Guest Blog
'The Golden Compass' controversy shakes Catholics
By Jen Pontzer, Staff Writer
December 23, 2007 | 2 a.m.
The new film “The Golden Compass,” based on the first book in the “His Dark Materials” trilogy by Philip Pullman, has Christians everywhere outraged because God, also known as The Authority, is portrayed as power-hungry and controlling.
Not only that, but the Magisterium, a symbol for the Catholic Church, is also controlling. At one point Mrs. Coulter (Nicole Kidman), who works for the Magisterium, tells the main character Lyra that the organization is there to tell people what to do because some people can’t think for themselves. This, of course, has made the Catholic Church a little upset. Pullman has said that his books are about killing God; however, as a reader and fan of the books, I have to say that it should be taken into account that these books are fictional. I think it would be kind of dumb to change your entire belief set based on fiction.
In addition to being a fan of the books, I am also a Catholic. I think it’s a good idea to learn about other points of view, and that doesn’t mean your point of view has to change. It is important to think for ourselves, no matter what Mrs. Coulter believes, and I don’t think you should decide to see the movie or read the books based on what you hear from the media, which may seem contradictory to what I’m doing in this blog. I should make it clear that I’m not trying to convince anyone to go buy Pullman's books, I’m simply arguing for a side that hasn’t had much attention with all of the bashing of the movie and banning of the book going on lately.
I think maybe this would be a good time to explain a little about the plot for those of you who don’t know Pullman's books. The first book begins with a girl named Lyra who lives in a universe parallel to our own. In this world, which is like our own in that it is still Earth, humans have daemons (pronounced demons). Daemons are an animal representation of a person’s soul. They can talk to you and help guide you, and are very much a part of the person. When a human is hurt, a daemon is hurt and vice versa. Daemons can change shape, and then settle on one shape when a person reaches adulthood. More than killing God or attacking the Church, Pullman’s stories are about growing up and the change from innocence to wisdom.
Of course, there are the anti-religious overtones, with an ex-nun showing up in the second book calling religion a very convincing lie and Lyra being compared with Eve. If you accept that this is fiction and are secure in your beliefs, then you will discover a fantastic story on par with “Harry Potter” and “The Lord of the Rings.” Just because the author is an atheist doesn’t mean reading the book will make you one.
As a journalist, I believe very strongly in free speech - not only in the author’s right to write whatever he pleases, but I also believe those who oppose the book should be able to speak out against it. I do not, however, think the book should be banned, as it is in certain private schools. If you don’t agree with what the books say, then don’t read them. It’s as simple as that.
If you are looking for a good fantasy book to read now that the “Harry Potter” series is done, then I recommend “His Dark Materials.” The books follow the adventures of Lyra in her own world and in the second book, delve into our own world. The struggles that Lyra faces are incredible, and they make me wish I could be like her. And if you're looking for something a little lighter and quicker, see the movie. It doesn't have all of the plot of the book, but that is to be expected. It stays as close to the plot as possible, and that is to be commended.
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