Responding to The Golden Compass

Last weekend, I was at the theater and saw a preview for The Golden Compass. My friend leaned over and whispered, "It's so much like Narnia." True, Philip Pullman's fantasy tale has been compared to the stories of J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis. And yet, their core messages are drastically different. Pullman, author of His Dark Materials, a trilogy, has been forthright about his agenda: "My books are about killing God." (Candice's post about this generated quite the discussion.)

Now, on the cusp of the film's release this Friday, Dr. Albert Mohler offers an excellent overview of the movie and thoughts on how Christians should respond. While acknowledging the dangerous anti-God messages of Pullman's story, Mohler advocates something other than total boycott.

This is about the battle of ideas and worldviews. While Christians will not celebrate the release of this film, we should recognize the mixture of challenge and opportunity that comes with millions of persons watching this film and talking about the issues it raises. When the movie is mentioned in the workplace, in school, on the playground, or in the college campus, this is a great opportunity to show that Christians are not afraid of the battle of ideas.

We should recognize that the Christian Church has some very embarrassing moments in its history -- moments when it has failed to represent the truth of the Gospel and the love of Christ. Authors like Philip Pullman take advantage of these failures in order to paint the entire Christian Church as a conspiracy against human happiness and freedom. Of course, that charge will not stand close scrutiny, and we can face it head-on with a thoughtful response.

I believe Christians have sometimes missed the boat when it comes to anti-God media. The temptation can be to bury our heads in the sand or be mindlessly reactionary to things that threaten God's truth. Both responses cause us to lose credibility. Knowing the facts and taking a firm, unapologetic stand sends a more helpful message. Mohler writes:

Philip Pullman has an agenda, but so do we. Our agenda is the Gospel of Christ -- a message infinitely more powerful than that of The Golden Compass. Pullman's worldview of unrestricted human autonomy would be nightmarish if ever achieved. His story promises liberation but would enslave human beings to themselves and destroy all transcendent value.

The biblical story of the Fall is true, after all, and our only rescue is through the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The curse of sin was not reversed by adolescents playing at sex in a garden, but by the Son of God shedding His blood on a cross.

Pullman's story is bad news. But conversations about his troubling tale may provide opportunities to talk about the Good News that comes through Christ.

Comments

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1. Bethany D. said the following at 9:17 PM on Dec 5:

"The temptation can be to bury our heads in the sand or be mindlessly reactionary to things that threaten God's truth."

That remark strongly reminds me of the way many Christians reacted to Harry Potter. Some were preaching that Potter equals Occult, some were claiming it was a harmless fantasy, and some (including me) got so fed up with the fiery debate that we avoided the topic altogether.

2. Jacob Douvier said the following at 10:47 PM on Dec 5:

I think we are doing kids, especially jr. high and up, a favor if we come along side them and interact with Golden Compass together. Teach them discernment and how to analyze and identify bad ideas. Hiding from things we don't like won't make them go away.

3. JB said the following at 1:31 AM on Dec 6:

I disagreed with some of Dr. Mohler's points in his review, but I agree with his final conclusion.

I think he overstates the sexual content of the books considerably. To the extent that there is sex, it serves as a thematic element and not an explicit act. A child reading the series would probably not notice anything sexual at all apart from a couple kisses in the third book. There is certainly nothing "graphic" or "explicit" to my mind. Dr. Mohler quotes the only passages that could conceivably meet that description in his review, though, so I suppose that's a personal judgment.

However, I think Dr. Mohler is entirely correct that the books contain content which is challenging and should be dealt with. Pullman does misrepresent Christianity's history, attitude towards temporal power, and attitude towards sexuality. But, as Dr. Mohler seems to concede in his review, Pullman didn't just make up his critique from whole cloth - he has understandable reasons for believing as he does. I think these critiques are worth engaging on their own merits, but I also agree with Dr. Mohler that the popularity of the film and books will make Pullman's work worth engaging with so that we can present the truth about our faith.

As for the movie itself, I think it's worth noting that the US Conference of Catholic Bishops thinks it can be used to teach positive messages, such as the Bible's stance on political power and free will. The Archbishop of Canterbury agrees.

4. Stephanie said the following at 7:41 AM on Dec 6:

There are a couple of issues that come into play here: Yes, Christians have ignorantly retreated from the battle of ideas, especially in the last 20 or 30 years. However, there is never a reason to financially support something you disagree with. Hollywood listens to one thing only -- box office numbers and particularly those of opening weekend. Voting with your purse is the only true option Christians have. (However, the film would have gotten much less attention had the Church responded more quietly. Controversy always draws numbers.)
There is another option for Christians who want to engage in the Battle of Ideas -- read the books, FROM YOUR LOCAL LIBRARY. But I would also exercise caution. I read everything -- mainly for the sole purpose of engaging in this intellectual battle. I began to read a borrowed copy of the trilogy for this very reason, and I stopped after the first book. There was something almost "sinister" there, and I am not solely referring to the ideas. I would advise Christians to pray over themselves for spiritual protection before reading the books.

5. Robert J Espe said the following at 8:42 AM on Dec 6:

I agree with Stephanie, armor yourself with prayer, then go forth and meet the enemy, but read the book, or watch the movie on DVD. Going to the theater is supplying the enemy with ammunition.

6. kman said the following at 10:02 AM on Dec 6:

I will go out on a limb and say that any of the arguments put forth in the movie won't be new. They will be ones that have been around a long time and have been answered already. This will be a new packaging of the same arguments.

Knowledge of apologetics will help you deal with these issues without having to go see/read every piece of anti-Christian media that the world trots out. We are called to give an answer for the hope that is within us. Be proactive in building your knowledge of the reasons for your hope and the next thing that comes out will be an opportunity to share Christ and why you believe.

7. Dr. Ransom said the following at 12:17 PM on Dec 6:

In a recent blog-column about the Pullman paradigm and storyline, based mostly on Mohler's seemingly fair descriptions (I haven't read the books myself, nor do I care even to attempt finding the time), I wondered about why Christians should bother all that much about what is, essentially, not an attack upon real Christianity at all.

[T]he thought struck me as recently as this morning how futile Pullman’s efforts seem to be against real Christianity. The faith is so woefully, stupidly and transparently-falsely represented in the books — at least from Mohler’s fair descriptions — that discerning Christians could hardly feel truly threatened.
Here I’m reminded of the infamous Dan Brown and The Da Vinci Code, in which the guy spent almost all his time, when he wasn’t ultra-describing the Louvre Museum and Paris for pages on end, picking on the Catholic Church. But see, I’m not a member of the Catholic Church. The Catholic Church, while accomplishing a lot of great things, has a heck of a lot of theological problems — just like the majority of “Protestant” churches do, frankly.

Ergo, if you want to go ahead and make fun of or attempt to attack wrong “Christian” beliefs and institutions — I say, knock yourself out, pal. The true Christian faith remains unassailed.

Pullman’s trying just more of the same, from what I’ve read. His characters are fighting disgusting bigoted “Christian” stand-ins and a repressive regime that stifles true personality and sexuality and all that. Moreover, eventually in the third book the kids do kill “god,” who turns out to be a rather, as Mohler phrases it, “decrepit and feeble old imposter who was hardly worth the killing.”

Well, you’ll note my use of lowercase words up there, with the lowercase who and even god. I don’t know this character that’s Pullman’s (per-) version of God. The Biblical God, my God, is infinite and powerful, the Creator of the universe and of healthful character development and even sexuality, Who works all things according to His foreknown purpose and has arranged from the beginning of His own created-time to redeem the universe and many of its citizens for His own glory and good pleasure. Pullman’s inclusion of some “decrepit and feeble old imposter” doesn’t offend me, but is simply amusing. I can only laugh at Pullman’s juvenile attempts to punch out a straw man and then pretend to be all wise and suave about it. If he attacked a realistic presentation of the Biblical God, then I might have a problem.

Meanwhile, Pullman's still guilty of the worst kind of propaganda, which Christians are often (sometimes fairly) accused of doing in Art and Literature. In fantasy, anyway, Christ-followers such as Lewis and Tolkien are indeed worthy of the designation of having founded the modern genre first, and not for the sake of religious propaganda.

Thus, it's kinda fun to see atheistic authors such as Pullman getting so up-tight about popular Christian writers and trying to "respond" to them and/or compete, rather than vice-versa, is it not?

8. Adam Sloope said the following at 12:32 PM on Dec 6:

The unfortunate truth about Christians is this: we have created our own world that is isolated from the world in which we are to spread the Gospel of Christ. We have Christian candy, Christian music, Christian clothing, Christian everything. I've been looked down upon because I went and saw Potter or because I do listen to music that is not signed to a Christian label. What? Should this be? No! Jesus called us to not be of the world but to go and preach the Gospel to all the nations. How can we go to all the nations if we are not willing to leave our comfort zones? I don't think we should be supporters of the anti-God message, but it can be helpful to be open to discussing this movie with others rather than trashing it and making it seem as if we are above it. Media is not sin, the message behind it is. Enjoy movies, music, and book, remember that in doing so we represent Christ and must always be prepared to give an answer. We need to be culturally relevant in order to reach the world. Ok, I'm stepping down form the soap box now. I like your view on this deal Suzanne!

9. Deferio said the following at 3:36 PM on Dec 6:

Adam you said "What? Should this be? No! Jesus called us to not be of the world but to go and preach the Gospel to all the nations. How can we go to all the nations if we are not willing to leave our comfort zones?"
Are you saying you went and saw Harry Potter as a way to evangelize or to "leave your comfort zone"?
Not likely...it seems that you are just attaching the the great comission to your set of entertainment choices.

You also said..."I don't think we should be supporters of the anti-God message, but it can be helpful to be open to discussing this movie with others rather than trashing it and making it seem as if we are above it."

But you are supporting it...with your time and money. They don't care why you see it...so long as you vote with your dollar...the spirit is willing but the wallet is weak.
and BTW we ARE above it. We are part of the same "Upward call" as Paul was and are to be Holy and set apart...unto Christ.

We are not called to be relevent by the emering defenition which is at best an excuse for fulfilling the lusts of your flesh.

The Gospel is relevant without the aid of our pop reference library. Because all who do not know Christ share the same fate of Judgment and Hell and we have the answer in Christ's death and ressurection for our sins. That is way more "relevant" than culture.

10. Deferio said the following at 3:41 PM on Dec 6:

One more thing, Adam. You said: "Enjoy movies, music, and book, remember that in doing so we represent Christ and must always be prepared to give an answer."

I'm sorry this is completely contrary!

If you enjoy a movie that is dishonoring to God then the only one you will need to answer to is Him.... To the tune of "If you reperesent Me ... why did you take part in and enjoy My being mocked and dishonored?"

11. Robert J Espe said the following at 7:22 AM on Dec 7:

I don't think Christian's should ignore this. The reason is one CS Lewis would have recognized. Friedrick Niezcthe isn't that dangerous, at the end of the day, no one likes fatalism, but fantasy resonates with people. If people can become sympathetic to story characters who are oppressed by the church (headed by Pope John Calvin, so Pullman is gunning at all of us!) that will worm its way into their worldview and eventually have an effect. The fact that we say that isn't our church won't matter if we wait too long to explain that.

There is an excellent article in Touchstone that outlines the three books, also contrasts them with the Harry Potter series, so for fellow Harry Potter fans who are tired of hearing it bashed by people who haven't read them (and probably shouldn't read fantasy anyways) this is for you!

http://touchstonemag.com/archives/article.php?id=16-08-042-f

12. JL said the following at 4:07 PM on Dec 7:

My immediate thought, after reading Dr. Mohler's perceptive review is, as Christians, do we know individually what is our own mission? And if not, why not and what is it?

13. Osayi E. said the following at 9:32 PM on Dec 8:

My fear is that if we go to see the movie in the theaters, the creators will be encouraged to put the other books in the series in theaters as well...

Do we really need to give our money to them in order to become more knowledgeable?
Can't we read about and research the movie, and decide that it is really more harmful than helpful?

I mean seriously in the movie everyone has an animal spirit that is close to their heart, which also happens to be a demon that the "evil church" tries to separate them from...and in the end humanity kills God...

It's explicit. We may be able to learn or teach discernment through it in the same way you may watch an rated "R" movie and learn and teach discernment. But is this the best way to get a result, or will it end up costing us more than we are benefiting?

14. Kit said the following at 10:23 PM on Dec 8:

Well, to throw a real wrench into the discussion of this movie/book: I must start by saying that I am not finished with the book yet. But I just got back from the movie, and thoroughly enjoyed it.

Here's why: Pullman's story is creative, suspensful, and intriguing. It is well-crafted and thoughtful. It presents many contrasting views worthy of discussion.

Here's something else to chew on. I am going to be careful about how I say this, and I know that many on this post may not agree. It's my opinion, however. Pullman's story is not all that different from Lewis' Narnia; in fact, there are many striking similarities, right down to the end message: good defeats evil.

Pullman's presentation of God as Evil is thoroughly unconvincing for this reason alone: why would anyone at all choose to worship a god such as his? If God ruled the world in a manipulative fashion, as presented in the movie/book, he would have no disciples.

The God Pullman is trying to kill does not resemble Christ at all. This movie/book is nothing to be afraid of. In the end, Pullman ends up supporting Christian views--good triumphing, the right and freedom of choice, and the standing up against tyranny--rather than destroying them. It's rather a shame for Pullman, who I believe won't be able to deny this should it ever be brought to his attention.

15. Tom said the following at 3:41 PM on Dec 9:

I'm a strong Christian, passionately interested in evangelism. I also love reading. I read the books, and I enjoyed them a great deal. I went to see the film and really enjoyed it. I recommend that you do too, so you know what people are talking about.

16. Caleb said the following at 10:59 AM on Dec 10:

For those that say we shouldn't "give Hollywood ammunition" by going to see the movie I have to disagree with your reasoning. They will make money regardless of you going or not, and they still make money if you rent the DVD.

But the most important point I can make is that you should watch this, but with great discretion. How are you going to combat the enemy if you don't know their world view? I highly recommend reading a book called Redeeming Pol Culture, by T.M. Moore. He talks about how we can engage culture in a biblical manner.

We are called as Christians to be in the world, but not OF it. It is our duty as Christians to befriend non-Christians and to minister to them. The best way to do that is to know where they are coming from and to truly love them despite the fact they don't believe what you do.

I believe we are to constantly work to advance the kingdom of God which means advocating whatever is true, just, pure and lovely, but people will not be receptive to those things until they have Christ and in order to combat sin we have to know what it is and be able to shine the light of Christ through it.

17. Paul said the following at 10:07 PM on Dec 10:

What if you think the movie looks lousy and have absolutely no desire to see it???

18. Caleb said the following at 7:59 AM on Dec 11:

Good point Paul. I actually don't have any desire to see it myself. I think I should have been more clear in my statements. As Christians we should engage culture in order to redeem it. That doesn't mean we should go see every movie and read every book out there, we simply don't even have time (or desire for that matter).

But, we should know what our enemy believes and why and actively seek ways to engage people where they are at. I think Paul said it best, "I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some, now this I do for the gospel's sake that I might be a partaker of it with you".

19. Tiffany said the following at 5:36 PM on Dec 29:

I recently watched this movie and besides finding it extremely boring ( I read the books in college before I understood all the innuendos) I noticed only 3 occasions when I could decipher the correlation between the church and the Magisteriam. I was glad it was as few as three and upset it was there at all. It certainly made the Magisteriam evil and cruel. Those fighting for 'free will' were, of course heroes. Hopefully, if you or anyone you know watches this movie, you can go in with prayer and use it as a tool for advancing the gospel.