The Biblical Themes Displayed In Harry Potter Films Books

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The Biblical Themes Displayed in Harry Potter Films Books

There seems to a be a unanimous consensus among literature enthusiasts that there are

numerous similarities between the Christians’ Holy Bible and Joanne Rowling’s Harry Potter

series. For starters, the Bible is the most printed books in the world while the Harry Potter

series tops the list for the New York Times’ best-selling books of all time. A research

conducted in 2016, showed that the Bible had sold about 5 billion copies since 1815

compared to Harry Potter’s 400 million copies from June 26, 1997, when J.K. Rowling first

launched her debut “Harry Potter and the Philosophers' Stone” (Wagner 6). The common

factor that has contributed to the success of the two books is their ability to integrate

universal themes such as good over evil, the power of love, and personal sacrifice as a virtue

(Wagner 6). Although the Bible and the Harry Potter represent two different genres, the

fantasy novels succeed in integrating biblical themes.

Good over Evil

One of the overarching motifs in the Bible is the power of good over evil. Admittedly, the

Bible emphasizes on goodness not only as a spiritual fruit but also as God's nature. The Holy

Book presents goodness and evilness as strong forces that are always in conflict. Romans 8:7-

8 states that people who are guided by the flesh cannot please God. Regardless of this natural

inclination of defiance, God fights evil forces to help human beings live a righteous life. The

conflict between good and evil is evident in 3 John 1: 11, “a person who abides by goodness

as a way of life is for God, but he who perpetuates evil does not know God” (The New

International Version). Overall, God triumphs over Satan who represents evil.

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The biblical theme of the struggle between good and evil is also present in Harry

Potter books. The forces and agents of good are always in opposition to those of good.

Similar to God and His angels who rally against Satan and his agents, Albus Dumbledore,

who is the headmaster of the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft lead wizards and witches of the

Ordeal of the Phoenix, and Harry Potter and his friends against the evil Lord Voldemort and

his agents, the death eaters (Rowling 8). Just Satan turned against God; Voldemort turns

against God after learning the art of wizardry at Hogwarts School. Overall, the theme of

good over evil is a biblical theme inherent in Harry Potter books.

Life after Death

A major hallmark of the Christian faith is the shared belief of life after death based on the

resurrection of Jesus Christ. Although death is a reality of humanity, it does not separate

human beings from God. After death, the soul lives the body, ascends to the heavens to await

resurrection. Notably, death is the gateway to a new life under God. Although indescribable,

the Bible attempts to offer vivid pictures of the heavenly kingdom of God which upon

resurrection, human beings and nature will live in harmony with their creator. Similar to the

Bible, Harry Potter series acknowledge the theme of life after death. Although the idea is

present in all the books, it is fully developed in the latest fantasy novel “Harry Potter and the

Deathly Hallows.” Souls of dead witches and wizards leave the bodies and either move on or

stay behind as ghosts (Feldt 101). Albus Dumbledore acknowledges life after death when he

says that death is the next great adventure for a well-organized mind (Rowling 28). After

dying, Sirius Black progresses “beyond the veil” where there is noise. Additionally, just like

Jesus, Harry Potter dies and escapes the worldly pain and suffering before meeting the self-

righteous Dumbledore (Rowling 47). Undoubtedly, both the Bible and Harry Potter books

show that there is life after death.

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Selflessness and Kindness

One of the most important characteristics of a Christian is being compassionate towards

others. In fact, Jesus insisted on the importance of selflessness when He highlighted it as the

second most essential commandment of God. Mark 12:31 and Galatians 5:14 emphasize on

loving thy neighbor as thyself (The New International Version). Apart from the New

Testament, the importance of selflessness and kindness is also highlighted in the Old

Testament on Leviticus 19:18. Jesus is the epitome of selflessness in the Bible. He

participated in kind acts such healing the disabled, washing His disciples’ feet, and

conquering death to save human beings. Notably, J.K. Rowling integrates the biblical theme

by presenting Harry Potter as a selfless and kind being. Just like Jesus, the primary

protagonist in the fantasy novels conquers great danger to ensure the wellbeing of his friends

and associates. In the latest book “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows,” the protagonist

states that sometimes one must think beyond his personal safety to achieve a greater good

(Rowling 128). In the “Goblet of Fire,” Harry Potter and Hermione free Dobby and other

elves (Rowling 129). Even when Harry Potter dies in the Deathly Hallows, he acts selflessly

by requesting Dumbledore to allow him to return to life to kill Voldermont and thus save

humankind. In both the Bible and Harry Potter series, the biblical theme of selflessness is

evidenced as the protagonists choose to endure pain and suffering to save others.

Conclusion

The Bible and the Harry Potter series are arguably the most popular books in the world. One

of the reasons for the high success of these works is their ability to integrate universal

themes. Amazingly, the Harry Potter fantasy novels succeed in incorporating biblical themes

despite its secular-based genre. Some of the themes in both the Bible and the book series

include the triumph of good over evil, life and after death, and selflessness.

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Works Cited

Feldt, Laura. "Harry Potter and Contemporary Magic: Fantasy Literature, Popular Culture,

and the Representation of Religion." Journal of Contemporary Religion 31 (1): 101-

114.

Rowling, Joanne. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. London: Pottermore, 2015. Print.

Rowling, Joanne. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. London: Pottermore, 2015. Print

The Bible. The New International Version, Oxford UP, 2017.

Wagner, Rachel L. "Bewitching the box office: Harry Potter and religious

controversy." Journal of Religion & Film 7 (2): 5-11.

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