A Scottish theologian said Harry Potter should be
seen as a "Christ-like" figure, rather than condemned by religious
commentators, because the boy wizard promotes Christian values.
The Reverend Stephen Holmes,
acting head of divinity at St Andrews University in Scotland, said the
Harry Potter books contained an obvious Christian narrative - although
author J.K. Rowling has said her books contain no religious agenda,
according to a report by the Telegraph in the Sydney Morning Herald.
''What do you need to succeed at Hogwarts? Courage, self-sacrifice,
careful logic and to be unselfish. It's almost a classical list of
Christian values.''
The Biblical inspiration was most apparent in the final book, Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows - the film of which will be released next month - when Harry confronts his arch enemy for the final time.
''What happens gives the strong impression that Harry dies, discovers
an afterlife in a place called King's Cross - a striking reference from
a Christian perspective, and comes back to life.
''The effect of his death has been to render impotent the power of
evil. That is a Christian narrative which is almost impossible not to
recognise.''