The Golden Compass

I was able to see the Golden Compass on the opening day and it is a very captivating movie. The animation and effects really draw you into the movie; it was an interesting society and world. There are witches, magic, and all sorts of Victorian allusions; at the same time though there was a futuristic feel represented most definitely in the technology (soul dividing machines, etc) at times though it did seem as their technology was behind ours. The story is also quite interesting.

Before getting into details, I would first like to mention I have not read the book, but the movie did get me interested in the book. I am aware that the author of the novel behind this movie, Philip Pullman is a self proclaimed atheist. And therefore this story is supposed to show how tyrannical and oppressive the church is. When the movie was over though, I thought to myself that the average person who knows nothing of the church may not see the connection here. Rather they would see an enchanting and thrilling story about the quest for the truth. Al Mohler has a really good treatment on this movie, so check it out here.

Rather than try to nit pick the movie I will mention a few things. First off, the movie by the end had me really disliking the Magisterium, which is supposed to represent the church. I desired that the Magisterium's inhumanities stop. Secondly, if I were a child (at times I still think I am), I would leave that movie desiring to have a daemon (animal counterparts to all human). As a Christian, these are two cautions that I need to be aware of.

Most definitely, Pullman's portrayal of the church is a bleak one, and if his desire is to have people dislike this group, than he may be successful in this area. For Christians though, we should be readily and able to respond to this movie. I do understand there are many Christian groups advocating a boycott of this movie, and there could be good reason to do so. But at the same time people should be prepared for this movie, and Christians should know how to respond, in the workplace or in school. We as Christians need to show people that the Church is not an oppressive institution; rather it is a blessed community.

It is a community of believers devoted to the one and only true God; and this God does not suppress us, rather we are freed from the oppression and bondage of sin by God's grace. The Church at many times throughout history has had a black taint on it's name, but this is due to the folly of man. We need to be prepared to "destroy every argument or lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God" (2 Corinthians 10:5), in order to bring an adequate and truthful view of God to sinner's ears.

The Golden Compass may in many ways offend some Christians if they have read the books or understand at least the idea and concepts behind the movie, but this should not shy us from a response; this movie might even give us chances to show love to other people, thereby having the gospel proclaimed. Let us pray for this.