The Gospel According to Harry Potter: The Spiritual Journey of the World's Greatest Seeker

by Connie Neal

In this inspiring consideration of the spiritual themes in the popular Harry Potter series, well-known Christian author and Harry Potter fan Connie Neal explores the world of magic and mystery created by J. K. Rowling alongside the stories and grand themes of the Bible. Contrary to those who reject the series as a threat to the Christian faith, Neal demonstrates how the lessons in Harry Potter not only echo many of the stories in the Bible but reinforce the central messages of Christianity. This revised and expanded edition explores all seven installments in the Harry Potter series. (This book has not been prepared, endorsed, or licensed by any person or entity that created, published, or produced the Harry Potter books or related properties.)

Genres: Harry Potter, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Religion, Christianity, Christian

240 pages, Paperback

First published March 10, 2008

Reviews

[Connie Neal]

This is one of the books I have authored and it makes me very happy to read genuine reviews from my fellow GoodReads friends.

[Jamie Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Gospel According to Harry Potter
By: Connie Neal

Wow, Connie Neal, I heart you. It’s not every day you find another God-centered woman that is also a Harry Potter fangirl until death. The idea of “looking through a magnifying glass” to make better correlations between Harry Potter and the Bible worked brilliantly for her. She is clearly a very well educated woman that entirely understands what she is writing about. She is passionate about the Word and makes the truths in it come alive by comparing it to the characters, situations, trials, triumphs, and house elves from all seven of the Harry Potter books. I recommend this book to everyone that has read and loved the Harry Potter series, and also to those Christians who have not, but feel it necessary to bash the books because of the “satanism” it promotes.

[Samantha Kobelia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I encourage anyone to read this. Whether you’re a Christian or not. Whether you’ve read the Harry Potter series or not…READ THIS BOOK. It’s SO eye opening and written wonderfully.
I do wish that the same subjects were addressed all together, but I enjoyed that she broke everything down in each book. Beautifully done! 5 stars ✨

[Michael Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Insightful devotional

This is a nice little book written in devotional format divided into seven sections, each one being on various excerpts from the Harry Potter stories. It is not a deep excursus, but provides great encouragment, using a tremendous about of context when quoting the Bible and making parallels. There are various articles that could be delved even further, though. All in all, good read. If you like C.S. Lewis' devotional A Year With Aslan, you'll greatly enjoy this.

[Rachel Grepke · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, I am so happy a book like this exists. I have read the series multiple times and seen the movies as well. After I myself came to Christ, I saw so many similarities and ties to Biblical ideaology in the series. Not only does this spell it out for you, but backs it up with Scripture. I love how easy it was to read. I would encourage every Christian, ministry worker and Potter fan alike, to read this. Well worth your time. Well done Harry, well done.

[Woody James · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Gospel according to Connie Neal with reference to Harry Potter to sell more books.

[Nancy Bandusky · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Expanded Edition takes the reader through the 7 Harry Potter books and relates it to the Bible - in particular the Gospel.

As a fan of the Harry Potter series and a follower of Christ, I was aware of some of the parallels and appreciated her insight and presentation. This book is beneficial for anyone who was "concerned" about the Harry Potter books as well as those who want to take a refreshing look at the Gospel.

Obviously a reader brings his/her worldview to the book being read and the Harry Potter series is no exception. People may argue that other "things" can be found in the series but that doesn't cancel out the Gospel that is found there for the discerning reader with eyes to see.

[Amelia · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had to put this book down before I got too far. I love Harry Potter, I'm religious, and I appreciate this author defending the good that can be found in the Harry Potter series... However, the parallels were a little much for me. For example: comparing Harry's scar and how it signified his power and his struggle - to Jesus Christ and his scars and what they signify. It was too much for me.

I also prefer the King James Version of the Bible, and each chapter used verses from the New International Version of the Bible. Not a big deal, but the book is heavy on scriptures so it wasn't very comfortable for me.

[Catherine Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good book, especially for those raising young children who will read the series. Many of her points make good bedtime discussions with the Bible. I really like how it emphasizes that in reading it if you are looking for Biblical parallels you will find them and if you are looking for satanic parallels you will find them (like looking at shapes in the clouds - each person will see something different). Wish she had waited till the end of the series to write the book as 1) some of her assumptions of how the book ends were off and 2) it would be nice to read her take on parallels in the last 3 books.

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. The parallels drawn are extremely interesting. You do not have to have read the entire bible to fully appreciate the conclusions drawn, however those that have read all 7 Harry Potter books will get the most out of it.

[Iliana · Rating 1 out of 5]

religious fanatic that wants to see God signs everywher!

[Corey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't actually finish this whole book. I read some of it so I could do a bible study over it at my church's Harry Potter themed lock-in. I liked it, but it wasn't fantastic.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely a stretch in parts, but a clear argument that Harry Potter is in fact not promoting an anti-Christian or evil agenda

[Mary Lou · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not nearly as good as the similar Granger book, Looking for God in Harry Potter.