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Mike Hertenstein (Cornerstone) describes it as "suspense dipped in dread, and swirled throughout with fresh teenage angst. Harry's identification with classical images of Christ figures shows the moral center of this series is dead-on. He continues to learn … that the evil power which must first be defeated is not in the Other, but within oneself." Referring to the appearance of a phoenix, Hertenstein says, "It's impossible not to think of the phoenix legend as a Christian symbol, which it has been since the early church fathers recognized this ancient pagan myth of death and resurrection as an image of Christ. Likewise, the not-so-ancient myth of Harry Potter reminds us that innocence is preserved only by self-sacrifice and rebirth."

Michael Elliott (Movie Parables) praises Columbus and the cast, and he explains, "We can see that Rowling's fantasy imagination has its roots in the real world and involves issues which man has continually faced throughout history." The film's themes are further highlighted at DickStaub.com; questions for after-viewing discussion are offered there as well.

Beliefnet offers an article on parallels between Harry Potter and Christ, and features a debate on the subject that includes writers John Killinger (God, The Devil, and Harry Potter), Richard Abanes (Fantasy and Your Family), Patrick Madrid, (editor of the Catholic magazine Envoy), and professors Thomas L. Martin (Florida Atlantic University), and Andrew Blake (King Alfred's College, Winchester, U.K.)

Families seeking to help their children glean good lessons from Harry Potter should check out Christian author Connie Neal (www.connieneal.com), who provides a variety of resources emphasizing the use of metaphor and myth in Harry Potter and how these are wonderful tools for reinforcing readers' understanding of the Gospel.

Paul Chinn (Relevant Magazine) addresses criticism that Harry Potter re-packages Satanism for a new generation. "I am not arguing that witchcraft and the occult are not dangerous. They are. But that isn't what Harry Potter is about." Chinn reminds us that popular Christian writer and commentator Charles Colson calls the wizardry "purely mechanical, as opposed to occultic. That is, Harry and his friends cast spells, read crystal balls, and turn themselves into animals - but they don't make contact with a supernatural world. … [It's not] the kind of real-life witchcraft the Bible condemns." Colson also praises Harry and his friends for their "courage, loyalty, and a willingness to sacrifice for one another - even at the risk of their lives."

Holly McClure (Crosswalk) writes, "Parents, think back to when you were a kid. Remember how much fun it was to see movies filled with fantasy and magic? Did you survive? Did it change your faith or lifestyle after you saw that movie?" She says to parents, "It is important that you be the gatekeeper for your children."

Lindy Beam (Focus on the Family) avoids taking sides on the magic issue. "What will be easy for both sides to agree on is that the violence and fear factors in this movie are quite inappropriate for the younger portion of Harry's intended audience."

Douglas Downs (Christian Spotlight) claims the film "glorifies the occult in a glamorous way. My strong recommendation (as with the first film) is to skip it. I find all of the content, as a Christian parent, very offensive."

Yahoo News and Ananova News report that the Rev. Douglas Taylor, leader of the Jesus Party in Lewiston, Maine, led a group in cutting up Harry Potter books on the film's opening night. (The city would not give him a burning permit, so he was left to scissors.) Taylor represents a vocal group of Christians who believe the books promote witchcraft and paganism.

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November (Web-only) 2002, Vol. 46