I'm certain that many of you are wondering about all the publicity surrounding the new film "The Golden Compass." Although I have not yet seen the film, I plan to so that I am able to answer clearly the questions which I may get in regard to its worldview. Until then, there is a very well-written statement on the movie at Albert Mohler's Blog and I suggest that you read the post and carefully consider what it says. Dr. Mohler is the president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. I particularly like the following from that page:So, what should Christians do?
A good first step would be to take a deep breath. The Christian faith is not about to be toppled by a film, nor by a series of fantasy books. Pullman has an agenda that is clear, and Christians need to inform themselves of what this agenda is and what it means. At the same time, nothing would serve his agenda better than to have Christians speaking recklessly or unintelligently about the film or the books.
This is about the battle of ideas and worldviews. While Christians will not celebrate the release of this film, we should recognize the mixture of challenge and opportunity that comes with millions of persons watching this film and talking about the issues it raises. When the movie is mentioned in the workplace, in school, on the playground, or in the college campus, this is a great opportunity to show that Christians are not afraid of the battle of ideas.
We should recognize that the Christian Church has some very embarrassing moments in its history - moments when it has failed to represent the truth of the Gospel and the love of Christ. Authors like Philip Pullman take advantage of these failures in order to paint the entire Christian Church as a conspiracy against human happiness and freedom. Of course, that charge will not stand close scrutiny, and we can face it head-on with a thoughtful response.
Some Christians have also held very unhelpful views of human sexuality. These, we must admit, would include figures as great and influential as Augustine and, alas, C. S. Lewis. But these figures, rightly influential in other areas of the faith, are not representative in this case of biblical sexuality. We can set the record straight.
Should we be concerned that people, young and old, will be confused by this movie? Of course. But I do not believe that a boycott will dissuade the general public from seeing the film. I am very concerned when I think of so many people being entertained by such a subversive message delivered by such a seductive medium. We are responsible to show them, in so far as we are able, that the Magisterium of The Golden Compass is not a fair or accurate representation of the Christian Church.
I can only wonder how many parents and grandparents will allow children and young people to see the movie and then buy them the books -- blissfully unaware of what is coming in books two and three.
The Gospel of Jesus Christ has enemies; this we know. Christian parents must be informed about His Dark Materials and inform others. We must take the responsibility to use interest in this film to teach our own children to think biblically and to be discerning in their engagement with the media in all forms. We should arm our children to be able to talk about this project with their classmates without fear or rancor.
Philip Pullman has an agenda, but so do we. Our agenda is the Gospel of Christ -- a message infinitely more powerful than that of The Golden Compass. Pullman's worldview of unrestricted human autonomy would be nightmarish if ever achieved. His story promises liberation but would enslave human beings to themselves and destroy all transcendent value.
Dr. Mohler explains that this golden compass or "alethiometer" (apparently derived from the Greek words aletheia or "truth" and metron or "measure") will reveal the truth to anyone who knows how to operate it. Yet as believers, we already know the truth. His name is Jesus and He told us in John 14:6 that "I am the way and the truth and the life." Further, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31-32).
If we really believe this is so, then we shouldn't fear the film, but use conversation about it as an opportunity to demonstrate that the Christ is truth. In short, recall that Jesus told His disciples that the gates of Hades cannot prevail against the Church (Matthew 16:18). So, about the compass, we should realize that rather than point to truth, it's more like Captain Jack Sparrow's compass in the "Pirates of the Caribbean," never pointing north; never true. Let's all be aware of its message; and be sure of ours.
