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178th out of 1,336 books
—
4,914 voters
Looking for God in Harry Potter
by
John Granger
For the latest edition of this book that covers all 7 Harry Potter novels, see "How Harry Cast His Spell."John Granger, a Christian, a teacher of classic literature, and a father of seven children, explores the surprising reasons J. K. Rowling's books are so popular and examines what the author believes are strong Christian themes throughout the Harry Potter books. Granger...more
Paperback, 234 pages
Published
February 17th 2006
by SaltRiver
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I learned things from this book, no question. I have read Harry Potter in sort of a disjointed escapist fashion for years, and some of the books I don't recall in great detail. Granger recalls them all because this is his subject matter and he apparently rereads them outloud for his seven homeschooled children. Not having children much less seven underfoot, I have read them without concern that they would convert me to becoming a ceremonial Satanist, which is apparently the concern of fundamenta...more
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Mr. Granger is a very devoted Christian father with seven children. He wanted to make sure his offspring weren’t being tainted with unsavory influences like sorcery. So he proceeded to study the Rowling books about a boy wizard.
This mindset permeates this treatise as he dissects the first six books one by one in his effort to prove that Rowling has created not only classic books for the ages but books toting truly Christian virtues. While he makes a few factual mistakes about the books themselve...more
This mindset permeates this treatise as he dissects the first six books one by one in his effort to prove that Rowling has created not only classic books for the ages but books toting truly Christian virtues. While he makes a few factual mistakes about the books themselve...more
Jul 27, 2011
Ashley Moman
added it
I really recommend this to anyone thinking of reading the Harry Potter books, or whose children are reading them. I noticed before knowing that other Christians have, that Harry Potter is full of wonderful Christian theology and symbolism, and despite the packaging of "magic" these books are the epic struggle of good and evil and becoming a new man in light of such a battle. I happily was made aware after reading the series of books that there are like-minded Christians who also see this. I wait...more
Aug 08, 2011
Jeff
added it
I guess I had a biased reading of this view since he writes from a Christian perspective and finds the themes in a Christian context, I still think this book opened my eyes to help me understand the whole concept of Alchemical Literature and I found it everywhere in the series as I am reading through it a 2nd time. I don't agree with all the conclusions Granger makes, but I still think there is alot to be learned from him, and it will definitely help Christians who are scared of reading this ser...more
You almost need a master's in English literature to understand everything that Granger is talking about. While he is a true fan, I really think he is stretching it at times in his comparisons of themes, motifs and characters.
The whole concept should have been much simpler. Another difficulty of the book is that the last book in the Potter series had not yet been released so he is speculating about a lot of things that happen in it. On a few counts he is close to correct, but due to his earlier...more
The whole concept should have been much simpler. Another difficulty of the book is that the last book in the Potter series had not yet been released so he is speculating about a lot of things that happen in it. On a few counts he is close to correct, but due to his earlier...more
Jun 24, 2012
Deborah
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
everyone who believes Harry Potter is ordained by Satan
Shelves:
academic,
spiritual-growth
There are a host of people who believe the Harry Potter stories are Satanic and demonic and will teach their children the dark arts, therefore, since witchcraft and wizardry are the topic of these FAIRY tale books, they are not fit to read by any religious person's child. Interestingly, this Ivy League educated man who takes an active role in homeschooling his children has a unique and academic perspective about the books written by JK Rowling. This book convinced me that people screaming from p...more
This book came recommended to me so that I should be "armed" with the knowledge of what a fundamental Christian is saying with regards to the Harry Potter stories, especially a devoted Harry Potter fan!!!
Although there are times when Granger "stretches" the analysis, for example seeing Harry as a a representative for Christ and some of the other parallels he tries to make, he does a fantastic job of really "digging" in the book and finding the fun that Rowling must have had in writing them. He...more
Although there are times when Granger "stretches" the analysis, for example seeing Harry as a a representative for Christ and some of the other parallels he tries to make, he does a fantastic job of really "digging" in the book and finding the fun that Rowling must have had in writing them. He...more
Reading with the perspective of a parent who has read & loved the books and doesn't need convincing of the good in the HP series, I thoroughly enjoyed this insightful read and was able to look past the redundancy and, in my opinion, stretches in terms of Granger's views of the allegory & symbolism.
Certainly it is resoundingly there, and I'm quite astonished that I had yet to realize it! This book also answered several questions I've personally had in terms of "why do we love & conne...more
Certainly it is resoundingly there, and I'm quite astonished that I had yet to realize it! This book also answered several questions I've personally had in terms of "why do we love & conne...more
The first time I read this book, I wanted to see if there was any truth to the fear Christian parents and teachers had toward young/pre-teen children reading this series...there isn't. The second time I read this book (and have re-read certain chapters again and again) is to add meaningful depth to my reading experience of the Harry Potter books. Apart from the Christian symbolism of names, animals, magic, and story lines, these books MUST be read for the sheer wonder of J.K. Rowling's amazing l...more
Beyond the obvious discussion of the HP books pointing to God and the Christian story, I really liked how Granger discussed the elements of alchemical structuring and symbolism, and just overall, his thoughts on the symbolism in the books opened my eyes to a new dimension of HP. It made me appreciate Rowling even more, and I thoroughly enjoyed the chapter on naming - it was interesting to see all of the elements Rowling drew from to create the names in HP.
Overall, a great read and an eye-opener...more
Overall, a great read and an eye-opener...more
Whilst I've appreciated and found this book interesting, I've found Granger's analysis is incredibly focused on masculine transcendence. I expected this really because of his fundamentlist evangelical background, but he does make a few good points. Rather disappointed though.
I think he's only thinking about one side of the coin. I think that to truly get to the heart of Harry Potter and why it has spoken to so many millions of people, you need to look not just at the transcendent relevance to Go...more
I think he's only thinking about one side of the coin. I think that to truly get to the heart of Harry Potter and why it has spoken to so many millions of people, you need to look not just at the transcendent relevance to Go...more
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I read this book after reading "What's a Christian to do with Harry Potter," which was wonderful. Granger, a homeschooling dad of seven children, was introduced to the books and immediately found them full of great Christian literary symbolism. I found this fascinating because I felt the same when I read the series, but thought perhaps it was me interjecting my faith into the text. Apparently, mine was not an unique assessment. Not only did others see it, but the Christian themes were exactly th...more
This book was very interesting and had great insight into the Christian theme and elements in Rowlings' Potter books. I love literary criticism, and frankly starting it I didn't know how far Mr. Granger could go with his thesis that the Harry Potter books are truly Christian through and through. In the end he went very far (with some stretching).
Now, my one compliant is how Mr. Granger likes to inject some of his own moral and religious bias. I do respect differing ideas, but when an author equ...more
Now, my one compliant is how Mr. Granger likes to inject some of his own moral and religious bias. I do respect differing ideas, but when an author equ...more
I think the title is misleading and would turn some people off from the start who might actually enjoy reading this book. Those who doubt the literary depth of Harry Potter should read this book regardless of their religious affiliations or lack thereof. John Granger is pretty much beside himself most of the time, trying to hold back from digressing from digressions as he describes the various links to the Great Works of English Lit and the link between the Great Works of English Lit and Biblica...more
Wow. My mom typeset this book and she was so excited to give it to me for Christmas. (I'm HP obsessed-but most family doesn't get it) This is a must read for any parent, or person rather, who feels the "devil is in Harry Potter." John Granger gives overwhelming proof for the underlying Christian symbols and themes throughout the series. If the reader is left with doubt as to the goodness of HP, then they have closed minds and hearts. Why not find out what the phenomenon is about?
I wrote a paper on this book for a college writing class, and I really enjoyed it. It's amazing how much biblical symbolism and connections to classical mythology exist in these books. The only drawback is that since the book was written before the conclusion of the series, some of the author's predictions, and thus claims about the book's symbolism, turn out to be false. Any Harry Potter fan would enjoy it, not just someone "looking for God in Harry Potter."
I liked the straight-forward tone of this book. The author was orginally against his kids reading Harry Potter. Then one child was given the first book as a gift. He sat down to read it to find all the reasons she would not be allowed to, but in the end, ended up reading it and the rest of the series to all his kids. He gives "straight from the text" examples of Rowling's religious themes.
Jun 27, 2009
Amy
rated it
2 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
someone who needed to see the good in Harry Potter
Shelves:
literary-criticism
This book might be helpful to those who think the Harry Potter books are dangerous for Christians to read. Although several times he reads nonexistent interpretations into the text of the Harry Potter books, for the most part, Granger makes an excellent case that the books are full of Christian themes and could uplift children rather than harm them. All the same, I would only recommend this book to a friend who didn't understand that reading about Harry Potter can be a valuable, inspiring experi...more
Phenomenal study of the literary devices Rowling masterfully employs in her goal--to use C.S. Lewis' phrasing--of smuggling the gospel past the sleeping dragons of our imaginations. And yes, by gospel, Granger is arguing that Rowling is a believer writing edifying Christian literature in the vein of Tolkein and Lewis. I believe he's spot on. Read it.
I loved this book! It had great insight into the all of the Christian symbolism found in Harry Potter as well as the influences of classic literature. This book was published after the 5th book in the HP series. John Granger updated and revised it after the 7th book in HP and renamed it " How Harry Cast His Spell", which is next on the list for me.
This book is an earlier incarnation of what is now "How Harry Cast His Spell." I discovered it a few years ago as I was doing research on the Potter books, and it expanded my mind in so many ways and opened me up to a whole new way of understanding literature. It covers the books up through Half-Blood Prince.
A very interesting read. John Granger outlines the many ways in which Christian symbolism and themes are incorporated into the Harry Potter books. He pointed out a lot of connections I hadn't made as well as some I had. There are times when I think he stretched the connections, but overall he had me convinced.
I'm a big fan of the Harry Potter series and this book has really enhanced my understanding and enjoyment of those books. Great and detailed summary of Christian themes and symbols in the books. I can't believe I missed so many obvious things.
The only downside is that this book was written before the last 2 Potter books. Imagine what else I could learn.
The only downside is that this book was written before the last 2 Potter books. Imagine what else I could learn.
Excellent read! The book itself is fairly short but it's packed with A LOT of information. This wasn't written by a random person who wanted to defend Harry Potter but by a literary expert who was able to dissect the Harry Potter books and find Christian meaning. And there's quite a few Christian symbols and themes that I was surprised I missed, like the symbol of the Goblet of Fire. A non-consuming fire that tests a person and leaves what is worthy i.e. good works (from the Bible)or the four ch...more
Aug 05, 2011
Mark Wilson
added it
I think Granger does a lot of straw-clutching throughout this book. Whilst there were small shards of interesting ideas in there, I believe Granger reads meaning into many aspects of the Harry Potter books, where there is not necessarily any to be found.
Great book. I have not read the Harry Potter books, but have enjoyed the movies. I have always felt there was something more to the Harry Potter storyline than the standard good vs. evil plot. This book challenges the reader into some of the deeper symbolism.
John Granger blew me away with his insights into the deeper meanings and symbolism in the Harry Potter books. For anyone who wants to really understand what J.K. Rowling was up to when she wrote Harry Potter, you will enjoy what John Granger has to say.
John Granger does a wonderful job of putting to rest, once and for all, the Harry Potter critics who say that the books are anti-Christian. As a Catholic, I've always seen SOME religious symbolism in the series, but Granger surprised and delighted me!
Absolutely brilliant! This book was written after five Harry Potter books had been published, and updated after the sixth. It looks at the clear Christian themes running through the series, alongside the alchemical literary formulae, and the reasons why they were so resoundingingly popular.
Answers all the (generally feeble) arguments from a few fundamentalist Christians, and shows how valuable the Harry Potter books are in teaching positive Christian worldview and ethos.
I'd spotted a few gener...more
Answers all the (generally feeble) arguments from a few fundamentalist Christians, and shows how valuable the Harry Potter books are in teaching positive Christian worldview and ethos.
I'd spotted a few gener...more
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“This is the power of myth: that we can experience invisible spiritual realities and truths greater than visible, material things in story form.”
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