Although it is evident by some critics that the Harry Potter phenomenon has caused much controversy, it has not been mentioned how readers have reacted on a larger scale. Although many religious followers have been mentioned on their reaction, it is best to show how readers reacted in their own way, without taking complete sides of forbidding the saga all together. Since some people have taken the side of the debate of destroying the idea of the books due to the Christian faith "forbidding" it, others have taken a more subtle approach on the side of Christianity. One mother in particular re-wrote the novels in a Christian friendly way, in order for her kids to still experience the hype, without being disloyal to their faith.   

    On the other hand, authors such as Perry L. Glanzer, Todd A. DeMitchell and John J. Carney argue that although there are boundaries to be drawn on the practices of witchcraft preformed in Harry Potter, there is still things to keep in mind. This includes how the literature allows children to imagine and motivates children to read intently. Having the books become an addiction to the story being presented as to what happens next, children become more focused on the storyline than the controversy surrounding the religious debate. Having a child want to read seven books should be victory rather than a loss due to parents opinions on the religious conflict at hand. With having the idea of schools actually banning Harry Potter, DeMitchell and Carney develop a valid point in their article Harry Potter and The Public School Library published in the Volume 87, Number 2 Fall edition of "Phi Delta Kappa International, found on this sites resources pages. The authors claim:

 

  "If the Harry Potter books do constitute religious writings, and if it is asserted that religious tracts cannot be placed in public libraries, does it mean that the Bible must be removed? In order to get rid of Harry, do all stories that have characters who act in a religious manner have to be expunged from the library? Are the school board members equating casting a spell with praying? If so, then much all books containing characters who pray or ask for divine guidance be expunged from the school library along with Harry Potter?"
(Page 165).

 

 

    Although contributing to the religious debate with this quote, the authors here are reacting based on their own opinions and not seemingly taking either side indefinitely. However, go on to say further down the page that:

"In the end, we believe that Harry Potter is just what its secular writer believes it to be--a children's story involving fantasy--not a religious tract. Harry is basically a moral adolescent who has great adventures and always triumphs over evil."

 

   In another sense, one mother agrees to this statement but did not agree with the supposed "anti-Christian" views which she believed Harry Potter books displayed. Having her children obsessed with wanting to read the novels, she decided to take matters into her own hands and completely re-write the books in a Christian-friendly manner, according to author Madeleine Davies who write about this in an article published by Jezebel entitled: "Mom's Evangelical Christian Rewrite of Harry Potter CANNOT Be Real", written in 2014. This authors tells of her disbelief of how a mother actually did this for her children, making the circumstance seem extreme on many levels. However, this particular audience member of the novels took matters into her own hands and put her own spin on the ongoing debate, in my opinion. Having so much hype surrounding young children wanting to experience the world of Harry Potter, this mother agreed with Christians by believing the book contains anti-religious views, but instead of burning and banning the novels, she rewrote them to allow her children to read them. Wanting to promote literature and imagination to her children this mother was brilliant in doing what she did. Here is a passage from her book, provided by Davies' article:

"Christians are people who want to be good," Hagrid explained wisely; and crouched down so he was on eye level with Harry.

"We want to go to heaven after we die. Do you know what heaven is, Harry?"

Harry shook his head; and his big eyes were wide and curious.

"Heaven is a beautiful place where we can be with God."

Aunt Petunia smacked her hands over Harry's young ears; and her voice was sickly sweet when she said, "Thank you very much for your concern, sir, but he does not need your religion, he has science and socialism and birthdays. Haven't you heard of Evolution? I have a very good textbook on Evolution that I could give you on it if you would like to learn things."

Hagrid laughed wisely. "Evolution is a fairytale. You don't really believe that, do you?"

"Yes, I do!" Aunt Petunia screeched.

"Well then prove it!"

Aunt Petunia could only stare at him; and her big mouth hung open dumbly. Here she thought she was so educated; and always demanded that Christians prove what they believed in; but she couldn't even prove her own religion. It was then that Harry knew who the smart one here was!

 

 

   Davies goes on to say how Hogwarts is a school of Prayer and Miracles, completely changing the storyline of Rowling's original fantasy. However, this mother promotes the literature in her own way and presents a new way for her children to read the books, without being subjected to "conflicting their faith" , which is really awesome when you think about it. Having this one mother stand out amongst the rest shows how not all Christians reacted rationally toward their children reading about witchcraft. The promotion of literature and imagination is what should really matter.

 

For the full web article written by Madeleine Davies, click HERE.