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The Golden Compass

December 4th, 31e by Brett Wagner

goldencompassWith the upcoming release of The Golden Compass there has been a lot of conversation among Christians about the evil agenda behind the movie. Some have suggested a boycott; others have sought to educate the public about the beliefs and statements of the author.

This movie is yet another reminder that we live in a world that is hostile towards the gospel. But the question remains: how do we respond to such things?

Albert Mohler has a very helpful post on his blog that gives us a helpful perspective on the movie.

First of all we need to recognize the facts:

  • Phillip Pullman has a definite agenda in writing these books
  • He is an atheist and thinks the Christian faith is a sham and harmful to people
  • The trilogy of books is blatant in their perversion of the gospel and God’s plan of redemption
  • Though these books are marketed at 11-14 year olds, they contain graphic and explicit sex

But the question remains; how should we as Christians respond to this movie? Mohler writes:

A good first step would be to take a deep breath.  The Christian faith is not about to be toppled by a film, nor by a series of fantasy books.  Pullman has an agenda that is clear, and Christians need to inform themselves of what this agenda is and what it means.  At the same time, nothing would serve his agenda better than to have Christians speaking recklessly or unintelligently about the film or the books…

This is about the battle of ideas and worldviews….When the movie is mentioned in the workplace, in school, on the playground, or in the college campus, this is a great opportunity to show that Christians are not afraid of the battle of ideas…
 

Should we be concerned that people, young and old, will be confused by this movie?  Of course.  But I do not believe that a boycott will dissuade the general public from seeing the film.  I am very concerned when I think of so many people being entertained by such a subversive message delivered by such a seductive medium.  We are responsible to show them, in so far as we are able, that the Magisterium of The Golden Compass is not a fair or accurate representation of the Christian Church…

Mohler concludes his thoughts in saying:

The biblical story of the Fall is true, after all, and our only rescue is through the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  The curse of sin was not reversed by adolescents playing at sex in a garden, but by the Son of God shedding His blood on a cross…

So let’s get our bearings straight as we think and talk about The Golden Compass.  This movie does represent a great challenge, but a challenge that Christians should always be ready to meet.

I agree with Mohler, the Golden Compass will come and go, but the Word of the Lord stands forever. Therefore, as Christians, we should be ready to engage in any discussion about our ultimate purpose, the reality of sin and how a person is truly “enlightened.”

-brett

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