Christian Themes

In Harry Potter, there are also many underlying Christian Themes that present themselves throughout the novels and movies. Some of these we may have grown up with and not realized were very Christian, but the fact is J.K. Rowling grew up in a strongly Christian society so it was bound to come out in her written works. These include:

1: The Power of Love: But not only love, sacrificial love. Love that Lily had to save her son by throwing herself in front of Voldemort. Love that Dumbledore had in the Astronomy Tower when he planned for Snape to kill him. And lastly the love that Harry had for his friends when he went to Voldemort to die. This kind of love is a central theme within the New Testament as Jesus sacrificed himself for the world. Not only that, but the love Jesus and his followers have for God.

2: Forgiveness: This is a very important theme within Christianity because the Christian people have to look for God's forgiveness. Within Harry Potter there are many times when people around Harry either doubt him or disbelieve him completely. Like in the Order of the Phoenix, many of Harry's friends like Seamus don't believe in his story about Voldemort's return but end up later on his side. Ron also doubts Harry in the Goblet of Fire but quickly remedies that and tries to gain his friendship back.

3: Hope/Faith: Many of the novels and movies discuss the faith and trust within Harry, or Dumbledore or a multiple of others. It also talks about the hope that Harry's group had struggled with in Dumbledore and/or in Harry. Eventually, they were fighting on the hope for a better future for their friends and family. These two things are very essential in Christianity as well with Faith in God and he will help you through trials and turmoil.

4: Free Will: In Harry Potter it is said and hinted that everyone has good and evil within them, but it is our actions that reflect who we are. Harry had doubts that he belonged in Gryffindor but should be a Slytherin and may be the Heir to Slytherin in the Chamber of Secrets. But it is revealed that he chose Gryffindor because of his inner goodness. Harry continues doubting his ability to be good when he feels more connected to Voldemort and doesn't understand why until late in the series. But it is his continual acts of kindness and such that make him a better person than Voldemort. This is a theme within Christianity as well, it is our choices that make us who we are. We have the ability to sin but have the choice to choose which path to follow.

- Mischief Managed -