I think of the Jewish novelist Chaim Potok, whose artistic hero Asher Lev searches for imagery to express the pain of modern Judaism. The only thing he can find that will do-to the predictable horror of his community-is the crucifixion scene, which he paints in fresh and shocking ways. I think of the way in which the first Harry Potter novel ends with the disclosure that Harry had been rescued, as a young child, by the loving self-sacrifice of his mother. We could go on.
N.T. Wright reflects on the profound expression of sacrifice and suffering in art and literature, citing Chaim Potok's character Asher Lev. Lev's struggle as a Jewish artist leads him to confront complex themes within his faith, ultimately expressing deep emotional pain through the controversial image of the crucifixion. This choice highlights the tension between personal and community beliefs in the search for meaningful expression.
Wright also parallels this with the ending of the first Harry Potter book, where the foundational theme of love and sacrifice is unveiled through Harry's mother's selfless act. Both narratives emphasize the transformative power of sacrifice, whether in a religious context or in modern storytelling, revealing how these themes resonate through different cultures and genres.
