Golden Compass Guide for Parents: Answers to all Your Questions (Updated)

So, what is the big deal about this movie?
Why should parents be concerned?The movie The Golden Compass is the first book of the trilogy, His Dark Materials. Parents need to be concerned because it attacks the foundation of the Catholic Faith.1 Author, Philip Pullman says, • “My books are about killing God.”2 • “I am all for the death of God.”3 • “I’m trying to undermine the basis of Christian belief.”4

The author is an atheist, but how does that affect the film?
“Though much of Pullman’s trilogy involves… mystical worlds with talking animals and magical witches, the underlying theme is no simple fantasy. In the fictional universe of His Dark Materials, there is no real God; rather there is a high angel called the Authority, who purports to be God.”5 The Catholic Church, frequently called the Magisterium, is portrayed as the dark force to be overcome.

Isn’t His Dark Materials just fiction?
It is fiction but it presents good as evil and evil as good. It portrays the evil of dark, demonic forces that battle God and ultimately kill God. So a film like this (and especially the trilogy it is based on) invites us to join forces against God.

How is the Golden Compass different from Narnia and the Lord of the Rings?
The Chronicles of Narnia are a fantasy representing the battle between God and His followers and Satan and his devils. In the Lord of the Rings, Tolkien shows the power of God and His grace and invites the reader to join Him. Pullman’s trilogy, His Dark Materials, promotes the lie that evil can ultimately defeat God. But we know that Jesus’ death on the Cross has already won the ultimate victory.

Why can’t kids go to it as a fun, fantasy movie? What am I to tell my child?
It is no simple fantasy. It is about evil being presented in an enticing and glamorous way. As the first teachers and protectors, parents would not allow their children to be desensitized to evil so that it becomes commonplace and they no longer recognize it as dangerous and seek to avoid it. It is the same as saying that parents would not let their children drink poison. Tell your children that this movie is definitely poison for the soul. In the Our Father, Jesus taught us clearly to pray, deliver us from evil.6 Jesus does not want us to toy with evil even when it looks fascinating.

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This is a well-written, informative piece about the movie "The Golden Compass." National Marian Catechist Coordinator, Teri Knothe said to feel free to copy and distribute.

Previous Posts:

US Bishops asked to Fire Chief Film Critic over Glowing Reviews for "Brokeback" and "Compass"
Pullman gets peevish; Catholic League responds to spin doctors
Recommended Reading
Phillip Pullman's Deceit is Appalling
An Invitation to Readers: Answer the Atheist
"Golden Compass: Agenda Unmasked": Catholic League's Response to Pullman's Ploy
Anti-Catholic Movie Starring Nicole Kidman Due out in December

Related Post:
Catholic League Slams US Catholic Bishops Conference Positive Review of Golden Compass

Updated: Catholic League Post - “GOLDEN COMPASS” FANS WANT RED MEAT
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