J.K. Rowling herself has frequently acknowledged the profound influence that religion has had on her writing, often mentioning Christianity in particular. It should come as no surprise, then, to find her Harry Potter series packed full of relevant themes and iconography. This study series is specifically designed with that in mind and with an eye toward youth education, utilizing the Harry Potter storyline to cultivate an engaged interest in various Christian concepts such as covenantal community, the religious significance of Advent and Christmas, social justice, and the divine calling. Fairly complicated topics in themselves, it can be challenging for youth educators to present these subjects in a way that their students find interesting and personally relevant. Hence, this study series facilitates an exploration of these concepts by correlating scriptural references with similar elements found in Harry Potter. With its unparalleled prominence in popular culture and considering the accessibility of its prevalent symbolism, Rowling’s narrative provides an excellent teaching tool capable of capturing the attention of Christian youth and rendering otherwise arcane subjects far more relevant.
