Some of the students at Hogwarts take it upon themselves to learn.

Leaders in the early church were doers. Paul repeatedly put his life on the line for the faith—and even he only wanted to be imitated to the degree that his life was an imitation of Christ’s (1 Cor. 11:1). The writer of Hebrews also has action heroes in mind as leaders and examples: “Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith” (Hebrews 13:7). James tells us that it is doers of the Word, and not hearers only, that are blessed in what they do (James 1:22-25). One of the draws of the Harry Potter films is that, though they take place in a school, the students inevitably wind up having to apply their academic knowledge by taking active part in the battle.

Engaging the Enemy

Harry and his friends are, like it or not, embroiled in a war. One of the reasons these books are so invigorating to readers is that they metaphorically express what most readers intuitively know: the world, along with each of us individually, is in the midst of a great war between the powers of light and darkness. And while the ultimate outcome of that war is beyond doubt, the battles that rage along the way expose our tactical and practical weaknesses, while giving us opportunities to strengthen successful strategies.

The Apostle Paul refers more than once to the devil’s “schemes.” Satan does not believe in his own impending defeat. He has plans. Some of his tactics involve undermining our strength through isolation, by indirect attack, and temptation to desert the field for personal gain.

One of Harry’s greatest weaknesses is the direct outgrowth of a sentimental virtue. He loves his friends and is willing to do anything, including isolating himself from them, in his vain attempt to protect them from harm. It is Voldemort’s desire to isolate Harry, because he knows that in single combat (at least for now) Harry is no match for him. So Harry finds himself afflicted by sadness at the loss of his childhood, a loveless home life with his ugly relations, smear campaigns designed to separate him from marginal friends, and even abandonment by well-meaning mentors. If Lewis is correct, and “peace is sometimes sinful,” then we must recognize that even our heartfelt desire for friends’ peace and safety, just like an over-emphasis on our own, can be a liability in spiritual warfare.

Voldemort attacks indirectly. He magnifies Harry’s fears.

Voldemort attacks indirectly. He magnifies Harry’s fears. He attacks Harry’s friends. Voldemort makes the cost of resisting high so that Harry might lose heart and give in. By making himself appear invincible, Voldemort’s hope is that Harry will quit the struggle and abandon the field. As Lewis notes in his essay, “Membership,” Satan is like a “good chess player, he is always trying to maneuver you in to a position where you can save your castle only by losing your bishop.” Those who fear to lose anything will risk nothing. There is no such thing as a battle without risk.

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