Because i've heard that they are good works of literature, but i don't want to go against my religion.
2007-12-27 18:05:32 · 12 answers · asked by sabrina 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I didn't put "his dark materials" in the question because more people are familiar with "The Golden Compass" because of the recent movie.
2007-12-28 09:17:52 · update #1
Catholic Bishops in the US support this book and the movie.
I read the trilogy when it was first published and gave it to my nephews. They were very interested in the idea in the books that humans need their immortal souls to survive. Yes, Phillip Pullman is not exactly a fan of the Catholic church but his books are full of moral questions that I think everyone should consider. It's quite possible to read these books then discuss the ideas raised in the context of your own faith. How many other children's books explore metaphysics in a way that is easy to understand?
2007-12-28 15:21:41 · answer #1 · answered by freebird 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is no ban on what we can read or what we can't, but you have to understand the dangers of reading certain works.
The reason there is alarm for "The Golden Compass" is that it is geared towards little children who are impressionable and would become upset about the children 'killing God'. This isn't something I would give to a child of ten or twelve, but I don't see the danger in reading it if you understand it for what it is.
The same for the Harry Potter series, the reason there was alarm on that one is because the spells in the books are real spells used today and could cause harm to the person using them without really knowing it.
My personal opinion of the Dark Materials books isn't too good since I only read the first one and didn't read the others and that was before I understood just what I was reading.
The book is also quite Anti-Catholic, so get ready to be annoyed by the things the book says about the "Magisterium"
2007-12-28 16:59:14 · answer #2 · answered by Aleria: United Year Of Faith 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Interestingly, the U.S. Catholic Bishops gave it a favorable rating and a positive review on November 29, then mysteriously withdrew them on December 10th, a few days after the movie's release. There appears to be some politicking going on.
The bishops have not condemned the movie but apparently it has become too controversial for them to comment on at all. The movie is a fantasy about authoritarian power structures trying to control dissent and free thought. It does not mention Catholicism, although the bad guys are referred to as the "magisterium", a term that is traditionally applied to the Church's teaching authority. If you aren't looking for specific targets, the message is simply, "think for yourself".
At least one Catholic review survives online (so far). See the link.
Review withdrawn:
http://newshub.cnslis.com/2007/12/10/usccb-withdraws-review-of-the-golden-compass/
The USCCB Review page (No sign of "Golden Compass")
http://www.usccb.org/movies/weekly.shtml
Another Catholic Review:
http://www.the-tidings.com/2007/120707/compassrose.htm
2007-12-28 02:33:50 · answer #3 · answered by skepsis 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Catholics have free will. They can do whatever they want.
And who says "The Golden Compass" is good literature?
Why waste your time reading the work of a self professed opponent of the Catholic Church, as well as all of Christianity?
There's certainly many better things you could be doing.
Instead, why not send for my free Catholic Resource CD, which contains all the best Catholics stuff from the last 2000 years, written by the finest scholars and theologians the world has ever known?
2007-12-28 06:18:15 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Well the name of the book is not the "golden compass" let's start off right there.
Secondly, I would encourage you to read it. It's good to keep your friends close and your enemies closer. And quite frankly, if some complete fantasy novel written by an Atheist whose intent is to "kill god in the hearts of children" is really going to challenge your faith, then I would question your faith in God the Almighty in the first place.
Heresies like this are OLD NEWS. They have existed since time began and will continue to exist.
2007-12-28 02:09:15 · answer #5 · answered by Last Ent Wife (RCIA) 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
read them, if you are secure in your faith they should pose no problem, if not they may make you question some things. isn't that the definition of good literature?
Sorry ent wife but the book is the golden compass part one of his dark materials trilogy and is an excellent trilogy
2007-12-28 02:16:08 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
You should never be prohibited from reading any book.
2007-12-28 02:19:49 · answer #7 · answered by CC 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Only when it points north by north-west
2007-12-28 02:17:00 · answer #8 · answered by Arnon 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Wow (Lynn C, DXC Runner) you suck. You really and truly suck. =)
CC, you rule!!
2007-12-28 02:14:55 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's fine. Read it ...read it twice.
2007-12-28 02:09:13 · answer #10 · answered by Lilli 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋