Magic and Religion

[Mistress Siana]

Hi @ all!!
I have a little question:
As you know, some Muggles tend to explain their existance with a supernatural being. I wondered whether magicians have a religion or something. Do they believe in God? Attend church? Any suggestions?
Bye, Siana

[Lupin]

Well, I'm doubting that wizards and witches have much use for any sort of organised religion. Supernatural beings are quite common in the wizarding world; interactions with ghosts and other such amazing creatures and beings are ordinary.

However...we know there are a few different forms of the afterlife; at least two, probably more. Upon death, one can become a ghost and stick around, or one can just die (who knows where they go from there). This is either decided by a personal choice, or by a choice of some other sort of being. Rowling has stated that only the unhappier sort of people become ghosts...so perhaps it's not a choice at all if one becomes one, instead just a consequence of certain actions and events.

In any event, we won't know about that until book seven.

But for me personally, if my entire waking life was devoted to and immersed in a spirtual, magical and supernatural world (as it is with the wizarding world), I would have no use for any sort of "religion".

Cheers,
--Lupin

[Scellanis]

i personally doubt they have a religion...wont they be too busy trying not to get burnt by all the other religions...or trying in some cases

[Broccoli]

I assume that they do have a religion because they celebrate Christmas and Easter and Sirius is Harry's Godfather.

[Lupin]

I get the feeling that Godfather is more of an honorary title than anything. And as far as Easter and Christmas go...even people who don't think of those two days as the birth and death of Jesus still celebrate them around here. They don't seem to treat Christmas as much of a "holy day" - they just wake up and open presents, then go to a feast.

--Lupin

[TDM]

i bet they do. but, it will not be mentioned in the HP books because JK Rowling does not want to offend atheists.

[Wedge]

I think yes too- I agree with TheDragonMaster

[Gryffindor Student]

I dont think they have a religion. I agree with that statement. I mean an anthiest could celebrate xmas if they wanted too. Just when it came to the religious part they would just 'slip out the back door.'

[Lupin]

Well, Christmas is turning into more of a universal and commercial holiday with each passing year. The Chriastmas that the entire world celebrates, with their Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph the Reindeer, and presents and stockings has nothing to do with Jesus. That is, you do not need to have Jesus and his birth play any part whatsoever in the celebration of your holiday. This is my absolute favorite time of year and I love Christmas - and I'm also an atheist.

I also don't think that Rowling is not putting religion in there so she doesn't offend the atheists. If anything, she's probably offending the very religious by not having religion in there; I can't think of a single atheist I know who would be upset becuase they show religion in HP.

--L

[Gryffindor Student]

Finally someone else that is an atheist! I know only one othe person who is! was wondering if there were anymore! Lookes like we share the same opinions Lupin.

[Gryffindor Student]

Sorry If I offended anyone with that last remark....I mean i didnt mean too...I just spoke my mind.... Although it is true...I am an athiest.

[Mistress Siana]

I don't think you offended someone...there was just nothing left to say.

[TDM]

hey, speaking your mind is what forums are all about. i may not agree with your opinion, but hey, what can i do about it?