Cruel or Kind

While counting down the days to release of the next Harry Potter book (196 days, 23 hours, 40 minutes, and 48 seconds, according to The Leaky Cauldron I've been listening to the first five books on audio tape. I also got a copy of Connie Neal's The Gospel According to Harry Potter.

I have to admit, Neal's book was a bit disappointing. It jumps around a lot, taking small snippets, what she calls "glimpses of the Gospel" and weaving Scripture around them. Interesting, but not much depth.

John Granger's Finding God in Harry Potter seems more promising. At least on his website, he's digging around in Rowling's use of Christian imagery and language in great detail.

Here's my two cents. Underneath Rowling's magical world is the question of suffering, and how people respond to it. For some, like Harry, Neville Longbottom,
Hagrid, suffering has made them kind.

For others, most notably Lord Voldemort (who's father rejected him), suffering has made them cruel.

Cruelty or kindness. A simple choice with far reaching consequenes.

Inaugurals and Stinginess

The President says this will change, but right now the score is $40 million for the Bush Inaugural, $35 million for Tsunami relief.

Somethings out of whack with that--that's all I am saying.

Meanwhile, as Get Religion points out, Amazon.com has collected more than 3.2 million for the Red Cross to use towards relief efforts.