A Closer Look at Harry Potter
By John Houghton
Kingsway. 92 pages
ISBN 0 85476 941 2
What shall we do with Harry Potter? On the one hand, J. K. Rowling's books (four to date) are exciting stories, rattling good yarns, which have got even children who think books are boring and reading is for sissies, devouring print. On the other hand, these are stories about witches and wizards and the study of magic and all sorts of things which are a big no-no for Christians.
John Houghton is an able writer. He has written several fantasy books himself. In this short, intelligent book he argues the case for looking below the surface. What are the issues? What precisely are the dangers? If we ban Harry Potter, what else should be added to the bonfire?
