A Charmed Life: The Spirituality of Potterworld

by Francis Bridger

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 of growing up, Bridger demonstrates, it is their intrinsic human goodness, love, and friendship--not wizardry or magic--that allows them to triumph over evil.

Genres: Nonfiction, Religion, Harry Potter, Theology, Christianity

176 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2001

Reviews

[Alex · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had to read sections of this book for a Harry Potter class I took a couple years ago. I had always wanted to read the rest just because I was interested on what the author wanted to say. While most of the things that were discussed in this book could be seen as valid points with the relation of Christianity to the Harry Potter novels it doesn’t make me say that if there are any similarities that J.K. intentionally had them there. It’s just a coincidence. My favorite chapter in this book is chapter 2 just because this is a chapter that strays away from religion and talks more generalized sense. Also found the portion about “self-sacrifice” interesting and mentions to blood “religiously”. Other than that it was a quick read of a book I’m glad I finally fully read but don’t need to ever reread.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5/5 stars. Some interesting points, but a bit repetitive for such a slim book. Also spends too much time defending Harry Potter against religious zealots and not enough time actually examining the theology. Could do with an update now that the series is finished.

[Charity · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF because it was written in the middle of the Harry Potter series before the final books had been released and has not been updated since. If there were to ever be a second edition, I would consider reading it.

[Amber Hardisty · Rating 1 out of 5]

Although Bridger has interesting and well backed up points, the book feels as though it only really has 3 points, what could've been a short essay became a book.

[MaryMargaret]

I enjoyed this book. I loved connecting the world of Harry Potter with the world I live in today. I'd recommend it.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is excellent! A Christian theological professor from the UK writes about the positive, spiritual and encouraging side of the Harry Potter books. He invites Christians to take on board much of what they contain, and explains why it's unhelpful to condemn them, since the majority of the message from JK Rowling is not at all anti-Christian.

Written when just four of the books had been published, so some of the commentary is speculative - and of course was vindicated in the last book with its redemptive theme and many Christian symbols.

But still, despite being dated now, the writing is excellent and I would highly recommend this to anyone wanting to know more about the positive spiritual side of the Harry Potter series.

Longer review here: https://suesbookreviews.blogspot.com/...

[Just a Girl Fighting Censorship · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was written at the release of the 4th Harry Potter book and at the height of the "Harry Potter book burning" era. Today the series is completed and all of the controversy has dissipated and become virtually nonexsistent. Maybe that's why I was so bored with this book that I could not finish it. I was expecting a thoughful look at the themes and characters of Harry Potter compared to Christian beliefs. What I got instead was a case for why the HP books are not evil, duh. The author spends a great deal of time referencing the C.S. Lewis and other children's authors and never really dives deeper than proving the books aren't evil. They are all surface level observations when I wanted a more philosophical approach.

perhaps this book is just outdated and obsolete

[Heidi · Rating 2 out of 5]

First off, a trivial beef, who calls her Joanne? J.K. Rowling please. It started out with promise, then I found myself saying "no... that's not right?" "are you kidding me, chill out," down to the frank, "yeah no one cares." I think this was over analysing too little material. It felt stretched too far to try to grab something out of nothing. Perhaps if this included all the books in the series it'd be better formed.

[Meryl · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is basically a defense of Harry Potter from a Christian point of view. It was nicely done, but--safe to say--I don't think I'm its target audience.

[Naberius · Rating 3 out of 5]

http://fluidityoftime.blogspot.com/20...

[Kingsley Layton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very helpful and resourceful.