Guest Column: In Defense of Harry Potter

Harry Potter mania will reach a fevered pitch tonight at midnight when the seventh and final book in the wildly popular series will be released. Not everyone is excited, though. There are Christians who feel that these books embrace a dangerous topic -- or at the very least aren't appropriate for children. Guest columnist Susie Ziolkowski disagrees.

By Susie Ziolkowski
Knoxville, Tennessee

There is ongoing controversy over the Harry Potter series. Many feel it is wrong to enjoy stories involving witches, that it might lead to an interest in delving into witchcraft or believe that the books are praising Satan. The Bible defines "witchcraft" as the manipulation of evil spirits – no such thing ever takes place in a J.K. Rowling book. Harry performs spells to do the dishes, repair his glasses, and even shield himself from harm. In the dark wizards’ case, they perform crimes, and unforgivable curses against “society” -- unfortunately emulating what members of our own society do everyday.

Every generation has had its super heroes (all with special powers) and every generation has played out the fictional battles between good and evil. It is how we make sense of our world. Those feelings which are too powerful, such as pain, loss, and death simply can not be understood by observation of the physical world, we need a story with which to identify.

In a decade of Harry Potter fandom, I have known friends, family members, neighbors and online contacts, as well as been exposed to thousands of youth involved in podcasting, wizard rock, fiction writing, art as well as news sites. I have never known one to delve into real witchcraft after reading the stories. Instead, I have known many to delve into voracious reading, making friends, writing music, crafting stories and creating other positive activities because reading the Harry Potter books. Harry Potter is one the strongest inspirations for today’s youth.

I believe cultural perspective is always relevant. J.K. Rowling did not set out to write a book about witchcraft. She wrote a story about a boy who went to school, and while growing up was given a task to complete. The British are traditionally Anglican Christians and thus value tolerance above all else. They do not have a negative association with witches and wizards. Instead of Clifford the Big Red Dog that we came to know as children in America, British children learn to read with the stories of a little witch named Hazel. J.K. Rowling’s universal and relevant themes are only made more poignant by the magic in the story.

My children (ages four and six) enjoy the adventures of Harry Potter. I know the Bible stories, as do my children, but many times it is the more relevant stories of our day that reminds me of my morals. It is the steadfastness of Yoda, the endurance of Frodo, the forgiveness of the Narnia characters, and the bravery and loyalty of Harry and his friends that inspire me. I protect my children from the nightly news, I discourage the after school Disney movies with teenage girls squabbling over boyfriends and their appearances, but I would never deprive my children of the wonderful role models and life lessons found in fantasy and science fiction writings and movies.

So prior to the seventh book release, 30 of our closest friends and family will don wizard robes, help our children craft wands, eat ice cream from cauldrons and celebrate the God-given imagination and creativity of humans. We will be remdinded that good is always worth fighting for and in the end, only love matters. Then we will read a great story!

-- Susie Ziolkowski, a devoted wife and stay-at-home mother, lives in Knoxville, Tennessee. She attends First Baptist Church Concord and is the daughter of missionary parents. She attend missionary schools in the Philippines and says that she values "God, family, truth and love above all else."


Editor's Note: A regular reader who doesn't endorse the Harry Potter series declined to write an article defending that position. But all comments which are respectfully written are welcome.