Orthodox Christian columnist Terry Mattingly has written a very interesting column this week on J K Rowling (of Harry Potter fame):

http://tmatt.gospelcom.net/column/2003/06/18/

David Ignatius DTBrown@aol.com

Dear Dave,

Certainly, stags (associated with St Hubert), unicorns et al. are Christian symbols.

But why the fascination with Harry Potter?

The magical side that dominates it speaks of a need for power and the ability to control life's circumstances.

"Mysticism" here is about the ability to cast charms et al.

I don't think it is secular at all, but profoundly religious.

It is a form of religion that is "above denominationalism" but that speaks to the pagan weaker side of humanity.

We Christians have our work cut out for us. Saints effected real change through prayer and fasting.

Recently, we discovered our new home had a poltergeist or whatever you want to call it.

It knocked furiously throughout the night.

I anointed the doors of our home with holy water and the phenomenon stopped - although it does seem to come back every so often for a rematch!

Christianity is not simply about submitting to our circumstances.

It is also about struggle and also about invoking a God Who is a God of miracles and Who can and does effect changes in our world and circumstances.

Alex

I found this to be a very interesting take on the Harry Potter books. Thanks for posting it!

I have read each of the books as they were published, and my main criticism of them is not theological but literary - they're just not all they're hyped up to be. They're good, but not great.

Of course that's just my opinion. But I love to read and re-read my favorite books, 75% of which are children's books, and so far I haven't felt the slightest desire to re-read any of the Potters. They're entertaining but there's not a whole lot of substance there.