|
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
.
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.
Reader Comments (61)
Your Thoughts
click to write...
Copyright © 2002-2009 HPANA. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License. 
HPANA is an unofficial fan site, in no way affiliated with J.K. Rowling,
Scholastic Books, Bloomsbury Publishing or Warner Bros. Entertainment. All
trademarks and copyrighted material are the property of their respective owners.
About HPANA | Movie 6 | Send a news tip | Contact us | Privacy policy
Hades Baby Girl
Points: 5705
Pinkcess of the Abyss says:
I love JK, people just like to bring poeple down when they are at her peek. The books are written to inspire children and adults to do the right thing. Fanstasy is not a bad thing, not being able to distinguish between the two at a young age isnt that important. How many children to we tell about Father Christmas not being real?
Posted Feb 8, 2006 at 7:47 PM EST
Grillows Girl
Points: 2785
Miss Baltimore Crabs says:
Very well written article.
Posted Feb 10, 2006 at 4:23 PM EST
Squib
Points: 176
Andosia Fair says:
I agree with Ms.MikhailBlack. Making them burn proof would be one of the better inventions. Just imagine how different our world, culture, lives and knowledge would be today if books had been indestructable. So much has been lost to us caused by burning of books by people who simply hated or feared.
Posted Mar 6, 2006 at 1:49 PM EST
Squib
Points: 127
looneybooks says:
A beautiful written article that stops and makes you think.
Posted Apr 10, 2006 at 6:53 AM EST
Auror
Points: 2353
Loretta says:
I think that Rabbi Eisenburg is right on target. One theme in the books is no power without conquences at all. The occult does not teach that at all. It's more about instant gradification.
Posted Apr 14, 2006 at 5:13 PM EST
Witch
Points: 570
AvalonKarma says:
Loretta -- unless you have studied the occult, I would not run off making assumptions. The "occult" does not teach instant gratification, at least not paganism/wicca/witchcraft. They teach consequence, and serios thought before acting. How is that instant gratification?
Posted Apr 16, 2006 at 2:20 AM EST
Squib
Points: 167
Miss Eeylop says:
He's right. The values expressed by JK are what the book is about ... not what some random people choose to associate it with!
Plus...isn't JK Christian anyway?
Posted Apr 18, 2006 at 4:21 PM EST
Squib
Points: 137
SnApE iS mY hErO says:
It is so great to hear an important religious figure say that Harry Potter is actually not detrimental to children's morality and view of the world. The books teach bravery,morals, friendship, and the other things that are really important in life. They do not teach satanism and the occult. It is fantasy!
Posted Apr 18, 2006 at 9:27 PM EST
Princess of Cleverness
Points: 5207
unicorn_purple says:
That was a really good article.
Thank you MR.Rabbi for writing this article.
Posted Sep 28, 2006 at 7:11 AM EST
Auror
Points: 2307
Queen_Democrat says:
Rabbi Eisenburg gives a good point in his article. I agree with him that Harry Potter is a good role model. I think it is just silly for people to criticize Harry Potter. I would also like to offer my thoughts on this subject. The Harry Potter books also teach us that there is some good to some things that we think are bad through the difference between good magic and Dark magic. If Harry Potter's critics took the time to really think about Harry Potter as a series that teaches good values, they would realize that they're being very silly with all these book-burnings and other such garbage.
Posted Nov 5, 2006 at 9:27 PM EST
Student
Points: 222
Lily Evans-- says:
Ok... I have to say that he is weird (sorry, no offense meant, but that's just my opinion).
Posted Jan 7, 2007 at 7:21 AM EST
Back to top of page