Harry Potter and the Zealot Opposition

Like a number of Christians, I had some concern over "Pottermania". Bear in mind I am also a performing magician (an entertainer, not a shaman) so I am also aware that there is magic and there is magic. There is "real magic" which is expressly forbidden in scripture. Real magic is prohibited because it is blasphemous. It purports to exercise power over a given deity. Then there is what I do, which is nothing more than misdirection and sleight of hand. Then there is the magic in Harry Potter which is neither of the above."Finding Christianity -- in Harry Potter", by John Zukowski is an article about John Granger, author of Looking for God in Harry Potter. His journey through the world created by J.K. Rowling is much like mine, in fact it is almost identical. He also comes to the same conclusions that I have and I look forward to reading his book just as soon as I can find it.
Like Granger, I do not think it much of a stretch to compare Potter with Narnia or Middle Earth (though the potter books are much longer than the Narnia books, and still keep the reader's attention. If you haven't started reading the books, do so. I think you will be glad you did.

Reunion

It was my real joy to resume an old friendship from my days in the SC United Methodist Conference. He had been a district superintendant the last eight years or so. He came into the ante office and it took a few seconds for the broad smile of recognition. I used the old joke extended to all Methodist ministers going back into a church after being on the district, "So you've returned to Christian ministry.". He was thrilled to be able to have his Bible centered on his desk instead of his Discipline, and be able to cite chapter and verse rather than paragraph and section. It was a joy to see Ed as excited as a fresh seminary grad in his first appointment. "Behold, I make all things new". Ed is an old hand, but Trenhold Rd. UMC is getting a minister who is enthusiastic about his new chapter in his ministry.