Why does the religious right in the US condemn fantasy according to Cockrell (2004)? On what grounds does Cockrell defend fantasy literature, using Harry Potter as an example?
Cockrell (2004) points out the reason the religious right in the US condemn fantasy. First all, anti Harry criticise Harry potter books for the religious reasons. They consider Harry potter as the evil art not fantasy literature. Detractors found satanic word ‘S’ from the Harry’s scar and regard imaginary friends of their children as the devil. However, these evaluations can depend on the culture. For example, imaginary friends refer to their previous life in India. Another reason is that unlike other fantasy stories Harry potter’s scene is real world in England with witches, magic and wizards. Nevertheless, J.k Rolling insists that magic in her book is skill to be mastered which is not related to religious and theology and supernatural spirits can be good or bad. But Fundamental Christians also accept angels or devils in our world. In addition, the way how Voldemort became a bad wizard is a uncomfortable fact to Christians because they already have exist evil and do not want to change or hear any other differences. Most importantly, Although J.K Rolling’s books, Harry Potter, are based on the Christian literary tradition, Anglican and Roman Catholic, American Christianity is anti Harry. Because magic is alternative science like alchemist and philosophy in the books which is against Christian’s beliefs of Bible and leads different image of the God. However, liberal theologians accept differences and still it is the God. Detractors of Harry who are only want to hear the same questions and answers while there are always not the same answers in the book.
Hi Gum-hyouk,
ReplyDeleteWe won't be formally grading posts pre-week 7, but I have noted that you have completed week 4's work, Esther :)