How should a Christian view Harry Potter?

from the old testament

• The use of the word witchcraft in Harry Potter is problematic, as it has occult connotations. The Bible condemns the practice of the occult, witchcraft, sorcery, and spiritism (Deuteronomy 18:10–12), including contacting the dead and casting spells.
• Parents should be concerned about the books, movies, and other media their children consume. Parents’ goal should be to raise godly children: “Train up a child in the way he should go even when he is old he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6).

from the new testament

• Parents know their children best, so they can decide if something is harmful for them (Romans 14). In this, as in all matters, we should ask God for wisdom (James 1:5).
• Paul exhorts fathers to “bring them [children] up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). This may mean avoiding certain content that secular society promotes.
• Acts records new believers burning their books of “magic arts” because they wanted no part of the occult after coming to Christ; they valued walking in God’s way more than the monetary worth of those books (fifty-thousand pieces of silver) (Acts 19:19).

implications for today

A child’s imagination is precious and usually, not a matter of concern. C.S. Lewis once said, "it is a great mistake to suppose that children believe the things they imagine." This quote holds true for any fiction story. If a child enjoys playing witches and wizards because of Harry Potter, this is not an immediate cause for alarm—just as you wouldn’t be concerned if your child was pretending to be a knight slaying a dragon.

But portrayals of the occult in Harry Potter may give parents pause. One of many reasons that parents should regularly study the Bible with their children is to combat the influence of secular society. If children know from family and church Bible studies that God forbids occult practices, they’ll evaluate fictional content portraying the occult, like Harry Potter.

At the same time, reading Harry Potter, as well as other literature, can provide great opportunities to talk about the themes present in the book and to help children understand the content from a biblical perspective. In the case of Harry Potter, there is a very strong type of Jesus as well as themes of resurrection and love that conquers evil, which can open meaningful conversations about Christ’s ultimate sacrifice and true redemption. At the same time, there can be conversations about the differences between fictional magic and the real power of God.

Parents who know that their children enjoy the kind of fantasy reading Harry Potter represents can introduce them to some of C.S. Lewis’ and J.R.R. Tolkien's literature. While parents can’t protect their children from all secular content, nor should they, they can equip them to revere God and the truths He lays out in His Word.