How can the Golden Compass books have atheist themes?

Question

when the main character is trying to "kill God"? Wouldn't God have to exist in order to be killed?

Incidentally, I am reading the 1st book right now. So far "the Church" has not been identified as any real-life religion. Why do Christian feel this book is aimed against the Christian God in particular? Have I just not read far enough that it becomes obvious yet?

"anti-religious themes " is very different from anti-Chrisitan themes. I know plenty of Christians that are disheartened with organized religion today.

"questions about the golden compass were declared drinking questions yesterday so..."

LOL! I saw that yesterday too. Enjoy your coffee :)

Answer 1

You're correct, it's not a story that contains atheist themes; it may be interpreted as anti-establishment but Philip Pullman is not commenting on whether that is true or false, which as author is his perogative.

I won't spoil the books for you by telling you what happens in the end but what everyone needs to remember is that like Harry Potter, it's just a work of fiction - a fantastic work of fiction at that. I'm really looking forward to the film, I just hope they keep it true to the book.

Incidentally you need to read the whole trilogy to really decide what the theme is but it's a fascinating premise. I love the thought of daemons as an embodiment of our soul which lives outside our body.

Answer 2

"Why do Christian feel this book is aimed against the Christian God"

Because they are a dominionist cult and believe everything is either about their 'God' or their 'Devil'.

As for this book/movie, I haven't read it/seen it so won't comment. It may well include allusions to religion, but I don't know the author's intent. I will look into it.

EDIT:

OK, it seems that the filmakers pulled the more anti-religious elements out of the film so as not to offend UK and US moviegoers.

The original series of books had an anti-religious theme, primarily anti-Catholic.

"Movie director Chris Weitz, who directed the British hit family comedy “About A Boy,” starring actor Hugh Grant, assured that the film would be a fair reflection of Pullman's novel.

“In the books, the Magisterium is a version of the Catholic Church gone wildly astray from its roots. If that's what you want in the film, you'll be disappointed,” he said."

http://www.christianpost.com/article/20071015/29713_Critics_Slam_'Golden_Compass'_Movie_for_'Castrating'_Anti-Church_Themes.htm

Answer 3

You're right. God makes a personal appearance in the final book, which - strictly speaking - kind of contradicts the spirit of atheism.

That said though, Philip Pullman has (in my opinion at least) suggested that he wrote the stories in order to try to promote atheism. And when God does turn up, he's not a very likeable character, and the Church representing him do use fairly unjustifiable means to achieve pretty unjustifiable ends. I think Pullman's intention is to place the question into his readers' minds: "Is everything that God represents necessarily good?"

PS In the UK, the first book was entitled: Northern Lights

Answer 4

Philip Pullman is an atheist and has said there are anti-religious themes in the book. That said, I'm a christian and I fully intend to read the books with my kids. The books represent an interesting viewpoint and I've heard too many people tell me how fantastic the books are.

Answer 5

The Christians are just crying persecution again. Now that the Harry Potter series of books is overwith, they need something new to moan about so they chose the Golden Compass despite the fact that the book was released many years ago and no one bitched when it was.

Seriously... think about it. Every decade or so, they choose to freak out over one thing. And when they no longer have to work about that one thing, they choose to freak out over another.

Before Harry Potter, it was punk rock. Before punk rock, it was rock n roll. Before rock n roll, it was jazz. Before jazz, it was swing dance. They do this all the time.

They're like nasty little children that make you want to punch them in the face for their unbelievable stupidity.

Answer 6

the Golden Compass is based on a book written by an atheist/agnostic. God will obviously not be painted in glowing colours by an atheist.
God does exist and fortunately/unfortunately, he can't be killed but he can be ignored, hurt, disrespected and loved, cherished, honoured, obeyed.
I guess it's up to us to decide

Answer 7

I wouldn't say that the books have "atheist" themes. More like anti-religious, in terms of organized religion.

The whole "killing god" bit has been way overplayed. In the books, the leader of the "Church" is named "God". He is not an actual diety, and is very mortal.

Answer 8

Yeah, keep reading, I for one love this book and series. Seriously, the Jesus-lovers are just afraid of this book because it...

SPOILERS!




Contains Angels gone "rogue" and it questions the plan of god.

It also speaks throughly about Adam and Eve.

And in the next book, some science comes into it all kinda disproving god- or at least making him tangible.

sorry if this wasn't that clear, its been a while since I've read them.

Answer 9

i have already lengthy gone and considered the action picture, and that i could see it for neither of those ideas. i do not care if it had atheist subject matters, yet i did not see any contained in the action picture, and basically because a movie receives undesirable comments would not recommend it truly isn't any longer an outstanding action picture. I did earnings from the action picture, and experience that there is not any type of religious undertones in it in any respect. it truly is a fantasy. human beings favor to get over themselves.

Answer 10

since it was written by an atheist some people assume he's "out to get" christianity. they can't separate fantasy from reality.

questions about the golden compass were declared drinking questions yesterday so...

*takes a sip of coffee*