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What's a Christian to Do with Harry Potter?

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I'm probably coming from a rather different place than most of the other reviewers. I'm not a Christian, and I picked up this book after I'd agreed to read a passage from the first Harry Potter novel at a reading of banned books. I wanted to know more about the reasons the books had been banned in the first place and a book written from a Christian perspective caught my eye.

What really impressed me about Neal's book is how respectful it is. It's so easy for both sides of this cultural divide to just dismiss each other--you're either a secular Satanist or you're a fundamentalist yahoo. I think it's this lack of respect that Neal is really trying to get at. She thinks the debate over the Harry Potter books is worth having but she wants it to be a reasonable, thoughtful, respectful debate. The book is really a warning against some of the unthinking traps that Christians fall into when they criticize the Potter series. But it's also a plea to take the cultural debate seriously. She admonishes Christians for not being more serious about the debate--for simply accepting what they've heard about the books without reading them or thinking about the issues in context. (For example, she says that, yes, there are mythical and magical creatures in the Potter stories but also points out that such creatures exist in stories by Christian authors such as C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, and Charles Dickens. The point is to figure out what these creatures are doing in the context of the novels, not merely to see that there are such creatures in the books and simply stop there.) But she also speaks to non-believers like me. There's a passage in chapter seven where she writes: "I must add a word for any reader who does not believe there are invisible and evil spirit beings seeking to influence and harm ususpecting people . . . . Can you see how people who believe there are would rightfully be alarmed over others telling their kids, 'Don't worry. All the witchraft and questionable practices depicted in the Harry Potter books are just fantasy.'" And, I had to admit that my response was, yes, I could.

It's this tone--of trying to get people to understand and respect both sides of the argument and both sides of the Christian/secular divide that I think makes it a really remarkable book. Connie Neal gives me hope that Christians and secularlists can really talk to each other and not at each other.

If you think any Christian who would be concerned about the Harry Potter books is a right-wing fundamentalist from the dark ages, don't read this book. If you are a serious Christian who wants to know whether your kids should be reading Harry Potter, or whether you should, THIS IS THE BOOK TO READ. Do NOT waste your time with "Pokemon & Harry Potter: A Fatal Attraction" or "Harry Potter and the Bible: The Menace Behind the Magick." Those authors are only a couple steps from the Inquisition, and they simply don't understand literature and how it works. Connie Neal, who works for Focus on the Family, explains why the Harry Potter books ARE good for Christian children. She explains the difference between the "wizardry" in these books and the witchcraft books found in the New Age section of your local bookstore. She shows how you can help your children find God in the Harry Potter books. I have a Ph.D. in literature and I teach the Bible on the college level and edit a theological journal, so I'm better qualified than most to say that the Harry Potter books are significant from both the literary and the spiritual viewpoints. They are at heart about the battle between good and evil, the same battle that swirls around us, and about the forces that are trying to lead us to choose the good and the competing forces trying to lead us into darkness. If you help your children find these themes in the books, the books can have a powerful influence for good.

Unfortunately, the apparent answer commonly given to Neal's question is "Panic". The most widely reported and distributed Christian responses have been littered with hysterical, inaccurate and inconsistent reports of what the Harry Potter books are going to do to young children near you. In a pleasing contrast, Neal presents an informed and balanced account and analysis of the Harry Potter phenomenon. She begins her book by presenting a wide sample of Christian writing on the Harry Potter books. Neal suggests a view of the Christian church big enough to accommodate both people who enjoy reading the Harry Potter stories and those who do not see the books as suitable for Christian families. While Neal goes on to argue in favour of the books and to see opportunities in their popularity, she maintains respect for those who may choose to disagree with her views. Neal ably categorises the Harry Potter stories as fantasy, bringing with them many of the elements of classic children's stories. As such, she questions the legitimacy of imposing on parts of the story meanings inconsistent with their use in the story itself. However, Neal does recognise risks associated with the various motifs of magic and witchcraft employed in the Harry Potter stories and devotes two chapters to a Bible-based response to these issues. The books are definitely not "How to" manuals on magic - as another writer put it, the magic in Harry Potter is on a similar level to the technology in 'Star Trek' (Hertenstein) - but Neal is alert to the curiosity about such things the books may arouse. She suggests this may in fact provide an opportunity for parents to discuss with their children the dangers associated with magic and witchcraft. However, the greatest conclusion of 'What's a Christian to do with Harry Potter?' is "we find that the Harry Potter stories are rich in parallels to our Judeo-Christian faith." Neal traces this through the debates about the morality presented in Rowling's books and into a personal story in which Neal used the Harry Potter story to share the gospel with a family friend. Neal's concluding challenge to Christians is to develop ways to use the Harry Potter stories similarly - to "use that interest as an open door to share with them the greatest story of all." 'What's a Christian to do with Harry Potter?' is addressed almost solely to parents and teachers, concerned about the children in their care. However, Neal's book can be read usefully by the many older Christians: both those who have not read Harry Potter but are interested in the phenomenon; and those who have read - and even enjoyed - the books but have some questions as to an appropriate Christian response. You are allowed to disagree, but Neal's arguments are worth considering.

I was confronted several years ago by our then extreme, right wing, homeschooling mommy neighbor with accusations that "Harry Potter is evil, he is the antichrist."
My response to her was twofold:
1. Have you bothered to read the books in the series?
2. Have you read Connie Neal's book "What's A Christian To Do With Harry Potter?"
Sadly to say she had done neither, but was basing her statement on an article which had appeared in the Madison based, parody newspaper "The Onion".
Connie Neal covers the issues which parents are raising questions about in regard to the Harry Potter series.
Her approach is sane, logical, and it makes sense.
I would encourage any parent who has questions about the series to read Connie's book first, then read the Harry Potter series for themselves.

Neal has written this book because she herself seemed to be unwittingly dragged into the debate. She and her family enjoy the books, tempered with a good bit of parental guidance. Nonetheless, she was surprised at the angst that her position seemed to stir up among fellow Christians. This book presents both sides of for/against Harry Potter issue fairly, and in some ways uncompromisingly agrees with both. In the first 60 pages she plainly outlines the popularity of the books, what both sides of the controversy are saying, what the books are about, and whether or not they are simply fantasy literature.

Neal is most helpful in relating the way that our first impressions of something, as illustrated by the Boring figure, a type of Rorschach ink blot, effects the way we view it. People who have been warned that the books are full of witchcraft and strange demonic impish creatures (Dobby) will undoubtedly find just that when they read it. On the other hand, people who have the viewpoint that Harry Potter is children's fantasy literature will find no witchcraft and think Dobby is nothing more than a very funny elf-creature of Rowling's imagination. Neal, quoting Lewis, says that to superimpose any outside meaning upon the intrinsic meaning given in the story is to distort the author's meaning. One can only call Dobby demonic if one looks up the word elf in an occultist dictionary and see that elves are spirit-creatures who are unclean, then connect these unclean spirits to demons, then connect these demons back to Dobby, which is rather unfair to the mischievous Yoda-looking house servant. This also makes even Santa Clause and Keebler crackers dangerous. Ultimately, it results in the fact that both sides of the debate take words to mean entirely different things, making the entire vocabulary of the argument pointless.

Her main message on this subject is that the arguments over Harry Potter have not only become rather ridiculous on both sides, but it is also tearing apart the Christian community. Of course, almost any issue tends to do that, but with an issue as popular as Harry Potter the sheer numbers involved makes it dangerous. Her advice is to follow Paul in 1 Cor. 8-10 and Rom. 14-15. For her Harry Potter is right up there with meat sacrificed to idols. It's okay for some Christians but it is not okay for others and these two sides should not fight over whether or not it is right or wrong.

In general, Neal believes that the Harry Potter books are only as dangerous as the readers make them. She does believe that they have the possibility to make unhappy and maladjusted children seek out the occult. However, the books can be very safe and enjoyable to children whose parents take the time to read the books with them and explain what the Bible says about these things in real life. She includes chapters that are geared specifically to be read to children to explain what the Bible says and that witchcraft is not something to be pursued. These chapters can be extremely helpful, especially for children who have a hard time understanding that fiction is not reality. However, Neal fails to mention that her advice is far greater than just Harry Potter, almost every book in the world is dangerous to just about anyone.

Neal also has a couple chapters that point out the fact that Harry Potter follows the traditional fairy tale pattern. The Harry Potter books, like Narnia and LOTR, conform to the setting of mythology, legend, folklore, fable and fairy tale, placing it fully in classic children's fantasy literature. Any critique that ignores the literary component of the books is bound to misunderstand their origin.

The only thing I did not like about this book is that it is very reader-response oriented. Neal pretty much ignores or discounts anything Rowling has said in interviews, prefering to find the "message/meaning" of the Harry Potter books only through what the readers make of them. This can be very dangerous because plenty of people can read a book totally wrong. Not to mention, can we hold an author responsible for a private interpretation? However, for a balanced introduction to the debate on Harry Potter, and some helpful advice no matter what side you choose to come down on, I highly recommend this book.

Connie Neal got it right with this book. She does not tell you what is right and what is wrong, but allows you to make that decision for yourself.

This book is the closest that you can come to an unbiased opinion of Harry Potter and Christianity. It includes numerous references to both the Harry Potter series as well as the Bible, and is pretty darn accurate (I found only two errors in regards to the Harry Potter series, but both were very minor and in no way influenced her arguments - One was in her description of Quidditch, the other in her description of Hagrid).

If you have any hesitations about the Harry Potter series, you know somebody who does or you are just looking for a book that presents both sides of the Harry Potter debate, this is the ideal book for you.

Several months ago I picked up this book out of sheer curiosity, assuming that it was just another Harry-basher. To my pleasant surprise, however, I found that it was in fact a refreshingly unbiased and intelligent discussion of the story of Harry Potter. Connie Neal explains not only why the books are popular, but also the values readers can learn from them and even their correlations with biblical principles.

I think this is an excellent book on the topic of Harry Potter for two reasons. One, the author presents J.K. Rowling's series as literature rather than as a mere cultural phenomenon. I am a Christian who has grown up on classic fantasy by the Brothers Grimm, Hans Christian Andersen, C.S. Lewis, L. Frank Baum and other notable writers, and I have always thought that the Harry Potter books belong in this category. To me, they are simply good morality tales embellished with magical feasts for the imagination. As Connie Neal points out, classic fantasy uses magic as a literary device to make stories more exciting; writers of the genre usually make it clear that this magic is set within the context of an imaginary world and does not bear any direct correlation with the real-world practices of witchcraft and the occult. I believe Harry Potter should be examined within the context of the fantasy genre, and Connie does an admirable job of giving J.K. Rowling's stories fair treatment in this way.

The second reason I highly recommend this book is that Connie makes an earnest effort to bridge the gap between the two extremes of the Harry Potter debate by getting at the true heart of the argument: simply put, we must agree to disagree. And we must *graciously* agree. Most authors who write on controversial topics aim to persuade the reader to agree with their viewpoint. I really appreciate Connie's approach: she actually entreats you to "decide for yourself." She presents both sides of the debate and then arms the reader with Paul's guidelines for Christians who are in disagreement about personal conduct (Romans 14-15 and I Corinthians 8-10). I join the author in pleading with Christians, no matter which view they lean toward, to "stop passing judgment!" Connie points out that we do not gain anything by bickering with or criticizing the opposing viewpoint. I would go a step further and say that in this kind of hysteria we lose our focus and weaken our mission as Christians to love others as Christ loves us.

If you are uncertain what to think about Harry Potter, or if you are simply looking for a unbiased treatment of the issue, read this book. Connie Neal does not force-feed her opinions; instead, she equips you with enough information and background about Harry so that you can make your own decision regarding the world-famous wizard boy.

My husband and I had completely opposite views of the Harry Potter books, and just attempting to have a civilized discussion about them with him usually ended up with me getting a splitting headache. Connie Neal's book provided us with a neutral arbiter that allowed us to talk about the subject peacefully. She presents both sides of the "Christian" argument in a straight-forward, matter-of-fact way that while validating each side's right to its own opinion, challenges us to see the debate from the other point of view.
Like it or not, Harry Potter has made a major cultural impact on our global society. Christians can either choose to reject these works out of hand and miss a major witnessing opportunity, or we can choose to find parallels to the gospel story within the world of Harry Potter (and there are many!). Connie Neal shows us just how easy it is to present the Good News to neighbors who may never have read the Bible, but are completely familiar with JK Rowling's "non-muggle" world. So, if you love these fantasy masterpieces, but feel that you have had to hide them from your friends and family, this book can help open up a fruitful dialogue that doesn't end in complete meltdown!

When I first heard of the Harry Potter stories I was opposed to them without even looking at them because of the reference to sorcery and witchcraft. After reading Connie Neal's book "What's a Christian to do with Harry Potter", I realized that I had made a serious mistake in being so judgemental without even opening the book in question. After giving an overview of different literary components found in myth, fable and fantasy, Connie presents a very balanced, thoughtful, scripturally solid examination of the Harry Potter stories. This book is a MUST READ for every Christian. She gives a wonderful presentation of the pros and cons of Harry Potter. But beyond the Harry Potter issue, she presents relevant teaching on how to engage our culture for the sake of the kingdom, avoid conflicts in disputable matters, and how to use Harry Potter (or other cultural fads) to share the gospel of salvation, and teach the truths concerning the real occult to our children. This book is very easy to read and understand even though Harry Potter wasn't read first. I teach the Bible every week and am very conservative in my interpretation of the scriptures. A person would be hard pressed to find a better example of Biblical interpetation of a cultural phenomenon. Harry Potter is here and being devored by our youth and others. This book is an excellent guide on how to use the Harry Potter rage to give out the truth. Connie Neal gives great instruction on how to connect with your children for the sake of the kingdom. If your child has read, wants to read or knows someone who has read Harry Potter then read this book, and read Harry Potter along with them. If you want great ideas on how to explain difficult subjects like the occult to your child read this book.

Good news for Gryffindors!The book "What's a Christian to Do with Harry Potter?" is great! It teaches Christains not to judge each other, and quite frankly, I agree with Connie Neal (author of the book).Some Christain's have been getting really angry and upset and have been saying some awfully mean things to anyone who reads the Harry Potter books. In the Bible it says they will know we are Christains by our love and love isn't what I've been hearing. Neal's book helped me and my friends understand that the thing's we read about in Harry Potter -- if we did them in real life -- would be the same as being on Voldemort's side (just so you know, if you didn't read the books, Voldemort is the villain). And since my friends and I have been reading the books we started a Harry Potter book club and Bible study. Neal's books offer an alternative approach to see the Harry Potter books in a good way and still obey God. I hope you can too.