Ryan L Bowen

The Christology of Harry Potter

I am an eccentric Harry Potter fan.  I’ve been to the midnight book releases, I have read each book at least twice, and (I’m not joking), I have listened to each audiobook at least 3 times each.  Hardly a week goes by, in fact, that I don’t switched on my iPod to Jim Dale’s amazing audio rendition of the 7 books.  My point is, I know these books like the back of my hand.  While my thoughts may be biased, they certainly aren’t uninformed.  In fact, much of what I’m about to write is simply copying ideas and observations others have already made.

For years, I’ve heard complaints from Christians about why Harry Potter should be avoided at all costs - though they are quick to defend, praise and all but worship JRR Tolkein’s “Lord of the Rings” series and CS Lewis books.  It’s frustrating on several levels.  First, JK Rowling is an amazing author - both in style and story telling.  Second, you simply cannot love Tolkein’s work and reject Rowling’s based on Christian principles.  In fact, if anything, you should be quick to defend Rowling for making such an obvious parallel to the pained life, death and resurrection of Christ.  

Lord Voldemort

The character of Lord Voldemort was originally a student at Hogwarts by the name of Tom Marvolo Riddle.  Later, after being denied the request to teach at Hogwarts, he leaves the school, officially adopts the name of Lord Voldemort, and recruits several of his old school friends to be his servants.  

Hopefully you see the obvious picture of Satan (Voldemort), cast from heaven (Hogwarts) and taking several of his fellow angels (Death Eaters) with him.  

Harry Potter

Harry, raised by muggles and prophesied from birth, grows up in a world of mixed love and skepticism concerning the authenticity of things he claims are true (Cedrics death, the Dark Lord rising to power, etc).  Throughout his years at Howarts, he is attacked again and again by peers and authority figures.  He is tempted (Mirror of Erised, Deathly Hallows, etc), but ultimately never gives in.  

It is also interesting to note the scars that Harry bares.  From the time Voldemort first attempted to kill him, he has had a scar on his forehead.  In the 5th book, unjust punishment by the legalistic Ministry of Magic worker leaves permanent scars on the back of his hands.  Jesus bore scars on his hands and feet, and quite possibly on his head (from the crown of thorns).  

At the end of the 7th book, Harry gives himself to the Death Eaters and Voldemort, knowing he is about to be killed.  Voldemort kills him, and Harry finds himself in a strange, albeit comforting place.  He meets Dumbledore, who tells him that he has arrived at Kings Cross Station.  Throughout their conversation, Harry asks Dumbledore if he is dead.

Harry returns to the physical world he knows - resurrected from his death.  Meanwhile, Voldemort mocks his physical body, forcing one of his best friends, Hagrid, to carry it (much like Arimathea carrying Jesus’ body to the tomb).

Peter Pettigrew

Pettigrew, the traitor who gave away the Potter’s location to Lord Voldemort, is much like Judas Iscariot.  He was a member of the Order of the Phoenix (a group that somewhat resembles Jesus’ disciples), who went on to betray the location of Harry’s mother and father.  The fact that Pettigrew sold the location of the Potters is interesting - in the Bible Judas sold the location of Jesus to the Romans.

There are lots more interesting ideas and symbolism in the book.  First, the fact that Harry’s last name is “Potter” (potter/clay), the use of yew as the type of Voldemort’s wand (JK Rowling has said that European tradition uses yew to symbolize death and resurrection), etc.  

Am I going to far?  Probably.  Then again…maybe not.  When asked about her beliefs, JK Rowling said this:

“Yes, I am [a Christian], which seems to offend the religious right far worse than if I said I thought there was no God. Every time I’ve been asked if I believe in God, I’ve said yes, because I do, but no one ever really has gone any more deeply into it than that, and I have to say that does suit me, because if I talk too freely about that [her Christianity] I think the intelligent reader, whether 10 or 60, will be able to guess what’s coming in the books.”

Sure doesn’t seem like it was done on accident, does it?  In fact, it reminds me of Lewis’ and Tolkein’s approach to writing.

Oddly enough, the same people who reject Harry Potter are often the same ones who consider Rick Warren’s A Purpose Driven Life one of the greatest modern religious books.  In it, Warren presents a skewed and misrepresented gospel that preaches a 40 day plan to better living and fellowship (note Christ) centered living.

Theology aside, the series is amazing and definitely worth a read or two (or more, if you’re like me).  For more on Harry Potter and Christianity, checkout this link and this link.