God, the Devil, and Harry Potter

This thoughtful theological analysis offers a compelling defense of the Harry Potter series against religious critics who condemn its magical elements. Presbyterian minister John Killinger systematically dismantles arguments that the books promote paganism, instead revealing how J.K. Rowling's narratives consistently champion Christian virtues like sacrifice, redemption, and moral courage. The book provides fresh literary criticism that recontextualizes Harry's journey through a spiritual lens, demonstrating how the series' core conflicts between good and evil align with biblical teachings.

What makes this work particularly valuable is its nuanced reading of Harry as a Christ figure, drawing parallels between his sacrificial acts and Christian theology without reducing the series to mere allegory. Killinger speaks directly to concerned parents and religious communities who've questioned the books' spiritual implications, offering scholarly yet accessible arguments that bridge popular culture and faith traditions. This perspective not only validates the moral framework many readers intuitively recognize but provides the theological vocabulary to articulate why these stories resonate so deeply across belief systems.