In the world of publishing, few successes have equaled that of J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series--magical stories centered on one boy's adventures at Hogwarts, a school for witchcraft and wizardry. Yet this popular series presents a perplexing--even divisive--challenge to the Christian community. Although the book presents a clear picture of the epic battle between good and evil, they appear to support the use of magic and have had a controversial impact on our culture. As a result, many of us are wondering, "How should I respond to this Harry Potter thing?" In this book, you'll explore the valid concerns some Christians have about the series, sort out the fact and fiction at the center of the debate, discover biblical answers that may surprise you, and learn how you can tap into this powerful cultural phenomenon to help advance the kingdom of God.
Average Rating: 3 out of 5 stars(3 out of 5 stars)
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4 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Ron A. Zajac (Dongshih, Taiwan), April 17, 2007
I read this book at my daughter's house.
Ms. Neal takes the liberal view that Christian Right jeremiads against HP are pretty much knee-jerk reactions. She's read the books and find that there's a lot there that mirrors the teachings of Christ in a playful and effective way for young readers.
To give you an idea of her logical approach, she poses this question (not verbatim): Would you let your kids read a story involving spectral visitations, astral projection, time travel (both forward and backward), and spritual transformation? No? Then you wouldn't let them read Dickens's A Christmas Carol!
There was, however, one glaring oversight which is a bit of a stunner, when you think about it.
Toward the end of the book, she takes a moment out to remonstrance against what she sees to be genuine spiritual dangers in the world. She warns against associating with people who claim to talk to deceased loved ones in the spirit realm. She characterises these people solely as engaged in Satanic activity. It never occurs to her to suggest that any of these people could simply be charlatans! To my thinking, they're all charlatans, with some of them more amazingly adept at their ruse than others. To me, that's the real evil; not that they're in league with the Devil, in the sense of deriving real power from a discorporate, spiritual entity. The real issue that they don't have scruples. They'll exploit your emotional vulnerability at a time of grief to take your money.
I think the world would be a much better place if we stopped casting out Satan, and started casting out our gullibilities!
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by CHale (Kokomo, IN), August 03, 2006
Finally, an intelligent and unbiased treatment of the Harry Potter series! Ms. Neal treats the series as another in the long line of Children's Literature, explaining it's literary genre and so forth. She calls to mind the fact that we must be fully convinced in our own mind whether or not to read these books to our children, yet be respectful of those holding opposing views. In fact, she lays out views from both sides in their original articles. I greatly appreciate this book as it helps eliminate the falsehood of the many urban legends being spread about this series and the author. I'm sad to say that many Christians critical of this book have not sought out the validity to the claims of the urban legends, and many have never read the series themselves. I began totally opposed to the Harry Potter series, yet as I studied it in lieu of literary techniques and the sheer genius of the author's knowledge of literature, I grew to appreciate this series and can't wait to share it with my children. By the way, they'll also be reading the Chronicles of Narnia, The Hobbit, and The Lord of the Rings. My girls are young (6,5,3), but they already know the differences between fiction, non-fiction, biography, fantasy, myths, etc. They KNOW God's Word is true--Every Word, and they know the fairy tales we read are fantastical. It doesn't take much to help them understand such an important concept. I encourage those who are unsure about the debate to get this book. If you're already convinced in your mind one way or another, then so be it.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Edwin (Missouri), May 17, 2006
The mindless reviews of this book by well-meaning Christians raise a problem much larger than the _Harry Potter_ books could ever pose: they show Christians who seem unable to think critically and respond to an issue with intelligence and logic. When did reading about something become the same as doing something? What makes this series any different from the _Narnia_ books that we so rightly love? Fear comes from lack of knowledge, something that scripture so aptly points out, and people usually prefer to believe whatever they prefer to be true. Neal's book is a balanced and intelligent analysis of Rowling's series which helps the reader make an informed choice; it does not say "this is the only correct way to view these books." If you as a Christian are concerned about the _Potter_ novels, read one of them and then read this book. Allow the Lord the opportunity to help you discern with your MIND using reason and knowledge. Books are not "magic," and evil cannot somehow leap from the pages of a novel into you. Please don't become the mindless and silly caricature that so many in the world see Christians to be.
4.5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Perry Frost (Marietta, GA), July 19, 2005
Simultaneously objective and godly, Connie Neal's commentary on the children's series that has become so controversial in the Christian world is the perfect reference for curious believers everywhere. Before you read Harry Potter or that next chain email, read this book!
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Bob (Ames, Iowa), September 16, 2003
Unlike the most fundamentalists out there, wanting to point the evil in society, Neal shows the good side of Potter. Yes, the occult is a real problem, but I have read the books and remain a strong Christian as I do not believe or am attracted to the occult anymore then when I watched Fantasia or Snow White.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by A Reviewer (Humphrey, AR), May 07, 2003
Excellent work. This is a wonderful book which shows the validity of the Harry Potter series. Mrs. Neal does an excellent job of showing the problems of those who say that Harry Potter is of Satan (me thinks some here need to actually read this book for themselves without jumping to conclusions). She even shows how HP can be used to share the gospel. Prob. the best part for me was where she gave quotes that described some scenes that would result in the IMMEDIATE banning of the book, if it was not by C.S. Lewis. Please give this book and HP a chance.
0 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Renae (South Bend, Indiana), October 27, 2002
All I have to say is that the Bible says that we are to "Shun the very sight of evil". I'm going to stay away from Harry Potter and all of the evil it brings. I just recently found out that some small children were in a bathroom in an elementary school nearby and they were caught trying to practice magic. Sad. Sad to see all the clueless parents out there in the ticket lines bringing their small children that are wearing little cloaks. The Bible says we are not to have wizards or sorcerers, not that they didn't exist, but we are not to have anything to do with them. Harry Potter is just a sign of the times and the decay that has set in. It's stupid to even dabble in anything that has to do with it.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Kelsey Agnes (Spring Creek, Nevada), June 17, 2002
I thought this book was excellent. Instead of making whiney condemnations about the record-breaking series, Neal addresses the positive aspects of the books, and provides ways to understand the books without preaching at anyone.
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