'The Golden Compass' revisited

By Sam Lucero
News and Information Manager

One of the most notable movies of 2007 was the controversial fantasy adventure, "The Golden Compass." The movie was based on the first book of a trilogy written by British author Philip Pullman, an avowed atheist. The trilogy, known as "His Dark Materials," portrays Christianity as the enemy of civilization, using religious references to disparage Catholicism.

The movie was condemned by many Catholic organizations, including the Catholic League for Civil and Religious Rights.

"It is not our position that the movie will strike Christian parents as troubling," the Catholic League stated in November. "Even though the film is based on the least offensive of the three books, and even though it is clear that the producers are watering down the most despicable elements - so as to make money and not anger Christians - the fact remains that the movie is bait for the books."

As it turns out, the Catholic League was accurate in its assessment: the movie was "bait" for the marketing of books.

More troubling is the marketing machine. "The Golden Compass" is a special feature in the January edition of the "Lucky" Scholastic Book Club aimed at children in grades two and three.

Scholastic is the nationally recognized book-order club used in public and parochial schools, including Catholic grade schools in the Green Bay Diocese. Teachers distribute the book order forms to children in classrooms and the forms are sent home for parents to order books.

The January 2008 Scholastic book order form features an attractive offer to young readers. With every order of "The Golden Compass: Lyra's World Pack," children receive a collectible Golden Compass pendant. The special offer is highlighted on the cover of January's book order form.

In addition to the Lucky series, Scholastic's Arrow series, aimed at children in grades four through six, features the "Golden Compass Animal's Pack." This three-book set also includes a "Scholastic exclusive," the Golden Compass pendant.

Scholastic's Web site, www.scholastic.com, offers more material on The Golden Compass for young readers, such as interviews with child stars of the movie and a video interview with the author.

In a description of this video, viewers are urged to "get to know the author of the thrilling fantasy series, 'His Dark Materials,' by watching our November 2007 video. Learn how Pullman got his ideas, his thoughts about the movie adaptation of 'The Golden Compass,' and his plans for a sequel."

The second and third books in the trilogy are also available to order on Scholastic's Web site.

Scholastic's Book Club has long been an outstanding educational program that promotes children's reading. It presents reading as a positive and fun activity for children, and both educators and parents recognize the program's value.

It could be argued that the children's books based on "The Golden Compass," available through Scholastic, are devoid of religious controversy. However, knowing that many parents and religious organizations expressed concerns about the author, his views on religion and his anti-Catholic writings should have been enough for Scholastic to issue an advisory to parents about the books.

Scholastic brings the world to children through books, but it is not a moral compass. That is why parents need to help children make choices, including selections in their book orders.