I have never read any of the books by J. K. Rowling. Ever since the series came out and the Christian talk, either pro or con against the them happened, I never stopped for a moment to give any of them my thoughts at all. I do not have time to read these novels, I am already distracted by this blog.Besides I reasoned, OK so there they are, now are there not books out there that children can read too? What is so special about these stories? It is just another story amongst many, well that is the thought that comes to my mind.
Here is the kicker, apparently, J. K. Rowling admitted that she purposely used Christian themes in here books and to that the Christian pro-Harry-Potterites felt vindicated and happy.
This week, she let them down and came out and said that one of her characters is gay. So the Christian pro-Harry-Potterites are scratching their heads and mumbled - "hey, what is up with that? we thought you got Christian themes"! At any rate just for a news trivia, an RC school is banning the HP books.
Let me throw a suggestion -- perhaps she was using the word "Christian" in a different sense, comprende?
Please, come on, don't tell me I have no right to comment on something I have never read. Must one read the book in order to judge it? What canon law is that?
11 comments:
I only heard of the initial news report where Rowling talked about Dumbledore being gay. Just so's you know, there's nothing in the books that comes out and actually suggests that, unless you consider "not getting married" as any sort of indicator of possibly being gay-- I don't. As far as we can tell from what Rowling told us, the character had a disappointing relationship as a youth which completely fell apart, and as far as we know, he's been celibate ever since. Is there actually an ethical problem with this?
I guess you might think that because it comes across as a kid's book, which it isn't exactly, hearing this report might confuse kids into thinking that an actively gay lifestyle is okay. But is there a problem with a Christian author making one of the main characters in a book gay-- someone who never talks about it at all and apparently lives a celibate lifestyle? One prominent gay rights activist is actually ticked at Rowling for bringing her character "out of the closet" precisely because he never comes out and talks about it or acts differently than anyone else; it's not the kind of role model gays are looking for; they're looking for the activist, proud-of-it types. What does that indicate?
Oh, and the RC book banning thing is unrelated. The pope at least has always been anti-Potter, as have other Christian leaders, because of the witchcraft controversy, not the recent news development about a gay character.
Kelly,
I think Rowling identifying the gay character is suspicious. For she was asked - did the character ever find true love - the answer can be answered 'yes' or 'no' or 'no comment'. To me this is stirring the pot.
IMO, there are plenty of Christian books of whatever sorts that are out there and I think Christians are being sucked up into the controversy that surrounds it. And as in any thing controversy sells.
To the question: should a Christian and their kids read HP or not? No one is compelled to read anything as a Christian. Not all things edify.
She is a smooth operator.
LPC
Bro,
Whenever anyone promoting a product presents it as Christian unless directly used in church gets my cynicism up and running. Sometimes believers are too soon to embrace things from a sincere desire to put the best face on things. This is at once refreshing and dangerous. I am curious how the people who have publically embraced this series of books are going to eat the crow that will be fed them.
You are correct. Now she wants to market that series to the PC crowd to increase royalties. Of course that is my opinion I could be wrong. ;)
Yes Bro there is money to be made from us. Not only charismatic charlatans are cashing in, so now the world knows - we are a market waiting for products.
LPC
I agree that it's essentially pointless that she identified the gay character, but if that's what she had in her mind while writing it, then that's what she had in her mind. Is there a problem with a Christian writing a main character who is celibate, never mentions his romantic inclinations, yet the author thinks of him as gay?
You're right, controversy sells. Just wait for the Christian bookstores to start publishing the titles on why people shouldn't read HP because the author said somewhere that a character had certain sinful inclinations, even though there's no indication of it in the book. *sigh*
I'm not eating crow. And I still think people should go out there and read the books. Not because they're "Christian books." But they do tell a very good story, and incidentally they have unmistakeable allusions to the Christian faith. No one's suggesting anyone read HP as a theology text!
Kelly,
No worries, she is the author, she is actually the right interpreter of her work.
Is there a problem with a Christian writing a main character who is celibate, never mentions his romantic inclinations, yet the author thinks of him as gay?
Nothing wrong per se, I would say, but to what end? It all depends on her disposition to gays and I have no evidence for that.
I have been to Christian book stores - there are plenty of novels and kids stuff and food for imagination around though, so HP is just one of the options.
Not just confining to Christian but reading classic works is where I probably direct my young son/daughter like "Lord of the Flies", "Lord Jim" or "Mobie Dick"?
LPC
PS. I email you about my order, it is November soon.
As a Christian who has devoured all the books I am delighted that she made a character gay and particularly that his sexuality was not a big thing, but just an understated part of who he was. Much as in real life. I wish other Christians would just get over themselves.
D.P.
D.P.
I agree. I wish we should stop participating with controversy that is pointless ; which is neither here nor there.
I have noticed that Christians want all the time to major in the minors instead of majoring in the major.
LPC
lpc-- you did email me, or you will email me? I haven't gotten an email yet, so I'm assuming it's forthcoming... I bought a cross to paint awhile back so I'm all ready to go. :o)
Kelly,
I emailed you my order for that cross so I hope you got it.
LPC
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