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Such a public conflict may at first seem embarrassing, an evangelical version of straining out gnats (dime-store wizardry) while swallowing camels (other children's films that offer product placements instead of interesting characters). But ultimately this conflict is a gift, an opportunity for vigorous discussion on what we believe about good and evil, storytelling, and our faith. Christian parents should not be dullards, allowing their children to frolic in whatever cultural sludge becomes popular in a given year. Nor should parents feel frightened or besieged each time a book or film challenges their faith.

Only Rowling knows why she chose Hogwarts Academy as the setting for her series, or what directions the series will take. The Potter series will continue to provoke debate among evangelicals. We should argue honorably, neither caricaturing each other's interpretations nor ignoring Rowling's treatment of the occult. And if advocates on either side grow frustrated that the Potter debate continues, they should try something truly daring: Writing better stories.

Douglas LeBlanc edits The CT Review.

Copyright © 2002 Christianity Today. Click for reprint information.

Christianity Today's Film Forum collected mainstream and Christian critical response to Harry Potter and The Sorcerer's Stone. Is the big-screen Harry Potter as delightful as the one in the book? And should you be worried about his witchcraft?

More on Harry Potter and Christianity is available from the Center for Studies on New Religions (CESNUR) and the Apologetics Index.

Christianity Today sister publication Christian Parenting Today analyzed the Harry Potter series to compile a list of everything a Christian parent needs to know about the books.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone , Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire are all available from Amazon.com and other book retailers.

Harry Potter and the Bible and What's a Christian to Do with Harry Potter? are available from Christianbook.com.

Previous Christianity Today articles on the Harry Potter debate include:

Let Harry Potter Conjure Up 'Gospel Magic', Says Christian MagicianAndrew Thompson and others agree that some Christians have a false understanding of what Harry Potter is about. (Dec. 18, 2001)

Potter's FieldHarry doesn't always make money magically appear. (Nov. 15, 2001)

The Perils of Harry PotterLiterary device or not, witchcraft is real—and dangerous. (Oct. 23, 2000)

Virtue on a BroomstickThe Harry Potter books, and the controversy surrounding them, bode well for the culture. (Sept. 7, 2000)

Opinion Roundup: Positive About PotterDespite what you've heard, Christian leaders like the children's books. (Dec. 13, 1999)

Parents Push for Wizard-free ReadingBestsellers now under fire in some classroom. (Dec. 13, 1999)

Why We Like Harry PotterThe series is a 'Book of Virtues' with a preadolescent funny bone. (Dec. 13, 1999)

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January 7 2002, Vol. 46, No. 1