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The Gospel According to Harry Potter: Spirituality in the Stories of the World's Most Famous Seeker
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.
176 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2001
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
August 7, 2014
Warning I'm about to go off on a tangent...feel free to just scroll to the bottom for the review!
First off, let me start by saying I'm glad that this book exists. I will never forget being a kid sitting in church and hearing our guest speaker claim that reading Harry Potter is like asking Satan into your heart. I was already a huge fan and on the way home my mom asked me if they were Satanic, I said absolutely not, and she was like 'okay'. That's when I knew I had the best parents ever...but that's besides the point.
The great thing about a book, and especially Harry Potter, is that they are interactive. You as a reader are bringing your own thoughts and opinions and experiences to the table and they influence your reading.
There are so many themes and philosophies and theologies that you can pick out of the Harry Potter series, and that's a sign of a great book. Was Rowling thinking of Christian theology when she wrote her books, no, at least it is highly unlikely, but it is so much fun to draw parallels between fiction and your life, that's what makes reading so great...
End Tangent
This book covered the first 4 HP books.
For me the highlights of this book were the overall introduction and then the following introductions to each new HP book. After each introduction the style was more like a devotional which is not fun to read straight through and often became somewhat repetitive.
I loved her reasoning for why the series is worth reading and enjoyed her recounting conversations she had with the Christian community while promoting this book.
Her introductions contained overviews of themes discussed in each book and I wish she had just stuck to discussing these overall themes. The fact that she broke down each and every event in the books and tied them to something in the Bible was a bit trying. I would have liked if she had kept things broader and had chapters about each theme, for example, having a chapter on anti-slavery and talking about how it is touched on throughout HP and the Bible alike, would have been more readable and a lot more interesting.
Ultimately this is a Christian devotional book using Harry Potter and I was looking for something more scholarly.
First off, let me start by saying I'm glad that this book exists. I will never forget being a kid sitting in church and hearing our guest speaker claim that reading Harry Potter is like asking Satan into your heart. I was already a huge fan and on the way home my mom asked me if they were Satanic, I said absolutely not, and she was like 'okay'. That's when I knew I had the best parents ever...but that's besides the point.
The great thing about a book, and especially Harry Potter, is that they are interactive. You as a reader are bringing your own thoughts and opinions and experiences to the table and they influence your reading.
There are so many themes and philosophies and theologies that you can pick out of the Harry Potter series, and that's a sign of a great book. Was Rowling thinking of Christian theology when she wrote her books, no, at least it is highly unlikely, but it is so much fun to draw parallels between fiction and your life, that's what makes reading so great...
End Tangent
This book covered the first 4 HP books.
For me the highlights of this book were the overall introduction and then the following introductions to each new HP book. After each introduction the style was more like a devotional which is not fun to read straight through and often became somewhat repetitive.
I loved her reasoning for why the series is worth reading and enjoyed her recounting conversations she had with the Christian community while promoting this book.
Her introductions contained overviews of themes discussed in each book and I wish she had just stuck to discussing these overall themes. The fact that she broke down each and every event in the books and tied them to something in the Bible was a bit trying. I would have liked if she had kept things broader and had chapters about each theme, for example, having a chapter on anti-slavery and talking about how it is touched on throughout HP and the Bible alike, would have been more readable and a lot more interesting.
Ultimately this is a Christian devotional book using Harry Potter and I was looking for something more scholarly.
August 20, 2023
Most of this was very good. There are a few reaches, but by and large the author doesn’t overstate her case or try to do too much, and she’s very honest about the limitations of the project. I enjoyed it greatly and there were some real “aha” moments for me too.
April 6, 2009
This was not exactly what I expected but I did enjoy it. The author explains her motivation for writing the book was as a response particularly to those Christians who basically condemned the series without even reading the books (which touches on one of my personal pet peeves - judging something without taking the time to educate oneself about the issue at hand). She mentions an interview with JK Rowling and Rowling's comment about this uninformed opinion: "People tend to find in books what they look to find."
Neal goes on to ask,"Do we really want to start determining what we will or will not read on the basis of whether the author shares our religious faith? ... Is our own faith so fragile that we dare not know what those of a different sect of Christianity, or those of undisclosed religious persuasions, or those of different religious backgrounds are thinkins?" She also references the writings of both CS Lewis and Tolkien and the similar "camps" supporting or opposing their works.
What interested me the most were the specific themes, scenes, and characters Neal chose to address. Some of them were no brainers, but I'll admit she offered insights on some that I neve stopped to think about. Only the first four books in the series had been written when Neal wrote this book, and I'd love to read the revised edition to find out what she thinks about the final 3 books.
Definitely worth reading if you happen to be Christian and a Harry Potter fan and have ever found yourself in the position of having to defend what I believe to be the positive (and yes, Christian) themes in the series.
Neal goes on to ask,"Do we really want to start determining what we will or will not read on the basis of whether the author shares our religious faith? ... Is our own faith so fragile that we dare not know what those of a different sect of Christianity, or those of undisclosed religious persuasions, or those of different religious backgrounds are thinkins?" She also references the writings of both CS Lewis and Tolkien and the similar "camps" supporting or opposing their works.
What interested me the most were the specific themes, scenes, and characters Neal chose to address. Some of them were no brainers, but I'll admit she offered insights on some that I neve stopped to think about. Only the first four books in the series had been written when Neal wrote this book, and I'd love to read the revised edition to find out what she thinks about the final 3 books.
Definitely worth reading if you happen to be Christian and a Harry Potter fan and have ever found yourself in the position of having to defend what I believe to be the positive (and yes, Christian) themes in the series.
January 5, 2019
Published back in 2001, this is a book comprised of short, devotional-like chapters. As its title suggests, each one draws a parallel between the themes of Harry Potter and the Christian gospel message. There are some bright spots— I definitely saw the Sorting Hat in a new light, and Neal's assessment of Professor Snape was very intuitive. Many of the chapters, however, stretched the imagination a little too far for me. I was baffled, for instance, by the author's use of Fred and George Weasley to illustrate the principle of original sin. Their practical joking isn't just innocent comic diversion, but an example of mankind's depravity? What?!?
To the author's credit, she freely disclaimed the liberties she was taking and does not misrepresent the intentions of J.K. Rowling's writing. I also appreciate her defense of the books to those members of the Christian community who have been known to evaluate them unjustly.
Still, I think this could have been a much better book if it had been written after the whole series was complete. It would have allowed for an expansion on Harry Potter's richer themes, and some of the more straw-grasping material could have been left out. Oh well.
Bottom line: Imperfect, but not unworthy. An easy read for Potter devotees and over-protective Christian parents.
To the author's credit, she freely disclaimed the liberties she was taking and does not misrepresent the intentions of J.K. Rowling's writing. I also appreciate her defense of the books to those members of the Christian community who have been known to evaluate them unjustly.
Still, I think this could have been a much better book if it had been written after the whole series was complete. It would have allowed for an expansion on Harry Potter's richer themes, and some of the more straw-grasping material could have been left out. Oh well.
Bottom line: Imperfect, but not unworthy. An easy read for Potter devotees and over-protective Christian parents.
May 24, 2018
This book is a great way to connect younger people with religious concepts and Christian teaching. It was co-written by a friend of mine. It's a companion to the best-selling The Gospel according to Harry Potter: Spirituality in the Stories of the World's Most Famous Seeker. The guide explores the religious themes that are prevalent in the popular series of children's books and films. Each session recommends scenes from the DVD and video releases of the first two Harry Potter movies, along with corresponding passages from the books, to facilitate discussion.
May 17, 2019
Thank you author Connie Neal for the enjoyable read . Educational points of 5 out of 5. English/Spanish availability, grammatical diversity, interactivity, practical application, and divisibility.
Gracias autor Connie Neal por la lectura agradable. Puntos educativos de 5 sobre 5. Disponibilidad en inglés / español, diversidad gramatical, interactividad, aplicación práctica y divisibilidad. ~a google translate
Gracias autor Connie Neal por la lectura agradable. Puntos educativos de 5 sobre 5. Disponibilidad en inglés / español, diversidad gramatical, interactividad, aplicación práctica y divisibilidad. ~a google translate
February 21, 2022
Connie Neal takes on Rowling's Christian critics who say the book is anti-Christian. I read the first chapter and thumbed through the rest. I'm definitely not the target audience (I adore HP and have found tremendous comfort in the stories). I felt like Neal was stretching and reaching but then again, the groups who proclaim HP is demon worship are stretching as well. All-in-all: The folks who need to read it will not do so.
October 6, 2022
Una interesante aproximación al mundo de Harry Potter desde la visión de la Biblia. La traducción al español es mejorable, parece que quien ha traducido el libro no ha leído los libros de Harry Potter y comete algunos errores (¿el profesor McGonagall?), pero se puede leer a pesar de la rabia que dan estas cosas. En todo caso, es poco más que una comparativa entre Harry Potter y fragmentos sueltos de la Biblia, a veces parece que un poco forzados.
May 13, 2018
I think this series might be better titled "Finding the Gospel in..." as opposed to "The Gospel According to...", but, having only read this book in the series, it's a great reminder that the Gospel can be found many places whether the author, artist, etc placed it there intentionally or not.
February 15, 2021
Reading this book was a bit like reading a Bible study or devotional. The author did a good job of pointing out the positives of the Harry Potter books and countering those who criticize them as "Satanic."
January 14, 2018
A fair read of the first 4 books of the Potter series, definitely "evangelical" but more open minded than you might expect.
September 19, 2018
Haven't read literary criticism in a while. Well written. Very easy reading. Thought provoking.
November 4, 2022
It was repetitive and drawn out, it felt like the author was drawing at thin strings for comparisons and I did not relate to this book at all.
Want to read
August 9, 2023Alissa gave me this book for Christmas 2009 and inscribed it:
Dear Mom,
Merry Christmas! Enjoy being captivated by the wonders this book holds.
Love,
Alissa
Dear Mom,
Merry Christmas! Enjoy being captivated by the wonders this book holds.
Love,
Alissa
Read
January 28, 2024Interesting stuff
October 11, 2011
So...
It was interesting, yes. However, I got quickly tired of reading the same after page 50. For this reason I didn't really finished. There are a couple of essays at the end that I didn't read which regard the final events of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. I don't think I'd read anything new, and the vision of the author is more than clear with what I read.
Despite the fact that it's repetitive, I appreaciate that a Christian author decides to see the good that is present in Harry Potter books. One of the most annoying things in this world -for me- are Christians claiming that it's a work from the devil. Ignorant fools, in my opinion. Only a wicked, twisted mind, is able to see evil in a work full of values and morals as Harry Potter is.
It was interesting, yes. However, I got quickly tired of reading the same after page 50. For this reason I didn't really finished. There are a couple of essays at the end that I didn't read which regard the final events of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. I don't think I'd read anything new, and the vision of the author is more than clear with what I read.
Despite the fact that it's repetitive, I appreaciate that a Christian author decides to see the good that is present in Harry Potter books. One of the most annoying things in this world -for me- are Christians claiming that it's a work from the devil. Ignorant fools, in my opinion. Only a wicked, twisted mind, is able to see evil in a work full of values and morals as Harry Potter is.
March 12, 2014
This book was amazing! It took things from the Harry Potter series (books 1-4) and made parallels to the Bible. It was a mind blow and a joy to read. Her connections were perfect. I couldn't put the book down! It even helped me with some questions about the gospel and since I've read all the Harry Potter books and absolutely love them and am very familiar with them, it was easy for me to also make the connections and better understand both the Bible and the gospel of Jesus Christ.
July 25, 2014
Поиск параллелей в книгах о Гарри Поттере и Библии - это наверное интересно и увлекательно. Заканчивая читать данный труд уже на первой части, посвященной ГП и филосовскому камню, могу сказать одно - многие места, на которых акцентируется внимание, "притянуты за уши". Как сказал сам автор - "мы видим в книге то, что хотим там увидеть" - как результат рождение данного произведения. Но думаю,что сама Д.Роулинг подобных параллелей не провела бы.
July 17, 2020
No se necesita ser religioso para querer leer esta obra, más bien podría decirse que debería uno no serlo —para poder acercársele sin tantos prejuicios—. Como un ensayo sobre la intolerancia con la que ha sido recibida la saga del pequeño mago, así como una obra de referencia —los datos estadísticos que aporta—, sirve muy bien.
Hay, sin embargo...
El resto del escrito se encuentra en mi blog: https://jsaaopinionpersonal.wordpress...
Hay, sin embargo...
El resto del escrito se encuentra en mi blog: https://jsaaopinionpersonal.wordpress...
October 5, 2015
Excellent and thorough points. I've always said you can see the Gospel in the Harry Potter series. There is some repeat points towards the end of the book but because the author is working through the books chronologically ( at the time of writing) so it makes more sense to risk a few repeats than try to lump the points together by the points itself. Great thoughts!
July 2, 2016
Whilst the book was interesting I felt the chapters were to short as there was a lot of room to go more in depth. I also thought there were a couple of errors when she was discussing the books but that may be my memory. Overall a good book, I'd just have liked some of the areas she skimmed to be discussed more.
July 11, 2007
This collection of short (3 page max) essays draws many parallels between the first four books and the Bible. What I loved most was the exploration of the common symbols between both sources (meals, lightning bolts, themes of friendship, loyalty, and love).
February 15, 2010
Written in response to negative books about HP by some Christian authors. Disregarded many aspects to focus on those that show "glimmers of the gospel," mimicking the pick-and-choose techniques used by those who view HP as very non-Christian.
April 16, 2011
This was a good book that showed parts in the books 1 to 4, the sorcerers stone, the chamber of secrets, the prisoner of azkaban, (my favorite, :P) and the Goblet of fire. this book shows how it was not or it was being faithful to Christ.
June 13, 2013
The book is a good read with an approachable style, and the author is a delight to spend time with. I was pleased to meet her and work with her at Infinitus 2010. She is a knowledgable speaker, and that is reflected in her writing.
February 24, 2008
Blogged about this one. Book was not so much amazing as what I thought about while reading it. Did still enjoy the book, though.
January 17, 2009
This is a clever work of literary analysis that takes a number of themes from each of the Potter novels and relates it to a theme of Scripture in a number of brief essays.
Currently reading
March 10, 2009Still reading it.
October 18, 2015
This was a nice way to look at the Harry Potter books as a parallel to the Gospel. The most important thing to take from the book was that you can find a message in any book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews