I haven’t read any of Pullman’s books, which by all accounts are intended to be anti-Christian and anti-God. I have been reading reviews on a few blogs, including thoughts posted by Tom Gilson. Gilson is one of the least reactionary reviewers I’ve found, which I appreciate. He lives up to his blog title, Thinking Christian.
My son Isaiah has read the trilogy, and likes it, even though he is not inclined to share Pullman’s point of view. While not writing an actual review (yet), he has some thoughts on how Christians react to these books, as well as anything that threatens them. Isaiah writes:
When I find something that I don’t agree with, or that threatens or offends me, I analyze it in order to find out what about it disturbs me, why the parts that disturb me don’t make sense, and, if they seem to make perfect sense, what the error is in my thinking. I believe this process is called “learning.”
But when Christians feel threatened or offended, they make no attempt to figure out why. They don’t bother to figure out what exactly the errors are in the other’s thinking, instead giving in to emotions and trying to silence the offending material so they won’t have to deal with it.
Another thinking Christian. I’ve encouraged him to write a review of the books, sharing his reasons why he likes them. If he does, I’ll let you know.
On the lighter side, also check out his informative post on how to prepare for a zombie attack.
Oh don’t worry, Quixote, they have. Whether they’re on the right track is another question.
Thanks for the encouraging word, Alden. Your son is on a great track! It reminds me of my experience in reading the Bible. The Bible sometimes bothers me a lot. Unlike other books, when that happens with the Bible I can always safely assume the problem is not with the book, but with my understanding or application. It means something about me has to change, which is another way of looking at learning. I don’t always cooperate with the program as I ought to… but I know when I get that uncomfortable feeling, there’s something in me being worked on.
With the Golden Compass, though, I’m certainly not assuming the book is right and my frame is wrong. That’s another story altogether.
Thanks again for the encouragement. I really like your blog!
I did read The Golden Compass a long time ago. I enjoyed it, but not enough to read the sequels. It is not a Christian book but that doesn’t mean it’s not pretty good.
I guess now that Harry Potter’s all wrapped up, the arbiters of religious taste need a new target. I just wish that somebody would go after that godless Purpose-Driven Life book.