I've recently begun reading the Golden Compass series by Phillip Pullman. The series - also known as "His Dark Materials", although the first book was published as early as 1996, have recently been causing a great deal of controversy. The Catholic School Board in Calgary has banned the books from their shelves and the Catholic League President and CEO was quoted to say that, "These books denigrate Christianity, thrash the Catholic Church and sell the virtues of atheism." The author is not shy about his atheistic beliefs, nor the fact that his books were written as a response to C.S. Lewis' Narnia series, as a replacement series for a new age of youth."'I loathe the 'Narnia' books,' Pullman has said in previous press interviews. 'I hate them with a deep and bitter passion, with their view of childhood as a golden age from which sexuality and adulthood are a falling away.' He has called the series 'one of the most ugly and poisonous things' he's ever read. (quote found here)
But weren't a lot of these same criticisms (going back to the denigration of Christianity, not Pullman's hatred of the Narnia series) first held up to Harry Potter? "It's about witchcraft! Ban them! My children will never read this filth!" This conversation seemed to be everywhere. But now, here we are, the Harry Potter series has come to a - VERY successful - end, and those (myself included) who at the beginning claimed they would never read such a thing, have fallen in love with "The Boy Who Lived". Is the Golden Compass really that different? Will the roar die down? Will we be able to appreciate a story for a story and an extremely well-written tale for just that? But at the same time, should it die down? At least it gets people talking about God in an increasingly Godless world.
The first book was riveting and full of heart-pounding excitement. Only at the end was there a small jab, and maybe a small peek at the slashes at Christianity that are to come. But still, I read on. If not only because the books are enthralling, but because I believe it's important to be informed. I can't dig my head in the sand and pretend things aren't out there. When the people I work with ask me questions about how I react to things like this and I have nothing to say because I refuse to read it I have just lost an opportunity to share in an incredible way. So, here's to reading with a careful heart, and listening for those opportunities.
9 comments:
Hey Shareen-bean,
I read the whole trilogy before all of this controversy became a big thing. The author is definately athiest but I found the books more anti-religion than anti-God. They are very enjoyable. Except the third one was a bit weird. Despite owning all three, I am quite turned off by his recent comments about Narnia. I wonder how much of that isn't publicity? Still a worthwhile read I think...
you have inspired me to give the books a read. Right after I get through the other ten by my nightstand calling to me :)
I haven't yet decided whether or not I will give those ones a read. I have heard all the furor and I hope that, as a parent, I will be able to raise my children with the opportunity to develop a strong enough relationship with God that books and people that challenge them on their beliefs will be only that, a challenge.
Shareen - thanks! I am glad that they are people out there who will read a book for the story and not get bogged down in the claims people make. I wish you happy reading!
I haven't read them. I have seen the movie and was a little worried about it going in because of all the talk I've heard. I found the story entertaining (although not as captivating as Narnia stories) and it didn't seem to be against "christianity" so much as it was a powerful, controlling and harmful institution - which is unfortunately the author's view of the church. If that is what christianity really was I'd hate it too. But it's not. So I don't. Would I give the books to my kids though? Probably not. I could find better things for them to read.
hey shareen, i loved those books. all 3. we are looking forward to the movie too.
marc
Thanks for your thoughts Shareen. I read all of these books back in grade 7 or 8, and at the time I was oblivious to the anit-religious message. I really just enjoyed the story. I think people get too worked up about the particular choices and lifestyle of the author and can't just enjoy the story. After all, it IS only fiction!
i haven't read the books. But i knew they were controversial and i wondered why.
Also on your previous post about shoes: i LOVE your shoes!!!
that is all.
Good call Shareen. I get so tired of people not being able to read things in their context. It's a fantasy novel - not a religious text... although I don't really like anyone to takes a shot at C.S. Lewis...
We should start a controversial book club!!
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