Why did I write
this book? It began as a counterpoint to one idea being put
forward by anti-Potter critics. It's the idea that just because
they can look into the Harry Potter books trying to find things
they correlate to real-world occult practics, and find some,
that proves the Harry Potter books are about witchcraft. I
disagree with that idea.
What if I can use the same
techniques of interpretation and selective reading, but go in
looking for the Christian gospel? If I am able to find numerous
parallels, would that prove that is what Harry Potter is all
about? (No.) I think it proves a point J.K. Rowling made.
When asked about accusations that
she was using Harry Potter to lure children into Satanism, she
flatly denied it. She said, "People tend to find books what
they look to find."
I must say I agree! So, to those who
ask How could You? or Why bother? I answer: With all the uproar
over Harry Potter in Christian circles, with all the wonderful
parallels to the Gospel waiting to be pointed out, and with my
desire to help people who've been turned off by traditional ways
of communicating the message, I couldn't resist.
