Customer Reviews
Taking a Stand When It's Needed 
2007-10-24
Mmmmm. Isn't it about time that someone with the credentials of a fundamentalist--say a father who home schools his children--took s stand for literature that entertains, literature that encourages reading and yes, even literature that might present some concepts to young people that they might not otherwise be exposed to? That's how we can teach them to think for themselves. I think it is and John Granger has done an admirable job of it in "Looking for GOD in Harry Potter," now in its second edition. I was especially taken with his Chapter 3, The Hero's Christlike Journey.
Here is a carefully thought-out book. No parent should deny his or her child the pleasures (and benefits) of reading fun literature like Harry Potter until they have the full story. This book is a must. It's an approach to reading any kind of book we should all take: Open mind before closed book. Those who believe must know we've been given the power to think and analyze for ourselves and we can't do that if we take the time to consider the subject from both sides.
"Looking for God," is also a great way to introduce children to literary criticism.
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Reviewed by award-winning poet and novelist Carolyn Howard-Johnson. Her literary work including This Is The Placeexplores the corrosive effects of intolerance.
what a load of christian rubbish 
2007-09-21
naturally some dolt christian fundamentalist puke has to ruin the sanctity of even the Harry Potter novels. Can't you ignorant, one route minded, intolerant and (hell-bent on establishing a fundamentalist theocracy), hypocrite christians keep your hands off anything. Much misinformation, and some totally off the mark, stretched out nonsense, not to mention the complete misguided prose of his comparison with other novels. While the book is thoroughly researched, was it even necessary? Just something else to print out from acerebral minds with nothing else better to do with their time. Jesus, save me from your followers.
Taking Harry Potter Seriously 2007-07-31
A member of the New York C.S. Lewis Society at a meeting several years ago had copies of Mr. Granger's first book "The Hidden Key to Harry Potter" for sale. I had at that time just completed reading books 1-5. Somehow, I knew there was a reason for my enjoyment of the books, and Mr. Granger's book helped me to intellectualize why I liked the books so much.
I emailed Mr. Granger, and he very graciously mailed me a copy of "Looking for God in Harry Potter." This was a special book, and it gave me ammunition to ward off critics of the book that dismissed it because it was felt to introduce "sorcery and the occult" to the young (I'm a school teacher).
Mr. Granger is eminently qualified to write the book. He studied classics at the University of Chicago (like J.K. Rowling), and has a deep understanding of literary symbolism. After reading his book I understood better and was moved by the symbolism in the stories - Patronuses, for instance.. Mr. Granger helped me to see that there is deeper meaning beneath the surface, and more importantly that Ms. Rowlings wrote with intention.
I'm rereading the Deathly Gallows now, and will probably reread "Looking for God in Harry Potter." So many people dismiss J.K. Rowling for her commercial success. I believe that there is more to the stories and that it possesses literary merit. Mr. Granger helped me to understand better why I like the Harry Potter books so much.
Well done, but not for everyone! 
2007-05-07
I'm about 2/3rd through "Looking for God in Harry Potter," and wanted to give a report back. It was suggested to me as a possible fun way to introduce tweens and teens to literary critisism.
Pros -
Granger really loves the HP material, and it shines through in his writing. It's so great to see a grown up that is enthusiastic, particularly about something that has been earmarked "for children."
Style is clear and entertaining. (Actually this will be a con for some as some will feel condescended to.) I would certainly use any Spark notes written by this writer!
Lots of Narnia references if one is a C.S. Lewis fan.
This book is filled with interesting nuggets of information that clearly support a single argument. I would share this with my child as an example of how a well written paper should have lots of interesting information that supports a central thesis.
I have no doubt that I will enjoy the next HP book more based on the new information I have learned from this book. I will also be looking to the next book to see if it confirms or denies the writer's theories, which will be fun.
The writer, John Granger, was able to make a 2nd career of sorts by sharing an unexpected insight that goes against the "common wisdom." He refers to his speaking engagements at schools and online. I am always gladdened by this kind of story.
As a reader from a very different backround and faith, it has given me a boost in understanding more about the outlook of the writer, who says of himself: "I am what reporters without fail call a "traditional Christian."" I don't plan to judge any group of people by one person, but I expect to find this useful in the future to help know what questions to ask.
Con -
Well, I was certainly offended from time to time. The claims to universalism are apparently a key to this individual's faith. This didn't interfere with my overall enjoyment of the book, but I would think twice about just leaving it in my child's hands. I was able to read excerpts aloud and get enjoyable family discussions going.
Expert from the Introduction -
"My thesis is essentially this: As images of God designed for life in Christ, all humans naturally resonate with stories that reflect the greatest story ever told- the story of God who became man. The Harry Potter novels, the best-selling books in publishing history, touch our hearts because they contain themes, imagery, and engaging stories that echo the Great Story we are wired to receive and respond to. Looking for God in Harry Potter is a step-by-step walk through these images, themes and stories to reveal the core of the Harry Potter books and why they are so popular: They address the need (really an innate need akin to our need for the physical nourishment) that we have for spiritual nourishment in the forms of edifying, imaginative experience of life in Christ."
Interesting at least 2007-03-29
It is interesting at least since it expands on the classical sources Lady JKR uses as noted by another classicist. So if the reader is not familiar with a plethora of symbolic referrences -- here they are. This also reads better I think then some other books that discuss or list the same sorts of things. But there are points that seem exaggerated -- such as Harry Potter in Lady JKR's accent would give us "heir (of the) Pater" to emphasize the Christ-like association. This seems a real stretch. But nonetheless it was an interesting suggestion as were many others.
This is a thoughtful book that helps bring up questions associating the success of the book series with significant elements of historical narration that seem requirements in good story telling.
The Amunition You Need To Defend HP!! :) 2008-05-03
For all of the times you wished you had the Biblical information to back up your assertion that Harry Potter is NOT anti-Christian, THIS is the book you needed!! It is full of fascinating information - just what you need to defend your love of this series as fitting with Christian ideals and principles! Read it with a highlighter in hand... b/c you'll want to make notes! :)
A great place to start Harry Potter 2008-03-15
As a Christian, I was dead set against all things 'Harry Potter' when the first movies came out. Then my daughter, a literature teacher, put this marvelous book in my hands and said to hold judgement until I'd read it. I did so in just 2 days! Then I borrowed my granddaughter's books (4 at that time) and am now the resisdent 'authority' on Harry Potter where I work!
Finding God in Harry Potter draws back the curtain and allows the reader to not only experience a fantastic adventure, but to find many lessons, on friendship, loyalty, perseverence, dropping biases and prejudices.
God is to be found around every corner and this is the true 'magic' in the Harry Potter series. Finding God in Harry Potter will open the way for the reader to find the quiet, and sometimes not so quiet, references that any Christian looks for in fiction, so hop aboard the Hogwart's Express, settle in and enjoy Finding God in Harry Potter!
HP =/= evil! 2007-12-23
This book is one of my favorite pieces of meta. I'm a Christian attending/working at a Christian college, and a huge fan of the Harry Potter series. This book is interesting to read there - it's certainly a conversation starter.
Granger (no relation to the character by the same name) goes in depth looking at the Christian imagery and heritage of the Harry Potter books. The topics he writes on range from the imagery of alchemy to the choices one makes affecting one's life and one's walk with God. Granger's theology is sound, based directly on the Bible, and not necessarily on any one denomination or theologian.
Excellent 2007-12-12
Excellent discussion of the Potter series as it relates to western literature. The author's background knowledge is impressive and his credentials are impeccable. Well written too!
Unnecessary 2007-11-29
Fact One. J.K.Rowling has written a series of beautiful and lasting literature the likes of which we hardly see these days in qualitiy literary fiction. The key word here is F I C T I O N.
Fact Two. As a degreed student of theology, if any work of fiction be it a book, a movie or any other artistic genre shakes your very foundation of faith or makes you question your faith then you had no faith to begin with. It is fiction. If you allow fiction to interfere with your faith then God Bless The Ignorant For They Know Not. Accept Art for Art.If your faith is solid then it nourishes and nurtures your soul, your heart and your mind and NO WORK OF FICTION CAN CHANGE THAT. I say this as an independant ordained minister who never sets foot inside any building of orgainized religion,God's own creation, the sky above,is sufficiently holy and more a "House of God" than any building put up by man. J.K.Rowlings books are brilliant works of literary ART, and every so called writer who has capitalized on her work for no more than fame and fortune should be ashamed. I am also tired of the "the general public must be too stupid to read Harry Potter and understand it so I will have to explain". No. No You Do Not Have To Explain. Harry fans will read the books time and time again and they will understand it.
