The Golden Compass, Philip Pullman

I finished The Golden Compass, by Philip Pullman a couple of days ago. My internet has been down, so I couldn't post about it. It doesn't count as one of my 100 because I started it in 2007. However, I wanted to post it since I read it for a specific reason.

So there's a big controversy about this book. Apparently the author is a "self-proclaimed" atheist and he doesn't mind sharing his negative opinion about the "established" church. Or Church, as it may be. I read the book to give it a fair chance and to find out for myself what all the hubbub is about.

Check out Random House's webpage for the books here.

Also read Snopes.com's take on the controversy here.

I don't know what I think, honestly. I was drawn into the story by the ideas, but the ending was quite disturbing to me, even though I know it's only the gateway into the next book in the series. I can definitely see the reasons for the uproar. I think that the book does paint the Church (specifically the Catholic Church, although no alternative Christian Church is in evidence in the novel) in a decidedly negative light. It even directly refers to the imminent return of the Council of the Inquisition, of course one of the most horrific chapters in the Church's history. All in all the Church is represented as a domineering, rigid, secretive body which involves itself unwelcomely in the affairs of the world.

The problem, in my mind, comes in at the intentions of the reader. If the reader approaches the book as a fantasy rooted in the real world, it is possible to enjoy the book for its intrinsic value. If, however, the reader enters the book on the alert for a religious message, it will most definitely be an anti-Church message. Some readers may be seduced by the fantasy and lured into believing these negative ideas about the Church, while others will not delve that deeply into the undertones or find their opinions changed. It all goes back to what each reader is looking for.

That said, parents must always monitor their children's book choices, read with them, and discuss the ideas and messages in each story. In this way, religious parents can protect their children's beliefs and parents who do not affiliate themselves with a particular church will have a point for discussion with their children. If nothing else, it makes ample fodder for debate.

On a final note, I don't think this particular book is a "children's book" anyway. The ideas, language, and style of the book are simply too advanced for most young readers. I spent some time looking up some of the vocabulary and concepts for my own edification and I don't think that many of the young people I have taught or encountered in my teaching career would understand them.