How Harry Can Help

Some might point out that no one needs to read Harry Potter in order to understand spiritual truths, and they would be right. Nevertheless, it is my contention that it is the spiritual truths embedded in the story of the boy wizard that magnify its allure for readers. Despite the denial of some academics, and the scientific materialists among us, people are drawn to stories that contain the ring of truth—in this case the truth that the world is an inherently moral place where a great battle is being waged. Books and movies allow us to be transported to the site of the conflict while remaining at what many of us believe to be a safe distance.

The responsibility of the careful critic is not to dampen the sentiments aroused by the Harry Potter books and films by objecting to the fantasy, but to use the principles that excite readers and moviegoers to ignite considerations of the way these stories represent real-world parallels. Lewis wrote that in his early academic years he loved running into the Gospel everywhere except in the Bible. He credits his conversion to the fantasy writings of George MacDonald. Lewis claimed that MacDonald’s fantasies evoked a longing in him that he could not explain in any way, other than that they were longings beyond this world. It was his first step into the supernatural.

We are, in fact, in a spiritual war. The enemy wants to destroy us.

We are, in fact, in a spiritual war. The enemy wants to destroy us and to recreate our world into the image of hell. There are those who would convince us that all we need to do is ignore the battle and it will go away. They are ready and willing to punish those of us who would insist otherwise. Because we face a cunning adversary, we need to be trained by those who have long been in the battle. We need to not only learn from them the right answers to the problems that face us, but also to imitate their lives as they model the life of our Great Commander. In that way the battle will be enjoined. And though the end is not in doubt, there will be setbacks along the way. But by adhering to and acting by principle, surrounded by friends who share our convictions and lend their support, we can move toward victory. All in all not a bad set of real-world ideas to be found in what is ostensibly a kids’ film. I think C.S. Lewis would have approved.

Marc T. Newman, Ph.D. is the president of MovieMinistry.com—an organization that provides sermon and teaching illustrations, Bible Studies, and FilmTalk cards drawn from popular film, and helps the Church use movies to reach out to others and connect with people.