For those Christians who don't like Harry Potter

(And for those people who do, and haven't read the 7th book, there will be spoilers in this post)

I just finished reading the last Harry Potter and as I observed the overtly christian themes and even a quote from the Bible ("Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also") especially the virtually allegorical christian themes in the last book I became quite sad to think of all the Christians who have shunned the books as evil and thereby directing children who liked the books towards the wiccin religion (which is nothing like Harry Potter... I have a friend who was a wiccin before become a christian and she loves the books and says they are nothing at all like what she experienced.)

In every book Harry has been the hero that was selfless, and loved his friends and family and was so loyal to them that the evil people in the books could not overcome him. He was brave and always thought of others before himself. Risked his life at the end of every book. Showed mercy to his enemies... even saving them from certain death.

The seventh book has proven what those of us who are Christians (and love the books) have suspected, Harry gave his life... he died for others, to save them from being killed and hurt by the evil person (Valdemort) in the book. He didn't stay dead however. Rowling actually explains why he doesn't stay dead because of all the magical rules she created, but the reason he was able to save them and protect them was because he gave himself up willingly... and his love and self sacrifice protected them. A magic that Valdemort (the evil character) did not understand and underestimated. I'm reminded of the magic that the white witch did not know about in the "Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe" that was spoken "before timed dawned".

Why are Christians afraid to accept that Harry Potter IS a christian book? In fact the sacrifice that Harry went through was much more dramatic and powerful that Aslin's. So many children who probably aren't in christian homes have followed and read the Potter books and have wanted to be like Harry, and too many Christians have shunned these wonderful books! Pushing those open minds away from the religion that Harry demonstrated in the books! The main argument that I've heard is that children are using magic in the books unlike C.S. Lewis books or Tolkien, but why is that bad? Why would it be wrong for children to realize that they too can be over comers of evil and fight for the good and true and be like Harry loving other so deeply that they too would be willing to die for them.

Are we as Christians so narrow minded that we can't see past the wands and spell casting (not at all what wiccin's are about) and can't see the meaning in the books from the very beginning of giving your own life for the life of another...

"Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends." John 15:13

If you have previously shunned the Harry Potter books, because of what other uninformed Christians have said simply complaining about the magic in the books, I would ask that at least you would consider reading them for yourself. What a wonderful opportunity of ministry Christians could have if we accepted these books as they were meant to be without simply judging the cover, and could encourage those open minds to follow Harry's example...

....to love without restraint, to continue the journey set before them, to love their enemies, to stand for the truth, and be willing to die for their friends.

It's about birth and death, in that order

http://cgi.ebay.com/Original-Paperfolding-framed-unique-artwork-BIRTH-DEATH_W0QQitemZ220128599422QQihZ012QQcategoryZ20158QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItemDEATH_W0QQitemZ220128599422QQihZ012QQcategoryZ20158QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Some of you've wanted to hear what happened to Lynné's picture! Here's the first one's listing on eBay. You can find it really easily by typing in "Birth & Death" or "Birth + Death." It's got an enlarged photo if you roll your mouse over the link... not bad.

Impressions of this artwork...

This one was Lynné's least favorite. The black cover was once blue, which really taints the color of the piece (and the depth). When she revised it, she increased the role of the black material, creating intricate detail to the swirls. Also, the subject matter is a little dark for what Lynné likes (not that she can't do dark or dislikes it -- but you know what I mean.) Notice how there is a single eye, and it is smaller and less vibrant or active than in her other pieces. There are no large pools of color in this piece, and both of the figures in it are secondary to the motion, as if they're carried away in the direction of the swirls--mere players on a stage, pawns on a board. The cycle of eye-sight, where your eyes "want" to look, is driven into almost a single direction. Death feels like a one-way direction here; there is no rebirth.

When I look at this picture, I think of a miscarriage, or something like a premature death.

Birth and Death.

I like Rick Capezza's initial impression, that of a madonna (lower case).

The madonna image adds something to the picture. Her baby's fate is dictated by more influences than her own, and given a destiny beyond her comprehension--and maybe even her acceptance--which is the inference from the picture. Maybe. Maybe nothing serves this picture better than some silence where you can view it.

So, wants to comment? Or even start an initial bid? Looks like five people are tracking it.

- Further, I'm none too sure of eBay's ability to sell art. There are galleries that we'll do better putting these up in. However, we're already obligated to sell this one on eBay.