What Is Your Compass?

Each year at the Christmas season, Hollywood battles for moviegoer dollars, after having prepared what they hope will be the year's smash hit. So far, the top income earner has been "The Golden Compass". Previews will immediately remind viewers of recent blockbusters like "The Chronicles of Narnia" and, before that, "The Lord of The Rings" trilogy. And while the cinematography of ‘Compass’ may be similar, that is where the similarity ends.

Based on the first of his "Dark Materials" trilogy of books, "The Golden Compass" was authored by Philip Pillman. The film has brought outrage from numerous religious circles. It is targeted at children and, with each consecutive plot, the author’s destructive take on Christianity, religion, and God is further revealed.

Focus on The Family’s movie review ministry, "Plugged In", said the following concerning the production. "Even watered down, 'The Golden Compass' is still awash in a twisted worldview and dark spirituality, the anticipation of which has prompted many Christian groups to point out the damage some of Pullman's themes can do. Newsweek writer Devin Gordon noted, "While references to 'the church' are gone from the film, no one over four feet tall could mistake the Magisterium for anything but an oppressive theocracy." And church historian Dr. Quinn Fox stated, "Pullman's simplistically harsh view of the church and God posit a power-hungry, misanthropic institution out of control, and a detached, domineering God devoid of grace."

The outspoken author reportedly said to the Sydney Morning Herald in 2003, while referring to the Harry Potter phenomenon, "I've been flying under the radar, saying things that are far more subversive than anything poor old Harry has said. My books are about killing God." This should be especially disconcerting when coupled with a statement from one British secular web site for the entertainment industry. "For anyone who sees this show, it will remain one of their most memorable theatrical experiences. If they take a child with them, that child will be hooked for life and surely that is the most important of all."

Parental discernment in recent times, even in many Christian homes, seems to have fallen on hard times. It seems more the exception than the rule when anything is seen potentially harmful or just wrong, and prompting a strong stand to be taken against it. To do so is to be sometimes seen as being narrow-minded or even worse, the much feared label of ‘holier then thou’.

It also appears that even many ultimately give in, even when their spirit senses that something might be spiritually damaging to their kids. Perhaps they fall due to fatigue or from wanting to be the ‘good guys’. More often than not, it is due to the constant badgering and clever usage of every child’s best weapon, "Why can’t I? Everyone else is watching it." The typical response to that when I was young was simply, "If all of your friends jumped off a bridge, would you do it, too?" Naturally I always answered yes, but the discussion was already over and the decision rendered! Perhaps that great comeback expression needs to make a serious come back into in our day.

The Apostle Paul laid out a basic formula for what should be allowed to pass through our ears, eyes, and then to lodge in our hearts. In Philippians 4:8-9 he wrote, "Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure , whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy — meditate on these things."

The question of what to allow or exclude should never be only, What harm may it cause? The Christian should evidence a higher standard, asking instead, What good will it achieve? And also will it edify my spirit, strengthen my relationship with the Lord , and encourage me to better live for Him and be like Him?

Simply stated, our only "compass" should be God’s Word and God’s will.

Bill Breckenridge