by Matthew J Stevenson

Created on: December 25, 2007

Ideally, the whole fatigue of religious criticism to a fictional ideal such as the golden compass, is not a new one. It has happened over and over again - many religious viewpoints and ideals have attacked literature and media over the years. What makes the golden compass so different?

The first thing that strikes me with the golden compass is the use of religious acronyms and terminology used out of context and a totally different circumstance than is portrayed in the general framework of religion. For one the "magisterium" viewed as an organised body of people employing the use of faith and fate together hand in hand,largely rule the golden compass universe with a means of authority - this is definitely no different in its respect to organised religion in our own reality - religion has been used as a means of control and guidance, as a path of faith and guidlines for life (and beyond) our own for centuries.

In effect the magisterium ideal is portrayed as a manner of authority and control - a very elitist structure, heirarchical and pyramid shaped, following a manner of controlto its subjects. In effect it is a wonderful ideal, having wise and noble people at the top making guidlines and formulating theologies in order for subjects to live out their lives an the sanctity of their faith - This is used as a model in almost every form of organised faith. what is so different about the golden compass ideal that religion attacks so?

The golden compass ideal allows us to see that our destinies and spiritual paths are our own to pursue, and are never ideally meant to be controlled save by our own free will - which oddly enough is a concept many organised religions share- in terms of the magisterium however, it is sought that this takes control away from the heirarchical body-a movement which i believe many organised religions and faiths (even though they undoubtedly will deny it) fear.

It has long been thought, even in ancient religions, that lack of faith in a particular ideal or concept, can in fact cause the concept to die. Is it possible for a deity to die? Will a deity still hold its stand if its followers eventually abandon it? if only i had an elithiometer - i would perhaps know the answer.

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