![\"book](\"https:\/\/wp.patheos.com\/community\/sites\/53\/2011\/07\/jesuspotterharrychrist1.png\")
\nIMAGE: Photo of the book Jesus Potter Harry Christ by Derek Murphy. Image of Harry Potter with Jesus Christ style beard and long hair wearing Catholic style robes and shining crown. He carries a glitter star wand.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n
For staunch Christians, I\u2019m sure the cover art alone of Harry Potter with long hair wearing glasses, Catholic style robes , and lightening scar under a glorious crown, is controversial. The art sets up expectations of tongue in cheek rhetoric and argumentative prose scuffing at Christianity. Murphy\u2019s style is quite the opposite and very intellectually respectful.<\/p>\n
Derek Murphy points out, and sites sources quoting Rowling, that the story of Harry Potter was influenced by the story of Christ. Throughout the book he shows that the two popular figures have a lot in common including that they are both literary constructions. Murphy presents an in depth look at the religious history, astrological mythology, and esoteric symbolism from Egypt, Europe and the Middle Eastern which influenced the creation of the Christ mythos.<\/p>\n
Jesus Potter Harry Christ is a culmination of the author\u2019s decade of religious exploration and studies from Malta to Egypt and South America. Murphy is an ex-seminary student from Portland, Oregon. He is the recipient of a government grant to study comparative religion and he is currently working on his PhD. Murphy has an easy going writing style that takes the reader easily step by step through the historical evidence and ancient myths. For those who are all ready well versed in religion and mythology, such as Pagan Recons or other religion scholars, chapter four \u201cGoing Pagan: The Forgotten Prefigures of Christ\u201d, may feel redundant. However, the well documented arguments among early Christians about Christ\u2019s divine nature and even actual existence is fascinating. The most revealing section of the book is Murphy\u2019s presentation of the early Church as a mystery religion with only initiates receiving divine knowledge much like the cults of Orpheus or Pythagoras.<\/p>\n
In his conclusion Murphy writes, \u201cMoreover, just because something is a myth does not make it meaningless \u2013 in fact myths can be much more powerful than historical reality.\u201d That is true for every religion.<\/p>\n
Jesus Potter Harry Christ by Derek Murphy
\nPaperback: 490 pages
\nPublisher: Holy Blasphemy (February 5, 2011)
\nLanguage: English
\nISBN-10: 0615430937
\nFIRST PLACE WINNER: Best Religious Non-Fiction, 2011 \u2014Next Generation Indie Book Awards<\/p>\n