The Gospel According to Harry Potter: Spirituality in the Stories of the World's Most Famous Seeker

Book Description

In a book that is sure to delight Harry Potter fans and spiritual seekers alike, author and Potter enthusiast Connie Neal dives into the Harry Potter series looking for the Christian Gospel. Does she find it? Yes! In this, her exploration of J.K. Rowling's created world of magic and mystery, Neal enumerates more than fifty "Potteran" themes that can be seen as glimmers of the Gospel.

With an arsenal of charming allusions and parallels, Neal persuasively demonstrates that Harry Potter need not be rejected as a threat to the Christian faith, as some have claimed. Rather, she finds, the lessons in Harry Potter not only echo many of the stories in the Bible but also reinforce the central messages of Christianity. Written accessibly in short three- to four-page chapters, Neal's The Gospel According to Harry Potter is both a much-needed stroke of interpretive genius and a fascinating reflection on our time's most popular literary series. This is a must-read for everyone intrigued by the Harry Potter phenomenon!

Customer Reviews:

The Deathly Hallows makes it very clear!.......2007-07-31

Connie Neal's book was written before the last book of the Harry Potter series. She can easily and confidently update it now that the series is finished and the truth is even more obvious. I was skeptical about a Gospel connection since I had given credence to the bad press on J.K. Rowling's use of witchcraft before I actually read the series. (I am very ashamed of that now.) I did not comprehend her clever symbolism until I read the last three chapters of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows a second time; that's when it hit me squarely between the eyes that Rowling did plow a road into the pagan world that any thinking Christian should be able to use.

Connie Neal caught on quickly to what should have been obvious to the careful reader. The compelling world of Harry Potter did not make paganism and Satanism attractive at all, but she used some of their terminology without any real promotion of real Wiccan style of witchcraft. Rowling's witchcraft was her magic quill and amazing compelling storytelling craft. The parallels to paganism are themselves symbolic of fallen world and so Hogwarts School and the Muggles are various levels of philosophy and logical reasoning. I am afraid that most of us are in the lowest "Muggle" level. (I was more than most)

I am now praising God for J.K. Rowling's genius and am so impressed with how she probably outdid C.S. Lewis and Tolkein both. That is hard for me to say because I have been such a fan of these great Christian thinkers and authors ever since I discovered them as a child. I did not fully understand what their stories were really about until later. I wish somebody would have told me the Gospel when I was a child, it would have been easy for them to use The Lord of the Rings as a vehicle to explain the sacrifice of Christ for the people that He created since I knew there must be something deep and profound about The Lord of the Rings, I just couldn't make the connection for myself until later. I discovered Narnia later and Lewis's "magic" was even clearer to my mind than Tolkein's. (I understood because I had become a believer by that time.)

Not only did J. K. Rowling give us an important tool to reveal the Gospel truth, she taught me to not give up on those who need the Gospel most, those who are looking desperately for some sort of "magic" to help them have power over the madness and ugliness that is stealing hope from the dying world. Evil has been vanquished by the ultimate "Deathly Hallows" of the cross of Christ, now we must get the truth to those who haven't understood 1 Corinthians 15:26 quoted by Rowling that "the last enemy to be destroyed is death." Harry faced the question skeptically at first in symbolism, but his eventual personal discovery has given the neediest in the world the heads up that maybe death and suffering are considered an "enemy" by God. Jesus Christ did in reality what couldn't even be conceived or believed by an uncomprehending, lost world! I also love the way that Harry discovered his treasure and his love was so much with his friends that he was willing to give his life to save them. (I risk giving away too much for those who haven't yet read the Harry Potter series.) Don't be afraid of what you don't know yet.

I plan on helping people who do not know that evil, death and despair have been destroyed in reality. The law of God and the mercy of a loving Savior are still yet to be discovered, but they are well acquainted with Harry Potter's world. It is no great leap now that the light has shone even deeper into the abysmal darkness of the pagan world thanks to J. K. Rowling and people like Connie Neal who have the vision to see and clarify the lost world's obstructed view.

Tedious and petty.......2007-04-19

I found Neal's book to be an interesting approach to the controversy between Christian Potter lovers and haters, yet I felt it was a rather weak and unimpressive attempt on Neal's part.

In Neal's introduction, she claims to have a dual purpose in writing the book: 1) to present a counterargument to the idea that just because one can examine the series and "find things [that] can correlate to real-world occult practices" (Neal viii), this proves that the Harry Potter books are about witchcraft, and 2) "to interest people who have been turned off by traditional ways of communicating the [gospel] message" (Neal xiii).

To be fair, I do believe that Neal technically achieved both of these goals in her book; she does present a compelling counterargument to the idea that the Potter books are about witchcraft, and her writing does seem to have the potential to interest people in the gospel who have been turned off by traditional evangelistic methods.

However, I believe her first goal is achieved even before reaching the midpoint of the book, and the remainder of the book feels tedious and petty. Concerning her second goal, I believe the non-Christian reader's interest may be piqued by Neal's unconventional communication of the gospel, yet the author's continual reemphasis of a handful of biblical truths seems likely to detract from the power of her evangelistic effort. The reader will likely experience déjà vu every few chapters: "Hasn't the author previously explained, thoroughly, this exact same point half a dozen times?"

A word of advice for would-be authors: do not achieve your goals halfway through a book. If you find you have made your point after only 80 pages, end the book there. If you continue rambling, the readers will likely lose interest in the remainder of the book and, if they continue reading until the end, will walk away with a bad taste in their mouth. Visionary goals and insightful revelations only make a powerful impact on the reader if they are able to finish a book, reflect on the intriguing arguments presented within it, and walk away continuing to ponder what they have read.

Neal's ideas in and of themselves have a strong potential to influence readers, but in actuality she significantly hindered her books' potential by her presentation of these ideas.

Excellent Book.......2006-03-29

I loved the connections in this book to Bible passages. It is an enjoyable read all on it's own and has a lot of "I never thought of that" ideas. Thank you Connie Neal!

A good answer. . ........2005-10-17

to some "Christian" critics of HP. He doesn't go as far as Granger does in his estimation of the relationship between HP and Christianity.

He wrote this fairly earl in the series; I wonder if there is anything that he would add or change now. (I think most analysies/commentaries on HP should come out in a revised edition after the seventh & last book is published.)

Brilliant!.......2005-09-27

Connie Neal hits a home-run with this book! She gives an overview of the first four Harry Potter books, then draws scriptural parallels with incidents from each.
For example, in the first book, Harry has been raised by relatives who have tried to keep him as down-trodden as possible; they are determined to keep the truth of his identity a secret from him. But one day he receives a mysterious letter not only addressed to him personally, but also to exactly where he sleeps! "Mr. H. Potter, Cupboard Under The Stairs, 4 Privet Drive, Little Whinging, Surrey". His Uncle destroys the letter before Harry can read it, but more keep coming every day. No matter how hard Uncle Vernon tries to evade the letters and to keep Harry from reading one, every one of them knows exactly where Harry is. Finally, in desperation, Uncle Vernon takes the entire family to an island in the sea. The last letter is hand-delivered by a trusted messenger, and is addressed "Mr. H. Potter, The Floor, Hut-On-The-Rock, The Sea".
Here we see a beautiful illustration of "The Unstoppable Invitation" that God sends to each one of us. Not only does He know our names, but He sees every detail of where we are, and He will not allow anything to stop us from receiving our invitation to His Kingdom. He even sent a personal messenger to make sure the invitation was delivered! He sees beyond our circumstances and surroundings and knows our true identity and destiny, even when we can't.
Connie Neal's book is an invaluable resource for starting faith-based discussions with your children and friends who have read the books. I am reading through this with my 11-year old daughter, who is as big a Harry Potter fan as I am. I heartily give it two-thumbs up!

Average customer rating:

Just OK
But it's just a book for children...
Good resource for academics
A must-read

Critical Perspectives on Harry Potter

Manufacturer: Falmer Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0415933749

Book Description

The Harry Potter books have become ubiquitous early texts for children, and are also a popular choice for many adults. Potter-mania has expanded to become a significant cultural phenomenon complete with a feature film and a wide range of paraphernalia. However, there has been little critical attention devoted to these books and the cultural phenomenon surrounding them. Containing powerful, thought-provoking literary themes as well as portrayals of social and cultural normalcy, the Potter books cumulatively serve as a powerful form of social text and deserve serious critical attention. Elizabeth Heilman brings together scholars from various disciplines to provide literary, cultural, sociological, and psychological examinations of the Harry Potter books as both cultural product and social text.
Covering many facets of the Harry Potter series and Potter-mania, this collection begins with a cultural analysis of marketing hype and product spin-offs. Literary and interpretive perspectives consider Harry as a romantic hero and review the books for their capacity to contain elements of every genre. Critical and sociological theorists explore how the Potter books present gender, race, class, school, family and citizenship. By providing numerous perspectives on the Harry Potter series, the contributors provide teachers, administrators, critical theorists and those interested in cultural studies with a variety of ways to read these popular texts.

Customer Reviews:

Just OK.......2006-07-28

While this book is much better than some Harry Potter books out there, because the articles are scholarly and well-informed, I didn't like it. Most of the articles are written from a sociological or "cultural studies" perspective. If you like that kind of thing, then you will like this volume. If you like psychological, allegorical or symbolic readings, then its not the right book for you. Most of the essays are on broad issues and don't go into the books in great detail. I found the academic scholarship to be very repetitive and predictable at times, with many people expounding the same ideas of what "postmodern" is. But some essays in it are great (Peter Appelbaum's for instance) and its worth getting, if you know what to expect.

But it's just a book for children..........2003-05-23

That was often the comment I received when I wrote my senior thesis last fall about the Harry Potter series. Specifically, I wrote a feminist criticism of the series exploring the ways in which Hermione resists and reaffirms gender stereotypes--"Miss Smarty Pants," "The Damsel in Distress," etc. Although I am a huge fan of this series (even my dog's name is Muggle), I couldn't believe that I was the only adult concerned about issues of gender, class, and so forth in the books. So imagine my delight upon finding this book...until I realized it wouldn't be published until January 2003, and I was presenting my thesis on December 13, 2002. Not only is this a well-presented and organized collection of essays from a variety of perspectives, but it is also edited by the outstanding & very generous Dr. Heilman. I wrote personally to her about my paper (and dilemma), and she provided to me the working & yet unpublished copy of her essay dealing with gender issues. Luckily, the book was released ahead of schedule so I was able to cite from her published version. My own experience with this book aside, I highly recommend it to Harry fans who would enjoy thoughtful academic discourse on the series.

Good resource for academics.......2003-04-04

I joined the Harry Potter phenomenon late in the game. Book four had already been in circulation for over two years and at 25, I considered myself well above the normal reader age. However, once I picked up the first book in the series, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, I was (no pun intended), spellbound. I spent the rest of that long summer weekend reading the remaining books. Since then, I have read each book in the series at least 20 times apiece. Somewhere in the middle of all the reading, I began to jot down notes, questions and observations I made- little items that I wanted to ponder afterwards. Questions such as: Why did Professor Dumbledore so prize the individual merits of courage and "sheer nerve"? Did Hermione and other female students ever experience gender discrimination at Hogwarts? What defined the social structure of the wizard world (surely one exists as is evident by the influence of the well-to-do Malfoy family)? What is it about the Harry Potter books that have such universal appeal? And most importantly, what lessons can be learned?

Shortly after Pottermania began, several books appeared on the market dedicated to analyzing the phenomenon. Some addressed broad themes, while others disseminated every detail of the book, trying to decipher each and every meaning of every word of J.K. Rowling's works. Among these is Harry Potter's World: Multidisciplinary Critical Perspectives, a collection of essays written by professors and graduate students.

Harry Potter's World: Multidisciplinary Critical Perspectives is by far the most comprehensive book of this genre. Edited by Michigan State University professor Elizabeth Heilman, the book is comprised of numerous essays separated into four perspectives: Cultural Studies Perspectives, Reader Response and Interpretive Perspectives, Literary Perspectives: The Hero, Myth and Genre and Critical and Sociological Perspectives.

As a graduate student pursuing a MSEd in Curriculum and Instruction, this book has been a wonderful guide for me and enriched my understanding of the many facets of curriculum study. Not only does it provide unique interpretations of the series, but it also stimulates critical reflection and offers deep analyses of the boy wizard the world has grown to love.

While it is appropriate for college and graduate-level classes, anyone interested in exploring the cultural phenomenon of Harry Potter should read and will benefit from this. You will never look at Harry Potter the same way again.

A must-read.......2003-03-11

"This book is a must-read for everyone interested not only in 'Harry Potter' the phenomenon, but culture as the pedagogical force par excellence of the new millennium."
Henry Giroux.

"Harry Potter's World is a fascinating attempt not only to take on the kaleidoscopic intellectual ramifications of the Harry Potter books, but to make them accessible to a wide audience." Peter Hunt, Editor, Routledge International Companion Encyclopedia of Children's Literature

"These analyses are well grounded, articulate, and conceptually wide-ranging. This book gives all of us Seekers a chance to catch Snitches of insight into our own world as well as Harry Potter's."
Betsy Hearne, author of Choosing Books for Children: A Commonsense Guide

Book Description

Harry Potter no es un chico común, extraña el colegio en el verano. Pero su colegio es un colegio de magia y Harry es un mago. Este es el tercer episodio de la serie de novelas que ha causado un impacto mundial.

Customer Reviews:

5 estrellas.......2007-05-19

Ahora es cuando se pone interesante, incluso para los adultos. TIENEN que leerlo.

Es Harry en espanol!.......2006-11-03

English is my first language and as an adult I love reading the Harry Potter books. Because I'm learning Spanish, who better to practice on than Harry?! The book arrived in excellent condition and very quickly. Quite pleased with my purchase experience.

Qué Bueno.......2006-09-22

Este libro es problamente lo mejor en la serie de Harry Potter. Es bien para aprender pruablas nuevas.

Bought this to help me learn spanish..........2006-08-11

Like all the other books in the Harry Potter series, this book is well written and entertaining. While I can't speak about the quality of the translation (I'm not particularly proficient in Spanish yet), this book has proved useful in helping me to learn Spanish due to the fact that it is geared towards a younger audience and thus for the most part has a fairly simple vocabulary.

Harry Potter y el Prisionero de Azkaban.......2005-08-29

Definitivamente mi favorito de los seis. Es, a mi parecer, el climax de la serie completa: cuando te enteras de cosas, cosas, y más cosas. Cuando todo -o bueno, "todo" con Rowling es como al 15% de el real "todo"- hace click. Es cuando Harry pasa de ser un niño, a un adolescente. Me es imposible expresarlo mejor, porque de esa manera terminaría en un mes, pero léanlo y suerte.

Average customer rating:

Very cool book.
8 year old son loved it
3 stars
Most Helpful Harry Potter Text Ever
Literature and Harry Potter

Magical Worlds of Harry Potter
David Colbert
Manufacturer: Berkley Trade
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0425187012
Release Date: 2002-07-02

Amazon.com

Anyone who has read the Harry Potter books is aware that author J.K. Rowling infuses her stories with references to mythology, literature, history, and legends. Even if you don't know exactly what a manticore or a griffin is, it's likely that many readers have at least a vague sense of the existence of these creatures in ancient lore. Inspired by Rowling's suggestion to a young fan to "go and look it up," author David Colbert did quite a bit of investigation himself. The result is the fun, entertaining, and enlightening Magical Worlds of Harry Potter.

From alchemy to hippogriffs to veela, Colbert explores the fascinating meanings between the lines and buried within the names of characters and places in all the Harry Potter books. Chapter headings include such intriguing questions as "Have Witches Always Flown on Broomsticks?" "Why Would Chocolate Help After Escaping a Dementor?" and "Are Any of the Famous Witches and Wizards Real?" A small purple tab in the margin of the first page of each chapter guides readers looking for specific subjects: Divination, Goblins, McGonogall, Owls, Voldemort, Wands, etc. Curious readers will learn the link between Hagrid's pet dog, Fluffy, and the mythological Greek sentry to Hades, Cerberus. And they'll get a taste of scholar Joseph Campbell's theories on heroism, with Harry as the hero, of course. The true magic of this book is that it will surely inspire Harry Potter fans to delve deeper into the various areas it explores. Readers will soon be clamoring for collections of Greek, Japanese, Indian, and Egyptian mythology, as well as copies of The Sword in the Stone, A Midsummer Night's Dream, The Canterbury Tales, and Treasure Island, to discover the sources of their favorite Harry Potter books. (All ages) --Emilie Coulter

Book Description

The ultimate fan's guide to the underlying mythology contained in the multi-million-selling novels and record-breaking film.

"Potter fanatics...can revel in details and hidden mysteries of the series." (Columbus Dispatch)

Customer Reviews:

Very cool book. .......2007-03-28

This is a great Harry Potter companion book. Alot of interesting information and fascinating subjects. Highly recommended for any Harry fan!

8 year old son loved it.......2006-10-13

I bought this for my 8 year old. He is learning more about mythology from Harry Potter and this book than he will ever learn in his public school.

3 stars.......2006-03-20

Pullman's His Dark Materials series has raised many questions and much public interest. Although much of this book will make little sense if you have not read the trilogy, the information contained herein does have something to offer both those who have and have not done so. If you have, then Mr. Colbert's work will give you greater understanding and insight. If you have not, it answers the qualms about reading it that you may have. No Christians will be won over to the idea of supporting the series. The atheistic and Gnostic bents to Dark Materials are clearly stated. However, if you are on the fence, taking a look at this book might help you decide which way to go.

Amanda Killgore

Most Helpful Harry Potter Text Ever.......2005-11-03

I am an aspiring writer, searching for new and fresh topics to work with so I can peddle my wares. This book, the Magical Worlds of Harry Potter, has revealed to me different legends, myths, and historical facts I can use in my writings as many a basis for my characters to come. This book gives an excellent review of links to ancient myths and legends and long since forgotten facts of history from J.K. Rowling's books of a hidden magical world in a universe of "Muggles." It is true what David Colbert says how J.K. Rowling has taken (or has not taken as the case may be) these myths, legends, and facts and compiled them together into something that is considered so incredibly original and fresh. So many things in the stories are considered completely her creation, but they are more the her creation of wonder and magic that bring these mythical things together for a world of witchcraft and wizardry. To this book I give a vote of FIVE STARS and I highly recommend this book to everyone, aspiring writer or not. If you do not wish to write for a living like I do, at the very least, you'll learn something you never thought you would ever learn before.

Literature and Harry Potter.......2005-09-13

This book was a great one for those who find words and the origin of words and ideas fascinating. This book opened up the mind of J. Rowling in terms of where she found references and words and changed them to fit her story. As many of the words or word roots and ideas have corrolations in myths and legends, the words and names that the Harry Potter series uses strikes a chord with adult readers as well as young readers as they are already familiar in oue own history and vocabulary. I greatly enjoyed reading this book!

Average customer rating:

what a load of christian rubbish
Taking Harry Potter Seriously
Well done, but not for everyone!
Interesting at least
A great read for HP fans or skeptics

Looking for God in Harry Potter
John Granger
Manufacturer: SaltRiver
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1414300913

Book Description

Millions of children, even Christian children, are reading the mega-selling Harry Potter book series and are exposed to the Harry Potter movies. John Granger, a devout Christian, teacher of classic literature, and father of seven children, first read the Harry Potter books so he could explain to his children why they weren't allowed to read them. After intense study, however, he became convinced that the books are underestimated as literature--and reflect important Christian truths. In Looking for God in Harry Potter, Granger gives parents and teachers a roadmap for using the Harry Potter books to teach Christian truth to children.

Customer Reviews:

what a load of christian rubbish.......2007-09-21

naturally some dolt christian fundamentalist puke has to ruin the sanctity of even the Harry Potter novels. Can't you ignorant, one route minded, intolerant and (hell-bent on establishing a fundamentalist theocracy), hypocrite christians keep your hands off anything. Much misinformation, and some totally off the mark, stretched out nonsense, not to mention the complete misguided prose of his comparison with other novels. While the book is thoroughly researched, was it even necessary? Just something else to print out from acerebral minds with nothing else better to do with their time. Jesus, save me from your followers.

Taking Harry Potter Seriously.......2007-07-31

A member of the New York C.S. Lewis Society at a meeting several years ago had copies of Mr. Granger's first book "The Hidden Key to Harry Potter" for sale. I had at that time just completed reading books 1-5. Somehow, I knew there was a reason for my enjoyment of the books, and Mr. Granger's book helped me to intellectualize why I liked the books so much.

I emailed Mr. Granger, and he very graciously mailed me a copy of "Looking for God in Harry Potter." This was a special book, and it gave me ammunition to ward off critics of the book that dismissed it because it was felt to introduce "sorcery and the occult" to the young (I'm a school teacher).

Mr. Granger is eminently qualified to write the book. He studied classics at the University of Chicago (like J.K. Rowling), and has a deep understanding of literary symbolism. After reading his book I understood better and was moved by the symbolism in the stories - Patronuses, for instance.. Mr. Granger helped me to see that there is deeper meaning beneath the surface, and more importantly that Ms. Rowlings wrote with intention.

I'm rereading the Deathly Gallows now, and will probably reread "Looking for God in Harry Potter." So many people dismiss J.K. Rowling for her commercial success. I believe that there is more to the stories and that it possesses literary merit. Mr. Granger helped me to understand better why I like the Harry Potter books so much.

Well done, but not for everyone!.......2007-05-07

I'm about 2/3rd through "Looking for God in Harry Potter," and wanted to give a report back. It was suggested to me as a possible fun way to introduce tweens and teens to literary critisism.

Pros -

Granger really loves the HP material, and it shines through in his writing. It's so great to see a grown up that is enthusiastic, particularly about something that has been earmarked "for children."

Style is clear and entertaining. (Actually this will be a con for some as some will feel condescended to.) I would certainly use any Spark notes written by this writer!

Lots of Narnia references if one is a C.S. Lewis fan.

This book is filled with interesting nuggets of information that clearly support a single argument. I would share this with my child as an example of how a well written paper should have lots of interesting information that supports a central thesis.

I have no doubt that I will enjoy the next HP book more based on the new information I have learned from this book. I will also be looking to the next book to see if it confirms or denies the writer's theories, which will be fun.

The writer, John Granger, was able to make a 2nd career of sorts by sharing an unexpected insight that goes against the "common wisdom." He refers to his speaking engagements at schools and online. I am always gladdened by this kind of story.

As a reader from a very different backround and faith, it has given me a boost in understanding more about the outlook of the writer, who says of himself: "I am what reporters without fail call a "traditional Christian."" I don't plan to judge any group of people by one person, but I expect to find this useful in the future to help know what questions to ask.

Con -
Well, I was certainly offended from time to time. The claims to universalism are apparently a key to this individual's faith. This didn't interfere with my overall enjoyment of the book, but I would think twice about just leaving it in my child's hands. I was able to read excerpts aloud and get enjoyable family discussions going.

Expert from the Introduction -

"My thesis is essentially this: As images of God designed for life in Christ, all humans naturally resonate with stories that reflect the greatest story ever told- the story of God who became man. The Harry Potter novels, the best-selling books in publishing history, touch our hearts because they contain themes, imagery, and engaging stories that echo the Great Story we are wired to receive and respond to. Looking for God in Harry Potter is a step-by-step walk through these images, themes and stories to reveal the core of the Harry Potter books and why they are so popular: They address the need (really an innate need akin to our need for the physical nourishment) that we have for spiritual nourishment in the forms of edifying, imaginative experience of life in Christ."

Interesting at least.......2007-03-29

It is interesting at least since it expands on the classical sources Lady JKR uses as noted by another classicist. So if the reader is not familiar with a plethora of symbolic referrences -- here they are. This also reads better I think then some other books that discuss or list the same sorts of things. But there are points that seem exaggerated -- such as Harry Potter in Lady JKR's accent would give us "heir (of the) Pater" to emphasize the Christ-like association. This seems a real stretch. But nonetheless it was an interesting suggestion as were many others.

This is a thoughtful book that helps bring up questions associating the success of the book series with significant elements of historical narration that seem requirements in good story telling.

A great read for HP fans or skeptics.......2006-09-09

Granger indepthly explores the themes of the first 6 books and gives a great explanation of the alchemy and symbols found inside. He is truly a fan, so he speaks with enthusiasm and passion. I disagreed with minor points he made, mainly about some of his predictions for the final book and a few conclusions he drew from the first 6 books. But all Harry Potter fans know that this is inevitable and rather minor. For example, I do not believe that Dumbledore agreed to watch over Harry because he and Harry's father, James, were especially close. But, as any reader knows, this is a very minor difference in terms of the amazing story of Harry Potter. Overall, Granger's book was well worth buying and reading. It is packed full of intelligent information that will cause readers to appreciate the depth inside Harry Potter. Any parent concerned over whether or not their child should read Harry Potter need to get this book, though it's not solely for the unsure. It's also for fans who want to dig deeper and for those who want to reconcile their faith with their love for Harry Potter.

The Gospel According to Harry Potter: Leader's Guide for Group Study

Average customer rating:

Very interesting take on HP
Excellent Resource for Parents and Youth Pastors
Gospel?

The Gospel According to Harry Potter: Leader's Guide for Group Study
Connie W. Neal , and Samuel F. Parvin
Manufacturer: Westminster John Knox Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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philosophy hope in a jar daily moisturizer

ASIN: 0664226698

Customer Reviews:

Very interesting take on HP .......2007-08-26

I had the pleasure of seeing Connie Neal speak in person a few years ago. I had read her book prior to the event. There was quite a mixture of people in the room: christians, jews, atheists, wiccans, etc. Everyone seemed to find the talk quite interesting despite their differences in religious beliefs. What struck me most about what she said is this: (I'm paraphrasing) in a work this size you can find almost anything you look for. Every religion or political cause could find something to back up their claims. (Kind of like the bible, in my opinion) Does Ms. Neal really think Jo Rowling purposely wrote biblical teachings into Harry Potter? Nah. But, the comparisons are fascinating and there are definately some moral lessons to be learned from the books.

Excellent Resource for Parents and Youth Pastors .......2005-07-27

This book gives parents and youth leaders a way to redeem the Harry Potter stories, while also warning kids about the dangers of real witchcraft and distinguishing between fantasy and reality.

Gospel?.......2005-07-19

What a disappointment, and from someone trying to claim Christianity. Not only is this book rubbish, Jesus must weep at the thought of such garbage.

Rick in Orlando

Average customer rating:

Short and sweet
Learning French
Wanna improve your french vocabulary?
great way to read painlessly in French
Awesome book

Harry Potter et le prisonnier d'Azkaban
J. K. Rowling
Manufacturer: Editions Gallimard
ProductGroup: Book
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ASIN: 2070528189

Customer Reviews:

Short and sweet.......2006-11-06

For anyone who has already read the Harry Potter books in English, reading them in a foreign language is a great way to pick up some new vocabulary.
Le prisonnier d'Azkaban is my favorite of the Harry Potter books. Harry has settled comfortably into the world of Hogwarts, yet faces more dangers as he returns. Ron and Hermione continue to bicker as Harry stands between them. The entire cast is back, plus some new faces that are sure to become favorites. If you've seen the movie, but you haven't read the book, you're missing out tremendously.

Learning French.......2005-12-20

For those learning French, this is a wonderful addition to your language library. Like the English versions, the trials and tribulations of young people at school are the center of the story. It's a tale about learning new roles, new relationships, and about the world at large--however disguised by magic and fantasy--and has a unique charm. I found the vocabularly and sentence structure a little more challenging, but I noticed a similar development in the English versions. It's almost as though the author was writing for a specific child or children whose reading skills and maturity had progressed beyond that reflected in book one. Alternatively she herself might be just reaching her full stride as an author. Whatever the case, in French it translates to a marvelous progression of learning materials from the basics of book one to the more advanced level of this one.

Wanna improve your french vocabulary?.......2004-11-12

On a whim I decided to read through this book, and it proved to be a very fun and effective way to improve my french, while enjoying a great story. The translation reads very well, and the plot will keep you on the edge of your seat (and your nose in the book) until you're done with it.

great way to read painlessly in French.......2002-01-30

These are children's books with a lot of action and dialogue-- perfect, easy reading for the non-native speaker, well and carefully translated...

Awesome book.......2001-06-18

I found it great! I'm taking French currently and although I had to ask my dad for a lot of the words, I found it funny! Great translation, and as usual, the best book. Read the English version before you read others to get the real J.K. Rowling. But still a great substitution for non-English speakers.

The Sorcerer's Companion: A Guide to the Magical World of Harry Potter

Average customer rating:

Magical Breif Encyclopedia
LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS BOOK
A great companion
Good beginner's mythology book
good read

The Sorcerer's Companion: A Guide to the Magical World of Harry Potter
Allan Zola Kronzek , and Elizabeth Kronzek
Manufacturer: Broadway
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0767908473
Release Date: 2001-09-18

Amazon.com

Harry Potter aficionados: remember when Buckbeak, Hagrid's pet Hippogriff, was put on trial by the Committee for the Disposal of Dangerous Creatures? This crazy idea was not invented by Harry Potter's creator, J.K. Rowling. In fact, from medieval times all the way up to the 19th century, animals and even insects were often charged with crimes, arrested, imprisoned, tried, convicted, and sometimes executed. Harry Potter's fantastic world of magic has its roots in true history, mythology, and folklore; father-daughter team Allan Zola Kronzek and Elizabeth Kronzek have now made this wealth of astonishing information available to Muggles in their Sorcerer's Companion. From astrology to Grindylow to reading tea leaves to witch persecution, this fascinating volume gets to the bottom of every magical mystery connected with Hogwarts. Readers learn the unusual method by which premodern Europeans protected themselves from the cry of the uprooted Mandrake, involving a loyal dog and a rope. (Professor Sprout's solution was to have her herbology students wear earmuffs). Hermione probably knew, when she was hexed by Draco Malfoy so that her teeth suddenly grew past her chin, that hexes originated in Europe. But did she know the connection between hexes and the folk magic of the Pennsylvania Dutch? For fans of the tremendously popular Harry Potter series, or anyone who is intrigued by magical lore, the Sorcerer's Companion will quickly become a true friend. (Ages 9 and older) --Emilie Coulter

Book Description

Who was the real Nicholas Flamel? How did the Sorcerer’s Stone get its power? Did J. K. Rowling dream up the terrifying basilisk, the seductive veela, or the vicious grindylow? And if she didn’t, who did?

Millions of readers around the world have been enchanted by the magical world of wizardry, spells, and mythical beasts inhabited by Harry Potter and his friends. But what most readers don’t know is that there is a centuries-old trove of true history, folklore, and mythology behind Harry’s fantastic universe. Now, with The Sorcerer’s Companion, those without access to the Hogwarts library can school themselves in the fascinating reality behind J.K. Rowling’s world of magic.

The Sorcerer’s Companion allows curious readers to look up anything magical from the Harry Potter books and discover a wealth of entertaining, unexpected information. Wands and wizards, boggarts and broomsticks, hippogriffs and herbology, all have astonishing histories rooted in legend, literature, or real-life events dating back hundreds or even thousands of years. Magic wands, like those sold in Rowling’s Diagon Alley, were once fashioned by Druid sorcerers out of their sacred yew trees. Love potions were first concocted in ancient Greece and Egypt. And books of spells and curses were highly popular during the Middle Ages. From Amulets to Zombies, you’ll also learn:

• how to read tea leaves
• where to find a basilisk today
• how King Frederick II of Denmark financed a war with a unicorn horn
• who the real Merlin was
• how to safely harvest mandrake root
• who wore the first invisibility cloak
• how to get rid of a goblin
• why owls were feared in the ancient world
• the origins of our modern-day “bogeyman,” and more.

A spellbinding tour of Harry’s captivating world, The Sorcerer’s Companion is a must for every Potter aficionado’s bookshelf.

The Sorcerer's Companion has not been prepared, approved, or licensed by any person or entity that created, published, or produced the Harry Potter books or related properties.

Customer Reviews:

Magical Breif Encyclopedia.......2007-08-24

I do like the book, very interesting indeed.
Although I am still waiting for a book that talks especifically about Harry Potter's characters and sites. That it'll work , nothing like an aside book to keep cheking a quick review of a character you just don't remember in that moment, even a spell or a plant or an animal, whatever it is. Oh well.

LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS BOOK.......2007-03-20

I can't say enough about this book, I have bought a copy for every Harry Potter fan I know! This book is a must have for anyone interested in all the myths and legends behind the books. I had gotten the book from the library awhile ago and just had to own it. It is a great companion book for any Harry Potter fan! Great detail! My son has used this book on several of his school papers already...just a wonderful read!

A great companion.......2005-07-09

This book helps to explain all the different kinds of characters one encounters in the world of Harry Potter a great companion piece with the set of books.

Good beginner's mythology book.......2005-01-01

If you're expecting a "Harry Potter" book don't buy this one. If you are interested in learning about the myths that inspired Rowling, then you'll like it. In fact this book could have been written pre-1995, the only difference would be that there would be no refereces to JKR's work. (Rowling would have found it usefull in writing her stories.)

I have been studying the occult for 8 years, so not much of the information in this book was new to me. I bought it because I have been reading the Harry Potter books for 4 years, and have recognised many things in the books that closely resemble occult truths. I wanted to see someone else's take on the subject, (given the way Rowling is criticised for the occult-ness of her books).

This book would be best for those who are beginners in the area of mythology/occult teachings. Those well versed in this area will probally not find a great deal of new information in this book, but would probally still find it an amusing read. Also for those who are totally Harry obsessed (as I am).

If they come out with a new edition for the remaining books I will definitely buy it.

good read.......2004-11-12

This is a really good and accurate study of the things in harry potter.

it gives you the histroy and the background aronud some of the more mysterious subjects you come across in the harry potter series and of corse so of the more common subjects.

it even teaches you a little bit about each subject. it gives you a good explanation of arithmancy and enough info to do some basics on it.

Same with tea leaf reading.

good read and worth it.

Reading Harry Potter: Critical Essays (Contributions to the Study of Popular Culture)

Average customer rating:

Just pathetic
awesome literary criticism
An impressive anthology of literary criticism
Simply Excellent.

Reading Harry Potter: Critical Essays (Contributions to the Study of Popular Culture)

Manufacturer: Praeger Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0313320675

Book Description

J. K. Rowling achieved astounding commercial success with her series of novels about Harry Potter, the boy-wizard who finds out about his magical powers on the morning of his eleventh birthday. The books' incredible popularity, and the subsequent likelihood that they are among this generation's most formative narratives, call for critical exploration and study to interpret the works' inherent tropes and themes. The essays in this collection assume that Rowling's works should not be relegated to the categories of pulp fiction or children's trends, which would deny their certain influence on the intellectual, emotional, and psychosocial development of today's children. The variety of contributions allows for a range of approaches and interpretive methods in exploring the novels, and reveals the deeper meanings and attitudes towards justice, education, race, foreign cultures, socioeconomic class, and gender. Following an introductory discussion of the Harry Potter phenomenon are essays considering the psychological and social-developmental experiences of children as mirrored in Rowling's novels. Next, the works' literary and historical contexts are examined, including the European fairy tale tradition, the British abolitionist movement, and the public-school story genre. A third section focuses on the social values underlying the Potter series and on issues such as morality, the rule of law, and constructions of bravery.

Customer Reviews:

Just pathetic.......2007-08-08

This has to be something straight from the J. Evans Pritchard vault of pseudo lit. Pompous and condescending, it merits no mention and no attention. If you are a HP fan, stay away from this garbage.

awesome literary criticism.......2005-09-17

This book is an amazing anthology of literary criticisms of Harry Potter books 1-4. It brings to the forefront Rowling's social agenda, the fairy tale genre, ambiguity between good and evil, etc. Something that I would like to see in the future are new essays, or these essays rewritten, by the same authors in light of surprising changes to some characters' development particularly with Snape in Book 6. Otherwise, this book is an amazing read and is thoroughly enlightening.

An impressive anthology of literary criticism.......2004-03-07

Expertly compiled and deftly edited by Giselle Liza Anatol (Assistant Professor of English, University of Kanas - Lawrence), Reading Harry Potter: Critical Essays is an impressive anthology of literary criticism draw from a variety of learned authors who all of whom regard J. K. Rowling's popular Harry Potter fantasy series as far more than mere popular culture pablum. Examining the Harry Potter works with regard to theories of child development, literary influences and historical contexts, and morality and social values, Reading Harry Potter is a multifaceted exploration of the Potter books as literature with lasting potential influence on both developing and mature minds today.

Simply Excellent........2003-07-22

Quite simply, this is the book I will use as my primary resource to teach Harry Potter from now on. I teach both undergraduate and graduate English Education majors and plan to order this book for all of my Adolescent Literature sections this coming year. Not only are the essays interesting and diverse, they really show how many different ways a reader can think about a text. Most interesting, however, is how these very different essays (and authors) speak to one another. Overall, a really fine group of essays about some very important works.

A Charmed Life: The Spirituality of Potterworld

Average customer rating:

Thoughtful and honest
Understanding Potter as literature makes a difference
Taking the road less taken
Insightful
How utterly Muggle!

A Charmed Life: The Spirituality of Potterworld
Francis Bridger
Manufacturer: Image
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0385506651
Release Date: 2002-09-17

Book Description

In this enlightening look at J.K. Rowling's phenomenal bestsellers, a Christian minister illuminates the powerful, positive message Harry Potter and his magical world bring to readers of all ages.

Potter fever has swept the world and shows no signs of abating. the books and the recent movie have attracted millions of followers and fans, all of them eagerly awaiting the next installments. Along with the widespread enjoyment and appreciation of Harry Potter and his friendships, however, criticism of the series has also emerged. The opposition has focused on two issues; the darkness of the novels and their apparent endorsement of witchcraft and the occult. In A Charmed Life, Francis Bridger, a theologian and pastor, argues that far from promoting the dark arts, the Potter books are firmly based in Christian values, and offer valuable insights into our characters, our relationships, our priorities, and our spirituality.

Taking readers on an entertaining tour of Potterworld, Bridger shows that each adventure presents new ways of expressing and exploring key spiritual issues, from the meaning of justice, to the need to confront fears, to the debilitating effects of evil. As Harry and his friends deal with one another, face their enemies, cope with their variously dysfunctional families, and experience the common problems o fgrowing up, Bridger domonstrates, it is their intrinsic human goodness, love, and friendship--not wizardry or magic--that allows them to triumph over evil.

Customer Reviews:

Thoughtful and honest.......2007-03-01

First of all, let me say that I was, no pun intended, thoroughly charmed by Mr. Bridger himself. From the whimsical image of him proudly reading the books with the brightly colored covers (as opposed to the more sober "grown-up" covers) to his quite reasonable desire to read the books himself before having a knee-jerk reaction to them, from his playful use of language to his sense of taking things seriously enough to know that you shouldn't take some things too seriously, he reminded me strongly of another likeable, wise-grandfatherly figure.

The book itself is a gem. At one point, Bridger tracks the moral development of the main characters through the ethics of childhood (when "good" and "bad" is primarily determined by obedience to authority figures) and into the morality of adults (which demands independent thought, decision-making, and a certain amount of self-responsibility.) It's an interesting idea in itself, but made even more so when linked to theological theories dating back to St. Paul. ("When I was a child," anyone?) In doing so, he gently chides those who disparage the books for "rewarding disobedience", explaining that for adults, disobeying an unethical rule is sometimes the correct moral decision.

In addressing the main objections raised by concerned parents and certain parts of the Christian community, Bridger is respectful of their fears but firm in his explanation of why he does not feel they are warranted. At the same time, he doesn't praise the books uncritically - there are shortcomings, but it is his view that there's more mileage to be gotten from discussing them, and what they say about the society they reflect, than from condemning them and ignoring all the good in the books.

Overall, the book is very insightful. His discussion of "magic," what the word means and has meant in the books and throughout history, was fascinating. He deals deftly with many of the moral ambiguities raised in the books, and points out deeper meanings than I had thought to look for before. As philosophy, as theology, and as literary commentary, the book is brilliant.

A note: the book only deals with the first four Potter books. I doubt if the author is planning to write a second commentary on the last three after the seventh book comes out this summer, but I'd be excited to read it if he were!

Understanding Potter as literature makes a difference.......2003-04-14

Because simple words on paper have in the past led to just about every major manmade disaster since words were put on paper, as people actually respond to the inherent philosophy or message that is part of every text, intended or not, it is always worthwhile to spend some time analyzing those works which have become popular.

This book by Francis Bridger is one of the best of the bunch of books seeking to look more deeply at the world of Harry Potter. Instead of arguing the specifics of the magic or apparent 'occult' Bridger takes a different path showing how Rowling skillfully weaves a tale in the fine tradition of British literature, using themes, images, allusions, etc. throughout her books which can be found in a great deal of writings written by those who call the British Isles home.

We in America, however, love practicality, have a hard time getting literary methods, and get confused, or angry, when our sensibilities are apparently attacked by terminology. Rowling, rather than endorsing any sort of scandalous occultism, is instead writing a tale of great heroism, discovery, and even spirituality which uses 'magical' themes to point to deeper truths, truths which are inherent in a Christian understanding of the world. Before we Christians attack the use of the word magic in these great texts, we must first attend to these texts as literature, and must learn how to understand how to read all of Potter's tales, present and future, in the context of a great tradition of fantasy writings.

Yes, these books are rousing tales but any book which creates the kind of sensation as these must also be speaking deeply to our present society. Bridger explains these deeper truths and messages in their appropriate context, and makes re-reading Potter that much more enjoyable and worthwhile. Plus, he is a very engaging author himself, whose nonfiction prose is almost as engaging as Rowling's.

This is a very fair, erudite, interesting study of what is arguably the most influential literature of this generation. Being spiritual does not mean we can turn off our minds, blindly accepting what various gurus tell us to believe. Nor is christophobia a reason to deny the importance of studying great literature, at all the levels which makes great literature great.

If you are interested at all in the Potter phenomenon this is the one book, besides Rowling's, you should get. No, this book may not interest everyone, and those who rate this present book low without reading it themselves are guilty of the same ignorant prattle which afflicts many of those in the Christian world. We all can and should think, and should discuss intelligently cultural issues before us. Bridger aids immensely and succinctly in this particular discussion.

Taking the road less taken.......2003-04-12

Up till 'Charmed', books about HP have been (1) diatribes against the books due to the dark magic therein, (2) defenses against type 1, and (3) analyses of HP as literature. In types 1 and 2, the various authors usually tell the reader what his or her conclusion should be.

This book takes a different approach, one of positive analysis with thoughtful conclusions -- but not forcing those conclusions down the reader's throat. It is extremely well written -- and is as readable and enjoyable as the HP books themselves.

'A Charmed Life' is divided into 5 long chapters, plus a shorter 6th with conclusions, and the long chapters are helpfully broken by mid-chapter headings. These chapters give an indepth look at some of Rowling's favorite issues, such as:
(1) actions have consequences,
(2) beware of the deceitfulness of appearances [a major lesson in LOTR],
(3) the target audience [first, JKR herself; second, those that like an exciting mystery], and I might add parenthetically, when Jo Rowling is interviewed, she constantly insists that her books are written for older teens and adults.
(4) the world view -- what you see is not all there is, [helpful to the Christian]
(5) the complicatedness of the moral world -- when things aren't exactly black and white,
and (6) periodic comparisons with 'The Chronicles of Narnia', LOTR, and Lewis Carroll's works.

Bridger looks at the issues of faith, fact, and truth, as portrayed by Jo Rowling, and finds much that is compatable to the way Christians are to think and believe.

'Charmed' is a helpful book to those who want to think carefully about these things.
To those who like their conclusions given to them, it is not so helpful.

Insightful.......2003-01-03

This book is extremely well written. It's insights can appeal to non-Christaians as well as Christians - particualrly the chapters on morality and metaphysics. He sites CS Lewis, Martin Luther King, Jr., Interviews with JK Rowling, the Odyssey, the Bible, etc. and has a way of capturing complicated philosophical ideas in just a few words.

This book is more of a moral philosophy book on Harry Potter than a Christian philosophy book. For those looking for proof that Harry Potter is as Christian as the Narnia books, this book may not suffice 100% and the author does not pretend that it should. Bridger rather opens the reader's minds to ideas surrounding the books and their place within a Christian/moral/spiritual understanding of reality.

If you don't want to dig deeper into the meaning behind Rowling's masterpieces, this is clearly not the book for you. Harry Potter can be enjoyed on many different levels. For some people, digging deeper "ruins" the excitement and the effect of Rowling's creativity. For me and many others, digging deeper adds an even more magical (and truthful) dimension to Harry Potter.

Bridger assumes that the reader has read all four books and freely discusses the endings and surprises. Don't read this until you've read the first four Potter books.

How utterly Muggle!.......2002-11-23

Not to mention tiresome. Who the heck cares if there is a "positively Christian" way to read these wonderful books or not? They are entertainment, not theology or even serious spirituality. And just what would "positively Christian" mean anyway with 500+ official sects and many varieties of interpretation within even them. Why must Christians, or Moslems or whatever group of people need to make such a work of entertainment their own or pass their blessings upon it?...

The notion that magic is vestigial in these works is simply ridiculous. Of course if there is any magic then vestigial aspects of Dark Ages Christianity will strive to determine whether it is "of the Devil" or compatible with some generalized notion of Christian doctrine. YAWN.

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