Golden Compass, which hits theaters in December, creates a parallel world where human souls take the form of animal companions. It's based on Philip Pullman's first novel in His Dark Materials trilogy. It's touted as the next, best fantasy series, but family advocates say parents need to beware.
"The problem is that kids may see the film and ask their parents for the books," said Kiera McCaffrey, director of communications for the Catholic League. "The trilogy of books, especially the third volume, promotes atheism and denigrates Christianity. This is central to the plot.
"We would advise parents not to take their children to see the film, and certainly not to buy them the books. The danger is that parents will not realize, from the film, what Pullman is promoting. Pullman's trilogy shows a world where there is no God."
Adam Holz, associate editor for Focus on the Family's Plugged In magazine and Web site, called the series "heretical."
"Pullman has been openly hostile about C.S. Lewis, and has been pretty clear about his desire to offer an alternate fantasy series based on what he would describe as humanist principles," he said.
"There's so much fantasy stuff out there. Don't be deceived. Don't be swept into the marketing hype. There are serious worldview and theological problems with Pullman's story.
"I think parents need to be paying attention, to be vigilant and to be engaged."
FOR MORE INFORMATION
You can read more about the movie and purchase a booklet about it by visiting the Catholic League Web site.
As the movie's release approaches, visit PluggedInOnline.com for a review.
