The Golden Compass, a movie based on Phillip Pullman’s book by the same title, opens in theaters on December 7, 2007. It’s creating a stir because Pullman, claims Laura Miller in The New Yorker, “is one of Britain’s most outspoken atheists.” Two years ago, BBC News reported Pullman’s criticisms of The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe – the first movie in ‘The Chronicles of Narnia’ series by C. S. Lewis. According to BBC News, Pullman’s own trilogy, ‘His Dark Materials,’ “tells us of a battle against the church and a fight to overthrow God.” The Golden Compass is the first book – and now movie – in this trilogy.
Should pastors address this movie in their preaching? My answer is, “Yes, but.” Let me explain.
Wise pastors address the major cultural signals of their time. A major motion picture like this is certainly one of them. We must help people process cultural messages in a biblical way. We must address the challenges of our time and place. (That last sentence is a quote from the essay by D. A. Carson which I referenced my previous post).
But, let’s exercise great care in how we do this lest we undermine the gospel! Here are some cautions which I intend to follow.
1. Do not give this movie too much attention – I plan to discuss it briefly in my sermon for this Sunday on Revelation 1. I’m going to use ‘The Chronicles of Narnia’ anyway as an example of how apocalyptic communicates the gospel of Jesus Christ. Later in my sermon, I’ll point out how The Golden Compass presents a competing and false vision. But I’m not going to preach an entire sermon on it. Too much attention contributes to the hype and, as a result, to a boost in box-office sales.
2. Avoid ranting and raving – Screaming and book-burning are terrible responses. Boycotts and agitated e-mail warnings are highly questionable, too. Angry denunciations seem to have a counter-effect. They heighten curiosity (and boost box office sales as already noted), and they portray Christians as angry and narrow-minded. We must warn people, but let’s do it in a measured, savvy way.
3. Do your homework – I refuse to quote, forward, or rely on e-mails from well-intentioned organizations using escalated rhetoric. Some of these take statements from the movie or by the author out of context (the last thing a preacher wants to do!). I rely instead on actual interviews with Phillip Pullman or articles by recognized news sources and publications – whether Christian or secular. I’m also planning a trip to Barnes & Noble later this week to read portions of The Golden Compass. We will damage our case if we misrepresent the author and his work. How can we comment on something we have not read.
Please address this book and motion picture in one of your Advent sermons. But do it wisely. God’s reputation is at stake.
Posted by Steve Mathewson at 1:05 PM on November 27, 2007
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Wise advice on addressing such a topic. Thank you for sharing it. I really agree with not giving it too much attention. When the DaVince Code came out I considered addressing it, but decided not to do so. One reason was I needed to preach on other matters for our church. The concluding reason was that even though the movie was getting a lot of attention it was not receiving that in my small city. I would have given it far more attention that it received where I live. Thanks for these guidelines. I will certainly use them.
Posted by: Martin Knox on November 28, 2007
This view is a very balanced and proper view of this movie. I've already gotten email notifications and facebook links to boycott this movie. As followers of Jesus lets be known for being for Jesus and not be known for being against so many things.
BTW I read this book as a teenager and really enjoyed it. I actually read it twice. It didn't rock my faith, make me leave the church or turn me against God.
Posted by: Jeremy on November 29, 2007
Well said and agreed. I actually preached on it last Sunday, using the movie as a case study for how we should respond (not react) "without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you," in a sermon on Phil. 1:27-30.
If you are interested, you can see or listen to it at: www.tgcconline.com.
Posted by: Josh on December 4, 2007
I find your views most refreshing. I am a Pastor in London, Ontario Canada and what we have planned to do in the evangelical community is simply go to the theatre on Dec. 7 and carefully speak with individuals who are attending the premiers and share with them some of the views of Phillip Pullman and hopefully address these people once the movie is over. No confrontation but simply seeking to find where the people are coming from who have seen the movie. I think the scriptuer,"Be as wise as a serpent and gentle as a dove" is very applicable here. Thank you for allowing my comments for what they are worth.
Blessings
Pastor Troy
Posted by: Pastor Troy on December 6, 2007
Thanks to all of you for your wise insights and ideas. Thanks, JOSH, for reminding us that Philippians 1:27-30 is an applicable text. I'm going to remind my congregation of it. TROY, I'll be interested to hear how your approach works. It could be effective if done graciously in the manner you describe.
Posted by: Steve Mathewson on December 6, 2007
I am a high school English teacher and I want to thank you for the measured and wise approach to the novel and film. I have read the entire "His Dark Materials" trilogy and found it a very well-written and interesting read. It theorizes on the nature of God, and portrays the church in the same light as we often discuss the Catholic church of 500 to 1000 years ago. I worry when the Christian community derides something of which they know very little. We certainly do not have a positive influence in a dark world when we create hysteria.
Posted by: Marc on December 6, 2007