Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time Rod Dreher has used his “Crunchy Con” blog as a soapbox from which to slander anyone who believes in progressive politics as “godless.” Last I checked, God wasn’t registered as “Republican” or “Democrat,” and I really wish Mr. Dreher would stop.
Thank you, Donna, for sticking up for those of us who not only read books but feel that progressive politics and God actually do go together… or, at, the very least, are not mutually exclusive. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

I have not yet read Philip Pullman’s series, though I don’t consider it much a threat to Christianity–any more than The Da Vinci Code movie was.
Christians made a big deal out of ‘The Da Vinci Code’ last year when it released… and probably helped the box-office results of a lousy thriller. From what I’ve seen of early reviews, ‘The Golden Compass’ is not pleasing many movie audiences–so why be concerned about a poorly made film?
-joshMshep
Colorado Springs
http://www.myspace.com/joshmshep

Thank you for these reasonable, thoughtful and intelligent comments about this wonderful trilogy. I read them in three days last week after hearing of this controversy and the kind of hoo-hah that was being discussed.
I agree that these books are well considered, well researched but above all thought provoking – isn’t that the point of a conversation about religion? After all it is not a topic that has one definite answer, regardless of one’s personal beliefs.
I hope more people will read these books in the lead up to the release of The Golden Compass film and have the chance to make up their own mind, and not allow anyone else to make it for them.
Best regards
L

Do Christians think they own God? Pullman is attacking God, not Christianity. Granted, he is attacking the Christian theology, but still, Christ does not appear in the books, is not even mentioned. I’m a devout Jew, and I do not feel in any way threatened or offended by His Dark Materials. Christians need to ease up – not everything is a personal attack on you.

I am a Christian, not a baptist, methodist or any other label, but a Christian. I have not read the books, I now plan to. A woman came in our office ranting and raving about the “kids” movie coming out in December, however I notice that this movie is not yet rated. Falsehood #1. She said it was about the killing of God. I asked her if she had read the books, “no” was her answer, so possible Falsehood #2. I told her before she ran around town making claims she should atlease know what she was talking about. This kind of gargage just amazes me. Haven’t read the books, know nothing about the story, but are willing to make hystical claims.
Please go ahead and make a lot of noise about movie, drive the interest up through the roof, that way more people will want to see the movie, it will make more money at the box office, and open a lot of “intellegent” conversations about religion and God in general. Notice I said intellegent conversation, not hysttical ranting. Anything that can get people talking about God, is a good thing.
Viva the controversy!!!!!!!

I am an educator and was assistant buyer at a store and read the Galley (book before it is officially published) of the Golden Compass. Loved it and then had my son read it. He read it in 5th grade. It is a book more for 6th grade and up, but it’s a wonderful book. And so are the sequels. My son couldn’t wait until each book, The Subtle Knife came out and was bummed when the third book, The Amber Spyglass took a while to come out. My son is now in college and took a class on Phillip Pullman’s Dark Materials, through physics. Dark matrials is dust,physics not ” the devil”. I have even met Mr. Pullman & he was courteous & gracious. He has written other wonderful which are historical fictions. Besides I have met some people who profess to be faithful but are definitely the goats that Jesus said & I have met peole who are humanist who seem to live by love for their fellow humans.
Do not knock a book or movie without real info. A book about a young girl’s quest and ADVENTURE in a wonderful world of imagination and fantasy opens up adventures.

I don’t know who this Pullman is, nor have I read his books. I had not received the email on the movie as yet when I saw the previews of The Golden Compass. I knew there was no way I would see this movie nor would I ever take a child. It had a pretty little girl and some would say, a beautiful woman in the movie. But that didn’t cover up the violence or the evilness I saw in the previews. So no, based on the movie, I have no desire to read his books. When the hair on the back of your neck stands up, that usually tells me that something is not right. My sister and I looked at each other and at the same time said “no way!”, we pretty much thought it was sick. The email just confirmed what I thought and felt when I saw the previews.
Kathy

As a Christian, a scholar, and a reader, I respectfully disagree. I read the books, and I think that they are extremely well written. That being said, I still think they are anti-God, and while the “god” of the books is a false god of sorts, and that the church of the books is a corrupt church, that doesn’t change the fact that Pullman still shows god as falliable, which, as a christian, is for me, anti-God.

Thank you for a reasoned and informed discussion of a subject that sends many people off the edge. Having read only the first book, I am poised to finish the series and as a middle school librarian, I would be ready to recommend, at least, the Golden Compass to any of our students.

I have a comment, WHO DO YOU OR ANY OTHER AUTHOR, FILM MAKER, OR ANYONE ELSE THINK THEY ARE TO THINK THAT GOD NEEDS TO BE SAVED????
Maybe YOU need to rethink WHO you REALLY SERVE.

I saw the preview of The Golden Compass early this week and the first thing I said was “I want to see this movie” it looked like a fascinating movie with awsome special affects, then the e-mails started coming.
I am a Christian, I will see the movie and decide for myself but, I will also consult with my daughter as to whether or not she wants her children to see it,….. my first thought was how much they would enjoy this movie.

“Perhaps it’s not so much that liberals don’t take God seriously and therefore can’t understand people who do, it’s more that believers and the faithful who aren’t afraid of challenges to traditional images of God and to interpretations of their faith’s story and message, and who desire a lively dialogue about faith and not a pre-determined one–we get villainized as godless.”
I am unsure of how you are defining yourself as a “liberal” Do you mean it in a political sense, an educational or social? Perhaps you are referring to the original, nonpoliticized version?
I do worry about your comment concerning that your unafraid of challenges to “traditional images of God” and “interpretations” of a their faith’s story and message. To a Christian, this would be a direct challenge to the OT and NT, to the Jew it would mean questioning the Torah, to Muslims, its the Qu’ran.
To us Christians, this story of faith and these images of God come directly from the Bible; the NT specifically IS the story of faith. We do not add, nor take away from this story, because the word is without fault and it IS the WORD of GOD.
How can you possible justify your Christianity if you arent afraid of challenges to the Word of God? Not only should you be afraid, you should make a stand against these type of works; instead you defend.
Pullman readily agrees he is atheistic, he defines the Fall as a myth, he is not just challenging images and stories of faith. In Pullmans own words:
“I don’t profess any religion; I don’t think it’s possible that there is a God; I have the greatest difficulty in understanding what is meant by the words ‘spiritual’ or ‘spirituality’..”
As a Christian, how do you defend Pullmans character, Mary Malone, characterizing Christianity as “a very powerful and convincing mistake.”
Perhaps you should put down Pullmans books for awhile, and read THE BOOK.

Isn’t this the guy who said when the character got to heaven he discovered that God had no power at all? That He was an angel like the rest of the created beings and could only manipulate people and that He was weak and frail? I don’t find that as an encouraging description of God. And Pullman never said “I want to kill the way we view God today.” He said he wants to kill God in the minds of children. He also stated that anyone who let’s their children read C.S. Lewis is guilty of child abuse. These books are, by his own admition, the antithesis of the Narnia series.
Should adults cower in fear of the books and movies? No. Should we expect the developing minds of 8,9,10 year olds to read this and decipher with reason and do a comparative analysis of scripture to the stories? NO! IF you’re goal is to raise your child in a way that would cause them to grow and know God as He is described in the Bible, you should shield them from the writings. When they are older, it would be a great place for discussion (maybe 13 or 14 yrs when they start actually asking the questions and not just relying on you to feed them.) But to expose this to them in too early is dangerous for their spiritual development. Not mental development but spiritual development. Let them explore and exploratory ages and have candid discussions with them, until then, “raise them in the way that they should go.”

This series is my favorite series of books in the world. They are not harmful or a bad influence. My dad sent me an e-mail that spoke about how “bad” the movie is supposed to be. It was ridiculous. People are judging the story before even reading these beloved stories. They are some of the best works of literature ever. I am christian, and i find these books in no way offensive or against god. They are fantastic and original in every way. The material is apropriate and written by an extremely skilled author.
Telling people not to see the movie or read the book is horrible. It is like book-banning. The “Golden Compass” is a fantasy, that is why some of it is considered offensive by christian people. In fantasies many unrealistic things happen: humans are accompanied by daemons, witches fly, bears talk, and an imposter angel called Metatron calls himself “God”. I find nothing wrong with this. Some people are jumping to conclusions with out reading his stories for themselves. So what if he is an atheist? He’s fantastic! Books are books, and “The Golden Compass” never hurt anyone.
Everyone is making such a big deal out of this. Why not just let people read the story and enjoy the books? Only reading certain books based on religion is wrong in my opinion. So what if the story involves killing God? That is not the only focus. My old elementary school sadly removed the books from the library. It made me very upset and angry that this issue could be taken to such lengths. I admire Philip Pullman for his originality, bravery, and writing skill. How can so many people be so critical?

This article is a bunch of nonsense and cotton candy fluff! Before she begins her defense of Pullman’s work, Ms. Freitas first attempts to establish her credibility as a ‘scholar of religion’ and a ‘Christian’. I’m not impressed Donna.
Donna’s vast understanding of Pullman’s trilogy leads her to say that it’s a ‘stunning retelling of salvation’ – whatever that’s supposed to mean. Does this mean that you believe salvation is a fantasy just like Pullman’s writings? Sorry, I digress from my main point.
Let’s assume for the sake of argument that Donna is indeed the leading religious scholar on earth. Her comments are still ridiculous and completely irrelevant. It really doesn’t matter what Donna thinks about Pullman’s books. It doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks of Pullman’s writings. What I think is more insightful and important is what Pullman thinks of his own writings and what his intent was.
Hmmm, what has Pullman said about his own writings? In 2003, Pullman, an agnostic at best, himself said ‘My books are about killing God’. Does this statement confuse anyone? Does anyone not understand what Pullman is saying? Is it some cryptic code that Pullman used to try and say something else? It’s interesting that Donna refers to this statement from the author himself as a ‘tasty tidbit’ as it were of no more significance than a flea on the floor of a prairie desert. Donna even goes so far as to try to ‘amend’ what Pullman himself has said. I don’t care about Donna’s vast knowledge on Pullman’s books or her attempts to impress me with her witty commentary!
I care more about what the author has said about his own intentions. As a Christian, if someone tells me their writings ‘are about killing God’, I’m simply not interested in reading what they have to say. It doesn’t matter to me how masterfully a writer has ‘gifted us with a provocative, stunning fantasy that revels in the deepest of cosmic questions’. If that author says that his books ‘are about killing God’, I have to either accept the fact that he/she means what he says or call him a liar. Since I don’t know Pullman personally, I have to assume he isn’t a liar.
It is for this reason that I see no point to spend my precious time reading this fantasy trilogy of more than 1,000 pages. My time is precious enough to me. I don’t have time or any interest to read the works of someone who wants to ‘kill God’ – thank you very much. I’d prefer to use my precious time reading better literary works than Pullman’s.

Liz,
You should re-read what you write before you submit it. In your comment, you say, ‘So what if the story involves killing God’ and then you follow it up with ‘How can so many people be so critical?’.
You’re kidding me right? You don’t understand why so many people would be critical of a story that involves the killing of God? If this still confuses you, would you be interesting in reading a ‘fantastic’ fantasy story that involves the killing of someone personally close to you that you admire and love – a husband, brother, son, …? I’m guessing probably not. As you consider my question, perhaps now you can begin to understand why this story is offensive to many religious people.

I agree with you more or less entirely.
I can see where the concern comes from. I cannot speak for Pullman himself, naturally, but I don’t believe he has any real love for religion. The views he displays can be taken to be quite confrontational.
However, I was raised a Christian. Hell, I’m a missionary’s kid. I’ve gone through plenty of doubt in my time, but continue to return to God. And I loved this series from the moment I picked it up as a curious little child in primary school. It can easily be argued that the series, especially the last two books, are not really aimed towards children, but that’s another debate altogether. The first novel, the one being made into a movie, is largely harmless.
One of the biggest shockers within the trilogy is, of course, the ‘killing of God’. When examining the books you will find that there is a being called the Authority that claims to be God, yes. And he dies, yes. But is he God? Is he killed? The God we Christians worship cannot die, because He was not born. He is not simply an arrogant angel, and He does not promote tyranny or cruelty. That being in those books /is not our God/. It is a representation of the false idol people turn to when they commit wayward acts. How many times throughout history have people used the excuse that “It is God’s will” to then pervert His Word? His Dark Materials is not a slander towards true Christianity, but rather a story of corruption and what happens when even the purest faith becomes overwhelmed by lust for power. When Jesus himself came to earth, he questioned many things. HDM challenges many of the same things our Saviour did; the pettiness of tax laws when they usurp honest kindness, and so on.
I believe it is important to question. If we don’t question, if we simply blindly follow everything we are told – even if it comes in the form of the Bible – then it is a hollow faith. I was never as strong in my Christian beliefs until after I went through a period where I doubted strongly, and questioned a lot. When I came out the other side I was so much stronger for it because then they were /my/ beliefs. They weren’t what I’d been spoon-fed by my parents and church and were too afraid to question. They were what I’d looked at seriously and decided for myself that it was worth it.
And then there is the fact it is a fantasy novel. I think society needs to give children more credit; believe it or not, they can be exposed to things and not immediately take them on like an imprinted duckling. I read those books multiple times as a ten-year old; and hey, here I am, a solid (if liberal) Christian.

i dont know much about pullman or his writings but the Word of God is the truth and the Bible says that Lieing is a sin.By pullman writing this book he is lieing and he knows not the truth and the truth is not in him But God is truth and His word never fails and God has the final say. So Mr Pullman God wins you lose.

I will defend the author’s right to publish, but why would I as a Christian support (financially) his views?..I am not afraid of his stories, but why would I want my 9 year old to see this? When she is in college she will have enough people challenging her faith, why would I pay for someone to do that now? I am not afraid of the athiest, agnostic, or ambivilent, but why promote their cause?
Its not fear that motivates me it is discernment.

Let me understand, Donna…the author himself says this is about killing God, but you don’t see anything wrong with the series? Did I miss something here?? Come on – if you are gonna be a Christian, be a Christian. I get so tired of these “I’m so Christian” folks steadily defending and supporting Pullman and Rowling, and any and every other person out there, who are going against what the “I take God very seriously” are supposedly standing for.
Not a thing wrong with loving good literature. But you have to love the Lord God more, enough so that you will turn away from the things that are not of God, rather than seek after them. So, what exactly are you doing defending and supporting that?
Seems to me that you can love to read but once you find out what an author has to say, it may be best to turn away if it’s something that is in opposition to what you supposedly stand for.

Eagle154-
Fantasies can be very peculiar, and this is just a book. Yes, they kill “God”. Notice how I put God in parentheses to emphasize that the God of His Dark Materials is not a true God. There are many books, such as Narnia, that have christian themes, yet books with atheist themes are critisized while others are not? Narnia is also racist and sexist, although I never noticed it before. I loved those books. Mr. Pullman’s works are not racist, sexist, or antireligious.

Liz,
Yes, and Mein Kampf was ‘just a book’ as well. It’s funny how we can forget the influence books, music, and the media can have on individuals and societies as a whole. They can change the way an entire nation views itself and others. Don’t misunderstand me; I’m not trying to equate Pullman’s trilogy with Hitler’s book. I’m merely trying to make the point that books can have a tremendous impact on people and one can’t say ‘it’s just a book’.
Narnia is racist and sexist? I curious to hear why you think so. I’ve read the series and, to be honest with you, I didn’t see the racist and sexist tones at all. Remember that these books were written between 1949 and 1954 at a time when society and attitudes were much different than they are now. Perhaps you saw the racist and sexist tones because you wanted to see them or were disecting the book to try and find them. I’ve never heard C. S. Lewis indicate that the intent in the books was to support racist and sexist views. I have read that Pullman indicated the intent of his books is to ‘kill God’. This is one difference between the two authors and why I won’t support Pullman with my time or my wallet.

I think I’ll read at least one of the books before I weigh in with an opinion. All I know right now is a little bit of the recent media buzz.

The series is about the killing of “God”. The villian is an arrogant angel who calls himself “The Authority” – he a false God and has a hugely powerful “Church” that supports and fights for him fanatically. The actual theology of the series is agnostic – “there may have been a creator, we don’t know”. The Authority is not the Christian God, he just claims to be for the sake of manipulating those of his guilliable followers who are Christians.
At the end, The Authority is *accidently* killed by the heroes, when they mercifully destroy his life-support system. This is not God being murdered, but the evil “God” of the inquisition etc being removed from his wrongful position of power over people.
A good humanistic Christian, who believes in moral precepts and a just God, should not be in any way offended by any of this.

arrogant angel…I know of a few…the first was…umm…what’s his name…ah…that one devi…angel…oh…it was…lucifer? Pretty arrogant IMO. After all he is an angel who wanted God’s place, who thought he could do better than God…something created thinks it can do better than its creator…that is pretty arrogant and cocky to me…

Nat,
One of God’s greatest messages was tolerance. Aside from the fact I fail to see what is wrong with /Rowling/, I remain fairly certain I can be a Christian and not spend all my time spitting on books that dare go even the slightest bit against my beliefs. God preached inclusion, not exclusion. We can’t just block out everything that does not mesh completely with our beliefs. We’ll end up shutting out most of the world.
Philip Pullman said once that the books were about killing God? I have a quote from him saying that the God he intends to kill isn’t the Christian God, but the God of people who burnt witches at the stake and such. There’s more to it than one flat phrase. Not to mention if you actually read the books, it is so much more a criticism of the institution than the Christian God.

Thank you for offering a refreshingly non-hysterical take on the whole matter. If more people were as open-minded we wouldn’t have so many problems

I think the author of this artical has got it spot on. I am, personally, not a christian. That’ll probably get me a lot of barracking from some people on here. I do not belive that Jesus Christ was the sun of god, or any of that sorta thing. I don’t go to church. But I do balive in god. I tell you this just to give you an idea of my point a view.
I first read Northern lights, the Golden Compass to those in the states, when I was 7, I read the Amber Spyglass when I was 12, as soon as it came out. I’ve read and re-read them ever since, and as I’ve got older I’ve discovered more and more elemtents to them. They are, to put it very simply, some of the greatest books of our time, combining high fantasy with extrodanary philosophic ideas. Stylistically he is excellent while even his less extrodanary dieas are still worthy of high praise. No other recent writer has cast his net so wide and been so sucessful.
But to the crux of the matter-does Pullman kill god in his novels. The very plain and simple answer is that, with all things in Litreture you have to decided for yourself. Evidently this isn’t good enough for most Christians, but I’d say that the ‘god’ in his books is portrayed as a fake, meerly the first angel rarther than the creator. He is a weithered and old creature, to whom death is a relif-killing him is an act opf mercy. Is this your god? He certainly isn’t mine. He is none of the ‘omnis’ (Omniprecent, omnipotent ect. sorry about spelling) and is weak.
Is there a god in Pullmans books, no there isn’t. The answer to that remains unclear “IS there a creator? I don’t know.” But certianly, he isn’t killed in the books.
Please, read them before you post.

Reading this post and all of these comments makes me want to read this series of books asap. I wholeheartedly agree with Freitas when she says we shouldn’t take shots at something we haven’t read! I also welcome well written, well thought-out stories that might challenge or even oppose what I and my kids believe. I am not afraid of defending my beliefs and letting my kids make up their own minds.

This article is a defense of the author’s own approach of liberal Christianity and really just reinforces my impression of those who label themselves as liberals: just as focused on condemning those who disagree with their own opinions and not nearly as open-minded as they would like to imagine themselves. If you claim to be open-minded and concerned with a fair dialogue, it seems hypocritical to write an article that is full of your own assumptions that others don’t know what they are talking about.
“Pullman spends more time–far more, I suspect–contemplating the divine, the nature of God, and how we conceive of our relationship to God than most Christians do in an entire lifetime.”
“But then, I read the books. Did you?”
“…but then, you need to read the books to find out why–do your homework, people. ”
“…my fellow fearful Christians…”
In the end, the reason I refure to let my children read certain books (such as the works of Nietsche, Marx, Pullman, or Rowling) is not fear or lack of intelligence but because the spirit of their work is contrary to the spirit that I am trying to instill in my children. If a book is written by an atheist, the spirit of everything in that book is one of atheism. Faith is not defined by how severly it has been questioned but by how it has been lived. Regardless of whether or not my children will be able to read it with a critical eye to the message behind the words, why would I expose them to someone else’s atheistic theology? Without even speaking to the “killing of God” question, Pullman’s writing is an attempt to undermine many of the basic tenets of the Christian faith and to instill fear of organized religion. In the end, this author defines religion as questioning the nature of God, a God who changes with time and with our own definitions of Him. I don’t define my faith that way, and I do not want my children to define their faith that way either. The last two quotes are the most telling quotes about how this author has developed her own faith. And instead of defending Pullman, she has just reinforced why I won’t allow my children to read these books.
“…introduce them to a vision of the divine that will speak to their lives and a generation next who craves a God for our times.”
“Perhaps it’s not so much that liberals don’t take God seriously and therefore can’t understand people who do, it’s more that believers and the faithful who aren’t afraid of challenges to traditional images of God and to interpretations of their faith’s story and message, and who desire a lively dialogue about faith and not a pre-determined one–we get villainized as godless.”

I suppose I just don’t understand the desire to cut oneself off from any stimuli that contradicts beliefs. It makes no sense to me. Am I not to be friends with athiests, who might voice something I don’t agree with? One of my closest friends in high school was a Muslim! Religion doesn’t have to, and shouldn’t, be a barrier. Inclusion, not exclusion. How does driving away anything that disagrees with your faith show tolerance? Of course your faith is meaured by your actions regarding it, but is blind faith really the best option?
God never demanded blind faith. All we need is a ‘mustard seed’. He knows we are flawed, imperfect, and He doesn’t expect what we can’t provide. He wants us to come to Him by our own decision, not because we’re afraid of the consequences or have been guilted into it. Questioning is healthy, especially when you begin to mature from a child to an adult. It leads you to become your own person, not the moulded image of what everyone else wants you to be.
More often than not, dictating a child’s actions too carefully can have the opposite effect. I know many who grew up in strict Christian households where yes, they were forbidden from certain forms of entertainment and such. And they began to chafe. They weren’t allowed to freedom to decide /for themselves/, and they began to feel oppressed. The teenage years are immensely confusing, and a time when most feel the need to tug at the reins and see how far they can wander. Of course one should not let them run completely wild, but the more you try to shove them back in a box the harder they struggle to get out. Some have grown up hating religion for no reason other than the fact it was forced on them, which is so sad considering they may have stayed with it if it had been presented as a choice.
For example, my own parents – liberal Christians both, but no less devoted, and have travelled into other countries to spread the Word. When I was about thirteen or fourteen, I began thinking hard about everything I’d been told. I began questioning it. And sure, part of it was because I was being exposed all sorts of new ideas (you can’t avoid the real world forever, and your children will meet people who don’t have Christian beliefs). And one day, in the car, I quietly confessed to my mother. “I’m…just not sure I believe there’s a God anymore.”
Now, I was scared. I respect my parents so, so much, and I was terrified that I’d get a disappointed or saddened reaction. That would have torn me up inside, and I likely would have come crawling back to Christianity through sheer guilt, and then spent a bunch more years angsting and trying to hide my doubts, and gradually growing increasing frustrated.
Mum said, “Okay.”
That was it. It wasn’t a disappointed okay, it wasn’t an angry okay, it was a casual, I-trust-you okay. And a few weeks later I’d thought about it some more and come right back ’round to my faith. And I was so much /happier/ for it, because this time I knew this was what I wanted. What /I/ wanted.
So, ultimately, I don’t believe you’re really doing your children the favour you might imagine by hiding them away from anything that might spur doubtful thoughts. Believe it or not, athiests can be very nice people, and even have plenty of good morals to share. Doubting can be helpful. Have a little faith in your /kids/. Obviously if they’re quite young then they don’t need to be participating in theological debates or any such thing, but nor do they need to be constantly sheltered. It will just backfire later.

What noone seems to be saying is why. Why risk filling your childs head with thoughts that you may have been able to prevent. Why bother with this movie or book at all. I don’t need my faith challenged. I know the world can be ugly and cruel and some people capitalize on that. Children are meant to be innocent and pure why corrupt that for silly entertainment. With all the movies we could watch and all the books we can read why not just skip past the ones that are questionable. I want my children to understand the good and bad in the world but in a way that their beautiful minds can understand. Because I love them I decide these things for them. It is my job. A job that has been taking to lightly by too many parents for too long.

Why is it that people always try to feed their fears to other people? Literature is literature; it is simply a person’s thoughts or perceptions about incidents, occurrences or whatever — but that is all it is; written for pleasure and as an artistic outlet. Making literary writings into more only confuses the minds of the children we are (supposedly) trying to protect. What the naysayers need to come to grips with is that it is the responsibility of the discerning party (or their mentoring/guiding elders) to assemilate the material and think accordingly.

The author says “I suspect that Philip Pullman might rather introduce them to a vision of the divine that will speak to their lives and a generation next who craves a God for our times.” I prefer to introduce my children to a vision of an unchanging God. A God that loves you no matter what. The world changes (or times change) but my God is the same forever. If our children really want to read these books, all they have to do is check them out of the school library. But we, as parents, should be responsible enough to instill the teachings of the Bible so that they can know the difference between fantasy and reality.

Uhhhh… Doesn’t make much sense, since Pullman is an Atheist. How is it that you say he is trying to “save God”? Sounds like a marketing ploy to me. Trying to trick Christians into thinking that they are in the wrong for their own beliefs, and that they should just accept whatever is thrown at them. Christians do need to be selective in what they allow themselves to be subjected to. The evil one has more devises than we can ever contemplate. I think you’re working for Pullman, otherwise why would you say that he contemplates God. He is an atheist, or have you forgotten?

If we don’t seek out new experiences, new opinions, new ways of seeing the world, we’ll never learn. And if we hole up in a cultural bunker, there’s a lot of good and beauty that we will miss.

Ok, I won’t pretend that I read the books, but do you really think all these kids are going to notice the athiest themes in the movie and then abandon their existing beliefs?

I am a Christian and I have not read these books yet, but aren’t some of us getting a little too crazy about this? Be a good parent and make your own judgments on whether to allow your children to read the books or see the movie. It’s ridiculous how much people are constantly relying on others to make these important decisions for their children.
Plus there are too many of us that don’t give children enough credit. Kids are not stupid and they are not going to be reading these books as adults would. Children need to explore their imagination and these books are simply FICTION.
I am also a teacher and it’s very sad to me that a lot of the kids I see everyday don’t even really know what it means to imagine, pretend, or make-believe. Instead they spend their time playing video games and listening to their uptight parents worry about what the winter music program is going to be about this year. Give your kids a break! Let them be kids. Do some real parenting! Read the books, watch the movie, and if you decide it’s something that is not appropriate for you child at this time, end it there. Stop making a bigger deal out of this issue. We should be proud to share our knowledge with our children when they ask about the meaning in certain books and movies. That’s a time for them to learn. Keeping them locked up and away from society is not going to help them at all! They’re going to find it out on their own some day and then it will probably be shocking and confusing.
Just be good parents and stop buying into all of this media frenzy about ANOTHER movie. Do your own work and be knowledgeable about this subject. At least be able to tell your child that you’ve read the books and found that they are not suitable. Don’t be liars or cowards. That’s not who your child needs you to be.

I can’t help but laugh at the hysteria of all of this. Phillip Pullman is getting exactly what he wants, exactly the evidence to prove his point. Many of you find the idea that God must be saved ridiculous, as well you should. If you didn’t, you might need to admit that it is you He needs saving from. Pullman’s concept isn’t that God is this terrible thing that needs to die, it’s that the acts and organizations executed in His name make God so piteous and so sorrowful that it would serve Him better to cease to exist. That’s right. The idea is that the church, the zealots that act so fervently “in His name” get so caught up listening to each other and so blinded by their zeal that they can no longer hear the voice of God. His shame and sorrow for those lost children who think themselves saved incapacitate him. They will die and enter the abyss like any other sinner, as they have no more connection to Him than they. Lost is lost, and waving around His banner and repeating traditions and prayers doesn’t save anyone.
I have grown up in a Baptist household and have heard these sorts of comments about books like His Dark Materials for my entire life. The more the hysteria, the more the hype I hear against it, the more I yearn to read the books for myself (I wish to be more educated than those who speak vigilantly against it).
And so, like Harry Potter, I walked into the world of Phillip Pullman curious and full of questions. What I found was an intelligent and intriguing presentation of religion and the church itself. Did I question what my faith was? YES! And why shouldn’t you want your kids to? If they are not solid enough in their faith to know what they believe and be able to answer their own questions about what they believe(or the trust that you will answer them if they ask), is it not your fault? Is that what parents are afraid of? When I question my faith, I find a stronger sense of it. I know more of what I do not believe and why I don’t believe it. If you want strong Christian children, you will need to foster that sense of knowing why they believe. When people witness to me, I ask them why they believe what they do, and they have never really thought about it. When I offer my evidence, not only what I believe, but why, I often find them unable to offer me anything similar. They believe what the church told them to, and that’s good enough for them.
I’m not so easily satisfied.

This movie and its followers will not bother the Christian Church in any way.
What another anti-Christian atheist yada yada . . .?
Droll.

Well stated Rae. God leads us, not particularly Churches. Doctrines get in the way of hearing God many times.

Yes, I have heard of ministers who visit the gaming halls of Las Vegas, use prostitutes, frequent night clubs and bars and generally walk in the gutter so that they can better understand and evaluate the things that destroy our hope and our moral judgement. If I fall asleep at the wheel and run off the road and kill myself, do I revel in what I have learned from the experience? But, of course, if it’s narrow minded to learn from the experience of others, I guess we have no other alternative.
Jim

I have read the trilogy several times and was planning to post some comments in defense of the movie (and books). However, I found that my sentiments were expressed in a previous post by Rae. I could not have said it better myself so I urge you to read Rae’s post.

I haven’t read the book, unfortunately, but will be and am looking forward to it.
One of the things that is overlooked so often by Western Christianity (I’m Eastern Orthodox) is that doctrine was created to celebrate God rather than limit Him or our relationship to him. When Ron Dreher talks about teaching his kids about God first – what, it seems to me, that he is saying is that there is a whole mystery that exists in the Church (any person’s faith tradition with all its richness) that can and should be embraced – a sort of point of spiritual reference that one might expose one’s child to first with all of its richness.
This is what I think of what he means about “taking God seriously”
There is a bias against “doctrine” Many of the arguments used are as antiquated, unoriginal and static as any other bias coming from any other less speculative God-seeking perspective. I think that is what so much justified frustration comes from from those from a more traditionalist/orthodox position

Personally, I really enjoyed James Morrow’s “Godhead trilogy” that started with his novel, Towing Jehovah.

I don’t see why we need to take God seriously: God is all bliss and wonder in my religion.
In fact, we shouldn’t take ourselves and our religions too seriously: this is what makes Muslims burn embassies and it’s what makes Christians picket gay funerals. It’s dysfunctional and unnecessary. Common sense tells me that God does not need our constant praise: religions are for the benefit of those who practice them, not of God.

I recognize that there are thematic elements in the His Dark Materials series that can be interpreted as anti-Christian or anti-Catholic, but I also recognize that this is a work of fiction, set in a universe that is not our own, and that the God of the work is not the Christian/Catholic God.

All good literature makes us pause, reflect on our own lives, our own universe, on the human condition, to compare the world of the work with our own, to give us a lens through which to see ourselves more clearly. As good literature, Pullman’s series provides us the opportunity, among other themes, to observe the problems that occur when religion has fallen into the hands of a corrupt authority (the Magisterium in his works), and to evaluate our own religious institutions–and to look not only at the similarities, but also the differences.

Pullman’s comment that the Taliban is the earthly religious power structure that most closely resembles the Magisterium in his works is telling, and cause for reflection in today’s world. Maybe his books are really just anti-terrorist.

Unsympathetic Reader,
I also enjoy Morrows books – and have a three from the trilogy. Have you seen his newest, “The Last Witch Hunter”? It is as good as the others. Another excellent author with religious subtleties is Gene Wolfe. Certainly Michael Bishop cannot be left out. And another leader of the field is the late Octavia Butler.

Religion
Some of the articles and talks I’ve written are to do with the subject of religion, which I think is a very interesting one. The religious impulse – which includes the sense of awe and mystery we feel when we look at the universe, the urge to find a meaning and a purpose in our lives, our sense of moral kinship with other human beings – is part of being human, and I value it. I’d be a damn fool not to.
But organised religion is quite another thing. The trouble is that all too often in human history, churches and priesthoods have set themselves up to rule people’s lives in the name of some invisible god (and they’re all invisible, because they don’t exist) – and done terrible damage. In the name of their god, they have burned, hanged, tortured, maimed, robbed, violated, and enslaved millions of their fellow-creatures, and done so with the happy conviction that they were doing the will of God, and they would go to Heaven for it.
That is the religion I hate, and I’m happy to be known as its enemy.
From time to time I have a new thought on the subject. When I come up with something worth writing down, I’ll put it here.
From Philip Pullman’s website

Thank you for the article. I want to read the trilogy now to see what he has to say. I think think it important as a Christian (or anyone)to learn to think for yourself and not blindly accept the dogma of others. Your faith will be that much stronger in whatever concept you have of God. Reading the theories, or stories, of someone with whom you do not agree should not, will not shake, your faith if you think for yourself. And it may enrich your understanding of your own beliefs.
As a teenager, I read the “Incarnations of Immortality” series by Piers Anthony, which had many ideas that could be considered blasphemous by some people. However, they made me think about my concept of and faith in God and Jesus Christ, and I feel enriched as a result. Reading certainly did not shake my faith, because I had studied the scriptures and knew for myself what is true.
Christian themes can found and utilized in almost any genre and medium, even where not intended by the author/artist. I once used a segment of Disney’s “The Lion King” to illustrate a gospel point about our relationship with God as our Father in Heaven, and our need to remember that we are His children, a theme I’m sure was not anywhere in the minds of the filmakers.
Sorry for the long post. My mind just started to flow, I think I will take my children to see “The Golden Compass” to have the opportunity to discuss its themes, and whether they correspond, or not, to our own beliefs.

Donna’s book “Killing the imposter god” was truly an illuminating work of popular theology. I highly recommend it as a reading to anyone who has read His Dark Materials. Perhaps even if you haven’t read HDM, but have heard all this negative press about it, buy Donna’s book, read a couple of chapters to see HDM with a new pair of eyes and then go back and read it fully. HDM is so profoundly big in its world-view, it’s so incredibly deep in making us ask important questions about the nature of the universe, that to miss out on this literary experience from fear – well, it would just be sad. Read the books, folks, they are magnificent and inspiring.

I have not had the pleasure of reading Mr. Pullman’s series. However, reading the various articles, blogs, etc on it I am more inclined now then ever. Isnt that always the way.
Anyhoo regarding Mr Pullman “killing God” – LOL. Rod Dreher is obvious a short minded Right Wing that doesnt have a clue. I am Liberal and VERY Christian and SPIRITUAL. I think there is a big difference between those hypocrits that claim to be “Christian” and have no spirituality. If they did they wouldnt make outrages, generalized comments and condeme FICTIONAL literature.
I have met severl Librals that are not Christian but they are the most Spiritual and God loving people I have ever met. However, ever flipping “Christian” I have ever met have the nerve to claim they are God fearing.

In response to KMB…Amen!!!! I am a church secretary right now. Trust me the most un-christian environment I have worked in is a church. I use to be a legal assistant in a law firm with 20 attornys and found it to be a more christian, caring and less stress filled environment than the two churches I have worked in.

I attend a bible college and while in class yesterday the “Golden Compass” was brought up by the teacher. I had personally never heard of it, despite the publicity I now notice. The teacher pointed us to a site which is part of the cry against the movie, like those that you mentioned in your blog. I had no clue what the movie was about until reading the article, and it being the first influence I had caused me to be objective to the film. I stumbled onto this blog through the Collide Magazine blog, and i know this article is not exactly today’s news, it has nevertheless brought a conflicting view to my original one. Not in a bad way though. I now want to read the trilogy and check the movie out when it is released to find for myself. I can’t say that I am in agreement with the movie, but I can’t say that I disagree with it either.

Before you form an opinion about His Dark Materials, actually read the books! Try and read the books with an open mind and the thought that Phillip Pullman did not write these books because he is a madman trying to convert our children to atheism. After you have read the books, think about the point Phillip Pullman is trying to prove to our readers. Now, go to http://www.thirdway.org.uk/past/showpage.asp?page=3949 and read the interview there. Do you really think that Pullman is the crazy person he is said to be? Don’t let other people form your opinions about anything. Form your own opinion about His Dark Materials.

Thank’s so much for bringing a sense of reality to the table. Many of the anti-HDM Christians havn’t even read the books, and most likely got their information from Wikipedia.

Hey here’s an idea, read the BIBLE instead of this series.

Being a Christian means being like Christ, and we all fall short of that. I have not read these books and I don’t plan to see the movie. Doesn’t it say in the bible “those who are not for me are agains’t me” Then how can we promote a book written by an atheist. Who could be more against God?

I just today heard of Philip Pullman’s “Dark Materials” trilogy. Before I judge him or his work, first, I’ll see the movie, then read the books. As far as us humans being able to
“kill God”
I DON’T think so!!!
Get REAL, folks!!!
As to the comment of Bret, who’s post of November 19th stated
“Here’s an idea, read the BIBLE instead of this series.”
I say, do BOTH. K?

I don’t want to read the books thankyou very much!
And my son who is an avid reader won’t be either. Call me old fashioned, but once you’ve read it you have been affected by it. So I’ll save us the experience and read some of the vast choice of literature that doesn’t promote dust.

Many things are blown out of proportion by the media, and by spread of false words and accusations and no one has the right to judge one another. I am a Christian, and If I want to hear the truth, I read the Bible.. God’s word.

People lose faith most of the time because of HYPOCRITE CHRISTIANS!
I have dealt with these hypocrites all my life.
Maybe we should get out in the world, ACTUALLY BE CHRIST-LIKE, and bring people back to have faith!
DO NOT JUDGE PEOPLE! JESUS LOVES EVERYBODY THE SAME!
Just because your read a book, doesn’t mean that you should believe everything you read.
Do you believe there is actually a boy named Peter Pan? No? Well then, I guess that didn’t effect your faith. Peter Pan doesn’t mention anything about God. Should we not let our children read that either?

I believe that all Christians, those that believe that Christ, should always do their homework and research carefully before making decisions. After much searching and reading of Phillip Pullmans’s interviews for the last 5 years and what his books say, and more importantly what he says about his views and his books It disturbs me greatly to think of children, especially children who are not have any Christian upbringing to read these books. It’s one thing for adults to read his works and make assumptions about his meaning but it is very distubing to think that these books are being marketed to the 9 to 12 year age group. Read his interviews for yourself. He makes no secret his disdain for anything relegious and in particular Christian. Although he doesn’t stop there, and I quote from Pullman:
Pullman-”I think we’re far too superstitious on the whole. As for disgraceful betrayals of wisdom such as the pretense that there is something called “creation science” and we ought to give it equal time in schools with proper science — I’m ashamed to belong to a human race that is so sunk in abject ignorance and willful stupidity. —————
Quote from Phillip Pullman on “The Authority”
The figure of The Authority is rather easier. In the sort of creation myth that underlies His Dark Materials, which is never fully explicit but which I was discovering as I was writing it, the notion is that there never was a Creator, instead there was matter, and this matter gradually became conscious of itself and developed Dust. Dust sort of precedes from matter as a way of understanding itself. The Authority was the first figure that condensed, as it were, in this way and from then on he was the oldest, the most powerful, the most authoritative. And all the other angels at first believed he was the Creator and then some angels decided that he wasn’t, and so we had the temptation and the Fall etc – all that sort of stuff came from that.
And the figure of Authority who dies in the story is well, one of the metaphors I use. In the passage I wrote about his description, he was as light as paper – in other words he has a reality which is only symbolic. It’s not real, and the last expression on his face is that of profound and exhausted relief. That was important for me. That’s not something you can easily show with a puppet to the back of the theatre.”
(http://www.telegraph.co.uk/arts/main.jhtml?xml=/arts/2004/03/17/bodark17.xml)
Also:
http://www.mhadigital.org/index.php?post_id=274993)
In an interview with a Washington Post reporter in 2001, writer Philip Pullman candidly remarked, “I’m trying to undermine the basis of Christian belief.” The occasion for the interview was the publication of the third book in Pullman’s fantasy trilogy, His Dark Materials
And from interview(http://www.thirdway.org.uk/past/showpage.asp?page=3949)
Can you elaborate what you mean by the phrase ‘the republic of heaven’, which appears in the last line of The Amber Spyglass?
Pullman- ” The kingdom of heaven promised us certain things: it promised us happiness and a sense of purpose and a sense of having a place in the universe, of having a role and a destiny that were noble and splendid; and so we were connected to things. We were not alienated. But now that, for me anyway, the King is dead, I find that I still need these things that heaven promised, and I’m not willing to live without them. I don’t think I will continue to live after I’m dead”

This is what amazes me about a large bulk of Christians. They are willing to take other people’s word for something without doing any research themselves. Do you think Jesus would have been a successful teacher back in the day if everyone would have just listened to the bad about him? No. Many people didn’t agree with what the word he was spreading stood for so they criticized him, but the people went to see for themselves.
People these days are too afraid to do that, to waste their time on something that could be a very rewarding circumstance.
This is what separates the man from the beast: The ability to make his own choices and research his decision. If you don’t take advantage of the fabulous advantages we have, such as libraries and Google, well then I don’t want to hear your opinion.
If you don’t know FIRST HAND for YOURSELF exactly what this book is about or this movie, then keep your mouth shut and go read the bible. Becoming enlightened is obviously not in you priorities.
As for me, I will read these books and THEN decide for MYSELF if I want to go see the movie. BECAUSE I am an adult who will not be persuaded by some silly book to change my beliefs, but if it’s a good book, I shall shout the news from the mountain tops because I am a know it all.

Pullman wants to save God? Looks like the scholar of religion / liberal Christian that wrote the above article needs to do some home work on the author. It seems to be written by someone that has some “skin in the game”!! The devil does not look to convince us…just confuse us and create doubt in the world.
Pullman clearly states in several interviews that “my books are about killing God”. The author SAYS he writes about killing God. How does one question the authors intentions? He is not an atheist. An atheist does not believe! He believes enough to know he writes books that kill the Lord!

He believes enough to know he writes books that kill the Lord!

What nonsense. What unmitigated twaddle. Is your “Lord” so fragile and frail that a book can kill Him?
Is your mind so rigid and brittle that fiction about another Universe with a god that needs to die will break it?
I surmise that you’d answer both questions “Of course not!”
Then what on earth, my friend, is the problem?

Anyone – in a free society and being old enough [and this we can debate endlessly] to make such decisions – can decide for him/herself whether or not they’d like to go and see which movies, read which books, etc. I certainly can’t decide on your behalf.
In the end, God will not be affected, but you the viewer/reading will: our thoughts and beliefs are created and formed by influences we allow ourselves to be exposed to – consciously, and some (I’m convinced) even sub-consciously.
To me, the question is whether I’d want to expose myself to influences that might have a – however small or large – negative impact on my faith in the name of being “enlightened“, or choose to simply not see those films, or read the books, or participate in a debate about the possible influences? I, for one, certainly choose to not read the books, or watch the movies, because I can. The “problem” is – to loosely quote Ashley Brilliant: more and more “[people] have given up [their] search for the Truth, and [are] now only looking for a good Fantasy.”

This is slightly in response to Andrew’s comment: “the devil does not look to convince us just create doubt in the world.” Why is doubt in a religion a terrible thing? I believe it to be more dangerous if we do not question. A question after all is usually followed by an answer. I would much rather a movie, (a safe, made up environment – may I remind you) present questions in the minds of my children as opposed to real life evils, so that they can receive answers in like wise safe environment. To deny that one will ever have a question about his or her faith is to deny that individual of his faith entirely. How can we trust that which we cannot question?

The devil sends his servants out to try to destroy God, and I beleive Phillip Pullman is one of them. He is completely against the Chronicles of Narnia, by C.S Lewis, who is a Christian, and whose stories and movies are very biblical. Unfortuneatly for Pullman, overthrowing God, the Creator of all things, is never going to happen by a worthless man like him, or anyone for that matter.

In response to hailey….remember “judge not least you be judge” I do believe and labeling someone a servant of the devil or “worthless” as you did in your email indicates that you are judging someone, which is a sin. After all we are all children of God and he does not make “worthless” people. For all you know God may have but Pullman on this planet for the sole purpose or writing these books in an effort to make us think about our faith. Or maybe to weed out a few more judgemental people. Guess what, you just failed.

Does Han Christian Anderson ring a bell?! He did write several stories in which he depicts God,Jesus and the Holy Spirit as characters or fictional forms. He does not however mess around with the divine truth of the trinity.He holds God as omnipotent. He is the only God,he is the greatest power on earth and the universe. He was the only one (trinity) that can deliver anyone or anything from calamity. Hans delivers this message clearly and plainly as he mentions God,Jesus and the Holy Spirit by name. Sometimes he does not, however he mentions the trinity several times in his stories.
I could see this clearly in “Narnia” and “The Lord of the Rings”.
I would like to give the benefit of the doubt to the writer and take it to the all knowing, all seeing, omnipotent God and see what he says.

God is not a manipulator, that is why he made us in his image. So that we could think, decide and put things into action for ourselves.
He is multi-faceted not multi-challenged.
Yes, I consult him for many things. He gives me answers to many questions that I cannot answer for myself, nor can ayone else answer.
Pullman may be bringing on questions about God. God will give answers. He will send all kinds of cofirmation of the truth in several ways.

Lisa i loved that you said “God may have but Pullman on this planet for the sole purpose or writing these books in an effort to make us think about our faith” Why do people throw up there arms whenever their religion is challanged. I’m sorry, but if a movie can deter you from your faith, it must be pretty weak. Listen, watch, discuss. What is the big deal. God will still love us. http://www.godstillloveus.org

From my perspective, a mostly practicing Catholic, a parent, and having read much of the books, they are pretty anti-religion and anti-Catholic in particular. I would even label them anti-God given some of the statments. As examples, naming the bad guys the Magesterium, the ex-nun became a scientist because she would no longer have to think about good and evil (like Dr. Mengele?) and following her “freedom” and she throws her crucifix (a uniquely Catholic symbol) into the sea. Certainly they are a warning to false gods and authoritarianism but they don’t offer anything else other than internal feel good spirituality that seemingly must stem from sex.
In regard to the santized film, the Film and Broadcasting Office of the US Conference of the Catholic Bishops actually seem to like it if not the use of the Magesterium as the bad guys. Whether or not the current movie will draw more kids to the book, as the Catholic League claims, and subvert them or if subsequent movies, if made, will be more anti-Catholicn is currently unknown. In any case, aware parent should discuss the content of the books with their children, and probably the movie, particularly with adolecents.

I was at first sceptical about seeing this movie as I was sent an email from a family member stating that the final scene in the movie was of Adam and Eve killing God, and that the undelying theme was the promotion of atheism. I think after reading all of what Beliefnet has posted, I will still see the movie and decide for myself as it appears that one must take the message from the movie personally. My faith will not be swayed by anothers’ “opnion” as I know from whence I came and where I am going. Perhaps it would be best for each of us to base our opinions on experience and combined with our faith we might see something in this film?

I am really pleased that there are so many open-minded Christians posting here. That has raised my spirits tremendously. I have many times seen fundamentalists act the exact same way that Jesus preached against.
“Take heed: Many will come from the east and west, and enter joyfully the kingdom of heaven. But many who should have come in will be banished instead to the darkness outside. Be forewarned: Unless your righteousness exceeds the pseudo-righteousness of the religious, you will not set foot inside the kingdom of heaven.”
An entire entity took political power using what they claimed to be the word of “God” and caused such horror and devastation in this world and it continues today. This is the pseudo-righteousness that Jesus speaks of. This is the reason I am an ex-Christian. I believe in God, but not the mental idol of god that the religous create. An idol is an idol in stone or thought.
Jesus was a man with wonderful insight into our very source of being.
For those of you that claim Pullman as being the “evil atheist”, maybe you should look at what he wrote about Jesus from this site (http://www.thirdway.org.uk/past/showpage.asp?page=3949) when asked the following two questions:
“Throughout His Dark Materials there’s a strong sense of ‘ought’. All the most attractive characters – Lyra and Will, Lee Scoresby, Iorek Byrnison, Mary Malone – are driven in the end by a sense of duty, at least to their loved ones if not to the world. Where in a world without God does that sense of ‘ought’ come from?”
“I’m amazed by the gall of Christians. You think that nobody can possibly be decent unless they’ve got the idea from God or something. Absolute bloody rubbish! Isn’t it your experience that there are plenty of people in the world who don’t believe who are very good, decent people?”
“Yes. I’m just curious to know where it comes from.”
“For goodness’ sake! It comes from ordinary human decency. It comes from accumulated human wisdom – which includes the wisdom of such figures as Jesus Christ. Jesus, like many of the founders of great religions, was a moral genius, and he set out a number of things very clearly in the Gospels which if we all lived by them we’d all do much better. What a pity the Church doesn’t listen to him!”
Now, can you honestly tell me from your heart that people that are not Christian are evil when they can recognize the wonderful things that Jesus said? It appears to me that Pullman is trying to destroy the evil within Christianity. I will be right there beside him and others for the rest of my life trying to get rid of this ruling, controling, hating, killing, mass murdering mental idol of god.
Christians have nothing to worry about unless their god fits the description.

I’m sorry, but I am amazed at that I am reading here. You are discussing the movie and the trilogy as if it were written for adults. If it were I would not care what an athiest puts in a movie. My overwhelming problem is this is directed at children. You all know that if a child goes to see this movie, and finds out there are books, he’ll want them too. Exactly what Pulman wants. Whether you look at it as children killing an “authority figure” or killing God, it is not a subject that should even be brooched by children. I hope you parents will ask yourselves just one simple question: Do I trust a proclaimed athiest to teach my child moral values? I don’t think anyone with any sort of belief in God could answer yes to that question.

To Brenda:
What sort of subjects do you think that children and young adults think about all day, if not the same deep and serious ones that adults do? Young people are quite capable of handling and thinking about serious and deep issues. As a child I spent long hours thinking about things like God, the different religions people have, salvation, and many other things. It would have been a great gift to me as I moved into my teenage years especially to have known about these beautifully written stories. I loved reading any book I could find, and discussing it with anyone who would listen – friends, parents, youth ministers, etc. I would have cherished the opportunity to read these stories about love, growing up, following the path you believe is right, and to then talk to my parents and friends about their views on the subject.
I firmly believe that no matter how hard frightened parents try to shield their children from different viewpoints, different ways of seeing the world and being in it, children will learn of them eventually. If they do not believe that their parents are willing to have an honest, open discussion with them about the things they are experiencing and learning about, they will never even attempt the discussion. And THAT is what parents should be afraid of, because how are they to keep any valid say in their children’s lives and beliefs if they shut themselves out by not appearing open and willing to allow differing views in?
As for the incredibly absurd statement that no one with any sort of belief in God could want an atheist to teach children moral values – oh please. Moral values are not exclusive to religious people. If a person needs God to exist in order to be moral, I fear that person far more than I fear someone who does not believe in God. Morals should come from a person’s internal sense of responsibility and respect for the world, not be imposed from without. Pullman could teach my kids about morals any day of the week, and I would probably invite some of his atheist friends to do the same before I invited many people who claim to be religious.
To all of the people who are so afraid of these books, I say read them. Really READ them, and see for yourself what they are about before you let a few hysterical people make your mind up for you.

Every one’s a critic these last days, why don’t we just take life one day at a time heck, it’s hard enought for my girl friend to decide which color to color her hair, much less, decide if a movie will affect the outcome of this God forsaken world.

I have to admit that I had not heard of the Pullman series of books until very recently. My 13-year-old daughter brought a copy of The Golden Compass home from the library and I immediately went to the book store and picked up the entire series. I’m currently in the middle of the second book and she’s reading the third.
My daughter and I have had several conversations about the controversy around these books. At first she just said, “Mom… they’re just stories, it doesn’t mean anything.” But then I pushed her to think further. I asked her what she thinks the daemons represent. What does Dust represent? Why don’t children (in The Golden Compass ) have Dust, but adults do? What form would her daemon take if she had one?
These questions (and others which I won’t post because I don’t want to give away anything in the book or movie) have given me a wonderful opportunity to talk about spirituality and God with my daughter. If I had not read the books I would have completely missed out on that opportunity.
I encourage anybody who has questions or fears about these books to actually read at least the first one before you make a judgement about the movie.

The most interesting part of this controversy (I think) isn’t whether or not Pullman is an atheist, or the film/books are anti-religion. The part I don’t get is that the release of a film possibly containing an idea that some people don’t agree with should be the occasion for this kind of debate. As far as I know, no one is being forced to see the films or read the books. Under these circumstances, it’s hard to escape the conclusion that this kind of controversy reflects a sense that no one should be allowed to see (read, think) what one group doesn’t like. I suppose you could allege some kind of harm–that irreligion is a kind of “hate speech”–but I have a hard time understanding why a critique of a belief should be so threatening. Unless, of course, that belief is so fragile (or its adherents so impressionable) that a mere critique can destroy it.
Like I said, I just don’t get it. But maybe that’s because I’m not absolutely certain that I understand the nature of the Universe.

I want to say thank you to Liz for seeing the issue and the point so clearly and for pointing out that young people are not all stupid, authority hating, drug using punks with the emotional, spiritual, and intellectual depth of a thimbal that my generation is portrayed as. To all those who trash this masterpiece I say read the book!

Pullman writes about an “Authority” who suppresses freedom and freethinking. This is Pullman’s idea of the Christian God, which he is mistaken about. In other words, Pullman attacks a straw man.
To those who say Pullman is attacking a false god or a God who is not God – if that is the case, then where is the real God? He is nowhere to be found because Pullman’s theme is that man should replace God. Pullman thinks this is a good thing – but man has never been successful at utopias, and man’s inherent sinful nature continues to pull the world into mega-problems. If we get rid of one problem, ten more crop up.
Pullman wants to blame our problems on God (albeit his warped idea of who God is) and on those who believe in him, when in actuality, our problems come from our own sinfulness. Yet God is merciful enough to provide a Savior who took the penalty for our sin.
Pullman thinks that freedom is freedom from God, when in reality, freedom is freedom from the penalty of sin through faith in Christ.

Okay Liz.
I will.

Thank you so much for this article. You put into words what so many of us who are Christians and HDM fans were thinking. Thank you for giving another side to this never-ending argument.

Thanks for writing this article. It is very interesting to see how people react to certain films. I don’t have children of my own so I cannot comment from a parent’s perspective, but I can comment from a Christian perspective. We do we accept the killing, nudity and swearing in movies and say “it is only a movie” but we don’t accept a movie that challenge our believes. So what if Philip Pullman is an atheists? Is he the only one? Who of us would first go into his house for dinner before judging his thoughts on paper.
I believe that we should renew our minds by the Word of God and should support value added debates, not to proof our religion, but to give hope.

I went to see the movie today with my children, even though my in-laws were horrified by the very thought of the movie and would pray for us if they knew we took the kids to this movie… and thought it was great, and I saw it as spiritual and moving… non church maybe, but not non God … I personally love God very much but do not love the church, so I identify with the theme of this movie…
The church has been and still can be very corrupt… NOT God but man in the name of God. Far too many Christians are closed minded and need to open their thoughts up to a bigger picture. I feel sorry for them, and their small reality. Do they have so little faith that a movie would really jeopardize anything???
I also agree about all the violence and other bad themes is movies we all just accept, but put out a movie that challenges the Church, also like the Da Vinci Code, (which my family also won’t watch) and watch all the small minded church goers freak out…
Thanks for the good article.

Actually, Marcia, Pullman addresses that there is a distinct absence of the Christian God (although the book never names it as “Christian”) and even questions whether God has a mortality or has chosen to watch man’s reaction (using his free will) to the current situation. And, while it is never explicitly states which one is what is happening in the book, it allows the reader to draw a conclusion from the clues they have found while reading. Like most literally classics, it is open to interpretation for the reader to ponder and puzzle on for time to come. Pullman’s theme is the choice between what you are told and what you discover yourself.
And NEVER has Pullman ( I’ll remind you the author of said book) said that the Christian God was a false one, just that he does not believe in him.

The author of the article is either disingenuous or a fool. She writes in her recent review: “The British author, Philip Pullman, has said openly that he is an atheist…and…These books are deeply theological, and deeply Christian in their theology.” The author’s contention is silly on its face. Further, the tired contention that “orthodox” is about power and control is so worn and lame that the author is reduced to relying on full-time doofus Christopher Hitchens for its support. “Orthodoxy” is orthodox because it is vital and holds the fullness of the Gospel together. The postmodern spin attempted by the author tries to overemphasize some parts against the whole–Spirit vs. Father and Son, female vs. male, etc… thus illustrating the very problem and limitation of heterodox opinion: it is reductionist,it reduces the Gospel to “ideas” to be “contemplated” usually in favor of some trend or fad, rather than life to be lived, and so is distorting.

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