Original : April 24, 2006 3:45am
It’s easy to see why some Christian critics are clutching their pearls over Harry Potter, especially when you’ve got verses like these thrown around:
Leviticus 19:26 – “No divination, no sorcery, period.”
Galatians 5:19-21 – A long list of life’s big no-nos, including witchcraft, envy, selfish drama, and some seriously wild behavior.
Okay, we get it—dabbling in real-life dark arts isn’t exactly a holy hobby. But let’s not get it twisted—Harry Potter isn’t a how-to guide for sorcery. It’s pure, whimsical fantasy, and kids totally know the difference. They aren’t reading it and running off to mix potions in their basements. Instead, they’re reading about characters who go through real-life struggles, but in a magical world—emphasis on fictional.
Let’s talk about what really matters. The themes in the Harry Potter series are deep and meaningful—love, loyalty, friendship, bravery, and that awkward-but-essential part of life we call growing up. But wait, there’s more! The series doesn’t just stop at those universal values; it also delves into some super relevant, modern topics like gender equality, inclusion, and respect for individuality.
Take Hermione Granger, for example. She’s a brilliant, courageous, and determined young woman who constantly proves that gender doesn’t determine intelligence or capability. She’s often the one who solves the big problems, saves the day, and teaches us that girls can be both smart and fierce. The series also celebrates diverse personalities—Luna Lovegood is unapologetically herself, quirky and unique, showing readers that being different isn’t something to hide—it’s something to embrace. Neville Longbottom’s arc proves that courage doesn’t always look like charging into battle; sometimes, it’s quietly standing up for what’s right, even when you’re scared.
Harry Potter is also a masterclass in respecting people’s differences. Blood status (pure-bloods vs. Muggle-borns) is basically a stand-in for real-world discrimination, and the heroes fight against that prejudice. The message is clear: who you are matters more than where you come from, and everyone deserves a place in the world.
Even JK Rowling herself had something to say about the controversy back in a 1999 interview with Book Links:
“If this subject offends people, that isn’t what I want to do, but I don’t believe in censorship for any age group. The book is really about the power of the imagination. What Harry is learning is to develop his full potential. Wizardry is just the analogy I use. If anyone expects it to be a book that seriously advocates learning magic, they will be disappointed.”
Translation: the magic in these books is just a metaphor. It’s not about casting spells; it’s about self-discovery, overcoming challenges, and unlocking your full potential. Wizardry is just a fun, creative way to tell those timeless stories of human growth and resilience.
And then there’s the overarching theme of good vs. evil. It’s not just about Harry fighting Voldemort; it’s about choosing what’s right over what’s easy. Throughout the series, characters are constantly faced with moral dilemmas, and the message is loud and clear: the choices we make define us—not our abilities, our wealth, or our background. That’s why Harry, who comes from humble beginnings, stands tall as the hero, while Voldemort, who’s obsessed with power and purity, is the villain.
At its heart, Harry Potter is about building a better world—one where bravery, kindness, and love prevail over hate, prejudice, and fear. It inspires readers to stand up for what they believe in, to be kind to others, and to never stop imagining a world where equality and individuality are celebrated.
So, sure, we get why some folks might raise an eyebrow, but the truth is, Harry Potter’s magic isn’t in the spells—it’s in the values it teaches. It’s about fighting for justice, embracing who you are, and respecting those who are different from you. That’s the kind of magic we could all use a little more of.