Helpful Score: 13
While this is not my favorite Harry Potter commentary book, it is a very good one, and presents both sides of the Christian debate. Mrs. Neal is clearly pro-HP, and is plain about her position in the book. However, she also tries to fairly present the arguments against reading the books as well, with frequent full quotes from those who feel that the books are inappropriate reading for Christians (or even children!). She is also quick to point out the errors in some of the anti-HP arguments as well, especially those who falsely represent the books' contents. She compares the books to many literary classics, and quotes liberally from Scripture, but does so in a very low-key and non-intellectual manner that even older children can easily understand and consider for themselves. Connie Neal is definitely a great place to start if you are seriously interested in the background of the debates over the books.
Candice F. (thefortes) reviewed What's a Christian to Do with Harry Potter? on + 4 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
I am a Christian and love HP books. I have a child and I am concerned for when he is old enough to read these that he does not confuse fantasy and reality and that he knows about Wicca and real life witchcraft as opposed to this wonderful fantasy series. This book explains both sides to the debate over HP and has given me good points to share with my child when he is old enough and we read the series together. I will read Narnia to him and the Lord of the Rings as well. HP got me back into reading and I hope it will do the same for my son.
Helpful Score: 1
This was written before the end of the series but it did help with understanding where J. K Rowling is coming from but also where some people are having concerns with the content of the series.
