I came across a mash-up of sorts on the internet today.  A group of folks are asking which Hogwarts House would the sorting hat place the main characters from The Hunger Games.  In other words, from what we know of Slytherin, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Gryffindor--where would Katniss, Peeta, and Gale be placed?  Okay, so you have to be into young adult fiction or movies.  But it's a fun challenge.
The four houses of Hogwarts identify and place students based on their character:  based on the unique virtues and possibly vices they bring to the table.  In a sense, the Sorting Hat is a kind of supreme discernment tool that looks into the hearts and minds of first year students to see the kind of young men and women they may become if put in the right environment.
 
The Huffington Post site which started me thinking offers, for instance, the following hypothetical placements.
   Katiss: Slytherin
Slytherin might get a bad rap, but hear us out on this one -- it's not always a bad thing. As a tribute, she's ultra-focused on survival, a classic Slytherin trait. If she were a Gryffindor, she might sacrifice herself in the Games so that another tribute could survive (the way Harry was willing to die for the good of others in the final scenes of Deathly Hallows). Instead, she's a fierce competitor with a deep instinct to survive.
  Peeta: Hufflepuff
Everyone's favorite District 12 cutie is a Hufflepuff. He's kind, selfless, and cares deeply for others (including Katniss!). Even as a child, he saved Katniss and her family from starvation by giving her bread. But it's not all fun and games for Peeta; in true Hufflepuff fashion, Katniss rejects Peeta the same way that Remus rejected Tonks, a Hufflepuff.
  Gale: Gryffindor
Gale has Gryffindor written all over him. He comes from a poor family, but doesn't let that get him down -- family is everything to him. While Katniss is fighting in the Games, he takes over her responsibilities to her mother and sister and asks for nothing in return. We think he's a lot like Ron Weasley, who would do anything for his family and friends.
  Rue: Ravenclaw
As the smallest and youngest tribute, Rue faces devastating odds. But what she lacks in size and maturity, she makes up for with intelligence, the mark of a true Ravenclaw. She uses her extensive knowledge of plants to collect food and heal burns.
So I'm wondering what house you would  put Jesus in (assuming that Jesus would "fit" into one of the Hogwarts Houses)?
What about the disciples?  Where would the ancient sorting hat put Simon Peter, John, or Judas?  Where in the world would you place the apostle Paul?
Where would Mary Magdalene or Mary, the Mother of Jesus, or the woman at the well be sent?  How about Joseph, Nicodemus, or the rich young ruler?
And if you really want to have fun, think about the powerful stories Jesus told.  What house would the prodigal son or the older brother be placed in?  How about the good samaritan or the rich fool or the dishonest steward?
It might be a fun game to play and might bring some real insights with it.  Considering the standards set up in the examples from Hunger Games/Hogwarts have you got any thoughts?
 
Boy, this is fascinating stuff. How did we ever get so lucky to have such a culturally relevant pastor as Tim Burchill? And yes, the comment section is easy to work. In fact, it does work so help yourselves.
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