Northern lights

As I write this, I am happy to note that I am already mid-way through the third book, The Amber Spyglass. I finished reading the second book, The Subtle Knife last week, and the Northern Lights the week before that. It is quite an amazing story. I was drawn toward the book because of the controversy that the movie The Golden Compass had generated. I have also seen the movie last year and enjoyed it, so I thought this will be worth the read. And it is.

There are indeed a lot of elements in it that feels like it is an indoctrination of sorts against the Catholic Church (and it was the Catholic Church which strongly opposed the viewing of the film) and was said to promote atheism.

References:
Catholic League: "The Golden Compass" sparks protest
Fox News: Some Catholic Leaders Upset Over New Nicole Kidman Movie
Catholic Online: Christian parents cautioned on 'Golden Compass'

On a personal note, I feel that on top of the armoured bears and witches and daemons and the Magisterium and gobblers, there is indeed an underlying theme that speaks out against religion in the real world. And while the subject of Dust is heavily discussed in Northern Lights, a much more direct implication can be seen on Subtle Knife, with a declaration of rebellions.

It is to my belief that because it touches all manner of religious topics (there are even angels and priests who kill), it is not good reading for kids who, at their age, are at their most impressionable and will take in and believe what is told them or what they read. The movie is indeed a very watered-down version of the book and concentrates more on the story of Lyra Belacqua in search of his friend who was captured by the Gobblers.

Catholics will find this series very intriguing. But shall I also ask the more mature readers to not pick up this book as well? No. I'd say, go ahead and read it. If you are strong in your faith, a work of fiction such as this (and a very clever work it is) will not deter you. It also pays to know what you are talking about in case your opinion is asked about the books, rather than shunning a piece of work based on what you have learned others say about it.

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