The Golden Compass

October 31, 2007

Lar,

Where are you brother? I expect you to get back into blogging shape sometime soon! Anyhow….The Golden Compass. That’s a movie that is set to be released in December. From what I understand, it is the anti-Narnia, even though it is being publicized as if it were in the same category. This movie is based on the first of three books by an avowed atheist named Philip Pullman. The trilogy itself is entitled His Dark Materials. That doesn’t sound to favorable to me.

Interestingly enough, it seems as if Pullman himself is quite transparent in his desire to destroy the idea of Christianity. Sadly, few seem to realize that the use of a narrative for children is a wonderful way to do so. Therefore, many speak of the film (and the books I suppose) as if it were no big deal. You can hear them now, “It is just a story.”

Well…let it be clear…there is no such thing as ‘just a story.’ For every story has an author. And every author has a worldview. And we are kidding ourselves if we think that the author’s worldview will not ’shine through’ his or her story. And we are kidding ourselves more if we think that the worldview that ’shines through’ the story will not impact us or our children. Such a notion is foolishness to say the least (I suppose, b/c it is so arrogant).

Think about it brother, God has revealed Himself especially through stories. It is especially through stories (true ones of course) that He has chosen to make Himself known. Even more, the story that is all of human history will serve as the primary place we behold the glorious riches of His Person. History itself is all about God.

So are stories a big deal? You bet they are. That is why what we see on television or in the movies are a big deal. For whether we realize it or not, they are informing our thinking. They have lessons to teach us. And the power of a story is that it can so captivate us that it places our mind in a receptable mood. We think we are just being entertained, when in reality our minds are being renewed (for good or for ill).

Yes…stories are a very big deal. That is why Christians ought to be busy acting like their Creator and writing good stories. It is also why we should be very careful about what our children read about and watch. Indeed, it is why we ourselves should be very careful about what we read and what we watch. We are foolish and arrogant to think that we can read and watch without being affected.

I am sure that some may think I am a raving conservative Christian. But that is not the case. I enjoy movies as much as anyone else (to which I think you would attest). That is because I enjoy a good story. But every time I watch and read I am on my guard. I want to know what I am being taught. I want to think through the message conveyed through the subtle influence of art. Let us be diligent to think things through and to pray for much grace.

Also, if you want to find more out about The Golden Compass, click here. I would also enjoy hearing some of your thoughts on the matter. I could certainly say more….

Working on my discernment with you,
Joe

Posted by Joe | Filed Under Links, Random Musings, Seeking Him 

Comments

One Response to “The Golden Compass”

  1. Erin on October 31st, 2007 2:39 pm

    Jesus said the eye is the lamp of the body, so what greater warning can we get but that about what we watch and read! Thanks for the great exhortation!

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