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AUGUST 17, 2003 at 2:55 PM
Posted by GRAE
Source: New Haven Register via Moreover
As Rabbi Eisenberg notes in his article for the New Haven Register, certain critics have accused JK Rowling of using her Harry Potter books to glorify and legitimize the occult, and that by making Harry's magic so real and tangible, Rowling is somehow putting her stamp of approval upon the satanic realm. But in the Rabbi's view, nothing could be further from the truth
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These volumes, like so many other books of fantasy, stimulate us to look beyond life as we know it. They remind us that the things we perceive with our senses are not all there is. We should approach the mystery of the universe with awe and reverence, accepting the likelihood of a higher existence beyond what is familiar to us. To the person of faith, that existence is linked to God and spirituality.
Finally, the Harry Potter series extols many of the values and virtues held dear by western religion: the belief in the triumph of good over evil, the values of loyalty, honesty, self-sacrifice, moral courage and the willingness to stand up for what is right, the defense of the weak and downtrodden.
As a fictional character, Harry Potter can serve as a positive example to young readers. As a rule, they are not going to try out Harry’s magical exploits at home, but they might be inspired by his bravery, strength, truthfulness and intense loyalty to his friends. I can think of many more harmful role models for children, just as I can imagine many books far more detrimental than the Harry Potter series. They should be read not only for fun and pleasure but for the positive spiritual lessons they teach.
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Witch
Points: 917
Slytherin_Punk says:
Wow!!! That was a great written article. I think that is exactly what JKR does for me. She inspired me to find other books and go into world away from the nightmare life of mine. I could never thank her enough.
Posted Aug 17, 2003 at 3:02 PM EST
Metamorphmagus
Points: 37946
tonks black says:
I agree. That was a good written article. the things in bold were good points.
Posted Aug 17, 2003 at 3:07 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 1st Class
Points: 1856
Rupert Baby says:
I agree with you Animagus, harry potter is like a way to escape into the wizarding world which is totally cool, i am very grateful!
Posted Aug 17, 2003 at 3:07 PM EST
Transfiguration Professor
Points: 2990
Choralee says:
Finally - an author who recognises the deeper meaning of all the HP mania! JK Rowling's books reach further than the shallow appearance to delve into the inner psyche - the deepest recesses of the human mind to challenge the reader to search the world for clues to greatness.
Harry Potter is not satanism or cultism. Harry Potter is a tale of a boy through which we can live the trials, tribulations and hardships of being adolescent. As a reader, we grow with Harry and his friends, feel the emotions so well depicted and want for the good to win - always! I cannot think of a better vehicle in our times for teaching morals and values. Friendship. Loyalty. Honesty. Compassion. Imagination. All the things our 'real world' lacks. Exactly the kind of thing that we all need to read about and take to heart.
Posted Aug 17, 2003 at 3:08 PM EST
Witch
Points: 611
Mdm Rosmerta says:
Thank you Mr Rabbi. I take my hat of to you.
Posted Aug 17, 2003 at 3:25 PM EST
Witch
Points: 979
Butterbeer says:
So...FINIALLY, some one in the world realizes that Harry Potter isnt bad. Kool, hats off to you man.
Posted Aug 17, 2003 at 3:54 PM EST
Witch
Points: 712
harryroxmysocks says:
Kudos to the writer of the article for making it so great!
Posted Aug 17, 2003 at 4:02 PM EST
Chief Brain Washer
Points: 2881
Chogiiiirl says:
It seems like we are finally getting some positive feedback (after the wave of negative) about the series, and some of the deeper meanings of JK's work. I don't believe that JK is meaning to promote one particular religion, but her books do encourage morality and ethics that are present in most religious beliefs. These are also good lessons for society to be seeing, when much of the popular media is sending quite a different message to the public.
Posted Aug 17, 2003 at 4:53 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 4th Class
Points: 1227
Prongs150 says:
That was a terrific article. I totally agree with the writer. These books have given me a place to go when life seems to hard on me. They also have great lessons to learn and values to follow.
Posted Aug 17, 2003 at 6:08 PM EST
Professor
Points: 1065
Lerah99 says:
It is nice to see an author taking this approach to the series. The true magic in Harry Potter has nothing to do with wands and spells. It has everything to do with friendship and bravery. :o)
Posted Aug 17, 2003 at 6:31 PM EST
Astro Zombie
Points: 2601
Fallen Bomb says:
How come everyone tries to link potter to relegion it's crazy.
Posted Aug 17, 2003 at 9:30 PM EST
Points: 568
ab2421 says:
The article is good, but it isnt new. These insightful connections have been brought up many times, but "kol hakavod" to the Rabbi for writing an article worthy of being on HPANA.com!
Posted Aug 17, 2003 at 11:38 PM EST
Professor
Points: 1193
Godric11 says:
This is great but these points, like ab2421 said have been noticed before.
Posted Aug 18, 2003 at 12:06 AM EST
Order of Merlin, 1st Class
Points: 1990
HarrysGran says:
When I open a HP book, the magic literally springs into my face… And I don’t mean the spells and jinxes. The virtues that are shown in the main characters are charming, if you know what I mean.
Every time I read a book I leave this brutal world and sink into a far better world. HP world is dangerous too and not a perfect world, but there is one thing our real world is lacking (so it seems): Hope. Hope of ending all the bad things, conquer the evil, friendship above personnel advantages, bravery above cowardice…
It’s a good thing to read another positive article again. Maybe some people, who until now didn’t want to read Harry, will do it now and experience the same charm as we are doing now!
Posted Aug 18, 2003 at 11:14 AM EST
Student
Points: 204
Bryak says:
It's nice to hear a piece from a person educated in theology that does not bash the series. I have always felt that the books simply contain good moral lessons and show children that other kids are having some of the same feelings and emotions they are. I once had a person argue to me that Harry Potter gets kids to join the occult because they want to "use tarot cards, ouija boards, and crystal balls; just like Harry." I'm no expert on the books, but last I checked, there haven't been tarot cards or ouija boards, and Harry himself feels that crystal balls aren't all too reliable. Back to the subject, it's nice to hear a positive response to the books from a moral perspective.
Posted Aug 18, 2003 at 2:26 PM EST
Head Boy
Points: 483
thegodwatcher says:
I believe that Choralee has removed the words from my brain and placed them on this page...it was kind of erie actually. The world is a better place now than it was five years ago, even if it is only in our "imaginary" world of Harry Potter. I hadn't read an entire novel since I read the Hobbit in fifth grade, and believe me that was quite a long time ago. The Harry Potter series has inspired me to not only start reading again, but to follow through in a great many other facets of my life. I can't remember the last time I'd done this much research and digging on something I wasn't ordered to. It brings me to the place in my mind where lines are clear "GOOD MUST ALWAYS TRIUMPH OVER EVIL!", friendships are true, and the little guy has the ability to make big things happen. Just waiting for the next installment in the septology, the next movie, and even the next cool story on HPANA keeps me enthralled that it sometimes gives me chills. I'm even going as far as trying to get the hook up on January 1, 2004 at 00:00:01. (that is for those of you who know what I'm talking about)Any way...that's it for this entry. I wish that every one in the movie cast would read all the books so they can know the feeling that all the rest of us have. Thanks again you guys. Tom
Posted Aug 18, 2003 at 6:30 PM EST
Witch
Points: 742
TigerEyez says:
That is pretty much exactly what I think! Woohoo, for him, he's someone relgious with the guts to say it!
Posted Aug 18, 2003 at 7:12 PM EST
Witch
Points: 750
siriusgurl says:
That was pretty good! I like reading articles by religious people which don't scare me senseless like the christian/book burning thing did.
Posted Aug 18, 2003 at 7:22 PM EST
Auror
Points: 2286
Snufflesmom says:
Great article! Everyone needs a little escape now and then from the trials of the "real" world and JKR supplies that. I am also thrilled that these books have people, not just children, reading again. It has always been a joy to me to get lost in a book, and now many others are doing the same thing.
Posted Aug 19, 2003 at 11:38 AM EST
Auror
Points: 2229
Ms.MikhailBlack says:
Hey kids, it's a book. that's right a thing you read. It's just paper, but it burns easily. Hey maybe we showed make them burn proof
Posted Aug 22, 2003 at 11:36 AM EST
Professor
Points: 1155
AFawkes05 says:
Thank you rabbi it is people like that, that restore my faith in religous opinion.
Posted Nov 4, 2003 at 7:40 PM EST
Auror
Points: 2034
Professor Snape says:
Wow, I agree with everyone else who has posted in that this is a very well written article. I wish some of the other religious groups, who have nothing else better to do than to harrass little kids outside of libraries, out there would take time out of their "busy schedules", to read this article and the bookso they can hopefully the can see that this series helps people think creatively and morally.
Posted Nov 14, 2003 at 9:58 PM EST
Witch
Points: 841
evangalista says:
I enjoyed this article immensely. Being a born-again Christian myself, I have taken some flak for my interest in the Harry Potter series. None by my own church, thank-God, but mostly from discussions on the Internet. I have gotten in some very heated debates on the subject. I am totally convinced that Harry Potter is no more detrimental than Cinderella or Snow White or any of the other Disney movies. They are made for entertainment purposes. If you let your child watch any TV or read any book, it is your responsiblity as a parent to raise them to know the difference between real and make-believe. My son knows that the Bible teaches against sorcery and fortune-telling, he also knows that Harry Potter is make-believe, but he really enjoys reading how Harry defeats evil. That is what's important, Harry Potter instills good morals, not bad ones, I believe the series helps children and adults alike explore their own imagination.
Posted Jan 27, 2004 at 5:40 PM EST
Prefect
Points: 355
Jocelyn says:
Interesting, the notion that Harry's pursuit of the intangible (magic) could be compared to believing in the spiritual (God, Higher Power, Life, The Universe, whatever).
Definitely something to think about.
Posted Feb 4, 2004 at 3:51 PM EST
Professional Beater
Points: 20891
feltonluver says:
I agree with this article, Harry Potter probably has tons of meanings behind it, I just can't wait to see how it all ends.
Posted Feb 19, 2004 at 7:44 PM EST
Professional Beater
Points: 20891
feltonluver says:
I love this Rabbi's view and it's totally right. It's just a fun fictional story, and personally I don't even think it even near satanical!
Posted Feb 20, 2004 at 7:44 PM EST
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