Warnings about Harry Potter

[Fone_Bone_2001]

Contrary, to some very specious argumentation, these books do have the potential of lowering a child’s guard, both subconcious and spiritual, to actual occult activity. Rationally speaking, children may know the that the fantasy element in the series is not “real”, but emotionally the young reader assimilates it as real.

I agree, in a sense. Fantasy stirs the imagination, especially for the young. But Rowling’s magical system inculcates positive spiritual and moral values into the reader. I could give many examples from the series that have little or nothing to do with magic, but to keep the discussion focused on the magical side of things, I’ll give two of the biggest examples, one that portrays goodness and one that portrays evil:

(1) This is the example I gave above, in which I show how in Rowling’s world the strongest magical effects, far from being occult, are constituted or generated by positive spiritual values.

The premise of the series and its later elaboration illustrates this perfectly. Voldemort tries to kill Harry as a baby, but his mother tries to prevent him. Voldemort - by far the more powerful wizard - easily kills her (and her husband), but her sacrifice shields her child so efficaciously that the “killing curse” that Voldemort unleashes on the helpless infant rebounds and nearly destroys its caster.

On top of that, as long as Harry lives with his mother’s relatives - i.e. his family - her sacrifice literally shields him from Voldemort’s power as long as he is underage. The spells and magical might of this powerful wizard are helpless to penetrate the defenses generated by the “charm” of Harry’s mother’s self-sacrificial death.

(2) Now an example of the opposite: Voldemort, the villain, seeks above all else to foil death in the series. To this end, he uses a form of magic that the narration presents as unequivocally evil (but which is, again, obviously fantastical and unreal): he splits his soul into different pieces and hides them in special objects, so that even if an enemy kills him, the other “pieces” of him will live on.

“Splitting your soul” obviously has a very negative thematically spiritual association to it, and in the novel this “spell” requires you to murder someone to complete it.

In this way Rowling’s fictional magic parallels real-world spiritual realities: Voldemort wants to split his soul for fictional purposes, but (this is the realistic part) he must commit gravely evil acts to do so.

In fact, the last book even establishes that someone who had split his soul in this way could undo the whole process and restore his soul, but the “counterspell” is simply remorse - repentance!

Finally, the way Voldemort is willing to commit great evil to conquer death whereas the good guys - especially, in the climax of the series, Harry himself - surrender to death in order to accomplish what’s right and good really calls to mind Matt. 10:39, “Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” And yes, Harry, who “loses his life” for the sake of his friends, lives in the end, and Voldemort, who seeks to overtly conquer death, perishes.

I think this is why Rowling said that the Biblical quotes she uses in the last novel epitomize the entire series. In particular I’d like to point out the one on the tombstone over the grave of Harry’s parents: “The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death” (1 Cor. 15:26).

 

[Fone_Bone_2001]

in the real world in which our lot is cast there are many opportunities for the young to enter evil occultic subcultures, where some of Potter’s powers are offered as real.

No occult subculture can offer any Harry Potter powers, because the latter don’t exist, as we’ve repeatedly pointed out: and even if a child thought they did, “Muggles” like you and I and that child couldn’t achieve them anyway. This is always clear in the series. Plus (to beat a dead horse) they’re not even occultic in the first place!

Marcia Montenegro, a former occult practioner, has undertaken painstaking and well-documented research on this aspect of the series. She has outlined in great detail the close relationship between the “fantasy” magic of Potter world and the evil world of real witchcraft and sorcery.

I found some of her essays on her website, and she does no such thing. What she does is hone in on certain words featured in the series, like “divination” and “charms,” and then freak out about them. But as I established above, it’s puzzling why she feels there’s anything to be afraid of.

Genuine wholesome fantasy, such as that found in Lewis or Tolkein, at least reinforces the moral order of the universe in the child’s mind

As I showed above - unless I’m completely lying or mistaken about the content/plot of the books, which I don’t think you or anyone will claim - Rowling’s series, even in the structure of its fictional magic, absolutely reinforces the moral order of the universe very strongly.

Surely Fone Bone you are not suggesting that Catholics refrain from informing youth about that which could be potentially injurious to their immortal soul, because that might just offend them!

No, I’m not suggesting that. I’m suggesting that a series of novels like Harry Potter, which brands into the souls of its readers the supreme and even supernatural efficacy of self-sacrifice, the necessity to submit to death in order to conquer it, the wisdom of trusting in the good authority figures in our lives, the importance of the truth that what is right is not always what’s easy, and other great spiritual lessons, is our ally.

In a documentary that came out after the publication of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, the strength and obviousness of the Christian subtext of the last novel prompted Rowling to feel the need to elaborate that she did not actually set out actively to convert people to Christianity with her series.

Correct me if I am wrong, but I am sure I have read somewhere that Fleetwood has himself said that he and Father Amorth are only giving their personal opinion on the matter of Potter and are not speaking for the Vatican Office.

Oh, no, I think you’re absolutely right. The Vatican Office and the Catholic Church obviously could never have an “official” position on Harry Potter: it’s a matter of prudential judgment for discerning parents and individuals.

Thankyou again for taking the time to write such a detailed response. God bless you.

You too!

Wow for the sake of space I won’t quote Portrait’s response in #518 and obviously this thread is going hyper - intellectual. I’m thinking that is really part of the whole problem here as well. If I let my 10 year old daughter read that response as part of the explanation of why I’m reading HP along with her I’m pretty confident she wouldn’t understand a word of it. From what she’s told me HP for her is about a kid running around with his friends playing weird sounding games and getting into crazy adventures with weird sounding creatures. And believe it or not I really think that’s all it is for her. I know it’s not as exciting as the well meaning dissertation above but that might be why for over 10 years no one has taken this anti-Potter thing seriously - I’m glad I looked into it though as I think it’s every parent’s responsibility but I personally don’t think there is anything here…God Bless all!

You have a point, and I recognize that it applies to my reply as well.

Analysis of any literary work inevitably, in some sense, sucks the life out of it. There’s a great analogy to dissection - you can dissect a frog, but only if it’s dead, and if it’s not, then you’ve just killed it.

I’m not suggesting that parents should try to make any of the Christian elements of Harry Potter explicit for children who aren’t specifically interested. Like all good books, these elements are not allegorical, surface-level intellectual tricks, but they’re buried in the whole experience of the novels. One can’t miss them, though many probably don’t notice them overtly.

 

[redroselover]

I can’t believe so many of you are so afraid of the Harry Potter books. They are fun reads. I think this is way over reacting that makes us all like like loons. Would you not let your child dress like a witch for Halloween just for fun? There are numerous children’s books that have witches in them.

 

[Lost_Wanderer]

Sadly, this is true (regardless of how cute and far-off from the real thing the ‘witch’ in question is).

(Please Note: This uploaded content is no longer available.)

 

[Lost_Wanderer]

Indeed I am. Saw her in the cartoons. XD Btw, seeing as how her magic powers seem derivative of actual, magic tricks, I wonder how these so-called ‘spiritual warriors’ would handle the likes of David Copperfield or David Blaine? Honestly I’d just love to see the looks on the faces of friends and family alike if I could do even just half the things they’ve done. XD

P.S.

The girl I posted by the way goes by the name of Patchouli Knowledge. She’s not a manga character actually but a character from the Touhou computer game franchise. :3

 

[kenofken]

I can’t believe so many of you are so afraid of the Harry Potter books. They are fun reads. I think this is way over reacting that makes us all like like loons. Would you not let your child dress like a witch for Halloween just for fun? There are numerous children’s books that have witches in them.

For that matter, you can let your kids dress like a witch the other 364 days of the year. Mostly we wear business casual these days!

 

[John_of_Woking]

I like your style

 

[John_of_Woking]

For that matter, you can let your kids dress like a witch the other 364 days of the year. Mostly we wear business casual these days!

Hello Kenofken,

I know why you are often on these forums…its because you know Jesus Loves You and He is calling you Home

Don’t worry you don’t have to burn all your Harry Potter books…at least not immediately

 

[cyberwolf001]

Hello Kenofken,

I know why you are often on these forums…its because you know Jesus Loves You and He is calling you Home

Don’t worry you don’t have to burn all your Harry Potter books…at least not immediately

Psst. It’s because we want to make sure someone is here to give the Pagan side of things. Pass it on.

 

[Portrait]

F.A.O. Fone bone 2001

Dear Fone Bone,

Cordial greetings and thankyou again for your well-written responses to my post.

Unfortunately many men fail to see the bigger picture and do not fully appreciate that the Potter series is permeated with actual references to occult practices. It is because these practices are intermingled with pure fantasy that unsuspecting readers, in particular the young, may be led to believe that such evil practices are likewise fantasy and herein lies the danger.

The problem with the novels is not so much that they will arouse a child’s interest in the occult, exceedingly worrisome though that is, but rather that these books will desensitize children to the evil occultic sub culture which, as I have remarked previously, is a very real and present danger nowadays. Many of us have no problem with the fantasy genre as such, but it would be sheer naivety to close our minds to the fact that it can be misused as a vehicle for harmful messages - messages, I hasten to add, that can have eternal consequences.

Moreover Rowling writes as if Potter’s powers can be channeled into good, and, again, this is yet another danger of these books. Rituals, spells and brews are used by witches in the real world and they are effective owing to the power of evil spirits. As such they can never lead to good. Now portraying these innately evil practices as if they can in some way be harnessed for good is surely a dangerous lie and renders Rowling’s books utterly unwholesome reading material for impressionable and vulnerable children, her primary target group.

If that was not bad enough, Rowling further confuses the issue by depicting witchcraft not as a moral issue, but as a matter of heredity (something to which you yourself refer); the ability to practice witchcraft is seen as something that is inherited. However, in reality one does not need to possess a particular bloodline for witchcraft to be able to work. All that is required is to tap into evil spirits, turn over one’s will and forsake Jesus Christ for the occultic sub culture.

Therefore we have two flasehoods presented to children who read these so called “delightful fantasies”: first, their status as a witch is written in their genes; and second, if they are one of the “lucky” ones, they can employ their powers for good. This is to inculcate harmful lies, because the reality is so different and so dangerous.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church states quite unequivocally: “All practices of magic or sorcery, by which one attempts to tame occult powers, so as to place them at one’s service and have a supernatural power over others - even this were for the sake of restoring their health - are gravely contrary to the virtue of religion. The Church for her part warns the faithful against it” (para. 2117). The catechism uses exceedingly strong language, the very same language it employs against lust, fornication and abortion. Clearly, Catholics cannot in good conscience treat such a warning lightly, merely so they can cling on to a decidedly culturally unhealthy series of books by choosing to ignore the facts. After all if Harry Potter were using lust, fornication or abortion to save his friends at Hogwarts, would we continue to consider these books acceptable children’s fare?

Clare Mc Grath, a former New Age healer and well tutored in the occult, is a revert to the Catholic Church. Her anxiety respecting the Potter novels runs deep, because, unlike some pro-potterites, she recognizes within its pages so many of the dark arts that she once practiced. She and her friends in the occult (psychologists, physicists, and other professionals who were also wizards, warlocks and wizards) defended their studies together “as being of the white magic category, much like Harry Potter’s Hogwarts”. However, having removed herself from the world of the occult back into the loving fold of Mother Church, she now recognizes that in reality there is only one kind of magic, “variously known as black magic, occultism, diabolism, or the dark arts”.

Sorry Fonebone, but the classical works of Lewis and Tolkein are unapologetically Christian, the same simply cannot be said for Rowling’s series of books, which stands in stark contrast to the former. The good characters in Middle Earth and Narnia do not cast spells upon people, do not call up spirits and commune with them like beloved neighbours, do not perform rituals or blend potions. The good characters at Hogwart’s do. In Narnia a ring transports one to another world whilst in Middle Earth lightening flashes at a critical time to perform some powerful feat. However, at Hogwarts you have the evil Voldemort who enchants a diary to take possession of a girl’s soul. Now even a blind man on a galloping horse can see that there are vast and substantial differences , requiring us to view Rowling’s witchcraft in a wholly different llight from Lewis’s and Tolkein’s magic. Moreover, Aslan in Lewis’s Chronicles is based unmistakably upon Christ and in all seven of the books he steers the children away from evil and encourages them to take the path of virtue. Aslan is clearly established from the very outset of the entire cannon as being a Christ figure. Moreover, Lewis himself said that the books are replete with Christian symbolism, covering such subjects as Heaven and the consumation of all things. All of this is as far away from the Potter books as the east is from the west.

Since it is my custom to take a breather from the boards at weekends, you will not be hearing from me for a while.

Have a splendid weekend, whatever you plan to do.

Warmest good wishes,

Portrait:tiphat:

Pax

 

[kenofken]

Hello Kenofken,

I know why you are often on these forums…its because you know Jesus Loves You and He is calling you Home

Don’t worry you don’t have to burn all your Harry Potter books…at least not immediately

Okay, the Potter books can go. It’s better on the big screen anyway. But I’m keeping my copies of Aleister Crowley’s *Magick in Theory and Practice *and my autographed copies of Lon Milo Duquette’s work on Thoth Tarot and Kerr Cuhulain’s Full Contact Magick !

 

[Karoline]

As one of these poor defenceless children who started reading Harry Potter at age 11, I can quite happily say that it did me lots of damage and I’m now a fully fledged witch with my Hogwart’s Hat, broomstick and wand. LOL!.. not that I’m converting to Catholicism from being a faithful Anglican for the first 22 years of my life.

Dearie me, this topic makes me giggle every time I read it. Not one of the children I know, or the people I am friends with has turned to the occult due to the Harry Potter books. Many of my friends are Christians and Catholics and adore the books as a bit of escapism. If anything they show children morals and the value of being a good “Gryffindor” (brave, true of heart, courageous and standing up for one’s convictions) and shows evil and using your ‘gifts’ for badness as wrong.

J K Rowling has clearly stated, on more than one occasion that she has not designed her books to lead children into Witchcraft and there are many members of the Church who support her books as showing Christian morals and values.

I have not researched Wicca or Paganism due to reading the Harry Potter books for half of my life, and would not know if there were ‘real occult references hidden within’. I think everyone reads far, FAR too much into the Harry Potter books.

 

[Fone_Bone_2001]

F.A.O. Fone bone 2001

Dear Fone Bone,

Cordial greetings and thankyou again for your well-written responses to my post.

Thank you as well for continuing our dialogue, Portrait.

Sorry Fonebone, but the classical works of Lewis and Tolkein are unapologetically Christian, the same simply cannot be said for Rowling’s series of books, which stands in stark contrast to the former. The good characters in Middle Earth and Narnia do not cast spells upon people, do not call up spirits and commune with them like beloved neighbours, do not perform rituals or blend potions. The good characters at Hogwart’s do. Moreover, Aslan in Lewis’s Chronicles is based unmistakably upon Christ and in all seven of the books he steers the children away from evil and encourages them to take the path of virtue. Aslan is clearly established from the very outset of the entire cannon as being a Christ figure. Moreover, Lewis himself said that the books are replete with Christian symbolism, covering such subjects as Heaven and the consumation of all things. All of this is as far away from the Potter books as the east is from the west.

Okay, so - by your standards - how is it acceptable when Glenstorm tells Caspian in Prince Caspian that he used astrology to predict regime change in Narnia? Remember that Glenstorm is a good guy, who receives nothing but praise from the narrator throughout.

And regardless of whatever moral qualms you may have with the Potter series, again I must insist that the Christian symbolism in them has been documented thoroughly as well.

I have other questions besides my Glenstorm one, but I’ll hold off on them until I hear from you again.

Since it is my custom to take a breather from the boards at weekends, you will not be hearing from me for a while.

Have a splendid weekend, whatever you plan to do.

You too! God bless you!

 

[Portrait]

Thank you as well for continuing our dialogue, Portrait.

Okay, so - by your standards - how is it acceptable when Glenstorm tells Caspian in Prince Caspian that he used astrology to predict regime change in Narnia? Remember that Glenstorm is a good guy, who receives nothing but praise from the narrator throughout.

And regardless of whatever moral qualms you may have with the Potter series, again I must insist that the Christian symbolism in them has been documented thoroughly as well.

I have other questions besides my Glenstorm one, but I’ll hold off on them until I hear from you again.

You too! God bless you!

Dear Fone Bone,

Cordial greetings and hope all is well. Thankyou for the above.

By way of reply let me say that I think it is of the utmost importance that we distinguish between things which essentially differ. Those on both sides of the debate, at least in Christian circles at any rate, would concur that in the real world any form of attempted magic and appeal to occultic powers is always gravely wrong (cf. C.C.C. paras. 2115-2117). However, both parties to the debate would accept and indeed enjoy at least some works of fiction involving magic and magicians - magic presented as lawful and performed by genuine heroic characters specializing in magic.

Although it is incredibly difficult for Potter aficionados to accept, Rowling’s fiercest moral critics, good Catholic men like Michael O’ Brien, are great fans of Tolkein’s *Lord of the Ring’s *and C.S. Lewis’s Chronicles of Narnia, both of which involve wizards as well as what one might term other sources of non-objectionable magic. Thus they do not come to the Potter series of books with some sort of in-built bias that automatically prejudices them against the novels. Neither do they appraise the books negatively out of any ill-will, either towards their author or to modern fanstasy literature generally. On the contrary they feel compelled to censure them because they have genuine moral misgivings respecting what they deem to be culturally unhealthy reading material. Necessity is laid upon them, you might say, and they feel that they have a moral duty to speak out.

To be perfectly honest, I have no real problem with Glenstorm’s use of astrology in *Prince *Caspian because Glenstorm is a centaur and not a human. Both Lewis and Tolkein restrict the safe and lawful pursuit of magic to characters who are not human (notwithstanding the human appearance of some like Gandalf and Coriakin, whom we are told are, respectively, a semi-incarnate angel and an earthbound star). By contrast, in Potter-world, whilst most human beings (refered to as “muggles”) lack the capacity for magic, others (including Potter’s true parent’s and of course Potter himself) possess it. In any case the Chronicles of Narnia have an unapologetically and unmistakable Christian message, the Potter series simply does not, nor does it claim to have. C.S. Lewis actually took great pains to avoid even the appearance of advocating evil occult practices. He shaped his works so as to make it abundantly clear that, whilst the study of magic might be thought of as a safe and lawful occupation for someone like Coriakin in the fantasy world of Narnia, for real people living in the real world it is always dangerous and gravely wrong, something attempted only by very wicked people.

There are other literary characteristics common to both the fantasy fiction of Lewis and Tolkein; each of these literary caveats against magic in the real world are present in Lewis and Tolkein, but are sadly wanting from Rowling’s Potter novels. However, I must leave it there for now since, as I said previously, I do not wish to become involved in endless nuanced debates, tempting though that is sometimes, so you have the final word Fone Bone.

To conclude, whilst it quite true that the Potter phenomenom has captivated millions of people, this only serves to underscore the patently obvious fact that there is a tragic loss of discernment allied to a lowered public opinion that urgently needs to be raised. Another reason for the world-wide popularity of Potter, especially among the young, is that it involves a world of fantasy and escapism - a world that so many young people, including many Catholics, like to inhabit far too much. They would prefer to hide away in an imaginary fictional universe, rather than engage with the harsh realities and responsibilities of the real world.

May I take this opportunity to wish you a very blessed Christmas and a healthful New Year.

Warmest good wishes,

Portrait:tiphat:

Pax

 

[Fone_Bone_2001]

Those on both sides of the debate, at least in Christian circles at any rate, would concur that in the real world any form of attempted magic and appeal to occultic powers is always gravely wrong (cf. C.C.C. paras. 2115-2117).

Of course.

However, both parties to the debate would accept and indeed enjoy at least some works of fiction involving magic and magicians - magic presented as lawful and performed by genuine heroic characters specializing in magic.

Yes. Well, there are some who don’t accept any such works, but I fully acknowledge that the likes of you, O’Brien, etc. are not in that camp.

Although it is incredibly difficult for Potter aficionados to accept, Rowling’s fiercest moral critics, good Catholic men like Michael O’ Brien, are great fans of Tolkein’s *Lord of the Ring’s *and C.S. Lewis’s Chronicles of Narnia, both of which involve wizards as well as what one might term other sources of non-objectionable magic.

On the contrary, I’m relieved that that is the case. While it may make them less rationally consistent than the Protestant fundamentalists who abhor even the Narnia books, Catholic critics like O’Brien nonetheless demonstrate even through their inconsistency their capacity for imagination and wonder.

I’d rather be in O’Brien’s shoes than those of a fundamentalist who thinks that Narnia as well is occult.

To be perfectly honest, I have no real problem with Glenstorm’s use of astrology in *Prince *Caspian because Glenstorm is a centaur and not a human. Both Lewis and Tolkein restrict the safe and lawful pursuit of magic to characters who are not human (notwithstanding the human appearance of some like Gandalf and Coriakin, whom we are told are, respectively, a semi-incarnate angel and an earthbound star).

Good. I agree, for the most part. But consider this:

(a) Is it not Caspian who - in that same novel - blows Queen Susan’s horn to summon her? That counts as “magic” too.

(b) One of the things that critics like John Granger are quick to point out is that they have much evidence that Rowling has read her classics - including the fantasy works of Lewis and Tolkien. In fact, it seems highly likely that Lewis and Tolkien inspired her in several conspicuous ways.

(1) One of which is indeed regarding astrological matters. The series actually presents “divination” as an extremely futile and ridiculous endeavor at which no human being can be proficient. The only character in Harry Potter who does display a proficiency at such practices is - you guessed it - a centaur. This one’s name is Firenze, and he specifically points out that such dealings are more appropriate for his race than for humans.

(2) This isn’t relevant to our astrology point, but for what it’s worth, an example from Tolkien: the way the locket horcrux affects the person who bears it in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is unmistakably reminiscent of the one ring’s corrupting influence in Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings.

Other similar nods to the early masters of Christian fantasy exist in Rowling’s series as well.

By contrast, in Potter-world, whilst most human beings (refered to as “muggles”) lack the capacity for magic, others (including Potter’s true parent’s and of course Potter himself) possess it.

But see, the dividing line is very clear in Harry Potter too, for several reasons:

(1) The difference between a “witch” or “wizard” and a “muggle” is completely objective. There is no grey area. You either have magical abilities or you do not. There is no blurring of the line.

(2) As I indicated above, I can think of at least one example (Caspian with Susan’s horn) of a human character using magic in The Chronicles of Narnia.

(3) And though the line between “elves” and “men” may seem to be much clearer than that between “wizards” and “muggles,” I question if that really is the reality. As both Beren and Luthien and Aragorn and Arwen show, it is possible for elves and men to reproduce. Scientifically speaking, they’d be of the same species… sort of like Rowling’s “wizards” and “muggles.”

 

[Fone_Bone_2001]

In any case the Chronicles of Narnia have an unapologetically and unmistakable Christian message, the Potter series simply does not

See, I could sympathize with your conclusion more if this were the case, but it really isn’t. I’ve both experienced the Christian elements - symbolism, themes, structures, messages - in Harry Potter and seen them thoroughly documented, Portrait.

And it’s not just obvious things like good triumphing over evil or love conquering sin. Those things are there - and in the latter case, Rowling ingeniously weaves beautiful spiritual realities into the very framework of her fictional “magic” - but there are so many more specific Christian elements, too. For instance, the ceremony with which Voldemort comes back to his full power apes certain Christian sacraments but inverts them in a way that powerfully and palpably demonstrates to the reader - through an appropriately literary framework - that evil is the privation of good, and that it can do nothing on its own but must corrupt what is good in order to thrive.

Rowling herself said that the Biblical quotes in the last novel epitomize the whole series, and she also actually felt the need to insist in a post-Deathly Hallows documentary that she was not actively trying to convert people to Christianity with her novels.

It was very similar to what Lewis once said, actually. Lewis once explained that he didn’t start planning The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe with the intention of crafting a Christian allegory to convert or teach young people. Rather, the genesis of that wonderful children’s book was in images that came to Lewis - a faun holding an umbrella and a parcel next to a lamppost in a snowy wood, a great lion, a savage-looking white queen on a sledge pulled by a dwarf, etc.

The Christianity naturally came in so strongly because of Narnia’s author’s worldview. That seems to me to be exactly what happened with Rowling and Harry Potter. Heck, Rowling even stated in an interview once that she didn’t want to talk about her personal faith, because she was afraid that in doing so she would inadvertently spoil what would happen in the plot of the last Harry Potter book! (Hint: it involves the outcome of Harry’s discovery that he needs to die willingly in order to defeat Voldemort and save the people he loves…)

C.S. Lewis actually took great pains to avoid even the appearance of advocating evil occult practices.

Yes, he did indeed. Rowling does something similar but different: she avoids occult practices altogether. Real-world occult practices which necessarily involve exposure to, dependence on, or communication with real spiritual powers from which the occultist derives his effects, are literally nowhere to be found in Harry Potter. It’s all fictional/incantational magic of the “Tolkien/elves/Istari” variety.

He shaped his works so as to make it abundantly clear that, whilst the study of magic might be thought of as a safe and lawful occupation for someone like Coriakin in the fantasy world of Narnia, for real people living in the real world it is always dangerous and gravely wrong, something attempted only by very wicked people.

Again, I feel Rowling handles the matter with appropriate and parallel sensitivity as well: it couldn’t be clearer in Harry Potter that people like you and I would have no hope whatsoever of ever manipulating any magical powers successfully.

Another reason for the world-wide popularity of Potter, especially among the young, is that it involves a world of fantasy and escapism - a world that so many young people, including many Catholics, like to inhabit far too much. They would prefer to hide away in an imaginary fictional universe, rather than engage with the harsh realities and responsibilities of the real world.

But Harry Potter, while exciting and inspiring, cannot provide an escape from harsh realities and real spiritual responsibilities, because these hard choices are at their most basic level what all the Harry Potter novels are about. Albus Dumbledore puts it best when he reminds his students that the time will come when they will all have to face the choice between what is right and what is easy. Some characters - like Harry’s parents - make the right choice. They suffer and die for it, but their sacrifices wield an efficacy unmatched by Voldemort’s power. Others - like Peter Pettigrew - fail and choose the easy way, and become pathetic, despicable, sniveling slaves to evil. The dividing line is clear, and the invitation to choose what is right and good - even when it inevitably involves self-sacrifice - is not only Christian but is the most basic theme of the entire series.

May I take this opportunity to wish you a very blessed Christmas and a healthful New Year. I do not wish to become involved in endless nuanced debates, tempting though that is sometimes, so you have the final word Fone Bone.

Merry Christmas and happy new year to you too, Portrait. Thank you for engaging with me in this thread yet again. I do feel that this last exchange - on both our parts - was our most fruitful yet.