The Pope and Harry Potter

As reported this week in USA Today, the Vatican praised the latest Harry Potter film for making the battle of good vs. evil 'crystal clear' and for affirming that 'sometimes this requires cost and sacrifice.' In these days of movies that blur the lines into shades of gray, the film gave a black and white no-nonsense depiction of the dark side = Evil is scary stuff that leads to bad consequences.

I found this to be a bold stance taken by the Vatican, considering the controversy that has surrounded Harry for many years now. Perhaps conservative readers will be influenced to take a second look at the books. After all, the Pope is a pretty influential guy. But then again, maybe not.

To follow up on Patti's post on Monday, how much responsibility do Christian authors carry for the words they write? We certainly pray over our ideas and scenes and story lines. But having done that, and being unable to predict or control the reader's response, do we boldly go and trust God to lead, or do we soft-pedal the evil or tone down the sin for fear of offending? I'm not referring to the use of swearing or sexuality or gratuitous violence. I'm speaking of story. The Bible doesn't merely suggest that David and Bathsheba were engaging in heavy necking. It was a clear case of sexual sin and wrongful death with no happy ending. I doubt that their story would make it through a committee today without at least the suggestion of a different, more redemptive resolution. And we might ask, who would want to read it? We look for positive, uplifting stories in these stressful days. But it was an important story that needed to be told.

As writers, we play our stories close to the vest and rely on God's leading. We take our calling seriously. But if - or when - He asks us to color outside the lines, to depict evil clearly and consequences fully, will we argue with Him, or will we grab a brand new 'Hot Magenta' crayon and have at it? What do you think readers would have to say about it?