[Mithalwen]

"Her greatest 'sin' in this regard has been in not placing her 'magic-users' within a philosophical/religious tradition."

I have to say that this is dumping an awful lot on Rowling who never claims to be more than a storyteller. Having spent Wednesday evening watching "A Midsummer Night's Dream" I don't see that Shakespeare places his magic users in a tradition either so why not have a pop at him too? Magic has been a feature of many children's books - I remember enjoying a series of books as a child featuring a school for witches (The littlest witch?) - it was read out loud in class (quite possible by a teacher who was also the vicar's wife). I don't remember people getting their knickers in a twist about those. If Rowling has a sin it was to be so popular.....