LIFESTYLE PREVIEW: THE ALCHEMY OF HARRY POTTER

Hans Andrea Makes the case for a Connection Between Harry Potter and The Bible

By: Josh Moorhead

October 20, 2009

For this decade, we’ve been engaged in a war. No, not the one you’re thinking of. I’m talking about the war of Harry Potter and his hold in pop culture versus people who are God-fearing and call it witchcraft. I’m not here to mock either side. I happen to be a Christian who enjoys Harry Potter (the flicks, at least) and doesn’t ascribe them to Satan.

An approaching speaker at the Third Annual Alchemy Conference (apparently there is such a thing) is of some interest to me, and I’m sure will be to others. Entitled “Making the Connection Between Harry Potter and The Bible,” scholar Hans Andrea will attempt to show how an accepted fiction about a boy with a fancy scar and a big destiny is not that different from an ancient text many accept as truth and salvation. 

Hans’s thesis is as follows: “Hidden underneath the fantasy, excitement and conflict in Harry Potter is a profound, radiant, spiritual message: the universal and timeless message of all the great religions wanting to liberate humanity from evil, suffering and death. In modern guise,” he says, “this method of liberation is known as alchemy. If we unlock the hidden symbolism, Harry Potter can be compared to another alchemical masterpiece, and to the Bible, to reveal this sublime wisdom.”

While I’m not sure if I’ll agree if Hans goes off calling the Bible magic or Harry Potter truth, it’s an interesting speech to be making and worth being said. Too many folk who color themselves righteous ignore much good and experience the world has to offer in fear of secularism and, perhaps by extension or for their own lack of exposure, non-believers color believers sheltered, self-righteous or worse, stupid.

Intellectual believers there are. And Hollywood Christians exist. I’ve met a few. Guess what? They’ve got a lot less crazy in ‘em than a lot of other Hollywood peeps. And there’s an abundance of good people that just don’t believe in God or at least don’t think it’s an abomination to put on a wizard cap or bring a broom to a midnight showing of their hero. I’m convinced there’s overlap or at least room for cooperation for these groups, or my atoms would be repelling each other under my skin and I’d explode. Pause.

Nope, still here. So if you’re interested, go there at the end of this month, or pick up Andrea’s book, The Alchemy of Harry Potter. If the Pope can give his thumbs up to Harry as he did last summer, surely others can, as millions upon millions have. And therein lies a truth on both sides of the debate: if it grips so many, there must be something to it.

The International Alchemy Conference takes place at the Los Angeles Convention Center later this week from October 23rd-25th.