Professor’s book explores Christian allegory and other messages in Harry Potter series

There’s no doubt that Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part One will rule the box office this weekend; some experts predict it could top $100 million on opening weekend alone.

But what are fans leaving the theater to do while waiting for Deathly Hallows: Part Two‘s release next July? Potter fanatics might do well to pick up One Fine Potion: The Literary Magic of Harry Potter, the latest book from Baylor professor Greg Garrett.

A longtime Baylor English professor, Garrett’s books often look for deeper meaning in pop culture, from music to movies to literature. One Fine Potion follows that approach, examining what J.K. Rowling’s books say about the importance of community and heroism and exploring the Christian allegory found throughout the series. Garrett compares Rowling’s works to those by C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien, both well-known Christian authors of epic fantasies, even going so far as to say “there is no more powerful contemporary retelling of the gospel narrative than Rowling’s 4100 pages.”

Garrett’s book prompted The New Yorker to run a piece on “Harry Potter and Religion,” and he dives further into his writings in this Q&A with BeliefNet. Published by Baylor University Press, One Fine Potion is also available from Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Sic ’em, Dr. Garrett!