Throughout much of this class, I can fully say that the Harry Potter films have been nothing but a joy for me to read and have helped me in so many aspects of my life including my faith, my family, and even my relationships (how to properly ask a woman to a formal dance.) However, while reading Berit Kjos Harry Potter Lures Kids to Witchcraft, I can see how one may think that the Harry Potter series might be a threat to a family’s Christian beliefs. Again, I’m not saying that I fully agree, but the points made in this article have given me a new light on the topic.

Let’s start with the undeniable fact of why certain conservative Christians maintain such unshakable beliefs when it comes to the series. Presented in the article, Kjos quotes the gospel of John, announcing that “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first…If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also…for they do not know the One who sent me.” It is clearly obvious that a Christian would stick to their beliefs no matter what the world is telling them. The more somebody wants them to keep an open mind about the matter, the more they will throw this verse right back in their faces. True Christians will know that their faith will be challenged, and something like the Harry Potter series standing in their way of a Christian life has to be a test from the Lord, Himself.

A second point that Kjos brings up is the matter of mingling with temptation. From 2^nd Corinthians, it states, “What fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial?” This passage presents itself as a direct reminder that temptations are real and they are not to be tampered with. Everyone will be tempted, however, whether you choose to resist that temptation or to accept it is a clear line. And this passage is, in my mind, pretty obvious. Why go into a territory that might get you into trouble? If someone is trying to abstain from eating unhealthy foods, are they going to keep them in their house? Of course not! It is clear that some Christians do not want to socialize with something that might be, potentially, sinful. It just makes sense, doesn’t it?

The final point I will bring up comes directly from the Harry Potter series and the actions that the characters choose to make. The characters of the series do make “close-calls” when it comes to stealing and lying. Take the last film, for example. When Harry, Ron, and Hermione use polyjuice potion to navigate through the ministry of magic, they are deliberately lying to everybody who sees them, acting as if they are somebody else. Arguing that the Harry Potter universe is a “moral one” is definitely up for review if instances such as these are allowed (Kjos).

Overall, I do side with those who say that Harry Potter isn’t going to tank Christianity. However, this doesn’t mean that I don’t understand the other side of the table. There are several points made in this article that make me understand the opposing viewpoint, and I think everybody needs to see that.