It would seem like the perfect subject. A film that supposedly mocks religion and hopes to turn children into future atheists. A blog that wishes to engage in Christianity and the popular arts medium. It’s the perfect merging of all that this blog wishes to be. So why hasn’t there been a post yet about the Golden Compass?
Well, there are several reasons. First, I didn’t want to be reactionary. If I was going to boycott or somehow object to the film, I was going to do so for the right reasons and with the right amount of accurate information. Second, I wanted to navigate a larger terrain and address all the issues that are engulfed by this film and subject matter. Third, I wanted to wait and see the response by the general public. I wanted to read the critics’ reviews. I wanted to see the box office revenue of the opening weekend. Fourth and finally, I was sick of hearing about it, so I waited until the reactionary brouhaha subsided.
I know a lot of Christians who were stirred to their very core about this film, people who I respect and I believe represent the best in Christian faith and service. I admire their passion and resolve in this matter. And I perfectly respect their decision to boycott the film and urge others to do so.
However, despite the amble coverage and opinions that have been spoken, written, and blogged on this matter, very few people tackled this film and the larger issues at stake to the depth or degree that I would have liked to seen. Maybe it is me once again making that which is simple complex and complicated. Maybe it is me once again taking three pages to communicate that which can be argued in three paragraphs. Honestly, I’m not entirely sure. However, I do know that when this issue was raised, there were several questions and issues that immediately popped up on my radar that I was hoping would be addressed, and so far I haven’t come across those discussions.
To me, the primary issue or question that everybody addressed was, “How should a Christian respond to a film or literary source which is anti-God?” It is a relevant and reasonable question. It was especially impassioned because the source material and subsequent film is directly targeting children, unlike say the Last Temptation of Christ by Nikos Kazantzakis and the subsequent film by Martin Scorsese or the Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown and the film by Ron Howard. Those were targeting more of an adult audience, or at least teenagers in regards to the Da Vinci Code. I have a four and one-half year old child. I wouldn’t take her to see the Golden Compass. I certainly wouldn’t encourage her to want to see it or encourage her to read the books. I think we could all agree on that (plus, most critics agree that the film stinks).
For me, however, the discussion doesn’t end there. It should be further explored. Would I ever allow my child to read these books or see the film? At what point are they at an age when it is more their decision than my own? And if they got to that point, should I still object on principle or read the books or see the film with my child? Would that be some form of endorsement? Would I be sinning by contributing money to atheistic propaganda? The more I consider the primary question, the more it dawns on me that this issue isn’t just about atheism. It is also about parenting, authority, independence, guidance, and ultimately, freedom. And that is not yet even addressing the author and the subject matter, which I will get to a bit later.
Does anybody actually know anybody who has read the books or seen the films? Anyone out there (that last sentence is taking a huge leap by assuming that there are more than three people reading this blog). Have any teens read the book? Have any parents read the books to their children? Of course not, because we can’t read the books because we’d have to buy the books, and by purchasing the books we’d be contributing funds to the cause, and the atheists would see that as a resounding victory over organized religion and the oppressive Christians (hopefully sarcasm translate well into the medium of written word).
Any atheists reading this blog? I write that last sentence with a small sprinkling of sarcasm, but also with a genuine intent. Who has read the books? Who has seen the films? Am I asking too much that someone be credible enough to know specifically what we are objecting to? Wasn’t it the very same Christians who took the Jewish leaders to task when they were objecting, boycotting, and picketing the Passion of the Christ without actually having seen it? I don’t know anyone who has read the books or seen the films. That is not to say that both may very well be repulsive and offensive to born-again Christians. I’m just saying that so far, everything I’ve heard is from someone else who heard it from someone else who says that the books and the films promote this or that. If we are to engage in a discussion, debate, or dialogue with such ammunition or information, we are in fact guilty of one of the very things that Philip Pullman (the avowed atheistic author) accuses organized religion of: namely, blind obedience and the inability to engage in debate with our minds and intellect (at least that’s what I’ve read, once again I have not read anything by Pullman).
I’ve had my rationale countered by arguments such as, “you don’t need to view Playboy to know that it is smut and pornography”. Perhaps such sentiments satisfy certain people. It does not me. I find that rationale and argument to be elementary and avoidance. It essentially does not address the primary subject at hand.
One thing about the boycott and debate that especially gets under my skin is that one of its chief orchestrates is none other than William Donohue, the President of the Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights in the United States. I do not know much about Philip Pullman, the author of His Dark Materials series, but I do know enough about William Donohue to warn anyone to align themselves with him or his organization, even in matters that one may be in agreement with his position. William Donohue is not about Civil Rights. He is about engaging the world though his persecutory complex. He is paranoid. The world is out for Catholics. Somehow a film that “endorses” atheism infringes upon the civil rights of Catholics. Am I missing something here?
My personal position is that I do not know enough about the books. I take a cautionary position. I do not plan to see the film. I do not plan to read the books. However, what is my role as a parent? And will it ever evolve or shift? What if my children want to see the film? What if they want to read the books? At what age should I trust them enough to agree? Or do I never agree? None of the countless emails or newsletters delved into this issue. It was a blanket boycott. No one see it. That’s not really that helpful for real-life parents who deal with real-life children and teens who are complex and individuals and don’t always respect or listen to their parents. I’m not claiming to have the answer. But I’m sure many others are asking the same question.
Let’s for a moment actually address some of the subject matter in the book. First, Pullman seems to target Christianity, and specifically the Catholic Church, in his writings. Does that not describe essentially half of the greatest novels of all-time? The Crucible. The Scarlet Letter. Ayn Rand’s works. Mark Twain’s works. Sinclair Lewis's Elmer Gantry. Many of the greatest works of fiction were at one point or another banned or considered obscene, blasphemous, or anti-religion. Many of them seem quaint today now that we are familiar with them, but that doesn’t make them any less critical of God, religious organizations, or the Church. Second, let’s be honest, the Catholic Church is in the midst of one of its darkest periods in “recent” history. The sex-scandal involving priests and underage children is one of the most disgraceful demonstrations of the fallacy and misguided leadership of the Magisterium. Pullman or anyone else want to take a shot at the hypocrisy and destructive leadership of the Catholic Church? Be my guest. You have every right. I am not Catholic. I am not anti-Catholic. But I am a human being and that’s all it takes to recognize the disgust in my mouth over the sex-scandal. Now, humanitarian and relief efforts to the poor, the widowed, and the marginalized are not happening because of the large lawsuit payouts. Shame on the Catholic Church.
Some Christians have been inspired by novels or even see pro-Christian themes in Pullman’s writings. G.P. Taylor, a Christian novelist, was inspired to write Christian fantasy novels after reading His Dark Materials and finding offense to Pullman’s work. However, Taylor has also been quoted in a recent Entertainment Weekly article as having met Philip Pullman and characterizing him as, “a gracious, generous thinker – probably the most Christian non-Christian I’ve ever met.” (http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20155516_20155530_20164514,00.html) The article also goes on to mention that the Catholic News Service gave the film a positive review, mentioning that, ''rather than banning the movie or books, parents might instead take the opportunity to talk through any thorny philosophical issues with their teens.''
Which brings me to my final point, how Philip Pullman has been treated or maligned by this controversy. Let me make my first point abundantly clear: PHILIP PULLMAN IS NOT THE ENEMY!!! Believe it or not, I know many people who are articulate, knowledgeable, kind, and get this, not Christians. Whether they be atheists or agnostics, they themselves are not the enemy. I believe their belief system to be false. I believe in the exclusiveness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. But those who do not hold to such beliefs are not my enemies. In fact, before my conversion, Romans tells me I was an enemy of God.
Pullman has been quoted as coming to his beliefs concerning God because of lack of evidence. He is unable to see the existence of God. He also has many criticisms of organized religion and probably individual Christians. I wonder how much of this boycott has only confirmed to Pullman that which he was suspicious about to begin with. I will actually address it in a separate post that I have been working on for quite some time now, but the issue is love. Can Christians love Philip Pullman and really mean it? I mean really mean it? I mean not lip service, but really mean it and back it up with actions? Actions of love like we treat and acts with those who we love and are close to. Non-Christians are not the enemy. Maybe it’s because atheism hits closer to home for me than some other believers. You see, my father and my “step-mother” are atheists (the quotes around my “step-mother” can be explained at another time). Both are smart, resourceful, and take religion very seriously. My "step-mother" has even read through the entire bible (how many Christians can honestly make that claim?). In the end, she doesn’t buy it. She doesn’t believe it. And you know what, she’s not the enemy. In fact, she’s the very mission field God has given me. Are we turning away and repulsing the very people God wishes for us to be light and salt to while on this earth?
If no one knows of any single person who has read the books or seen the film, I am almost tempted to do so. While I would not necessarily encourage another to do so (I do not wish to encourage them to do something which they may be conflicted over), I have absoluately no fear that it'll negatively impact my faith and belief. Based on what I've read, I'm more afraid of a horrible two-hour movie experience.
Well, there are several reasons. First, I didn’t want to be reactionary. If I was going to boycott or somehow object to the film, I was going to do so for the right reasons and with the right amount of accurate information. Second, I wanted to navigate a larger terrain and address all the issues that are engulfed by this film and subject matter. Third, I wanted to wait and see the response by the general public. I wanted to read the critics’ reviews. I wanted to see the box office revenue of the opening weekend. Fourth and finally, I was sick of hearing about it, so I waited until the reactionary brouhaha subsided.
I know a lot of Christians who were stirred to their very core about this film, people who I respect and I believe represent the best in Christian faith and service. I admire their passion and resolve in this matter. And I perfectly respect their decision to boycott the film and urge others to do so.
However, despite the amble coverage and opinions that have been spoken, written, and blogged on this matter, very few people tackled this film and the larger issues at stake to the depth or degree that I would have liked to seen. Maybe it is me once again making that which is simple complex and complicated. Maybe it is me once again taking three pages to communicate that which can be argued in three paragraphs. Honestly, I’m not entirely sure. However, I do know that when this issue was raised, there were several questions and issues that immediately popped up on my radar that I was hoping would be addressed, and so far I haven’t come across those discussions.
To me, the primary issue or question that everybody addressed was, “How should a Christian respond to a film or literary source which is anti-God?” It is a relevant and reasonable question. It was especially impassioned because the source material and subsequent film is directly targeting children, unlike say the Last Temptation of Christ by Nikos Kazantzakis and the subsequent film by Martin Scorsese or the Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown and the film by Ron Howard. Those were targeting more of an adult audience, or at least teenagers in regards to the Da Vinci Code. I have a four and one-half year old child. I wouldn’t take her to see the Golden Compass. I certainly wouldn’t encourage her to want to see it or encourage her to read the books. I think we could all agree on that (plus, most critics agree that the film stinks).
For me, however, the discussion doesn’t end there. It should be further explored. Would I ever allow my child to read these books or see the film? At what point are they at an age when it is more their decision than my own? And if they got to that point, should I still object on principle or read the books or see the film with my child? Would that be some form of endorsement? Would I be sinning by contributing money to atheistic propaganda? The more I consider the primary question, the more it dawns on me that this issue isn’t just about atheism. It is also about parenting, authority, independence, guidance, and ultimately, freedom. And that is not yet even addressing the author and the subject matter, which I will get to a bit later.
Does anybody actually know anybody who has read the books or seen the films? Anyone out there (that last sentence is taking a huge leap by assuming that there are more than three people reading this blog). Have any teens read the book? Have any parents read the books to their children? Of course not, because we can’t read the books because we’d have to buy the books, and by purchasing the books we’d be contributing funds to the cause, and the atheists would see that as a resounding victory over organized religion and the oppressive Christians (hopefully sarcasm translate well into the medium of written word).
Any atheists reading this blog? I write that last sentence with a small sprinkling of sarcasm, but also with a genuine intent. Who has read the books? Who has seen the films? Am I asking too much that someone be credible enough to know specifically what we are objecting to? Wasn’t it the very same Christians who took the Jewish leaders to task when they were objecting, boycotting, and picketing the Passion of the Christ without actually having seen it? I don’t know anyone who has read the books or seen the films. That is not to say that both may very well be repulsive and offensive to born-again Christians. I’m just saying that so far, everything I’ve heard is from someone else who heard it from someone else who says that the books and the films promote this or that. If we are to engage in a discussion, debate, or dialogue with such ammunition or information, we are in fact guilty of one of the very things that Philip Pullman (the avowed atheistic author) accuses organized religion of: namely, blind obedience and the inability to engage in debate with our minds and intellect (at least that’s what I’ve read, once again I have not read anything by Pullman).
I’ve had my rationale countered by arguments such as, “you don’t need to view Playboy to know that it is smut and pornography”. Perhaps such sentiments satisfy certain people. It does not me. I find that rationale and argument to be elementary and avoidance. It essentially does not address the primary subject at hand.
One thing about the boycott and debate that especially gets under my skin is that one of its chief orchestrates is none other than William Donohue, the President of the Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights in the United States. I do not know much about Philip Pullman, the author of His Dark Materials series, but I do know enough about William Donohue to warn anyone to align themselves with him or his organization, even in matters that one may be in agreement with his position. William Donohue is not about Civil Rights. He is about engaging the world though his persecutory complex. He is paranoid. The world is out for Catholics. Somehow a film that “endorses” atheism infringes upon the civil rights of Catholics. Am I missing something here?
My personal position is that I do not know enough about the books. I take a cautionary position. I do not plan to see the film. I do not plan to read the books. However, what is my role as a parent? And will it ever evolve or shift? What if my children want to see the film? What if they want to read the books? At what age should I trust them enough to agree? Or do I never agree? None of the countless emails or newsletters delved into this issue. It was a blanket boycott. No one see it. That’s not really that helpful for real-life parents who deal with real-life children and teens who are complex and individuals and don’t always respect or listen to their parents. I’m not claiming to have the answer. But I’m sure many others are asking the same question.
Let’s for a moment actually address some of the subject matter in the book. First, Pullman seems to target Christianity, and specifically the Catholic Church, in his writings. Does that not describe essentially half of the greatest novels of all-time? The Crucible. The Scarlet Letter. Ayn Rand’s works. Mark Twain’s works. Sinclair Lewis's Elmer Gantry. Many of the greatest works of fiction were at one point or another banned or considered obscene, blasphemous, or anti-religion. Many of them seem quaint today now that we are familiar with them, but that doesn’t make them any less critical of God, religious organizations, or the Church. Second, let’s be honest, the Catholic Church is in the midst of one of its darkest periods in “recent” history. The sex-scandal involving priests and underage children is one of the most disgraceful demonstrations of the fallacy and misguided leadership of the Magisterium. Pullman or anyone else want to take a shot at the hypocrisy and destructive leadership of the Catholic Church? Be my guest. You have every right. I am not Catholic. I am not anti-Catholic. But I am a human being and that’s all it takes to recognize the disgust in my mouth over the sex-scandal. Now, humanitarian and relief efforts to the poor, the widowed, and the marginalized are not happening because of the large lawsuit payouts. Shame on the Catholic Church.
Some Christians have been inspired by novels or even see pro-Christian themes in Pullman’s writings. G.P. Taylor, a Christian novelist, was inspired to write Christian fantasy novels after reading His Dark Materials and finding offense to Pullman’s work. However, Taylor has also been quoted in a recent Entertainment Weekly article as having met Philip Pullman and characterizing him as, “a gracious, generous thinker – probably the most Christian non-Christian I’ve ever met.” (http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20155516_20155530_20164514,00.html) The article also goes on to mention that the Catholic News Service gave the film a positive review, mentioning that, ''rather than banning the movie or books, parents might instead take the opportunity to talk through any thorny philosophical issues with their teens.''
Which brings me to my final point, how Philip Pullman has been treated or maligned by this controversy. Let me make my first point abundantly clear: PHILIP PULLMAN IS NOT THE ENEMY!!! Believe it or not, I know many people who are articulate, knowledgeable, kind, and get this, not Christians. Whether they be atheists or agnostics, they themselves are not the enemy. I believe their belief system to be false. I believe in the exclusiveness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. But those who do not hold to such beliefs are not my enemies. In fact, before my conversion, Romans tells me I was an enemy of God.
Pullman has been quoted as coming to his beliefs concerning God because of lack of evidence. He is unable to see the existence of God. He also has many criticisms of organized religion and probably individual Christians. I wonder how much of this boycott has only confirmed to Pullman that which he was suspicious about to begin with. I will actually address it in a separate post that I have been working on for quite some time now, but the issue is love. Can Christians love Philip Pullman and really mean it? I mean really mean it? I mean not lip service, but really mean it and back it up with actions? Actions of love like we treat and acts with those who we love and are close to. Non-Christians are not the enemy. Maybe it’s because atheism hits closer to home for me than some other believers. You see, my father and my “step-mother” are atheists (the quotes around my “step-mother” can be explained at another time). Both are smart, resourceful, and take religion very seriously. My "step-mother" has even read through the entire bible (how many Christians can honestly make that claim?). In the end, she doesn’t buy it. She doesn’t believe it. And you know what, she’s not the enemy. In fact, she’s the very mission field God has given me. Are we turning away and repulsing the very people God wishes for us to be light and salt to while on this earth?
If no one knows of any single person who has read the books or seen the film, I am almost tempted to do so. While I would not necessarily encourage another to do so (I do not wish to encourage them to do something which they may be conflicted over), I have absoluately no fear that it'll negatively impact my faith and belief. Based on what I've read, I'm more afraid of a horrible two-hour movie experience.
Addendum (2007-12-18):
In the week or so since adding this post I came across two insightful articles I wanted to share.
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