There's been no shortage of controversy surrounding The Golden Compass. The Catholic League and other religious groups have recently taken a particularly vehement, angtagonistic position to it. And it's obvious why. Pullman, the creator of the anti-Narnia trilogy, is strikingly open about his intent--to do away with Christianity. Thus, especially because TGC is in the United States being marketed towards children, it is generating quite the "buzz" for the Christian community and for parents in general. Should we let our children be exposed to a film that so clearly opposes Christianity and risk the influence of Pullman's message upon their young minds? Should we boycott and attempt to punish Pullman and Hollywood by diminishing overall ticket sales?
Here's my position, in toto:
1) Boycotts don't work. You might get what you want by boycotting, but you get it for the wrong reasons. We don't want Disney to quit holding celebrations for homosexuality because they can't afford more fabulous costumes for Mickey, but because they're convinced that God intends sexual intimacy between husband and wife--male and female.
2) Similarly, we want to fight Pullman in open war, in ideological confrontation. To avoid the film altogether is like plugging our ears up when someone argues with us over the resurrection's truthfulness. We don't want to believe Christianity because we don't know any better. Christianity is true. Pullman can't change that. We don't have to fear his ideas or hide from them. Rather, we should take up our Christian sword, face them, and hack them down.
3) We play right into Pullman's hands when we keep ourselves and others from seeing the film. He accuses the church (represented as the Magesterium in the film version) of attempting to keep dissenting voices of "truth" from being heard. If we don't, in essence, hear his voice, and retreat fearful of his message, all the while labelling his ideas "dangerous" and "blasphemous," are we not then guilty of his charge?
4) TGC needs to be explained. Children capable of understanding basic apologetic concepts should see the film with a parent or adult, and they should immediately discuss the concepts of the film together. Children who can't think yet in basic apologetic concepts probably should not see the film.
It's an amazing movie, brilliantly written, with a stellar cast. New Line Cinema has in all probability produced the Christmas season's best film, if not the best film of the year. We'll see. Kite Runner, to be released over the next few weeks, is its only formidable competition. It's worth a viewing. Think about it. Give it a go.
1 comment:
I am not sure I agree with your position entirely. Surely there is wisdom in avoiding false doctrine. Why muddy the waters with financial or social endorsement if you disagree with it? Is entertainment worth it?
You already know you disagree with Pullman, and already know that he is blatantly anti-Christian. Do you go see the film just to prove that you are not afraid of false doctrine? I don't know.
I like to go to the movies, and I certainly didn't hide from Harry when the whoopin' and hollerin' started, but I also didn't grace the DaVinci Code with my moolah. It was an easy choice for me. This is heresy, I won't go.
What if "Golden Compass" is the foundation for a more aggressive indoctrination to follow? Can you imagine a point when you will have had enough?
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