The Golden Compass
Anyone who has seen The Golden Compass in the last few days without having read the novel it's based on may well feel bemused by all the fuss being made about it in certain quarters. Although it has been accused of 'selling atheism to kids', it seems innocuous enough. The principal problem with the film, in my opinion, is that the story has been mangled to the point of being nearly incomprehensible.
So, why have emails been circulating warning of the danger posed by this Christmas blockbuster and calling for a boycott of it? The answer is that this is the first of a trilogy, His Dark Materials, and the story becomes increasingly uncomfortable for Christians. In Philip Pullman's books, what begins as a struggle against an oppressive, totalitarian - and religious - regime escalates into full-scale rebellion against God himself.
The film's director, Chris Weitz, admits that they made compromises in filming the first book, toning down controversial religious aspects. Although he insists that the success of The Golden Compass will allow him to stay faithful to the subsequent books, he dismisses as 'ridiculous' suggestions that there is an atheist agenda.
Pullman himself is indignant about all the fuss, and calls his accusers 'nitwits'. He has often spoken of his atheism and his disdain for religion, but protests that he's just trying to tell a story that raises questions. Questions such as 'Is there a God?' and 'What is our purpose?', he says - questions that are central to His Dark Materials - are the 'most important of all'. Inevitably, he has a particular take on them; but such questions are fundamental and we shouldn't be afraid of asking them, or considering someone else's answers - even when they are profoundly different from our own.
Knee-jerk reactions, scaremongering and intemperate words benefit nobody and reflect poorly on the church. They simply confirm Pullman and others in their prejudice against us. If we are confident in the truth of the gospel, we should listen carefully to others' perspectives and respond positively where we can, critically where we must, and always in a way that is characterised by grace.
Pullman writes brilliant fiction with a strong moral core. Millions have read his books and millions more will see the films. Let's grasp the opportunity, engage with them seriously and make the most of openings to discuss these most crucial of questions.
Tony Watkins
You should be careful how you use the word 'prejudice'. It suggests that Pullman has never heard any of the claims Christianity makes for itself. Those of us who have heard time and time again what Christianity asserts and have, as a result, concluded that it is just hot air are not pre-judging.
Date:
2010-01-15 19:56:55
Author:
David Young