John Granger's How Harry Cast His Spell

Identifying Spiritual Content and Symbols the Harry Potter Series

Dec 10, 2008

John Granger uses his background in classical literature to identify Christian symbols and content in the best-selling Harry Potter series.

When we think of Harry Potter, Christian themes and symbolism don’t readily come to mind. The Christian community has even denounced the series. Is their reasoning sound? The purpose of How Harry Cast His Spell is to provide a springboard for discussions about Christian ideas and values. Along the way, it answers the question, “Why do readers, young and old, love Harry Potter?”

Magic and Symbols

The main complaint of Christians is the use of magic in Harry Potter. Christian Scripture forbids occult practice. Author John Granger’s first order of business is to explain the difference between invocational magic or sorcery, and incantational magic.

Next, he points out the stories’ main theme, the battle between good and evil. By analyzing the characters, their origins and connections Granger sets the stage to identify Christian content within the books.

Other elements discussed are character names and what they reveal, the issue of prejudice, the use of doppelgangers and most importantly the triumph of love over death.

Hero’s Journey, Literary Alchemy and How Symbols Work

As with all great literature, the Harry Potter series is a Hero’s Journey. The main journey is arced over the seven individual journeys of each book. The character, Harry Potter, undergoes transformations in small steps throughout the series. The concept of alchemy is explained and the significance it has on Harry’s transformation is revealed.

Granger discusses symbolism at great length. “Knowing that symbols are points of passage between this world and the greater world “above” — and “within” — us explains a lot about Harry Potter and Potter-mania.”

Mythical beasts are used as symbols throughout the series; the Hippogriff to the Philosopher’s Stone can be identified as symbols of Christ. Granger also explains the difference between symbolic and allegorical stories.

Spiritual Keys

Once formulas, themes and symbols have been adequately presented, each book’s spiritual and Christian meaning is deciphered. One chapter for each book.

For example, Prisoner of Azkaban teaches us how to successfully combat despair. Goblet of Fire prepares the reader for spiritual warfare by teaching that it’s “courage, love, and virtue within” not piety, studying or external preparations that allow us to win over evil.

How Harry Cast His Spell succeeds in illuminating the Christian ideas and values in the Harry Potter series and it’s a great resource for discussions about the books and what they represent. It goes a step further and gives readers a deeper understanding of literature in general.

So, why do fans young and old love Harry Potter? According to John Granger, it’s because the Christian content and transcendent meaning of the books resonate with readers. It’s essential reading for Christians who fear the series’ message.

Serious readers of Harry Potter are encouraged to visit Granger's blog, HogwartsProfessor.com. To read the first chapter of How Harry Cast His Spell visit FIRST Wild Card Tours.

The copyright of the article John Granger's How Harry Cast His Spell in Lifestyle/Pop Culture Books is owned by Missy Frye. Permission to republish John Granger's How Harry Cast His Spell in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.