Yeah, it doesn't get much better than this...In my dream world, I would be able to take 2 days off, sit by the pool, dangle my feet in the water, and chew through the book at my leisure, sipping lemonade flavored Crystal Light and alternating munching on pistachios, popcorn and baby carrots.
In reality, I'll either be at a new job and won't have the time off, or I'll be unemployed and won't be able to afford the book. But it's still nice to dream...
UPDATE - if you looked earlier, you saw this image
I thought> that this was the US cover (it's the Canadian one, instead). At first glance, I thought it was probably the ugliest cover of them all - especially ditching the "HP" lightning-bolt type logo - but it's just not what I was used to...
Of course, when I even mention Harry Potter, I always brace myself for the critical theological questions - "How can you debase your faith by reading a book about witches, wizards and the occult? Haven't you READ Exodus 22? Haven't you READ Deuteronomy 18?"
(I am tempted at that point to say, "No, people keep pointing me to Leviticus, for some reason..." - but I don't.)
Actually, I have a book on my shelf called What's a Christian To Do With Harry Potter?, but to be honest, I've been enjoying Harry Potter books too much to ever bother with it. (Sin boldly, eh?....)
So yes, I will be "of the world" until the great day comes along. Unrepentant, too...
11 comments:
I am very seriously considering taking the next day off, after getting the book at 12:01am. Reason being in a day or two the whole friggin world will be talking about the outcome and I don't want it spoiled for me.
I know many christians who read HP, and none of them are on their way to hell for it. It is just a fictional story, CRIPES!
I do believe, however, if you do not feel strong enough in your faith to handle reading about witches and wizards and magic spells then by all means you should not. Some Christians are able to eat meat while others still need milk.
BTW, got the package, plan to listen to it while in transit today.
Almost forgot, the Leviticus remark made me laugh out loud.
And as far as HP goes, Sin Boldly Indeed.
They showed a different cover on the Today show. Humm....
Have you read "Looking for God in Harry Potter"? Great book! Read with a clear conscience!
Check out this...
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/images/0545010225/sr=1-1/qid=1175176157/ref=dp_otherviews_1/103-1008721-6271837?ie=UTF8&s=books&img=1&qid=1175176157&sr=1-1
"In the world.."? So is God, forheavenssakes!
BTW, what you have shown is the American edition cover. We in Canada get the UK edition cover, thankfully. I mean, like, no offense, but you nailed it, Steve man...
Oh yeah. In fact, not only is it the Canadian cover, but a Canadian success story. Raincoast Books, a small publisher/distributor in Vancouver, British Columbia, which nailed the distribution rights for Canada for the entire Harry Potter series. Which begs the question--how Did you get the Canadian cover? Have you relatives or clandestine friends up here (besides yours truly?).
Ah, Peter, it's the wonders of Google...the first time I heard that "the cover" was out, I clicked on the link, and it led to the cbc.ca website, which, of course, had the Canadian cover. This is one of the few times when I think the US actually get a better deal than you up-north-folk, brother...
Well, without meaning offense, if Christians did not approach the Hebrew scriptures with abysmal ignorance, reading Harry Potter wouldn't be an issue for them.
There was considerable deabte among early Christians about whether the Hebrew scriptues should be included in canon. Given the constant and unconfined misuse of Hebrew scriptues by modern Christians, I can't help but wonder if the decision should have gone the other way.
I'm glad for my two kids (10 and 14) to know Harry Potter. He makes it plain to them that there is good and evil in the world. He reveals that you should use your gifts to help others. He's an example of self-sacrifice and courage and championing in his own internal struggles - which may be what makes him one of the most compelling characters to us grownups as well to children.
If the series had been written by C.S. Lewis instead of J.K. Rowling ... if it had been set in a school to teach children how to handle miraculous powers given them by God ... if it contained characters a little shallower and a little more huggable, it would've been acclaimed as an instant Christian classic.
But it might not have wielded the power of showing up evil for what it is: worship of self, lust for power, greed for gain, love of hurtfulness.
My theology teacher, Dr. Dave Ashton from bible school calls J.K. Rowling one of the best children's authors since C.S. Lewis. Educated at Oxford and other institutions, I'm comfortable with his opinion. Great blog, I just came by for a visit, as I haven't been by for a while.
And while we're at it, blessed Easter, Steve man!
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