The Christian Right's Flawed Golden Compass Campaign

It's been the hottest topic since, well, Dumbledore's outing . . . at least in the Christian Right demographic.

The big furor over Phillip Pullman's His Dark Materials fantasy series is really old news for some. Back in 2001, The Guardian and The Observor were reporting a Bible Belt backlash against Pullman's first book in the series, The Golden Compass. Why the new outcry against the Dark Materials books? The Golden Compass, the movie, will be released in the U.S. in December 2007.

The premise of His Dark Materials trilogy depends on who you ask. Fantasy fiction that tells the coming of age story of a girl and a boy as they wander through parallel universes, or, a young streetwise girl becomes enmeshed in an epic struggle to ultimately defeat the oppressive forces of a senile God.

The religious right, right on cue, are creating a stir over these books-and by extension, the movie-because the author is a self-professed atheist and his worldview is portrayed in these young adult novels. Message boards and forums have been on fire during the past few weeks. While it is good to see fellow Christians stand up for what they believe and unify against a common enemy, the process is a flawed one-just as it was with Harry Potter and the Da Vinci Code.

Information about the content of His Dark Materials and the perceived dangers to children spread like wildfire, and like the parlour game, Telephone, the cumulative errors are amusing-or at least they would be if this weren't a serious subject. It is painful to see so many people 'believe what they hear' without further investigation. A half hour spent with Google provides enough information from newspaper articles and interviews and summaries to understand that there is far more to the story. And, of course, the best method of research would be to go to the primary source, actually read the book and then make an informed decision.

Claims have been made that reading His Dark Materials novels endanger children. The same people who would have the Potter books banned and burned because reading them will lead to children experimenting with witchcraft and exploring Satanism, are now saying Pullman's books will turn children into atheists and forsake their Christian upbringing. First of all, these books are not written for "children" but for young adults. Yes, a child might be curious and pick up one of the novels, but they are unlikely to comprehend the allegory presented (if they get past the first few pages, that is. His Dark Materials aren't an easy read). The role of the parent is either underestimated here, or considered altogether ineffectual.

Christian parents: why not seize this opportunity? Use The Golden Compass as a springboard for lessons. Discuss what atheism is and why it is contrary to your beliefs. Have your child point out examples of characters making questionable decisions and then tell what they would/ should do. Turn the book into a spiritual teaching tool at the same time as encouraging reading skill development.

Whether a book or movie for children, young adults or adults, if a group like the Christian Right worries about the dangers within, the best tactic would be an insidious campaign against the medium. Learn from the vocal crusade against Harry Potter or The Da Vinci Code. The controversy played an important role in the successes of these products. And, by the way, the anti-Harry Potter, anti-DaVinci Code books have brought a nice bit of change into the coffers of Christian organizations. Most recently, The Catholic League has mounted a PR campaign against the movie and has published a pamphlet called "'The Golden Compass': Unmasked," which is for sale on its Web site.

In an interview, Phillip Pullman (2002.02.18 The Guardian) was asked how to go about recommending his book, his response:

I'd say: "You are forbidden to read these books. They're too old for you, and they're full of things you shouldn't experience yet, like sex and violence and dangerous ideas about religion. I'm putting them up here, on this shelf, and I'm going out for an hour or so. You're not to touch them."

Wake up, fellow Christians, and re-examine the Phillip Pullman campaign. His Dark Materials sales are soaring, in part because of the publicity you are generating for them. I am sure Mr. Pullman's pocketbook is infinitely grateful.