Thursday, June 28, 2007

oofledy spoofle

So yesterday when I posted on my blog. I was writing a nice little entry which I titled "Why Christians Should Read Harry Potter" and then I came up with several good moral lessons from Harry Potter that show the book is in line with a Christian worldview. This is to convince people that no, the books really aren't about how to follow Satan. But then a comment on my previous post prompted me to change the title. Asking if Harry Potter is thoroughly Christian. At the time I really wasn't sure what the answer is. But I become more and more convinced that it is.

Two of the incidents in the books struck me really hard. And it is possible I am reading into them more than the author intended. But I thought I would share them.

Note: Any quotes in the following section are not exact because the books are not right here for me to consult.

First, after Dumbledore has drank the poisoned and Harry is apparating the two of them back to Hogsmeade, Harry tells Dumbledore "It's alright you're with me." But Dumbledore replies "i am not worried. I am with you." (emphasis mine). And when Dumbledore says this Harry feels better. At first it simply seems that Dumbledore is expressing confidence in Harry. But I think there is more to it than this. If that were all it were, I think Harry would feel more worried, not less. Instead, I thought about it more as Dumbledore saying he is not worried because HE is with Harry. It's Dumbledore's presence giving Harry strength, not Harry's strength giving Dumbledore comfort. It sort of reminds me of the way Christ promised his disciples "I am with you always"

Tuesday, June 26, 2007

Are the Harry Potter books thorougly Christian?

In reply to my last post Monica posited that the Harry Potter books are not as thoroughly Christian as the works of C.S. Lewis. In a certain sense this is very much true. The chronicles of Narnia are intended to be a Christian allegory. The symbolism in the Narnia is very direct. However, a story does not need to be a pure allegory in order to be thoroughly Christian. I would not dare to argue which set of books is "more Christian". But I do firmly believe that the Harry Potter books embrace a Christian worldview through the messages they teach.

Before I go further I would like to say that as far as I can tell the people who this Harry Potter is a messiah figure are off their rockers. No offense, but if you know Christ, you know that he is not like Potter. As I have said before I think the Christ figure in this series is Albus Dumbledore. And if he is resurrected, I think I will be vindicated in so claiming. (And I am very much interested in seeing how well Snape actually fits the Judas profile). However, for the rest of this post I will not be talking about symbolism. Instead let me mention a few of the Christian moral values that are brought out in the Harry Potter novels.

1. Love can overcome a multitude of evils (as shown in the protection Lily's sacrifice provides with Harry)

2. It is better to be poor where there is love than wealthy where it is not (the Dursleys, Blacks, and Malfoys are miserably wealthy, but the Weasleys are poor and happy).

3. It is not our abilities that matter, but how we choose to use them (As Dumbledore tells Harry when he wonders about the Hat wanting to put him in Slytherin).

4. It is more important to do what is right than it is to obey the rules (Shown over and over again).

5. The heart of a man matters more than his appearance, position, or abilities (Taught through the whole series, starting with Harry's first encounters with Ron and with Draco).

6. It is better to die (or to suffer) than to betray your friends (As Sirius tells Peter Pettigrew whose betrayal killed Harry's parents).

7. True friendship means coming alongside our friends in their times of trouble (Best shown through the Marauders decision to become Animagi to join Remus in his times as a werewolf).

8. We must strive to show mercy and forgiveness to those who wrong us (This reminds me of Dumbledore's offer of mercy to Draco, but forgiveness is a repeated theme in the books. It is a theme that Harry still needs to work on).

9. There is good and evil, and it is our responsibility to fight evil.

10. We cannot defeat evil with evil.


How is that for a list of Christian values taught in the books. I truly do not believe a book must be explicitly Christian in order to be a Christian book. Furthermore, a book does not need to be "Christian" to display a Christian worldview. However, I happen to agree with Rowling who said of the books "Umm... I really don't think they're that secular." And you have to admit the author would probably know.

Monday, June 25, 2007

Is it really okay for Christians to read Harry Potter?

Of course, you all know my answer is a resounding: YES!

But many Christians, particularly those of the evangelical variety, think otherwise. Here are a few of the reasons they look aghast at the Harry Potter books. Following these statements is a discussion of the merits of their positions.

1. The Harry Potter books are about magic. First, of all I don't quite agree. The books are full of magic, but the magical world is a setting and a plot device. The books are really about growing up, learning to make good choices, and the importance of taking a stand against evil. If, however, people believe they should completely avoid all books/movies dealing with magic, then they will clearly want to avoid these books. Many of the people I have heard make a complaint like this are avid fans of the "Lord of the Rings" and "The Chronicles of Narnia", both of which are full of magic. If a person really thinks that we should avoid all magic in books, then they will have forgo some beautiful Christian classics, not to mention most Disney movies (many of which I despise --but that is a story for another day). For the others, I would say that we should not judge a book on whether or not it contains magic, but on how the magic is used.

2. The Harry Potter books are different from other fantasy books because the children in the story are actively using magic and speaking incantations. In one sense this is true. We do not see Frodo Baggins or Lucy Pevensie shouting spells (although Lucy does use her magic cordial). But is different a bad thing? The magical powers in these books are innate, nearly always appearing before the age of 11. Although the characters must work to develop their abilities, there is nothing a non-magic person can do to obtain magical skills. In fact, I think that magical powers are sort of a metaphor for the talents and abilities each of us has. Just like the characters in the books, we all must choose how we use our abilities. In book 2 Dumbledore tells Harry "It is not our abilities that matter, but our choices" (this is probably not an exact quote).

3. J.K. Rowling is a witch and is trying to intrigue children to witchcraft. This is completely false and slanderous. J.K. Rowling is a Christian, of the Presbyterian variety. And yes, she does actually practice her faith, as people who attend church with her have told as much to the media. She does not like to speak publicly about her faith in part because she believes it will lead people to guess too much about what will happen in the books. She has said though, that anyone who knows the Christian story should be able to make reasonable guess at what will happen in book 7. It is true that she has a wide variety of occultish fields like Tarot reading and alchemy. This is because she is good at research and not because she is out practicing them

4. Children will be interested in real magic and witchcraft because of the stories. This might be true to a certain extent, although the sort of magic in Harry Potter is completely different from real witchcraft. There are certain elements of real occultism worked into the story, but these are generally shown to be either ineffective or wicked. For instance, the whole field of divination is shown as useless, and Professor Trelawney who sits with her crystal ball and Tarot cards is depicted as a fool. I would think the child interested in witchcraft because of the books would soon be disillusioned. However, I think it is important to talk to our children about the occult and to explain what real witchcraft is like. Opening the lines of communication seems to be more called for than banning the books.

5. The books promote moral relativity. Examples include the quotes "There is no good or evil, only power" and "The world is not divided into good people and Death Eaters". I got really riled when I heard this claim. There is no legitimate claim to relativism in these books. In fact they are very much opposed to this philosophy. The first quote was spoken to Harry in his showdown with Quirrell/Voldemort. Harry does not believe it and neither are we. The fact that the big evil guy is making a claim of moral relativity is not the same as the book making the claim. The second quote is misunderstood here as a claim to relativism. A real-world paraphrase would be saying, "Not every bad person is a satanist". The person being discussed, Mr. Crouch, is an awful person, but he is not serving Voldemort. In fact, the story goes on to show how foolish the Ministry of Magic is for trying to fight evil with evil. I truly believe the Harry Potter books are very anti-relativism.

6. The Harry Potter books suck you in so that once you start reading them you feel compelled to read until the end. This is true. But it is hardly the only books this is true for. I like to read a novel that is so good that I can't bear to put it down. I don't see how this is bad. Yes, we should not shirk responsibility to read. However, there is nothing quite like reading a really good book.

In my next post I will talk about the positives of reading Harry Potter.

Sunday, June 24, 2007

Random Notes on Life as of late

Tonight we had a church cookout. It was quite a bit of fun. Paul got to play a couple of games of ultimate. Mostly I played with the little ones. I decided it would be really nice if our church property had a swing set. Maybe someday.

Last night we went to Greekfest with Sara, Manda, and Doug. Fortunately the music was not quite so loud this year. They had some little rides for the kids, which the older two loved. And Paul was able to take Isaac into the moonwalk. The weather last night was actually cool for a change. So it was a good evening to be in the park.

Lately, Isaac has decided it is his mission in life to shove as many things as he can in the toilet. Laundry, toothbrushes, stuffed animals, remote controls. Anything he can find really. We try to keep the bathroom door shut, but Abigail usually forgets.

Wednesday morning I supposedly started my new Bible study. But only one of the ladies I invited came. Besides that, the girls who were supposed to be babysitting completely forgot. It doesn't look like things will go quite as planned.

Oh shoot. I just realized I need to write out some checks to pay bills.

Survey: Who thinks it would be interesting if I write more about Harry Potter? With the new book coming next month, it's on my mind. But If you would be bored I'll skip the topic. I was thinking about writing a Christian defense of the books.

Thursday, June 21, 2007

Happy to have a full house

Random Person: "Wow, you really have your hands full!"
Random Person 2: "Oh you poor thing. How do you do it?"
Random Person 3: " You know there are ways to prevent that don't you?"
Random Person 4: "Oh you must be so busy. You poor thing!"

What I should say: "Yes it is very busy and exhausting to have three small children and to be expecting number 4. But at the same time, I have blessings that you could never imagine. And not for a moment would I trade my life for anyone's"

What I actually say : "uh-huh"

What I am thinking: "If one more person makes a comment like that I am going to clobber them with this diaper bag!!!!"

Fortunately for them I usually have a child in my arms making it rather difficult to swing the bag.

Today, I had the rare treat of going grocery shopping with just Isaac. He and I had so much fun giggling and playing together.

Isaac had his first haircut on Tuesday evening. He looks like a big boy now. I didn't cry, but I have to admit it made me a little sad. I think with each passing child it is harder to watch them grow up because I see how quickly it goes.

On another note. If anyone is looking for a nice baby sling. My friend Joy is starting a home business making them. She has a website, but I don't remember what it is. I will post that soon.

Sunday, June 17, 2007

Happy Father's Day

Today we went to the lake. Chain O' Lakes state park to be precise. It was a fun day of swimming and canoing, and my muscles will ache for some time I am sure.

It is fun to watch my father be a grandpa. I had to laugh despite my frustration, when he gave in to Abigail's pleas to let him return to the water to swim longer. As a child my father was wrapped around my finger. He believed I did no wrong (he might still). My mother would see right through me, but my daddy would let me get away with anything.

I see so many children these days who have no daddy to take care of them. Or if there father is physically present, he fails to care for his children. And when I see that I am so glad I had a father who cared. I will always remember fondly how my dad taught me to ride a bike. Or how he would sit and read to me. Or how he would make up the most ridiculous stories to explain the simplest things.

I always knew my daddy loved me. Thank you, Dad!

Friday, June 15, 2007

Research Experiment and more Potterific Predictions

Sammy has the opportunity to participate in research/testing for a new reflux drug. The drug is already approved for adults and children over age 5. Obviously there are risks involved (as well as a large time commitment, so we have not yet decided what to do. Because he is still having difficulties, it would be good to know if this option works. Plus, they would do free testing for lots of other conditions. We would be paid for allowing him to participate, but since the test would be in Indy the payment would probably not much more that compensate our expenses. So profit is not an issue. What do you guys think?

SPOILER ALERT:

Okay, so these aren't true spoilers. I haven't read book 7. But after reading books 5 and 6, I am prepared to make some educated guesses. I feel confident enough in some of them that I felt I should warn you.

The Horcruxes:

Here is what I think the horcruxes are.

Tom Riddle's diary - already destroyed in book 2.

Slytherin's ring- destroyed in book 6.

Slytherin's locket - I believe that the RAB who stole the locket is Regulus Black (Sirius Brother) and that he did so with the aid of Kreacher since only one wizard can ride on the boat. This is the locket mentioned in book 5 that they found at 12 Grimmauld place. However, I am wondering if the locket was taken by Mundungus and then sold to the barman of the Hogshead. In the encounter in which Harry confronts Mundungus, it says that the barman walked away clutching his cloak around his neck.

Hufflepuff's Cup - I don't have any clues as to where the cup might be. But I am guessing that retrieving it will involve the annoying Hufflepuff Quidditch player, Zacharias Smith. I am thinking that Smith is related to Hephzibah Smith from whom the cup was initially stolen.

Ravenclaw's Wand - Last seen in the shop of Ollivander in book 1. This is the wand that was sitting on display on a cushion in the shop. I think Ollivander's disappearance was probably related to this wand.

Harry - I think it was Voldemort's desire to turn Gryffindor's sword into a Horcrux initially. But Dumbledore's statements indicate that was not possible. We also know that Voldemort was planning to make his last horcrux the night he killed Harry's parents. My thought is that upon realizing that he could not kill Harry, he decided to make him a horcrux (that way as long as Harry survived he would survive also). I think it is this action that destroyed Voldemort and not the failed killing curse. Voldemort clearly did not realize the implications of his decision. I think the reason Nagini is mentioned as a possible horcrux is to let us know that living beings can be horcruxes. I am not nearly as confident about this theory as I am about my others.

In case you were wondering where my logic came from in selecting Ravenclaw's wand.
In Arthurian legend there were four HALLOWS. The grail (Hufflepuff's cup), the pentacle/amulet (Slytherin's locket), the sword/dagger (Gryffindor's sword), the baton/wand (which would be Ravenclaw's relic).

Sunday, June 10, 2007

Happy Birthday Abigail!

Today my little Honey Bee turned four. We had a small party, complete with a giraffe cake (I'll post pictures of it on the baking blog sometime). Paul made Abigail a gymnastics bar for her Birthday, he is also working on a balance beam. Abigail also received many other wonderful gifts. And fortunately, not a whole lot of toys.

In case you were wondering, since I haven't posted for so long. I have completed 1-4 in the Harry Potter series. Anne can't seem to find book 5, so I can't start that just yet. I've also read some of the fan predictions about what will happen in book seven. For the rest of you Potter fans, I will make some of my own.

-Voldemort will be defeated (this is kind of a duh!)

-Dumbledore will return. (I'm hoping for a resurrection, but I expect him back somehow--maybe in his portrait)

-Snape will turn out to actually be a good guy, and he will die.

-At least one Weasley will be killed.

-Harry and Ginny will wind up back together.

-Draco Malfoy will repent of his evilness (here's hoping!)

Well what do you think? Anybody else out there impatient for book 7?

Sunday, June 3, 2007

Fly Away

The last few days have been a little rough. Besides having to take a trip to Riley for Sammy to have some tests, I also managed to forget (without realizing it until today) to take my thyroid medicine. I have pretty much been a walking zombie.

And speaking of zombies, I'm really in the mood to read some crazy escapist literature. If I can't actually get away, then at least I could let my mind get away for awhile. On this count I am longing for the new Harry Potter book. When it does come out (sometime next month) I won't get to read it right away. I will need to borrow it. I will borrow it from Anne, and I don't think I am number one on the borrowing list.

Maybe I will reread the earlier books too. I only have vague recollections of what happens in 1-5. It's been so long.