There is quite a big controversy in the Christian community on whether Christians should be able to read the “Harry Potter” series. Some claim that this story goes against the word of God, therefore Christians should not indulge in it. Others claim this story is simply fantasy, and it is not wrong to observe fictional, fantastical stories. Reading “Harry Potter” is in no way wrong, as I believe it is academically and personally beneficial.
Those who believe Christians should not choose to read this series often support their claim with the verse, Deuteronomy 18:10-12, which states that anyone who “practices witchcraft,” or anything similar to this is “an abomination to the Lord.” This is a valid reason to support this claim. However, I interpret this as a command that Christians should not believe in witchcraft or anything similar, and should not practice it because it is not their belief.
“Harry Potter” is fantasy, not fact. Just because I love “Harry Potter” does not mean I believe in witchcraft. In the same way, just because I read “Lord of the Rings” by J.R.R. Tolkien does not mean that I believe in magical elves or hobbits. Reading is an act of observing, it is not always an act of indulging. I believe that as Christians, reading is an act of observing things from a gospel-centered perspective. Christians live by one book, the Holy Bible, but I do not think that means Christians should not be able to observe fantasy or fiction from a biblical standpoint.
“Harry Potter” was the book series that lead me to fall in love with reading in the first place. It expanded my imagination and opened my eyes to a whole new world of friendship and adventure, which is what it is meant to do. When I first read “Harry Potter,” I was not a Christian. When I came to know Christ and read this series again, in no way did it hinder my belief in God or my desire to abide by his word. Instead, it encouraged my belief in Christ and shed light on my perception of the gospel.
There were tons of Biblical allusions that I was able to notice in the narrative of “Harry Potter,” especially the end of the series in the seventh book, “Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows.” This lead me to research J.K. Rowling’s inspiration for this novel, which I discovered was partially derived from Christianity.
I believe that “Harry Potter” discusses concepts that are necessary to address in our culture, such as the line between good and evil, or what constitutes morality or immorality. In the story of “Harry Potter,” the right decision is not always clear. Is that not the same as our reality? I believe this not only invites readers to consider the gospel in a new light, but also prepares them for what they will witness in the real world.
