Potterism (The Boy Who Lived)

Potterism is the main religion practiced in the neo-medieval societies of the 28th century. It is based around elements of both Christianity and the Harry Potter series.
==Sources==
The seven Harry Potter books, divided into chapters and verses, are the sacred texts of Potterism. Companion books and other sources about Harry Potter's life, which were discovered much later, are considered apocrypha. Harry Potter's years at Hogwarts are the central narrative of Potterism, and are believed to describe a battle between good and evil.
==Beliefs==
===Magic===
The central tenet in traditional Potterism is the belief in magic, which is understood as a nature-changing force that only true wizards can manage, and that can manifest itself through a range of different spells. The most important goal for a young Potterist is to find out whether they are magical or not. This is determined by "signs" of magical ability that one shows at an early age. At age eleven, the boy or girl goes to a Potterist church, where a priest finds out, through rituals, if they are a wizard or not. In most cases, if one's parents are both wizards, the child will most likely be a wizard too. 
===Harry Potter===
Harry Potter, the central figure in Potterism, is believed to have been an exceptional and prophesied wizard who defeated "The One who Cannot be Named" (Voldemort) through a combination of astuteness, bravery, loyalty and above all friendship. These are considered the four values of Potterism. Harry is seen as a sacred role model everyone should follow. Harry's many relatives, friends and acquaintances described in the books are also venerated. Harry's mentor, Albus Dumbledore, is the second most venerated figure in Potterism.
===The Evil One=== 
The Evil One, whose true name (Voldemort) is rarely said, is the incarnation of evil, described in the books as Harry Potter's greatest enemy. He is as powerful as he is evil, but Harry Potter ultimately defeats him, even though he was in great disadvantage. 
===Afterlife===
Potterism believes in an afterlife and that some dead people can visit and even inhabit the living world as ghosts. The sacred texts describe several ghosts that visited the living, and is clear that one continues to live in spirit after dying; however, it also alerts about the danger that seeking dark magic poses to one's soul. As it is clear in the sacred writings that no magic can bring back the dead, Potterism does not believe in any kind of physical resurrection; Harry Potter is considered an exceptional case of surviving death.
===Love===
The magic of love is considered the highest and most powerful of all, and the only one that can defy death.
===Unforgivable Curses===
The following are the three Unforgivable Curses, which are the three greatest sins in Potterism, and have the highest civil penalties in Potterist societies. 
* Avada Kedavra (murder): Deliberately ending the life of someone.
* Cruciatus (torture): Inflicting severe physical pain on someone by any means, especially if for the torturer's own benefit or sadism or under someone else's orders.
* Imperius: A loosely defined curse that abranges several acts deemed controlling, such as enslaving, blackmailing, and severe manipulation.
==Symbol==
The lightning bolt (Harry's scar) is the most familiar symbol of Potterism.
 
Category:The Boy Who Lived