by Lauren Okely

Created on: December 21, 2007

While reading the following article, bear in mind that I have not read any of the His Dark Materials books. I am speaking about the controversy not the books. As the sort of person that generally tries to avoid taking her life lessons from works of fiction, I do not find the controversy surrounding His Dark Materials and the movie The Golden Compass as worrying as some. However, I do understand that any idea placed in the mind of an individual has the potential to influence in their actions and beliefs. Hence, I understand the concern.

A summary of the controversy I see

A man has written a book about a made-up world: Northern Lights by Phillip Pullman. A man has stated his religious views: atheism. An atheists views have come out in his writing: the corruption of the Magesterium. Atheism in children's books has concerned religious believers-especially Christians. His book has become a movie: The Golden Compass. A proverbial magnifying glass has been put to the concern. Two groups have had strong, public reactions: some groups of Christians and those in agreement with Pullman.

Some groups of Christians may feel that Pullman is trying to influence their children to give up their faith. They may choose to try and have the books banned or the movies boycotted.

Those in agreement with Pullman may feel that Christians are trying to force their views on the world. They may accuse Christians of being corrupt, unaccepting and hypocritical.

Pullman vs. Lewis

While reading about this controversy, I have noticed that the books have often been mentioned as a contrast to C. S. Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia. I have read that Pullman wrote His Dark Materials specifically to counteract The Chronicles of Narnia.

If that is so, I find it disappointing that someone felt the need to counteract Narnia at all. If an argument is strong, it will stand on it's own merits not by tearing down opposing arguments. Yes, when the opposing argument is based on flimsy evidence, that can be pointed out to strengthen the argument. However, attacking the opposing argument should never be the crux or main thrust of any argument. For me, it weakens the argument.

Stating beliefs

Reading about this subject, I have noticed that it often seems people on either side of the debate are saying, "Them stating their beliefs is a threat to ours." Personally, I do not see it as a threat when someone states they believe something that contradicts what I believe.

If people stopped seeing people holding a different belief

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>