How to Share Your Faith Using The Deathly Hallows
Even Daniel Radcliffe, who plays Harry Potter in the movie versions of J.K. Rowling's mega-hit series, has been caught musing that perhaps it will be Harry who dies in the long-awaited Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. While Harry's death seems like a stretch to many hard-core HP fans, Rowling has promised that a major character is going to get bumped off. Who will it be?
If you grew up with Harry & Co, the death of a major character may bring a range of emotions, from twinges of discomfort to sadness to outrage. But in both fiction and reality, death is part of life – even for teens. You never know when life might take a sharp right turn and you or someone you love faces accident, illness, or death. That's why it's so important to live in the reality that each day is a gift from God – and each day may be your last opportunity to share his love and gift of grace with those around you!
No doubt you'll find that as suspense builds and speculation swirls – and spoilers swamp the internet – Harry Potter throws the door wide open to talk about the supernatural/spiritual dimension of life. Good vs. evil, the soul, sacrifice, and death are all themes that reverberate through The Deathly Hallows. Readers will also find that themes of friendship, trust, and getting too close to evil are woven through the pages of this grand finale.
As Christians, we can share what the Bible has to say about these themes. So when The Deathly Hallows comes up in conversation, talk about the spiritual realm with your friends and share openly about your relationship with Jesus. Try some of these ideas to get the conversation moving:
- Horcruxes and splitting souls play a significant role in Book 7. Ask your friends what they believe about the human soul. Explain that we are more than our physical bodies. The apostle Paul describes it this way: "Our bodies are buried in brokenness, but they will be raised in glory. They are buried in weakness, but they will be raised in strength. They are buried as natural human bodies, but they will be raised as spiritual bodies. For just as there are natural bodies, there are also spiritual bodies." (1 Corinthians 15:43-44, NTL).
- The storyline involves the theme of overcoming death. And the phrase, "the last enemy that will be destroyed is death" appears on the Potters' tomb. Ask your friends if anyone has ever explained to them how Jesus defeated and overcame death. Jesus talked about a spiritual existence beyond death, promising, "I tell you the truth, those who listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life" (John 5:24). "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also" (John 14:1, NIV). Share about his free gift of eternal life!
- Is Snape good or evil – the big mystery will be revealed! Ask your friends what they believe about good and evil? Why does evil exist in the world? Share what the Bible has to say about the spiritual battle that is continually being waged between the forces of good and evil. "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms" (Ephesians 6:12, NTL).
- Talk about what it looks like when the characters get too close to evil, trying to justify evil deeds when they believe that the ends justify the means. What does that look like in real life? Explain that we all fall short of God's perfection and are in need of Jesus' offer of forgiveness for all our evil deeds.
- On Dumbledore's tombstone is a line about the relationship between your heart and your treasure. Ask your friends if they realize this truth comes from the Bible. Talk about Matthew 6:21, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (NIV). Share what this means in your life.
While Harry Potter's fantasy world may be drawing to a close, your opportunities to talk about God with your friends are being thrown wide open. Step up to the challenge and hold out the gift of grace!
