Today, in class, my professor made reference to a children’s book called The Golden Compass, which is part of a trilogy by Philip Pullman. There was mention of controversy over the claim that this book has atheist intentions written into it. This prompted me to do a bit of Google searching where I found a few news articles based on this. I guess the books have been on the shelves for quite a long time but the debate is being re-awakened by the fact that a movie by the same name as the book is coming out soon starring Nicole Kidman.

So why am I writing this article? Well, I’m bothered by the fact that anything that at all questions the existence of God is immediately attacked by religious institutions. For example, the Halton Catholic District School Board has banned these books and plans to “review” them and their content after receiving a complaint that the author is an atheist. Also, a Kansas City Fox News outlet notes a senior pastor at Blue Valley Baptist Church who warns that parents should “think twice” before supporting the new movie by letting their kids watch it. The Fox article also says that the fear isn’t so much about the movie itself (which has watered down the religious content) but the possibility that kids who see the movie may want to read the books.

This is just ridiculous. Why is there so much fear when it comes to questioning life and religion, isn’t this what humans are naturally supposed to do? I think limiting freedom of thought and supporting an unquestioned devotion to a certain religion is much more dangerous than what may come from expanding the mind. Banning texts because they don’t go along with what one group thinks is the “right” way is crazy in my mind. If following God is the truth and the right way of living, then exploring other options would only lead people back to it rather than making them reject it. So why such a fear?

Some people believe so much that God is the answer that they will do anything to stop others from questioning this belief. I would argue that this radicalism is very dangerous (think colonialism, slavery, holy wars–yes Christianity has holy wars, and many other atrocities brought about by religious fanaticism). It is more dangerous than allowing people to expand their mind and consider other options. So, stop the crazy censorship and let people (including children) form their own beliefs, this is what humans are supposed to do. I haven’t read the books yet, but I plan to now that I’ve heard about the controversy. Hmm, it looks like by creating this big fuss, those who want to stop others from thinking critically are just encouraging it.

… 1hr and 10mins later… Perhaps by coincidence or divine intervention, just as I was about to finish this post, a couple of guys from a Christian group on campus stopped by the table I was sitting at and asked if I had some time to discuss God. Rita had also returned from her class at this time and said to me, “it’s up to you.” Although I had an essay to write I couldn’t pass up a good discussion. So, we talked for about an hour and actually covered a lot of good topics. Neither of us had changed our mind by the end, but it was great to have had the discussion without having it turn into an attack by either side–which often happens with these sorts of things. So why am I telling you this? Well, I guess it’s to show that there is no harm in having different belief systems and talking about them; in fact, I would encourage it. It is when people become so attached to a belief that they attack others for holding a different one. I think this is what is happening with the controversy behind The Golden Compass and it is really sad.

Here are the news articles I referred to: Fox and The Globe and Mail

Here is a link to the books on Amazon

And here is the trailer for the movie:

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