Christians in Cinema BLOG

Since the release of J.K. Rowling’s first “Harry Potter” book, the author and her books have been the center of controversy. Is she a witch? Does she believe in witchcraft? Or does the series represent the powers and abilities we can use for good and evil in our daily lives? Should children, who avidly read her books, be allowed to see movies based on the popular series?

“One theologically astute element is its refusal to assign absolute goodness or evil to its characters.” Dr. Marc T. Newman

Fifth in the series, “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix” tackles a question that has plagued mankind from the very beginning, and remains a source of debate even today. Is there an ultimate good and evil, and is man basically good or evil? The answer to the first question is a resounding “Yes!” The Bible answered that question thousands of years ago, and remains unwavering on that to this day.

The answer to the second is a little more complicated. In this installment, Harry recognizes he has a propensity toward evil, just as all of us do. Sometimes the easier choice is the wrong choice, and it’s hard to say “No” to it. But we were all fashioned after the image of God, so there is good in us as well. It’s a constant source of warfare. And that’s one of the main themes of this film. Spiritual warfare exists, and even if you want to deny it, it can still hurt you.

It’s a very interesting parallel that appears between the character of Dolores Umbridge and some Biblical students (or even schools and teachers that teach standards only). The study is just to “pass the test,” not to provide any practical training to fight the battle, or provide lifetime learning skills that lead to success. Umbridge refuses to acknowledge that a battle is ongoing, and exposes her students to greater danger. Many people fall into the trap of learning “about” God and spiritual battles, but don’t really know Him or His power to engage in those battles. I have experienced that trap myself.

Just as Scripture often calls us to action, thus putting our training into practice, the students in the Harry Potter films must apply their academic knowledge by taking an active part in the battle. Like it or not, they are in a battle. Like us, they recognize instinctively that there is a war going on, one which affects not only the world around us, but our very souls. And while the outcome of that war is beyond doubt, the battles along the way reveal our strengths and weaknesses.

While the outcome of that war is beyond doubt, the battles along the way reveal our strengths and weaknesses.

Refreshingly, this film places great emphasis on the strength of fellowship, the necessity of making right choices, and the power of love to overcome evil. C.S. Lewis, one of the most highly-regarded Christian authors, credits his conversion to the fantasy writings of George MacDonald. He said that his writings evoked a longing in him that he could not explain in any other way than that they were longings beyond this world. Rather than dampen enthusiasm, let us use these principles and ideas to discuss the way these stories parallel real-world activity.