Reggie Weems Blog

In Acts 17 Paul debates the Athenians concerning the existence and sovereignty of God and in the process turns the tables of their own literature over on them.  Evidently Paul was abreast of Athenian poetry and Greek thinking sufficient to utilize the material in his discussions concerning God.  It may be that multitudes of Christians do not see the movie The Golden Compass but the church’s absence from the theatre will not erase the movie’s influence from the ethical consciousness of a young generation and their parents.  In that regard, Christians should have some sense of what is going on in the culture around them regardless of actual participation in the various venues that are contrary to Christianity. 

For Philip Pullman, the great danger to human existence and well-being is the evil Magisterium which represents Christianity in general and the Catholic church in particular.  The Magisterium will do everything possible to squash individuality, freedom or expression.  While it’s quite true that the movie ‘tones down’ Mr. Pullman’s rhetoric he is no less intent on creating a world void of God’s presence and the church’s influence. 

So what’s a Christian to do?  First, Christians must be personally convinced of the reality of God, the actuality of the fall in the garden, the impending doom that results from sin and able to support their belief from Scripture.  Acts 17 would be a good place to start.  There Paul, speaking to a Greek audience who doubts the existence of any god, goes all the way back to creation to prove God’s existence.  He never had to do this with a Jewish audience whose thinking was framed by the knowledge of the God of the Old Testament.  From there Paul makes a direct line to the cross and then onto judgement.  In the process he uses the Athenians version of The Golden Compass to prove his point.  Now that’s savvy - using the very medium intended to disprove God to prove God. 

Children everywhere will be talking about this movie if for no other reason, the mass marketing that occurs with every children’s movie.  Some will have seen it and others will have not.  Parents must certainly take personal responsibility for their children’s hearts and minds, teaching them to think, believe and live biblically.  It’s a great opportunity for parents to speak with their own children about discernment, especially with regard to education or the media.  Children can learn to become critical (not mean but able to critique) thinkers in circumstances like these.  As parents pose questions about the underlying philosophies that drive the movie (even without seeing it) children can learn to look beyond and behind what is easily visible to discover the world of intent, metaphor and the power of images, be they words or pictures.  In today’s overly communicated society and mass media driven world, there is probably little escaping an awareness of The Golden Compass.  But we can prepare our children to discuss the merits of Christianity and use the opportunity to witness to their friends.  And we as adults can be ready also.     

A great resource for children is The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones.  Just released this year, the book is appropriately subtitled, Every Story Whispers His Name.  It begins with creation and winds its way through the Bible into the book of Revelation - every story looking forward to or rejoicing in Jesus Christ as the Redeemer, Rescuer.  Teana enjoyed reading the stories so much she purchased a copy for the two of us and we have begun reading it together.  The wonder of God’s love and Jesus’ rescue will make you weep with every chapter. 

There is no question that The Golden Compass represents yet another challenge to historic Christianity but it is not a challenge for which God, the Bible or the church is unprepared.  The gospel of Jesus Christ has endured much in its history only to thrive in the midst of the most difficult circumstances.  Remember, Christian apologetics is both a reasoned defense and a reasonable confirmation of the Christian faith. 

The Great Commission Christian’s response to this movie is dictated by Scripture.  Some Christians will argue against other Christians (even in the same church) for going to see the movie or for not going to see the movie.  But light fighting light does not decrease darkness.  Other Christians will simply complain that the movie exists but complaining about darkness doesn’t change the darkness or create light.  In the midst of the darkness of this “present evil world” someone must be light…be light.  Jesus didn’t just send a light, He was “the light,” in person, in practice.  The Great Commission requires us to go “in” to the world.  Jesus did not pray that we would be removed from the world but that we would remain pure in it.  Truly, for the kingdom’s sake, if Christians are not going to use the movie as a platform for the gospel let’s at least not criticize each other, violating Romans 14:4 or condemn sinners who are already condemned (John 3:18).             

As in ages past and different circumstances, The Golden Compass provides the church of Jesus Christ with another opportunity to declare the glorious marvel of a God Who created, sustains and saves.  His ways are right and best.  All that He has declared in His word is true and cannot be invalidated.  He alone has the wisdom to declare humanity’s greatest need and provide a remedy that will direct us to eternal joy.  For that, Christians don’t need a golden compass, they already possess a glorious Scripture and an all-sufficient Savior.