Among Catholics, probably the only subject likely to stir up more debate and inflame more passions than the liberalization of the Tridentine Rite is Harry Potter.

Ask any Catholic parent what they think of him, and the series of books and movies that are so beloved by so many children, and you’ll get an earful.

Some find them harmless entertainment.

Others call the books Satanic, with elements of witchcraft and wizardry. They consider them further signs that the world is headed to hell in a handbasket, and we’re all in the express lane.

But now a Catholic priest has come forward to say: not so fast:

July will be a big month for Harry Potter fans and Father Michael Bernier, parochial vicar at St. Mary Parish in Westfield, Massachusetts proudly counts himself among the myriad of Potter devotees. In fact, he described himself as a “Pottermaniac” at a talk he gave in May about God and Harry Potter. And he, like millions more, is looking forward to July 21 when the seventh and final book, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows,” is released and July 13 when the fifth movie, “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix,” premieres. Father Bernier told those gathered for his talk at St. Mary High School that Christians should not fear this devotion to stories about a boy wizard. “On the surface level it does sound suspect and does raise red flags,” he said. However, he said the magic in Harry Potter is not sorcery. “I happen to be one of the people who believes that there’s a great deal of Christian imagery and symbolism in the books. And I think it answers, at least in parts, a longing that we have for Christ,” he said.

Meanwhile, other Christian denominations are also giving Harry a second look, and he doesn’t seem quite as sinister to them, either:

The Harry Potter series is not for young or spiritually immature children, as they may not have the ability to distinguish between reality and fantasy, right and wrong, or good and evil. At best, they may be left confused about God’s views about the occult, and at worst, they may become enchanted by the magical existence of Harry and his friends, becoming desensitized to occultic lifestyles. In addition, there are issues such as violence and mildly foul language that each Christian family will be sensitive to at different levels.

On the other hand, there are positive aspects to Harry Potter. Love is shown through selflessness and self-sacrifice; Harry’s own mother died to save him. There is a sense of justice, as good always triumphs over evil. Harry faces his fears and finds courage, even risking his own life for greater good. Friendships are defined by loyalty and unending devotion, even to the point of death.

To any family who is facing the debate with their children about whether or not they should be allowed to watch or read Harry Potter, my suggestion is this: “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done” (Philippians 4:6, NLT). The Bible tells us that God cares about what happens to us, and so we should give all of our worries to Him (1 Peter 5:7).

I’m not sure what impact any of this will have on the unfolding Pottermania this July. But it got me to wondering: is there a deeper symbolism, perhaps, even to the child wizard’s name? I couldn’t help but think of Isaiah 64: “O Lord, you are our father; we are the clay and you the potter: we are all the work of your hands.”