Which Way Does the Compass Point?

Like probably most pastors I know, I have been asked repeatedly my opinion and forwarded all sorts of material regarding the release of the film The Golden Compass and the overt attacks on Christianity by its author Philip Pullman.  Christian folks, rightly so, want to know how to react and respond to the film production of the literary material of a self-proclaimed "anti-Lewis."  So far, my favorite response has been that of Peter Chattaway in Christianity Today http://www.christianitytoday.com/movies/reviews/2007/goldencompass.html.  I don't have a lot to add to Chattaway's sentiments, but I will add the following:

1. As a general rule, I think Christians should vote with their wallets.  There is a second Chronicle of Narnia film being released this summer (Prince Caspian).  It was made because people of faith in particular made the first (and very well done) film a smashing success.

2. Although it is important for us to discuss among one another, and to some degree in the culture, our disagreements with Pullman's stories, there is also a tendency for Christians to give some events more attention than they deserve.  (Does anybody remember the hub-bub over The Last Tempation of Christ)?  Although there may be a corrosive effect upon the culture when there is a glut of anti-Christian materials around, I tend to think we are finding more success than failure in the area of media these days.  The diversification of the television and movie industry as well as the rise of technology has made it easier for Christians to get their work in the market place.  Sit down and make a list of the great Christian-themed movies from the last 10 years and then try and think about if those films got made 20 years ago.  I don't think they did.

3. Don't miss the opportunity for dialogue with your kids.  We tend to take a "that is evil - whatever you do don't touch that" approach to these kinds of moments.  I think there are a lot of children who either have read or now will read the trilogy because of the "danger" added to them.  Those who have decried them as evil will end the ability to discuss them with their kids because those kids who go on and read them will likely do it secretly.  Caleb read the first book in the trilogy before we knew what they were about.  To him it seemed like just a cool story about good and evil including talking polar bears.  Now, however, it has given us a unique opportunity to dialogue about the following questions:  Why do you think someone like Pullman is so upset with Christianity?  Has the Chrisitan church at times acted like the Magesterium in the novel?  If it has, how do we confess that and be and reflect the love of God more accurately to the future Pullmans?  Is there anything about Pullman's perspective on the church that we may need to hear?

4. I think we need to be careful how we dialogue with the culture about the books and film.  I received several forwards that contain a quote that has been revealed as a fabrication.  Although Pullman has certainly said things that should concern Christians, the central quote in one of the most prominent emails making the rounds isn't true.  When we (as followers of Jesus) participate in that kind of mis-representation and untruth - even when the cause is just - we live into the very nature of the Christianity that Pullman has rejected and has set out to eliminate.  We certainly cannot be overcome with evil, but we must do our best to overcome evil with good.

Comments

[Mark]

Thanks for chiming in on this issue. Helps to have voices of reason. If in fact the biggest arguement to not support these movies and the reading of these books is the plot of the third of the triology to kill God. We are quite fond of another book that shares from time to time the same theme. Dialogue is good. Ignorance and hate are bad!
Have a great day and see you soon.