Dumbledore’s Secret

Rowlings’ Secret a Blessing to Christians

by Ryan Schreiber

Recently author J.K. Rowling created quite a stir by announcing that the headmaster of Hogwarts and wizard mentor of Harry Potter, Albus Dumbledore, is gay.

I am going to take what might be an unpopular position on the issue and say this: it is a good thing that our friend Albus is gay.

I should say at some point that I speak here as a member and representative of a community of Christian people from the Reformed tradition; and for all you CRC folk, let me also say that nowhere here will I deviate from long-held decisions and beliefs of our denomination.

Here is the CRC's stance on homosexuality: First of all, the denomination believes that homosexual people really do exist, some of whom are born homosexual and have sexual attractions that will remain locked-on to people of the same gender as long as they live. The study that the CRC pays most attention to says that between 2 and 3% of all people are born homosexual, with another 3% being biologically/hormonally bisexual.

The CRC says that while homosexual sexual activity is sinful, the church ought to minister to gays and lesbians by providing community and fulfillment for those who wish to abstain from this activity. Being gay does not prohibit people from joining and participating fully in the church, and "homosexual acts" can be repented from, similar to all other sexual sins. Very importantly, the CRC condemns homophobia.

While being gay is not sinful, being homophobic is.

The important things for the purposes of the present discussion about our wizard are these: being gay is not sinful, there are already gay folks in our communities, and we ought to do what we can to encourage these brothers and sisters and attract others into the body of Christ.

Getting back to Dumbledore, the main reason why I say it's great Albus is a gay wizard is that he provides an excellent role model for these, our brothers and sisters in Christ. Dumbledore displays tremendous virtue to which both heterosexual and homosexual Christians can aspire. Albus shows that gay people can be heroic and are invaluable in the struggle against the kingdom of darkness, that they can feel remorse over sin and past failure, they can be highly competent to an excellent degree, and are worthy of respect and honor.

Dumbledore displays the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and self-control (against such things there is no law). Dumbledore is an excellent character and also has excellent character. He has great power, but not without a good dose of humility. He knows not only his sin but also bitter remorse. He can remain free from anxiety in the most confrontational, extreme situations. He also has a great sense of humor.

Dumbledore is not obsessed with his sexuality (a feat, according to Henri Nouwen), nor does he sexualize his relationships in an inappropriate way. Just as heterosexual Christian men ought to be able to relate in a brotherly way to women they would find attractive, gay and lesbian Christians can, with the power of the same Holy Spirit, overcome this temptation that is shared by all of us, even Jesus.

As much as you can for a fictional character, I respect Albus Dumbledore for all of this virtue. I am very glad that my gay brothers and sisters can look to this wizard as an example of maturity and excellence. I am also glad that in Dumbledore we who are heterosexual can gain a gay friend if we don't have one already. In our reactions to Dumbledore, we can analyze the extent of our homophobia. And just like our brothers and sisters, we can take him on as a role model.

To be very blunt, some of the comments I have heard about Dumbledore's "coming out" are insensitive and ridiculous to a high degree (not to mention inconsistent with the CRC's position and interpretation of the Bible). We are plainly still struggling with homophobia. Besides, if Dumbledore's sexuality changes the way we read the books, what will happen to us if a friend or coworker or child of ours turns out to differ from sexual norms, something they cannot help or change?

My professor of pastoral care says the crowning achievement of empathy is for a heterosexual person to really walk a mile or two in a gay person's shoes. Not many of us have tried very hard. With Dumbledore, we may be able to at least entertain the idea. The goal of the Christian life is to look upon no one with prejudice, since we are all born into an evil world, but to together pursue the goal for which Christ Jesus first pursued us. What's the big deal about Dumbledore being gay? I think it's great.

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