this isn't a harry specific question but one about the canon at large but do you think religion has a part in the magical world? and if so would you categorize under one harry and why or why not it's just a question that's been burning in my head and i just can't decide so i thought to ask you because you write such interesting and wonderful things about harry and his world, and so i thought to ask you.
that is something i wonder about too, actually!
it would seem that there is at least one denomination in the wizarding world, perhaps practiced regionally. there is a reference to a character who seems to be some kind of minister who officiates both dumbledore’s funeral and bill and fleur’s wedding. why it’s only one person can be left to interpretation and what his significances is remains to be unseen.
A little tufty-haired man in plain black robes had got to his feetand stood now in front of Dumbledore’s body. Harry could not hear what he was saying. Odd words floated back to them over thehundreds of heads. “Nobility of spirit” … “intellectual contribution”… “greatness of heart” … It did not mean very much. (HBP)
Harry saw the same small, tufty-haired wizard whohad presided at Dumbledore’s funeral, now standing in front of Billand Fleur. “We are gathered here today to celebrate the union oftwo faithful souls …” (DH)
i have been looking into this series mystical paths of world’s religions to get some inspiration on the matter. ( it’s over forty hours of content so i’ve been taking my sweet time with that. ). in my research for harry in particular my focus has been on buddhism, hinduism, and sikhism i have been trying to find a way to incorporate themes highlighting the mystic without ever being disrespectful to the belief. i do think some element of every religion would be brought into the wizarding world with the exception of maybe christianity. it would just seem that the religion’s track record could be very easily used in propaganda against all muggles.
the hallows would be another element of some kind of religion being in the wizarding world, to the extent it is worshipped and practiced i would not be sure of. we know enough to know people had symbols of it placed on their gravestone. death, i think, plays a significant role in the community. much like in the way the traditional view of the afterlife is intended, the wizarding community looks to escape. for them it would seem more literal.
though he has certainly experienced a taste of life after death, i think harry ( particularly as he grows ) is resistant to throwing his allegiance behind one single belief and instead looks to religious practices as a cultural experience. but i think he might be in the minority in this regard.
tldr; yes i believe religion plays a significant role in the wizarding world. and i believe it is as varied as it is for muggles.
