The chief objection to Harry Potter made by some conservative Christians is apparently that sorcery in Harry Potter is sinful and draws on demonic forces. "Supernatural" events where the world does not operate according to the usual physical laws are either from God or from Satan (of course, the normal functioning of the universe is still dependent on God). When a person attempts sorcery, which is forbidden in the Bible, he or she is opening the door for demonic influence in the world.
But the magic and sorcery in Harry Potter need not be thought of as the same thing as magic and sorcery in our world. Harry's "secondary world" is not our world - not the real, "primary" world. Although there are geographic similarities (as in The Golden Compass), we are given no reason to think that Harry's world is to be thought of as our world in every sense. Rather, it functions internally according to its own set of laws, and those laws are different from the laws of the real world. In his essay "On Fairy Stories," J. R. R. Tolkien describes this "inner consistency of reality" of fictional worlds: "[The story-maker] makes a Secondary World which your mind can enter. Inside it, what he relates is < in happen actually didn?t is it because simply story the to objecting from degree only differs but is, obviously Harry?s as ways, ours with connected that world fictional make mistake easy an This outside. rather says, Tolkien ?sub-creation,? into enter not do they - on world) primary (that reality of laws imposing Potter Harry magic issues have who Those world. structure part integral sense supernatural, natural, It?s this functioning physical normal violates something be stated never Magic works. and words, right say head, your thoughts way, wand flick You our differently very presented world, chief magic, fact evident World? ?Secondary similar somewhat intended Rowling K. J. 37)That Stories?, Fairy (?On mce_href="it accords with the laws of that world. You therefore believe it, while you are, as it were, inside.">
There are many powerful themes in Harry Potter that reflect Christian truths. Indeed, J.K. Rowling claims to be a Christian and to have intentionally written Christian themes into Harry Potter (see this class="embLink" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">true. article). The presentation of evil is of an evil that is absolute, real, and truly horrible. Similarly, the presentation of good is beautiful and absolute, and it is centered on love. There is absolute good and absolute evil, and the battle between them is on an epic scale. This is very much like Christianity, and the good and evil in Harry Potter accurately reflect the good and evil in reality. The great battle for power between light and dark is a breath of fresh air in this miserable post-modern society where truth is relative and good and evil seem less real.
Furthermore, there are striking parallels to Christianity in book 7, where Harry Potter is resurrected and triumphs over death. In one sudden event, hopelessness and despair are changed to the ultimate victory over evil. Good is greater than evil, love triumphs. Harry intends to sacrifice himself for his friends and goes to his death. In what Tolkien would call a "eucatastrophic" turn of events, though, Voldemort's victory is turned to defeat and Harry returns from death. Voldemort's own weapon is the key to his ruin. There can be little doubt that Harry is a Christ figure of sorts, and the similarities between events in Deathly Hallows and aspects of Christ's death and resurrection could, I think, be pursued fruitfully.
In fact, two Bible verses are quoted in Deathly Hallows: "The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death." - 1 Corinthians 15:26
"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." - Matthew 6:21The first verse is very much connected to the theme of the ultimate triumph of good over evil and death described above.
It is, perhaps, a bit unfortunate that the source and power of the "good" and the beauty in Harry Potter is simply identified as love - the power of love and friendship. I wish Rowling hadn't just left it hanging like this. She gives such a beautiful presentation of what is good and beautiful and true in the themes of love and sacrifice, yet does not seem to hint that God is the source of this, rather than just love. God is love (1 John 4:16). "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends" (John 15:13). This is just what Harry did, and while Rowling hints at the story of Jesus Christ, I wish she had been somewhat less vague."Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows conjures a world that practically begs for something to have faith in...Rowling grasps the peace and beauty of these concepts, but chooses not to identify the Author." - pluggedinonline.com reviews of Deathly Hallows in "Christianity Today" (here and "The Dallas Morning News" (here may also be worth looking at.