Jesus Potter Harry Christ: The Fascinating Parallels Between Two of the World's Most Popular Literary Characters [Paperback]

Derek Murphy (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 5, 2011

A controversy over the historical Jesus has been raging for 2,000 years.
A century ago, biblical criticism had revealed Jesus Christ to be almost entirely based on pre-existing mythology. Since then, conservative biblical scholars have regained the discipline and convinced the world that - whatever else Jesus Christ was, he was undoubtedly historical.

Do you believe in the historical Jesus? Confirmation of your beliefs is as near as the local bookstore, where you can easily find several dozen books defending Jesus Christ, the physical man.

Do you think Jesus was mostly a mythological construct? You'll find ample support for your beliefs in the dozens of other books a few feet over, that argue Jesus never existed at all.

The only way to get past this apparent dead-end of stagnant dogma and repetition, is to examine the roots of the controversy itself - to go beyond the evidence and focus on the underlying issues. Jesus Potter Harry Christ identifies the similarities between Jesus and Harry, to demonstrate that both J.K. Rowling's magical series and the biblical gospels are literary fiction based ancient mythology and astrological symbolism.

Discover the secrets that biblical scholars don't want you to know


What the experts are saying

"For those whose minds can ask questions freely without the enforcement of dogma, Derek Murphy raises a genuine argument which Christian apologists have no answers to besides merely repeating their dogmatic convictions in the hope that re-asserting the dogma will confirm it as truth." --John Thomas Didymus, Goddiscussion.com

"Whether or not one agrees with Murphy's ultimate position, and whether or not one agrees with his arguments that Jesus was entirely (rather than mostly) mythic, Jesus Potter Harry Christ is well worth wading through, and wade through it one must, simply because of the sheer mass and volume of evidence the author provides. Make this a book whose pages you dog-ear for further reference and second readings." --Tim Callahan, Skeptic magazine's religion editor and author of the books "Bible Prophecy" and "The Secret Origins of the Bible"

"Murphy sifts through various mystery religions and myths of a dying and resurrecting god, and their possible influence upon the Gospel story. For once, it's done tastefully and without sensationalism. Maybe you've read works by Freke, Doherty, and Harpur. Without trying to foist a Gnostic version of Christianity on me, and without succumbing to overzealous scholarship, Murphy gently yet forcefully introduces the strong similarities between Christianity and other first-century religious philosophies and mystery cults, concluding in the strong likelihood that Jesus was a mythical savior." --Lee Harmon, author of "Revelation: The Way it Happened"

"In the newly-released (and blasphemously-titled) Jesus Potter Harry Christ, Derek Murphy makes the case that J. K. Rowling -- the author of the Harry Potter series -- achieved her success by tapping into some of the deepest and most ancient longings of the human heart. These same longings, Murphy argues, compelled first-century pagans to construct what he calls "the Jesus myth." Murphy points to similarities between the Gospel accounts of Jesus' virgin birth, His passion and His return from the grave with the myths of pagan idols like Isis, Sarapis, Horus and Apollo, Murphy hopes to convince his readers that Jesus -- just like the gods of mythology -- is fiction. In fact, he believes that Jesus is just an amalgam of history's best myths." --Chuck Colson, Christian leader and cultural commentator

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Riveting and extremely enjoyable." --IndieReader.com

FIRST PLACE WINNER: Best Religious Non-Fiction, 2011 --Next Generation Indie Book Awards

"The research in this book is very impressive. I am amazed at the amount of historical facts gathered by Murphy and reminded that so little of this information is widely known today." —The Nottingham Institute

"Controversial, and full of fascinating, insufficiently disseminated information." --Heresy Corner

"I am not paying false flattery when I say that this book is easily one of the best that I have read on the subject of the historical Jesus." --Pastor Chris, Pacific Haven Liberation Ministries

"Particularly absorbing and highly topical: as part of the continuing debate over the nature of Christ, not only among Christians but between them and today's wave of atheist thinkers, Jesus Potter Harry Christ is timely." --Parmenides

"Any biblical scholar, historian and want-to-be theologian can have fun looking into this text." --S. A. Gorden - Midwest Book Reviews

From the Back Cover

What do Jesus and Harry Potter have in common? More than you think.

LET'S SKIP THE INTRODUCTIONS. You don't need me to tell you that Jesus Christ and Harry are two of the most famous celebrities in the world, whose stories have been translated into dozens of languages and found international support in diverse cultures. What you may not be aware of, however, is the mysterious, complicated and intriguing relationship between them. For example, did you know that the topics "I read Harry Potter and Jesus still loves me," "Even Jesus reads Harry Potter" and "Harry Potter will return sooner than Jesus" each have their own Facebook group, or that Wikipedia has a page dedicated to "Religious debates over the Harry Potter Series"? Much more remarkable than their respective popularity is the significant tension - and unexpected affinity - between them.

At first glance it may seem that J.K. Rowling's boy wizard and the crucified Jesus prophet who became the Christian savior have absolutely nothing to do with each other - and yet the unease and sometimes outright animosity between the followers of these two figures suggests otherwise. Harry has been banned, burned, and abused by religious fundamentalists for over a decade. At the release of Rowling's final book, however, many readers were surprised to discover parallels between Jesus and Harry that, in such apparently diverse world-views, had no right to be there. As a result, recent years have witnessed a revolution in Christian responses to Harry, with many groups, writers and religious leaders praising Rowling's young sorcerer as ultimately Christian and a clear metaphor for Jesus Christ. And yet the most spine-tingling question has so far been ignored: Why do these similarities exist at all? 

Although it is easy to accept that Rowling crafted the literary character of Harry Potter after the figure of Jesus, shouldn't it pique our interest that Jesus - a monumental figure in modern world religion generally believed to have been historical - has so much in common with the obviously fictional fantasy world and character of Harry Potter? The main distinction, it will be argued, is that Jesus Christ is real: Jesus has traditionally been viewed as a historical figure, while Harry is instantly recognized as fiction. But does this distinction apply to the many seemingly mythical elements in the gospels? Can Jesus' miracles be separated from Harry's magic tricks because they really happened - or will we allow that certain features of the gospels were exaggerated or intended to be literary. And if so, where do we stop? What protects Jesus from the claim that he is, like Harry, a fictional character?

This is the starting point of Jesus Potter Harry Christ; an innovative treatise into religious history, comparative mythology, astrological symbolism and contemporary culture. From ancient mystery religions to modern fairy tales, from fictional Hogwarts to the ruins of Jerusalem, Derek Murphy, PhD in Comparative Literature at one of the world's top universities, zooms in on one crucial question: How do we separate the obviously mythical literature of Jesus Christ from the historical man himself?

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 494 pages
• Publisher: Holy Blasphemy (February 5, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0615430937
• ISBN-13: 978-0615430935
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (32 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #657,361 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

A few terrifying episodes of childhood sleep paralysis started Derek Murphy down the path of self-exploration and the pursuit of spiritual wisdom. After completing a dual major in Philosophy and Theology on the heavily Catholic island of Malta, Derek had a crisis of faith when he realized that his knowledge of Christian origins and the literary nature of the gospels had outgrown his Christian upbringing. He began to travel the world, exploring diverse expressions of spirituality and researching religious mythology and cultural folklore, in an attempt to pierce the experiential and psychological heart of religiosity.

Living in Taiwan during his graduate studies in comparative literature, Derek became fascinated with the way that motifs from classical mythology and literature were recycled into the movies and books of pop culture (the mythology of our times). He's currently finishing his PhD Thesis on Milton's Satan as a positive symbol for revolutionary progress (Satan is my Hero), with plans to move to Romania to research a 3rd book on Jesus' link to Vampire Romance novels (Jesus is my Vampire Lover).

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 29 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Give the Idea a Chance May 15, 2011

By Cheryl A. Chatfield VINE™ VOICE

Format:Paperback

After reading Murphy's book but before writing this review, I wanted to check out Holy Blasphemy Press. I accept atheism as a valid philosophy for anyone making an intelligent decision and I wrote about this in my own work, rejecting the old, dictator god that many of us grew up with and replacing that image with a kindler, gentler, forgiving energy that accepts and loves all. Writing about spirituality, though, makes me curious about those who claim to be atheists.

I read the description of Holy Blasphemy Press, and find that I agree with much of what they said. I, too, want a better God than the "tyrannical and violent" one often portrayed. I agree with their statement, "...we also respect each individual's right to seek their own spiritual meaning - as long as they don't impose it on everyone else or demand special privileges or policies." I checked out the author, Derek Murphy, too. He seems to be an open, philosophical individual with whom one might have a rational, intelligent spiritual conversation. With that understanding, I could continue my review.

The research in this book is very impressive. Murphy covers so much material. He spends more time promoting the facts of Jesus as a literary figure than discussing Harry Potter, but he clearly makes his point of the similarities of the two figures. Both Jesus Christ and Harry Potter had miraculous births, childhood miracles, and miraculous powers; battled with evil; were sacrificed in death with a rebirth or resurrection; and dealt with the symbolism of seven, Jesus in the Seven Seals of the Book of Revelation and Harry with his seven magical tasks in Books 6 and 7.

Why the comparison to Harry Potter? Many other literary figures, such as Moby Dick, Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings and McMurphy in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, also endured suffering ending in a sacrificial death with a perceived rebirth and resurrection. I like Murphy's choice, however, since Harry Potter, has become popular with a major influence on our youth. Murphy's premise presents a new twist on an old story. J.K. Rowling used the same myths that preceded Jesus in creating her characters. A fresh look at the story of Jesus Christ is timely. A comparison to Mr. Potter is a unique way to do that. Murphy's implied sense of humor and perspective add to a much-needed discussion that often becomes too austere and heavy.

He establishes that there is no historical proof that Jesus Christ existed. He acknowledges that there is no proof that Jesus Christ didn't exist. Individuals are left to believe or not. Murphy states that he just wants to establish some historical record. The main stories of the Old and New Testament are restated pagan myths, referring to such figures as Osiris, Gilgamesh, Orpheus, Mithras and many others, some of which existed over a thousand years before Christ. The birth date, the death time, the suffering and the resurrection are not unique to Jesus.

I read much of this research years ago and came to the conclusion that Jesus may have lived, although that evidence is sketchy, but that he was not a divine being born on December 25 and resurrected on the date we celebrate as Easter. I am amazed at the amount of historical facts gathered by Murphy and reminded that so little of this information is widely known today. How could people ignore all of this evidence? And the myth continues with such a blind side to the facts. I like Murphy's response that all he is doing is presenting the information; it is up to the readers to make a decision. I agree.

I especially enjoyed his section on the history of Christianity with the political overtones of its rise to prominence. This is reminiscent of choices in our world today that are political rather than the right thing to do or an intelligent decision, although sometimes they are all three. In 325 CE, Emperor Constantine took power in the Roman Empire. He protected Christianity and wanted unity in the religions. He tailored Christianity to the pre-existing pagan customs. By 380 CE, Christianity was made the official religion and by 435 pagan temples were destroyed. The rise of Christianity was a political, not a religious or spiritual, decision. That part of history needs to be remembered, along with many other facts.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Who did Jesus copy? September 12, 2011

By Chris Albert Wells

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

Displaying Potter's biography as reminiscent of Jesus' is the bait that catches the reader. Murphy then asks a most serious question: "Is the Jesus story just as fictional as Potter's and based on previous myths? After having argued against the dictated historical Jesus and that Jesus is not beyond the scope of rational inquiry, Derek Murphy shows how non-specific Jesus really was by sharing a wonderful collection of much earlier heroes everyone accepts as imaginary, (occasionally based on a real person) and whose biography belonged to the enchanted circle of similar extraordinary deeds. The author also introduces his readers to ancient astrological symbols that explained the world and how they became a universal language used in mythical essays and found their way into ethical and spiritual teaching.

The author makes it clear that most of the Jesus Messiah claims have parallels in earlier belief systems. His arguments that struggling and established christianity incorporated pagan symbols into practice, iconography and texts is enlightening.

I feel however that Derek Murphy over-emphasises pagan influences on the original synoptic compositions.

Before being exported and presented to the world, the Jesus party was elaborated within a pious dissident Jewish sect. They did not need to refer to outside mythologies because they already had at their disposal abundant prophetic material offered by the OT (that also contains middle-eastern legends). They used it extensively, each evangelist manipulating the original gospel according to maturing religious-political needs.

Within this pious and divided community, Jesus, a messiah symbol personifying the avant-garde, was to take over from Elijah, the Temple's messianic candidate for the end of days. The debate was not trivial and had to shake off centuries of enduring thought and propaganda. In doing so, Jesus borrowed extensively from his competitor Elijah, his Galilean ballade even making him walk in his footsteps.

Jesus borrowed from Elijah just as much as Potter borrowed from Jesus. The references to Elijah are innumerable and point to a literary fiction. In all these references, Jesus is competing against Elijah, copying him, eliminating him or surpassing him. On the other hand, the innumerable borrowings from Isaiah, a great sectarian favourite, are used differently and help offer Jesus a scriptural legitimacy. At stake within this Jesus-community were also legal issues formulated by "The son of man is master of the Sabbath". They wanted obsolete rules to change. A new Jewish political party, Essene-minded, united under the Jesus banner and rivalling against stubborn traditionalists, was quarrelling, taking over, but gaining little credit outside the original walls.

Without Paul, it would probably have remained a dissident and marginal Jewish sect divided between two currents revering an ancient founder and lawgiver some perceived as a new Moses and a new messiah outcasting the Temple and their clique. Basic politics!

With these reserves, Derek Murphy's book will surprise, amuse, gain the reader's interest and ignite controversy by showing the myths and symbols religious literature used. His book is full of worthwhile information that will cast serious doubt on the unity and uniqueness of the Jesus cult.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating and eye-opening September 23, 2011

By Paul Lappen VINE™ VOICE

Format:Paperback

The parallels between Jesus Christ and Harry Potter are actually closer than most people may realize. The book also looks at where Jesus in the Bible came from, an actual person, or a collection of stories?

When the first Harry Potter book was released, does anyone remember the uproar from the religious community? The lawsuits and book burnings came about because the book supposedly promoted witchcraft. By the time the last book was released, the attitude was very different because of the Christ-like images and things that happened to Harry. Many people considered Harry as a Christ-like figure (which J.K. Rowling freely acknowledges).

The assertion that Jesus, as a historical figure, never existed is hardly new; the claim has been made all through out history. A central question to ask is: Which Jesus are we seeking? Are we looking for someone who was born of a virgin, died, rose again and ascended to Heaven? Are we looking for a rebel leader during a time of occupation?

From time to time, an archaeological discovery is made which references a person or place mentioned in the Bible. That would seem to increase the possibility that the Bible is true, since there is now independent evidence that the person or place referenced really existed. Right? Using that line of reasoning, books like The DaVinci Code or the Harry Potter books are just as real as the Bible, because they also mention places that really exist. Another assertion is that Jesus invented ethics and morality; before Him, there was nothing. Really? The various civilizations that existed before Christianity, ranging from Sumeria to Egypt to China, might have something to say about that.

The life of Jesus has supposedly been thoroughly discussed and analyzed in the writings of other historians, including Pliny, Tacitus, and especially Flavius Josephus. The problem is that the total analysis of Jesus amounts to just a couple of paragraphs per author. There has been much controversy over the centuries as to whether or not those paragraphs are real or fakes. The similarities between the life of Jesus and those of people like Dionysus, Asclepius, Mithras and Pythagoras (who was known for a lot more than just his mathematical Theorem) are more than just coincidence.

Large parts of the Bible were taken, or otherwise re-interpreted, from ancient pagan myths and stories. The Great Flood, for instance, came from the Epic of Gilgamesh. The idea of a flood that covered the whole world will mean a lot more to a people who live between two great rivers, like the Tigris and Euphrates, than to residents of an arid place like Palestine.

Why did all the ancient religions, including Christianity, seem to use the same images and shapes? Observations of the constellations in the sky led people to construct myths about them, which truned into stories and eventually became religion.

This is a very fascinating and eye-opening book. It is full of footnotes, so this is more than just some anti-Catholic rant. Those who treat the Bible as a group of stories and parables about the right way to live should not have their faith damaged by this book. It is very much worth the reader's time.