New HBO Harry Potter series means a fresh generation of Christians are divided once again

Over twenty years ago a friend recommended a new series of books, that would help me switch off at night. She gave me a copy of J.K Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. My friend was right, the book was gripping enough to keep me reading, and momentarily forget whatever thing was stressing me at the time. I think I was aware of some controversy at the time with themes of witchcraft, but I don’t think I felt it was too dark to read.

I didn’t read the rest of the series, but I did watch some of the films, until, chicken that I am, they got too scary . If I feel the need to start praying under my breath in a cinema, its a sure sign the film is probably not one for me.

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It has recently been announced that in 2026, HBO will unveil a highly anticipated television adaptation of the Harry Potter series. Apparently, unlike the original films, this new series will delve deeper into the wizarding world, offering fans a more detailed exploration of the seven books over multiple seasons. Each season is expected to focus on one book, providing a more comprehensive narrative than the original films.

This means a whole new generation of Christians will be weighing whether to watch the series or not

This means a whole new generation of Christians will be considering whether to watch the series or not, especially as it is focusing on the wizard world - with strong connections to the occult.

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Since Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone was published in 1997 by Bloomsbury Publishing, Christians have been divided on whether to let their children read the books.

Reasons some Christians read the books:

1. Moral Lessons: Many readers find that the series promotes values such as bravery, friendship, and the triumph of good over evil. These themes resonate with Christian teachings about love, sacrifice, and redemption.

2. Encouragement of Reading: The books have inspired countless young readers to develop a love for literature, fostering imagination and critical thinking.

3. Catholic Endorsement: The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has rated the films as “A-II” or “A-III,” meaning they are suitable for children and adolescents. Some Catholic leaders have praised the series for its moral depth .

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Reasons some Christians don’t read the books:

1. Depiction of Witchcraft: Critics argue that the portrayal of magic and the occult in the series could be seen as promoting practices condemned in the Bible. Many have expressed concerns that the books may encourage interest in witchcraft.

2. Potential Confusion: There is a belief that young readers might struggle to distinguish between fantasy and reality, leading to misconceptions about the nature of magic and spirituality.

3. Cultural Concerns: For instance, in Poland, priests have publicly burned copies of the books, citing their promotion of occultism.

You have to make your own decision, and be led by peace. Pray and ask God if you should watch it. Jesus says, “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!” (Matthew 6:22–23). It is good to consider what we let our eyes watch, as it affects us more than we may know.