[Tax-chick]

maybe she should have left out some of the camping scenes

I found that section a little tedious, but I think the point was the testing of the association of Harry, Ron and Hermione. Would the friendship and/or romantic association stand up to the demands of the "quest," or not.

Ron is like the son in the parable who says, "I won't go work in the vineyard," but then does anyway.

And speaking of the Bible references, I have to say I didn't really like how that was done. The holidays, the churches and cemeteries, the occasional "Thank God!" and yet nobody, Muggle or magical, is observant of any religion. I found it very inconsistent.

As with "Lord of the Rings," I found the absence of faith in God from the narrative context creates a sense of existential despair that is not overcome by the feel-good "happy ending." No matter how noble the pagans, all endings are death and damnation without the Crucifixion and Resurrection of Christ. And yes, I get all the typology and symbolism ... but that doesn't still doesn't fill the gaping hole in the milieu, in my opinion.

[Maigrey]

As to play Devil's Advocate...

Maybe she didn't want to shove religion and spirituality down the reader's throat, and also preach to them away from the message of "You choices make you who you are."

Ultimately, I found it refreshing that she didn't preach in the story, and it also will allow the readers to decide for themselves whether they want to go farther.

Or, I'm talking out my (ahem!) and don't know that I'm saying. (always possible)

[Corin Stormhands]

And speaking of the Bible references, I have to say I didn't really like how that was done. The holidays, the churches and cemeteries, the occasional "Thank God!" and yet nobody, Muggle or magical, is observant of any religion. I found it very inconsistent.

At the same time, it's probably very reflective of the state of the church in Britain.

[Tangerine Time Machine]

As with "Lord of the Rings," I found the absence of faith in God from the narrative context creates a sense of existential despair that is not overcome by the feel-good "happy ending." No matter how noble the pagans, all endings are death and damnation without the Crucifixion and Resurrection of Christ. And yes, I get all the typology and symbolism ... but that doesn't still doesn't fill the gaping hole in the milieu, in my opinion.

Tolkien occasionally tips his hand:

"And before the Sun had fallen far from the noon out of the East there came a great Eagle flying, and he bore tidings beyond hope from the Lords of the West, crying:

'Sing now ye people of Minas Anor

for the realm of Sauron is ended for ever

and the Dark Tower is thrown down.

Sing and rejoice, ye people of the Tower of Guard

for your watch hath not been in vain,

and the Black Gate is broken,

and your King hath passed through,

and he is victorious.

Sing and be glad, all ye children of the West

for your King shall come again,

and he shall dwell among you,

all the days of your life.

And the Tree that was withered shall be renewed,

and he shall plant it in the high places,

and the City shall be blessed.

Sing all ye people!"

Sauron fell on March 25th, which is the old English date of the Crucifixion, and also the date of the Annunciation.