Harry Potter can be enjoyed as a fantasy story about good versus evil, but its use of occult themes gives many Christians pause. Harry Potter does give a powerful picture of redemption, but we need to seek God for how we can honor Him with our entertainment choices.
The Harry Potter series, by J.K. Rowling has been both embraced and criticized by Christian audiences. Some think of the books as fun and entertaining tales of the archetypal struggle between good and evil; others regard them as a dangerous doorway into the occult. The Bible teaches that parents are responsible for raising their children in the instruction of the Lord (Proverbs 22:6; Ephesians 6:4). Whether this permits them to read the Harry Potter books and/or watch the movies may depend on the child and what the parents have taught them beforehand. Christian parents’ are concerned that the Harry Potter series focuses on witches and wizards and portrays a school at which characters learn the art of "witchcraft and wizardry." Scripture warns against Christians participating in occult activities (Deuteronomy 18:10-12; Acts 19:18-19), and parents raise concerns that portraying those practices in Harry Potter may lead their children to think of them as acceptable. As in all areas of life, parents should ask the Lord for wisdom (James 1:5).
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.