The Power of Love (and Wine and Cheese)

Yesterday, I read this commentary on the Time website.

The writer complains that " If you want to know who dies in Harry Potter, the answer is easy: God." Yes, unlike the bang-you-over-the-head symbolism of Narnia, it's true -- God is not named in the Harry Potter books.

But what blows me away is how the writer completely discounts the power of love. "In the new millennium, magic comes not from God or nature or anything grander or more mystical than a mere human emotion."

Oh. Love. Mere human emotion. I'm sorry, Mr. Spock called, and he wants his attitude back ...

I am frequently overwhelmed with the power found in love. How's this for a story:

Robber comes to house, with a gun. The guests invite him to have wine. He shares their wine, their cheese. He puts the gun away and apologizes. He requests hugs. He leaves.

We don't know what happened next. Did he change his life? Did he go somewhere else and commit robbery?

He gave an offer of violence. They offered wine and hugs.

Pretty powerful stuff for Muggles.