177. How Does J. K. Rowling’s World Expose Legalism, Fandom, and Sexual Activism? | with Marian Jacobs

Alas! We must report that another back-to-school season has come upon us, and we Muggles haven’t gotten our letter to Hogwarts.[1. Photo by Gabriel Kraus on Unsplash.] But since the 1990s, that infamous wizarding world has received plenty of Howlers, not just from concerned Christians but from zealous fans and even sexual activists. One recent podcast, “The Witch Trials of J. K. Rowling,” brewed all this into a bubbling cauldron of controversy. Now our own staff writer Marian Jacobs, who’s crafting her own book about a biblical Christian worldview of fictional magic, appears in our studio to help teach defense against these dark arts. Subscribe to Lorehaven middle grade • teens + YA • adults • onscreen • author resources • gifts • guild Episode sponsors Enclave Publishing: Savage Bred by Victoria McCombs The Pop Culture Parent by Ted Turnau, E. Stephen Burnett, and Dr. Jared Moore Michelle M. Bruhn: Songflight and Stormdance Concession stand This is less about the Potter series and more about this “Witch Trials” podcast. Just like Rowling, let’s be careful to discern between victims and victimizers. This podcast includes gross worldviews and misogynist, vulgar quotes. When we say “legalism,” we mean any unbiblical rules treated as biblical. When we say “fandom,” we mean any group of story readers/viewers. When we say “sexual activism,” we mean a new political/religious/social cause. This newer religion prizes human sexual autonomy over traditional human views. Stephen calls this novelty religious/social belief system “Sexualityism.” When leaders use this to alter policy, he calls this “sexual imperialism.” This all seems very philosophical—thus our Back to Magic School series! But we think this podcast is vital to help Christian fans discern our world. Introducing guest Marian Jacobs Marian Jacobs has created Lorehaven stories since the first print issue, exploring Jesus, monsters, and spaceships. Her work has also featured at Desiring God and Stage and Story. Follow all Marian’s progress at MAJacobs.com. Sign up and get her free steampunk fantasy Automated. Her first nonfiction book, a scriptural analysis and guide to discerning fictional magic, is set for summer 2025 release from B&H Publishing. 1. Her fictional wizards uncloaked Christian legalism. “Witch Trials” episode 2 focuses on this, with great sense of proportion.