When the Harry Potter series first came out there was immediate controversy over the influence Harry Potter could have on children especially within religious fractions. They were worried over how the books were seemingly violent and exposed children to magic and made it seem like it was not a big deal. This eventually lead to some library, churches, and schools banning the ever popular series.

My parents reacted this way and still to this day react in horror for the fact I love the Harry Potter series. They are Christians and so am I so I can totally see their point of view. The fact that Harry Potter has such an influence over kids there is legitimate worry, as with anything that has such a sway with kids, that it will influence them in a negative way! They see the influence and see the fact that the Harry Potter world is heavily involved in magic which has mixed connotations; depending on whom you talk to, their beliefs on magic, and their backgrounds involving magic, and worry how it will effect their kids. No one can deny that fear especially when you are a parent.

Yet, I do not think they really understand the series nor why they are loved. I love the Harry Potter series not because of the magic, but because of the characters and so I do not see it threatening por compromising my faith. And I am not alone ask any fan of the Harry Potter series, go to the conventions, or events and talk with them, listen to what they talk about and you will find magic is not really mentioned. We will talk about and say how cool it is or how we wonder what it would be like to be in Hogwarts, or wonder what it would be like to be a wizard or witch, but that is about it. What we mainly talk about is the characters; who they are, their struggles, what it would be like to be their friend or even date them, how we would help them, or how we can relate to who they are and what they go through.

I cannot tell you how much the series meant to me growing up. I did not feel alone in my struggles I felt like I had friends because for the first time there was someone who had the same fears, worries, who felt like they did not belong, who were abused, or never had friends. And this is true for everyone who reads the Harry Potter series. We see ourselves in every character. From Ron who feels lacking and less loved compared to his siblings or even his fear of spiders, to Hermione who never really had friends, felt more at home with a book, and was made fun for her smarts and looks, to Neville constantly picked on and always looked down on and who never really believes in himself, to Luna who saw things in a different way and never changed who she was despite being bullied, and so many other characters.

That is why the Harry Potter series are so popular because even though it is set in a magical world these characters are going through real life situations. They are battling monsters, social anxiety, expectations, school, dates, depression, death and every day problems. And we can relate.

I am not saying that parents ad people in general should not be cautious about what their kids or what they themselves are reading, but what I am saying is do not assume a book, a movie, or a video game is affecting people or influencing them in a negative way. If your kid cannot distinguish between reality and make believe then I would not recommend they read Harry Potter. If you are worried about your kids getting into magic then warn them of the dangers when getting into magic.

But, if your kids know the distinction between reality and make believe, if they honestly do not care about practicing actual magic, and if the book is genuinely not affecting them in a negative way (which please do not just assume or blame anything negative in their behavior or life on the series without some really good evidence) then let them read it and even collect memorabilia without destroying it or making them feel like they are doing something so terrible. In the end you need to talk to them before you assume and totally forbid them from reading the series because it could be honestly helping them. You can be a Christian and still read Harry Potter.

If your Christianity is honestly threatened by the series then in reality how strong is your faith?