I just received my December Issue of Gilbert Magazine. This issue focuses on Fairy Tale, and contains some of the best comments on the Harry Potter series I've seen.
I've often been troubled by the distortions presented by some who oppose the Harry Potter series. The criticisms are often not based in truth, and that in itself is very troubling to me.
I've found the books have a very deep Truth in them, unlike so much that is on the bookstore shelves these days. They are not books for young children, they are simply stories that deal with good and evil and courage and virtue and flawed people striving, despite their flaws, to do and more so to BE good.
Unlike some of my fellow homeschoolers, I find great value in Fairy Tale and Fantasy. It is through myth, fairy tale, and fantasy that we can sometimes more clearly see and hear Truth. Jesus taught in parables. Why?
Because in the story, in the fiction, we can sometimes see the reality more clearly. It's so with Harry Potter.
No, I do not think the tales are Gospel. Or Holy writ. But the do reflect Christian Truths that are often not put forward in today's world. They show the value of family, of marriage and children, of virtue and love being more important than power. They are decidedly Christian in their view of the body and marriage, which is also very refreshing in today's world, which so often preaches disdain for the body, for the human person, and for the holiness of marriage and family. And I'm amazed and grateful to find such a book these days.
But I'm not amazed to find it was a modern "fairy tale" that gave us these Truths. It's in Fairy Tale so often that we find the higher truths.
I recommend getting a copy of the December Gilbert Magazine, and I recommend all the articles on Fairy Tales in general, and especially Nick Milne's article on Harry Potter (The Secret of Godric's Hollow).
Other bits I especially enjoyed in this month's Gilbert :
A page full of Chesterton Quotes on Fairy Tales
Chesterton's "The Wise Men" wonderfully illustrated
and the Chesterton essay "The Clever Man and Fairy Tales"
I'm sure I'll be editing and adding to that list as I finish the magazine.
You can find information on this publication here: Gilbert Magazine
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4 comments:
Heya, Just wondering, are you married to a guy named Chris. And did you ever live in Alaska? If so please contact me. My husband Gary and I are looking for you. If this is not you, please disreguard.
No, that's not me! I've lived on the east coast all my life. Good luck finding the other Mindi!
Well put. Here here!
Mindi,
Thank you very, very much for your kind comments. The December issue was particularly difficult, for reasons I won't get into, but reading your post is the kind of thing that makes it all worthwhile. Thanks!
-Sean P. Dailey
editor-in-chief, Gilbert Magazine
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