The Harry Potter Effect

A few years ago a flurry of books came out giving a Christian response to Harry Potter. Some were extreme. Others lacked depth. Having read a few, I was most convinced by 'A closer look at Harry Potter' by John Houghton. He gave by far the most balanced and biblical view of the four books that had been written at that point. Now that the series of seven is complete, plus five films so far, John Houghton has taken a closer look at the complete series. Here are two quotes from his latest book, 'The Harry Potter effect':

'Harry Potter's world, while outwardly set in the context of Greco-Roman medieval paganism, is modern. It is important to understand this both in terms of the wizarding society and the spells that they perform, and that is why to suggest that Rowling is seducing children into the occult is so misleading. A much more powerful argument would be to suggest that, if anything, she is leading them into a humanistic self-reliance on their own choices, exercise of will, and technological ability - in short, a life that has neither recognition of God nor his grace.' (p84)

'As cultural gatekeepers we must know when to exercise caution and when to make an outright ban. Some material will never be appropriate because it is implicitly evil in intent and in content. Other material may depend upon the age and sensibility of the individual child. The fact that something is considered to be entertaining or 'everyone's reading it' is not in itself a sufficient justification for letting children participate.' (p114)

Do you consider yourself a 'cultural gatekeeper' for the children and young people in your care? Do you want to help their parents think through these issues and apply them biblically? If so, this book will stretch your thinking way beyond simple concerns about glamourising witches and magic. You may not agree with everything it says, but it will help you see the underlying issues and think through whether or not they need addressing in your group, family or church.

'The Harry Potter effect' by John Houghton is published by David C Cook. ISBN: 978-1-842913-62-8