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The Sacred Texts of Harry Potter
I’ve been a big fan of the Harry Potter books. I don’t care whether or not they were great literature and don’t think they promoted witchcraft. They were just plain fun to read.
But I was deeply concerned when I learned of two graduates of Harvard Divinity School, Casper ter Kuile and Vanessa Zoltan, who started a podcast called “Harry Potter and the Sacred Text,” have a “weekly church-like service for the secular focused on a Potter text’s meaning.” Last summer they became the number two podcast in America on iTunes.
Their target market turns to millenials, who generally consider themselves non-religious, but are also struggling to find a sense of meaning in their lives. They have no source for learning about morality and ethics, learn no standard of behavior to follow in their lives, and put off marriage or decide not to marry at all. Given this lifestyle and lack of teachings, they are rudderless, struggling to find spiritual direction.
Ter Kuile and Zoltan reject secularism, yet study the Potter books using various traditional meditation and study methods: lectio divina, florilegium, and the Jewish method called pardes. Zoltan explained one of their goals:
To me, the goal of treating the text as sacred is that we can learn to treat each other as sacred. If you can learn to love these characters, to love Draco Malfoy, then you can learn to love the cousin you haven’t spoken to for 30 years, then the refugee down the street.
One of their followers, Mark Kennedy, who grew up Catholic and left the church, reported the podcast had changed everything for him: “I feel like I’m born again.”
The podcast told him that the Harry Potter series — the books that he always turned to for solace when he was angry or stressed or in need of an escape — could be a source of spiritual sustenance.
At first I asked myself if this new pop religion was any worse than New Age or other “spiritual practices” that have popped up in the last 40 years. It isn’t just this practice, however, that concerns me. I worry that people will not only dabble in these books as sacred practices, but they will continue to drift away from conventional religions. They will mistake the novelty of this unusual practice with a deep spiritual connection.
The ancient religions that are thousands of years old, or those sects that have emerged over time based on traditional sacred texts, offer something that the Harry Potter books can’t provide: a coherent belief system that has been studied and shared in volumes of sacred texts that provide education, life lessons, and practices. They offer a moral basis for how a person should live his or her life, and how they should treat others. They provide teachers who not only can counsel, educate, and support practitioners, but who can point out those times when we may be out of integrity with a religion. They provide every type of community, large and small, orthodox and modern, in order to meet the needs of people who want to deepen their religious lives.
Unfortunately this Harry Potter “religion” reinforces some of the very difficulties and drawbacks of the people who follow it. Many people think it is a religion or a substitute for religion, but it is not based on any profound thought, moral system, or texts. Millenials are described as self-centered, and the idea of charity or helping others isn’t taught; they may also be looking for a simple and painless way to feel good. Many other premises and teachings from the major religions are simply not addressed.
So I don’t think the Harry Potter texts are “bad” in and of themselves, but they allow non-religious people to believe that they are doing “something spiritual” and it misleads them into thinking that religion is easy and fun. Sometimes it is, of course, but it can also be demanding and move us to soul-searching and sacrifice. I think this is an unfortunate trend and will not contribute to the strength of society as a whole.
Are you concerned that these practices may drive people even farther away from traditional religion and from moral and responsible behavior?
Or do you think they serve a role in sparking the spiritual in people who have fallen away or have no religious moorings?
Published in Religion & Philosophy
LC, I’m always fascinated by anything Alan Rickman does! Some of his characters are the epitome of evil.
As always, very insightful, Henry. The developers of the “religion” didn’t consult Rowling, and I’d suggest they aren’t just doing their work at their own risk (unless Rowling decides to go after them) but at the risk of influencing some lonely and directionless people. One could assess their work as harmless and superficial, but as you say, there is so much more to religion and spirituality.
This has been the topic of conversation among several of us within my home church: where is the teaching of the Word, the structured, purposeful instruction of scriptural truth?
Perhaps I simply don’t recognize how preaching a sermon is as effective as teaching a lesson as an instructional method. But it is a growing concern to me that the Church isn’t teaching it’s own doctrine effectively to its own.
So true, Kate. That’s why I love having a Torah study partner. There is so much there, and our discussions plus other readings show how deep the Bible is. But as you say, it takes effort.
It would surprise me if it did, but it would be wonderful. If only someone could use it as a link.
I think a sermon is a jumping off point, but people must be engaged. They need to have the opportunity, or be willing to take the time, to explore the many meanings and relate them to their own lives. Without that effort, they’re just reading stories and ideas. Thanks, Hoplite.
There are first-rate Catholic studies through Ascension Press and many other publishing houses. Catholic Answers has a terrific podcast/radio program taking questions from all kinds of believers and non-believers and answering generously and with kindness in the Catholic interpretive apologetic tradition. There are literally too many books, DVD courses, discussion groups, etc for one person to consume and digest in a lifetime. I think that overwhelms and intimidates many people.
However, the ultimate issue is age-old. People are lukewarm in their faith. If you believe becoming a saint (one who dwells in heaven) is the most important goal for life, you will take Scripture (and Tradition, in the case of Catholics) seriously.As Peter Kreeft says, the only reason to believe in anything is because it’s true. Harry Potter is, objectively, fiction.
One of the most destructive effects of Vatican II was the, now, multigenerational lack of catechesis. I’m one of the affected. And, now I see that we can’t address this by just giving instruction to the kids — we need to teach their parents, the first church.
@westernchauvinist, I have a concern that religion is not only languishing in a lukewarm environment, but it is victim to a vehemence and hatred coming from the Left. I know the Church and Judaism have lived through difficult times, but are you concerned that if we don’t bring people back, religions will be endangered? Certainly religious Jews worry that intermarriage has the potential to destroy Judaism; my marriage did not help in that regard.
I’m more concerned that our inability to turn out those who speak a false gospel will destroy the church faster than bringing people back will.
I mean, there are atheist preachers out there, for crying out loud!
Without anyone to teach who Christ is, there is no way for anyone to know Christ.
At the risk of offending people, I feel that Messianic Jews are not helpful to Judaism either.
Yes. I totally understand that there are resources I can access outside my church to learn about Catholicism. I listen to Relevant Radio daily and love the shows in which priests simply explain. But I miss the learning that happens in a group. So I said this on another post; I mentioned that there were no Bible studies that are easy to access as a Catholic convert. Resources like those you’ve listed were quickly thrown out along with the suggestion to start my own Bible study. (That’s a great idea at some point, but at the moment that would really be making the student the teacher.) Well, then the secretary at the church that I’ve been attending sent me a note about a Bible study starting. (Huzzah!!!) I’m going one night a week, but it is suuuuuuuuuuuuupppppppppeeeeeerrrrr Bible-light, based on a book about Advent, and attended by only two other people. The teacher is enthusiastic but not exactly… scholarly? (I think she’s like I would be if I was teaching a Bible study.)
So what else have I done? I am also taking a class at the college where I teach that focuses on philosophy.
Yes, I can read the philosophers on my own, too, but these are seriously hard questions…. It is seriously difficult material. I mean… I can learn anything on my own. Even calculus with a manual. But that’s not really optimal, is it? Teachers are guides. That’s what I am when it comes down to the subject I actually know something about and thus teach!!!
Well, I’m discovering I’m learning more about religion in the philosophy class than I do in church.
At some point, the institutions themselves have to do something to lead this process, too, or even more people will seek guidance from Harry Potter.
That’s just… truth.
Although it’s a distance away, there is a Chabad in Orlando. This is a great organization for people of all ages and all orientations to Judaism. Although Chabad has a particular approach, they are very open to people who want to explore and people who need assistance. It’s odd that Catholicism doesn’t offer a learning exchange environment.
Maybe it does. But I am so new that it’s hard to know how to get there with other real people. I am still searching.
I guess the good news is I’m at least not going to ask Dumbledore??? :)
Well, we have a promise that the gates of hell will not prevail against the Church (which is a militant posture, not a defensive one), so I don’t worry about Catholicism being “endangered” with extinction in that sense. I do, however, believe it will be smaller and more faithful, as Benedict XVI predicted. It may even be driven underground, which is something Jews know all too well, right?
This may sound like fideism, which I don’t intend, but I don’t think there’s anything we can do to bring people back. People have to make a free will choice, and many have “fallen” for secular suasion. I look at the condition of people’s lives and I am baffled that so many seem to believe they don’t need a Savior (or God).
@loislane, the Small Catholic Community approach does not require you to be the teacher. It only needs an administrator — someone to reserve the room(s) where you’ll meet in the church, order the workbooks and DVDs, see to it that the equipment is set-up for playing the DVD. You don’t need to be the expert. That’s what Jeff Cavins (and others, depending on the study) provides — expert apologetics.
The community and fellowship aspect comes with the sharing portion of the class — usually about an hour before or after the hour-long DVD session. We have our SCC meeting on Tuesday mornings from 9 to 11, but another gal “leads” an evening group for people who work and can’t be there in the morning. These studies are a package deal with questions, reflections, outlines for the talk, and everything built in. It typically costs about $25 for the workbook. The Bible Timeline is a great place to start because it is a comprehensive, but relatively succinct overview of the entire Bible. It does, however, take a 9-month weekly commitment on the part of participants.
I did not expect to find “scholarly” people there (my former atheist liberal bias coming through), but I have been pleasantly surprised. There’s quite a mix — people of simple faith, and people of powerful intellect.
You can do this. If you have a director of formation at your parish (you should — this person is responsible for the RCIA program), work with him or her and you may even find the funds to buy the DVD set, which the parish can keep in their library.
Oh, and Bishop Robert Barron’s Catholicism series comes in a study, too.
I think there’s even a way to search in your diocese for studies being offered in other parishes through the Ascension Press website. It’s worth a look.
Thanks for the encouragement. I know I sound lame. I am just figuring it all out, and I have found there are frustrations switching from Protestant to Catholic. (The Protestants are better at some things, and I’m still adjusting.)
I know my kid is getting me Robert Barron’s series for Christmas, so our first “small group” will be in the house. I’ll get through this Advent study and my philosophy class, and then if I am still feeling as adrift, I will look into doing what you suggest here.
You were an atheist? I was only a Methodist. ;)
I’d love to hear what moved you towards God as much as Catholicism.
@westernchauvinist and @lois-lane, sorry if I sound sappy, but your exchange has touched my heart. It’s one of the best parts of Ricochet when we can reach out and others answer. Thank you.
I’ve been reading the Harvard Divinity Review for years and it has really changed for the worse in the last 5 years. The religious school has been invaded with liberal progressivism through its leadership and professors, like everywhere else, so this doesn’t surprise me, in fact I find it shocking, and yes we should all worry.
It’s a sad day when there is so much distortion being peddled (at a high price in colleges and campuses) and so many gullible youth. In the Bible, 2Timothy 2:3 says “For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear”. Which is why I really enjoyed the commencement speech that @titustechera shared from his friend – you would never hear that at Harvard:
I read that as we are on exactly the same page and she is absolutely right in her statement above –
I am taking my kids through Mere Christianity