Mormon Doctrine Hidden Within the The Golden Compass and His Dark Materials
LDS Themes in Philip Pullman's Trilogy
It is true that in His Dark Materials the people on the side of good are battling against "god." But The Authority (as "god" is named) isn't actually the creator. And he's somewhat authoritarian. The real threat, though, we find out, is actually Metatron, The Authority's right-hand angel. Metatron wants to take over The Authority's place and force everyone to worship him. He wants glory, and he wants everyone to do things his way. Defeating "god" is really about defeating Metatron. For all you Mormons out there, you've probably already identified the usurping Metatron as Lucifer, who wished to take away humankind's agency and take God's glory, for which he was cast out.
But that's not all. The books (especially the Golden Compass) are very heavy on disputing the idea of Original Sin. Additionally, the main character, Lyra, is set up as a "second Eve." And this second Eve has a job to do: save humankind, and allow it to flourish as it learns from its mistakes and progresses. That's right, in Pullman's universe, something akin to "the Fall" is a good thing. Now, where have I heard this before...Oh, right. Sunday school, growing up in the LDS church.
And here's something else I know the Mormons out there will love: The Authority and the angels in the books have bodies. Corporeal bodies that are more refined than the bodies of humans. And get this: humans can become angels. Metatron was a human once (but for now, we'll ignore that he was Enoch). So that fits into a Mormon doctrine framework as well. And there's a spirit world full the spirits of those who are dead.
But I think my favorite point is a substance called Dust. In His Dark Materials, Pullman imagines a substance that can integrate with humans called Dust. It is also described as dark matter. And it's conscious, and can form the basis of various beings. As soon as I found out what Dust was in the Pullman universe, I immediately equated it with "intelligences."
Of course, the idea that "god" is a frail being, ancient beyond measure and eager to be released from his prison will not be found among LDS themes, and some of the other concepts are "off" in a Mormon framework as well. But in general, the themes of agency, progression, intelligence, and Original Sin are present and remarkably compatible with Mormon doctrine. I find it fascinating that, without even reading the books, Mormons are concluding that the books have no merit. Just because the guy the wrote them is an atheist.
Published by Jean Marquit
Jean is a freelance writer living the dream and working from home. When not working, she enjoys playing with her husband and their son. Reading, traveling, and playing chess are her hobbies. View profile
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8 Comments
Post a CommentVery interesting. Thanks for the education :-)
Thanks Khara! It is interesting when you see the concepts from a variety of religions are compatible. And one thing that I think is especially important is the fact that, honestly, most people believe in "good" and "evil" and that we should have a choice of what path to follow in our lives. Humanist atheists have more in common with Christians than many Christians like to admit.
Thanks Khara! It is interesting when you see the concepts from a variety of religious are compatible. And one thing that I think is especially important is the fact that, honestly, most people believe in "good" and "evil" and that we should have a choice of what path to follow in our lives. Humanist atheists have more in common with Christians than many Christians like to admit.
Sorry for that misreading, MJM ... though the more I look at your article, I find it adds to a discussion I've been having among other Christian friends of mine (including a few Mormons) about how Christians find themes/concepts applicable to their faith where they may not actually have been meant to exist, or where they do exist but not in the context we (Christians) put them in. Especially in relation to your concluding thoughts: the words "compatible" and "merit" stuck out to me the most. Even your title suggests a bit of that, with the idea of Mormon doctrine being "hidden" in the text. Interesting food for thought.
Interesting article!
Khara: I didn't say that Mormons would love the movie. I said that they would love the concept of angels with bodies.
While I find your points interesting, I wouldn't go so far as to say Mormons would "love" this movie anymore than many other Christians would, simply because some elements seem in line with Mormon beliefs. The fact of the matter is, the author of the books, a strong atheist, has said repeatedly that this book "is about killing God." While it may not be "the same God Christians believe in", he means it to be, which should be problematic. I'm not saying we should be banning people from seeing it, as some other Christians suggest, but Christians should still be wary and aware when watching it.
Well done! And I'd been thinking that the whole thing was an allegory for how Christianity usurped the faith away from God and put it in "The Church". Turns out the Satan version of "the Authority" works well too. Either way, the message seems clear: the God who 'loves you', yet demands you suffer for his glory, is a false one.