January 8, 2008

What are Christians to make of "The Golden Compass," the controversial new fantasy film based on the book of the same title by self-proclaimed atheist Philip Pullman? Should they take their kids to see it?

Two resources are available that offer insight that's designed to help Lutherans answer those questions and others:

• "Questions and Answers about Philip Pullman's The Golden Compass" is a discussion guide from Concordia Publishing House that addresses questions such as "Should Christians read works by unbelievers?" and offers a biblical approach to this story that is based on a series of books with an anti-Christian message. The guide may be used in adult and youth Bible-study classes, Sunday school, or by individuals. It is available as a free download from the CPH Web site at http://www.cph.org/compass.

• Dr. Joel D. Heck, professor of religion at Concordia University Texas, Austin, has prepared a commentary that takes a look at the new movie and the book by Pullman. To read the commentary, go to http://www.lcms.org/pages/internal.asp?NavID=12833.

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