Harry and beyond
August 17, 2003 at 2:55 PM ET
grae
Moreover (via New Haven Register)
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.