In the world of the story — Lyra’s world — there is a church that has acquired great political power, rather in the way that some religions in our world have done at various times, and still do (think of the Taliban in Afghanistan). My point is that religion is at its best — it does most good — when it is farthest away from political power, and that when it gets hold of the power to (for example) send armies to war or to condemn people to death, or to rule every aspect of our lives, it rapidly goes bad. Sometimes people think that if something is done in the name of faith or religion, it must be good. Unfortunately, that isn’t true; some things done in the name of religion are very bad. That was what I was trying to describe in my story.

I think the qualities that the books celebrate are those such as kindness, love, courage and courtesy too. And intellectual curiosity. All these good things. And the qualities that the books attack are cold-heartedness, tyranny, close-mindedness, cruelty, the things that we all agree are bad things.

You can read more about what Pullman had to say here.

What do you think?  Is it fair to criticize religion?  Is that the same as criticizing God (however you interpret God)?

Post from: Blisstree

Does religion always equal good?

This is certainly not the first time that a film or television show based on a children’s book has caused controversy. Many of the Harry Potter books (and movies) were said to promote witchcraft, demons and evil. The Gossip Girl book series lead to calls for banning of the book because of racy themes including sexuality, homosexuality and drug use; the television series has cause similar outcries. Other books to the big or small screen that have been criticized include Hamlet, Macbeth, King Lear and Twelfth Night for their use of adult language, sex, violence; Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn for racial slurs; Of Mice and Men for inappropriate language and Charlotte’s Web for its themes related to death and the fact that it has been deemed potentially offensive to Muslims (in the UK, it was prohibited in certain schools).

In today’s society, I think most people agree that books for adults should not be banned. However, when it comes to children, it’s a tricky concept. Many adults feel that it is their duty to protect children from harm – can reading ever be harmful?

And if you believe that banning books is not appropriate, what about a boycott for works based on potentially offensive books? Are boycotts appropriate? Do they work?

A quick Google of The Golden Compass seems to suggest that it might. There is quite an internet buzz bad-mouthing the film and encouraging folks not to go see it. I’ve even received emails encouraging me to avoid the film because it promotes “evil and atheism.” Word about the film is definitely out because of the boycott – that might work against the Catholic League.

I am curious as to your thoughts – and remember, this is specifically about children’s books and the wider media. As grown ups, how far should we go to protect children?

Post from: Blisstree

Boycotts and Banning: Is Either Ever Appropriate?

The movie version of UK author Philip Pullman’s 1995 novel, Northern Lights (part of His Dark Materials trilogy) is scheduled for release on December 7, 2007.  The movie, starring Nicole Kidman and Daniel Craig (the new James Bond), is titled The Golden Compass (also the name of the book in the US).

The Catholic League has called for a boycott of the film due to themes in the book which were interpreted as anti-Catholic.

Have you read the novel?  Do you plan to see the movie?

Post from: Blisstree

The Golden Compass