US News & Comment

I first saw the trailer for the Holiday film “The Golden Compass” this week when my husband found it on the internet.  It looked like a well-done, exciting family film in the tradition of “Harry Potter” or “The Chronicles of Narnia.”  Now, I find, that the film and the novel it is based on are the center of a rising storm of controversy.

“Northern Lights,” published in the United States under the title “The Golden Compass,” is the first book in a trilogy that tells the story of a young girl and her quest.  Philip Pullman, the author of the novel, is an avowed atheist and has reportedly made religion and God the evil villian of these stories.  This has raised concern among religious leaders and parents.

Having not read the books, I am unable to say how overt the theme is in the novels, but there seems to be little doubt about Pullman’s intent.  He says that his books are “about killing God.”  He claims that he has difficulty understanding the words “spiritual” or “spirituality.”  And his focus in religious discussions seems to be the crimes and power grabs committed in the name of God over the course of the world’s history. 

The movie, it seems, is a rather watered down version of the book with a somewhat less offensive theme.  The chief worry seems to be that Pullman’s story will continue to make money.  (The books have sold over 15 million copies world wide thus far.)  If children like the film, parents may be encouraged to buy them the books not realizing that it is more provocative than the film.  They further warn that as the trilogy progresses, the books become more and more edgy and dark.

I believe that these are evaluations that any concerned parent would be glad to have when evaluating whether or not to expose one’s children to certain media.  Forewarned, as they say, is forearmed.  However, I doubt that this will make a significant difference to the success–or failure–of the film.  It has obviously done little to stop the sale of books.  Nor do I think that the film will do any significant damage to the religious world overall.

There was a similar storm stirred up around the film “The DaVinci Code” upon it’s release.  The book and film were rather uncomplimentary of the Catholic church and used anti-Christian beliefs to advance key plot points.  (The film was much less detailed and forthright than the book.)  However, most Christians saw the movie and it’s supposed “facts” as a work of fiction.  There was no great earthquake of faith among the churches of the world.

“The Golden Compass” is even less founded in reality.  Most children will probably not make any connections between the characters on the screen and their pastor on Sunday morning.  Adults who make the connection are probably not going to be swayed one way or another by the film.

In the end, it will be up to parents to judge what is best for their children.  Those who are offended by Pullman’s views and the possible premise of the film would be well advised to vote with their dollars.  Another course is for parents to be well-informed so that they can discuss the film and it’s possible implications with their children.

Look here for a forth-coming family friendly review of the book “The Golden Compass” as well as other volumes of the “His Dark Materials” trilogy by Philip Pullman.

Share This

Last week citizens in Utah voted down a measure to offer vouchers to families who wish to send their children to private schools.  This is the latest in the battle that has raged across the nation pitting school choice advocates against powerful teacher’s unions.

Vouchers are generally seen as the best way to let parents opt out of the Public School System and seek alternative education options.  Supporters contend that allowing parents to send children to the school of their choice, will introduce the market forces of competiton into the school system and improve public and private schools.  Opponents cite cost and contend that the state will end up paying the tuition for the children of wealthy families.

What few people have discussed is how the private schools feel about the plan.  If private schools, many of which are religious in nature, begin accepting government vouchers, how long before they are subject to the same restrictions that have been placed on public schools?  The Utah bill already stated that private schools receiving vouchers would have to be accountable to the state for academic standards. 

Government subsidies always come with strings.  Private colleges that have accepted federal funds have been required to conform to certain government requirements.  The Boy Scouts of America have been taken to court several times on the basis of taking money while maintaining exclusions in their recruitment standards.  Private schools may or may not be willing to alter their standards in order to be eligible to receive government vouchers.

It then raises the question, if private schools must meet government “standards” in order to receive vouchers, will there be any difference between private and public schools?  What choices will be left to parents when these are all the same?

Share This