The Golden Compass Christian Response Roundup
The movie, The Golden Compass, premiered this weekend amid much controversy, most of it over the theological content of the books on which the film is based. Philip Pullman, the author of the books, is an avowed atheist who has been quoted as saying, “My books are about killing God.”
I have not seen the movie or read the books, but I have read quite a bit about them in recent weeks. Here are some articles written from a Christian perspective that I found helpful in understanding the issues involved.
Articles about The Golden Compass:
- Albert Mohler – A Briefing for Concerned Christians
- Jeffrey Overstreet – Questions I’ve been asked, answers I’ve given
- Larry Shallenberger – Golden Compass FAQ
- Paul Edwards – Demagnetizing The Golden Compass
- Marcus Goodyear – Gold Plated Compass Can’t Find North
Movie reviews of The Golden Compass:
See related posts:
- The Golden Compass vs. Narnia Box Office Results
- The Golden Compass vs. Alvin and the Chipmunks
- The Prince Caspian Movie Trailer
Sometimes I think that we attribute too much morality in Hollywood’s decision.
I bet all the discussion about the anti-Christian nature of the film is irrelevant compared to the box office returns.
Thanks so much for collecting these links for us. It really cuts down on research time.
Thanks for the link, Ray. The biggest irony of all this controversy is that it just provides more publicity for the movie. Thankfully, it’s just not that good.
And I think the real warning should be what N. T. Wright said. We need to consider the theology of every movie, TV show, book, etc. that we absorb. Often the more subtle secular messages are the most insidious.
Mark –
You’re absolutely right about the controversy stirring up additional publicity. It makes you wonder how well (or poorly) the movie might have done if nobody had said anything about it.
I think this was very vividly demonstrated with the whole “DaVinci Code” extravaganza.
I thought the Golden Compass might be OK for older kids who are firm in their faith, but I think that for younger kids who may not know Jesus should not watch it. The fact that he kills God in the end disturbs me for numerous reasons;
a. God cannot be killed
b. you can’t see God, so how can you kill him
c. in some interviews the person who made the film said he was purposely trying to put Jesus Christ down.
Katie – I didn’t see the movie, but I agree that it would probably be very confusing for younger children. Thanks for weighing in with your comments!