem to be offended at such a thought as this. Half offended that the story of the gospel could be hidden within the confines of a book of witchcraft, the other half offended that a book of witchcraft and wizarding could carry a Christian message. Yet to Rowling herself the Christian themes seem to be quite obvious. Whatever party one may find stand in, it is clear the Harry Potter series is a Christian work, because of JK Rowling’s deliberate use of Gospel themes, biblical references, and biblically allegorical figures placed throughout the books.
When asking whether the Harry Potter series is a Christian work or not it is important to clarify what exactly the determining factors are that deem something a Christian work. This is difficult though because there are so many broad examples of Christian works and allegories that have been written and no direct outline to clarify which is which. What are evident in Rowling’s series though are the distinct Gospel themes portrayed. Ideas such as those who are weak slowly...

... middle of paper ...

...and Sacrificial love found in Harry Potter as well as the notions of Pity and Providence displayed in both series’ it is evident that these are Christian works of literature. This of course to both Tolkien and Rowling was never a question. Tolkien himself stated that although Lord of the Rings never explicitly utters the word God that this was a Catholic work. Similarly Rowling leads her readers into believing that she intentionally included the Gospel message in her writing of the Harry Potter series. Rowling and Tolkien are believers that it is through the writing of true fairy-stories that readers hearts begin to yearn for the true story that we are all called to live. The craving for kind of sacrificial love as seen in Harry Potter and by Sam-Wise in Lord of the Rings beckons readers to the true story of love that is waiting for all, the story of Jesus Christ.

Show More
Related

  • English paper

    534 Words  | 2 Pages

    In[a] the novel, Trouble, Henry respects Chay nearing the end of their adventure, because he learned about his tragic life in Cambodia. Henry had been an ordinary boy with the “Great Franklin Smith”, living his own ordinary life, until a tragic car accident ruins all of the Smiths plans for the future. Now Henry and Sanborn travel to Mt. Katahdin for Franklin, but Henry loathes Chay for killing Franklin. To avenge Franklin’s death, their epic adventure to Katahdin brings, troubles, hardships, origins, and anger between all members, making a unique journey for all.

    Read More

  • Symbolism In The River

    1002 Words  | 3 Pages

    To some this story might seem like a tragedy, but to Christians this is a beautiful story. Although young Harry dies at the end, he is accepted into the kingdom of God, which is far superior to anything on Earth. A non-religious family raises him and the first taste of Christianity he gets makes him want to pursue God. In Flannery O’Conner’s short story, The River, the allure of Gods grace and the repelling of sinful ways are shown heavily through Harry.

    Read More

  • Religious Symbols and Allusions in the Chronicles of Narnia

    631 Words  | 2 Pages

    The Chronicles of Narnia are enticing books, which offer a wonderful fictional plot line, but also a deeper philosophical importance if one analyzes the series. Many religious allusions can be found between characters in Narnia and biblical people. Deeper understanding can be found throughout the stories even in many overlooked aspects of everyday life. “The Chronicles of Narnia” is a piece of literature filled with religious symbols and allusions, such as the actions of Aslan and the personality of Peter, that enhance one’s perception and understanding of the books.

    Read More

  • Harry Potter Through a Christian Perspective

    880 Words  | 2 Pages

    The novels of Harry Potter, written by J. K. Rowling are constantly in debate among Christians whether Harry Potter is preaching sorcery and paganism or that the books have a spiritual meaning deeper than most care to look at. It is easy to look through the books and find sources of witchcraft but one could say the same for sources of the gospel. Author, J.K. Rowland has stated that her own Christian faith has in fact informed her writing of the popular series. Many Christians say Harry Potter is incomparable to Christ, being far from perfection while Voldemort seems to strike a different chord of response as far as his character representing The Devil himself.

    Read More

  • Christian Aesthetics

    972 Words  | 2 Pages

    ...y for the lunatic fringes of my own religion” (“'Harry Potter' Author J.K. Rowling Opens Up About Books' Christian Imagery”).

    Read More

  • Religion In Beowulf And The Canterbury Tales

    865 Words  | 2 Pages

    For years, religion has played a role in the lives of many, after all, there are hundreds of religions being practiced around the world. From the celebrations of special birthdays by the Jewish or Hispanic cultures or the celebration of holidays by Christians and many other religions. There is a great amount of differences when it comes to religion, whether it be beliefs or religious traditions, but contemporary society has become more aware the impact that religion can have on numerous different things. Additionally, religion has been a vast role when it comes to literature. In countless stories, readers will find the topic of religion being influential aspect. For example, in Beowulf and The Canterbury Tales there were influences from the

    Read More

  • The Impact of Modern Literature's Focus on Mystical and Fantasy

    1564 Words  | 4 Pages

    ...t reality. Some say that if the reader will avoid abiding by Rowling’s philosophy, the book is a great read (Aguilar). Maybe the book was not designed for the minds of younger children, but for the mind of mature adults. A critic says that children who are “wrong” readers are definitely not recommended to read the Harry Potter series. The series may be a “matter of debate” rather than a “matter of faith” (Aguilar).

    Read More

  • You Can be a Good Christian and Read Harry Potter

    2346 Words  | 5 Pages

    As a reader and lover of the books, and a fan of the movie, I am naturally interested in the Harry Potter controversy, which centers on some individuals, notably in the Christian community, who are concerned that the Harry Potter books are spiritually dangerous to their children. Many have even gone so far as to claim that the books are inherently evil, and J.K. Rowling’s intent, in writing the books, was to desensitize, and furthermore attract children to the occult. But while some in the Christian community have sharply criticized the books, others have given them high praise, leaving many parents concerned and confused.

    Read More

  • Similarities Between Christter And Jesus

    1584 Words  | 4 Pages

    In J.K Rowling’s famous series, Harry Potter, there are many noticeable parallels between the story of Jesus Christ, Savior of the world, and Harry Potter, savior of Hogwarts. J.K. Rowling herself stated, “To me [the religious parallels have] always been obvious.” Harry Potter, although he is clearly not the Son of God, is very much a messianic figure in the series. His birth, life, death, and resurrection are similar to those of Jesus. Harry Potter ultimately sacrifices himself for others much like Jesus did, and is then resurrected due to the power of the Deathly Hallows, or in Jesus’s case, the Holy Trinity. Since Harry is not the Son of God, there are still differences between him and the actual Son of God; however, there are still many similarities. Jesus and Harry had similar births, lives, abilities, enemies, and deaths/resurrections.

    Read More

  • Essay On Religion As A Living And Dynamic Tradition

    628 Words  | 2 Pages

    Sacred texts and writings are integral to a living and dynamic religious tradition. Such texts are materials that can range from verbally spoken stories to writings. Sacred texts and writings provide followers with information on core ethical behaviour, rituals and ceremonies, as well as beliefs. The idea of the texts and writings being sacred refers to the texts encompassing divine inspiration. Christianity’s sacred texts and writings, such as the bible (conveyed as the word of God), are continually studied/interpreted throughout generations. The teachings of the bible and the ‘Ten Commandments’ provide Christians with morally accepted standards of behaviour to live their lives by and thus directly influence the day-today actions of its adherents. Furthermore, sacred texts and writings provide information on beliefs, which assist adherents in understanding and even answering significant enduring questions of life. For instance, the creation story ...

    Read More

  • Lord Of The Rings Symbolism Essay

    1361 Words  | 3 Pages

    "The Lord of the Rings" is a high-fantasy novel written by J. R. R. Tolkien. The story was about a dark evil Sauron who created One Ring to rule the others. All those things are happening in the Middle-Earth. The main heroes of the film are four brave hobbits from Shire and other members of Fellowship of The Ring. The Fellowship is created to save the Middle- Earth. Tolkien was a Christian and he highly valued his religion. He has written a novel, which is interesting fantasy about evil, good, and apocalypse. However, something more we find in his novel when we look deeper. In the novel written by J. R. R Tolkien, we see author's Christian view on world and symbols of Christianity represented by characters, locations, and details.

    Read More

  • The Harry Potter Controversy

    2657 Words  | 6 Pages

    Person, Judith. “Books debunk evils of Potter; Christian authors see enchanting talks as Gospel springboard.” LexisNexis . The Washington Times. (October 31, 2002): Joyner Library, City of Greenville, NC. March 2004.

    Read More

  • The Chronicles of Narnia and The Bible

    1849 Words  | 4 Pages

    Fiction has always been used as a way to relay different types of messages throughout time. In many cases authors use fiction to make political commentary, use stories to bring out the major flaws that society has, as well as a way to spread different types of beliefs or ideals. C.S. Lewis’s used his work, “The Chronicles of Narnia”, to reiterate the messages of the Bible to those who might have gotten lost during their lifetime. Though his whole series was full of connections the book that have the most prevalent connections are The Magician’s Nephew and The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. In both there are places that are very similar to and very different books in the Bible. Taking into context when Lewis wrote this series is extremely important to see what some of his motivations might have been. These stories were started soon after World War II had ended. These stories were a way to teach the next generation some of the morals that the Bible was teaching. By creating these fantastical stories Lewis was able to make connections to help bridge the learning gap between the two generations. Also by using children as a target audience Lewis was able to remind adults as well, instead of being ignored because of the recent war. Lewis was able to address these lessons and morals in a way that both taught the children the way of the Bible, as well as to put a new spin on old tales so that adults were able to come back to religion, after losing some faith during the brutal war.

    Read More

  • The Inspiration behind the world’s bestselling series

    798 Words  | 2 Pages

    J.K Rowling is the amazingly talented author she is because of the struggles she went through in life. She got her inspirations form depression, her mother’s death and a rough childhood. The need to have childhood created a magical series that is adored by millions. Rowling had such a great story within in her, the life challenges just made everything even more special. In the end her life challenges she overcame served as her inspiration for the Harry Potter series. One of the most amazing things I think J.K Rowling ever said is “No story lives unless someone wants to listen.”

    Read More

  • Harry Potter

    1426 Words  | 3 Pages

    ...me situations or events in the book and Harry Potter is an excellent source. On top of all the parallels between real life events and situations from the book, Harry Potter is fascinating and truly beautiful literature. Ms. Rowling’s is a refreshing, clever and very imaginative author. Her intelligent writing causes the reader to wonder and look maybe from underlying amounts of detail and distinctive use of words and phrases. Harry Potter tickles the imagination and steps out of the bounds of normal children’s literature. Not only does it stir some intellectual thinking but at the same time entertains the reader in a fun and unique way. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone sets new rules in children’s literature; it is truly a masterpiece full of so much imagination and fantasy.

    Read More

More about Harry Potter Paper

Open Document