What to Make of Pullman and “The Golden Compass”

December 1, 2007

There’s been a lot of talk and warnings about the upcoming movie, “The Golden Compass,” based on Phillip Pullman’s Dark Materials trilogy. Some are calling for boycots. I, however, tend to agree with what Carl Truemen says at the Reformation 21 Blog.

So I say, read what Pullman writes, go see the movie, don’t feel guilty if you even enjoy them for the fantasy stories that they are. Pullman’s a good storyteller. I found myself enjoying the books even as I loathed Pullman’s ideas about God. And I believe I was able to do this because it’s not hard to distinguish the serious errors in Pullman’s thinking.

If God is who Pullman thinks he is, a decrepit, useless, power-hungry old man, then maybe he does deserve to go, as Pullman so clearly suggests. Far be it from me to defend a God who is less than glorious and good. But I know the truth about God is quite the opposite. As the Psalmist says,

Psalm 145:8-16  The LORD is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.  The LORD is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made.  All your works shall give thanks to you, O LORD, and all your saints shall bless you!  They shall speak of the glory of your kingdom and tell of your power,  to make known to the children of man your mighty deeds, and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.  Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures throughout all generations. The LORD is faithful in all his words and kind in all his works.  The LORD upholds all who are falling and raises up all who are bowed down.  The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food in due season.  You open your hand; you satisfy the desire of every living thing.

Ultimately, the God Pullman so viciously attacks is not the God that I so gladly worship. So… enjoy the show.

Posted by Aaron | Filed Under Blog, Church and Culture 

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