As Christians, we often fail to realize the agenda and/or philosophy behind that with which we are entertained. The new movie "The Golden Compass" is receiving much press, both praise and condemnation. It may in fact be a much tamer version of the book on which it is based, but that's not what concerns me. I want to know the worldview this media will ultimately teach children.

Consider the underlying philosophy ("mind") that permeates the book and movie. Here, in the author's own words from his own website, we get a brief yet very clear glimpse into his worldview.

Q: What stance do the books take?
A: Underlying the trilogy there is a myth of creation and rebellion, of development and strife, and so on. I don't make this myth explicit anywhere, but it was important for me to have it clear in my mind. It depicts a struggle: the old forces of control and ritual and authority, the forces which have been embodied throughout human history in such phenomena as the Inquisition, the witch-trials, the burning of heretics, and which are still strong today in the regions of the world where religious zealots of any faith have power, are on one side; and the forces that fight against them have as their guiding principle an idea which is summed up in the words The Republic of Heaven. It's the Kingdom against the Republic.

And everything follows from that. So, for instance, the book depicts the Temptation and Fall not as the source of all woe and misery, as in traditional Christian teaching, but as the beginning of true human freedom something to be celebrated, not lamented. And the Tempter is not an evil being like Satan, prompted by malice and envy, but a figure who might stand for Wisdom.

The myth has allowed me to link together many aspects of the story in a sort of invisible way which might not be apparent to the reader, but which I have found helpful. For example, it explains where dæmons come from, and what happens when we die, and why there are many universes. And if certain Christian critics are confused by this, and imagine I'm denying the difference between good and evil, then all I can say is that I shall pray for them.

I'm not "confused by this," Mr. Pullman. God's Word, my ultimate authority, describes you,  your work, and your worldview quite clearly. You are self-deceived and obviously working overtime to push back the general revelation of God that you can observe in the created world around you and in the gracious pangs of your own conscience.

And your "story" is not new, either. You may have repackaged it more beautifully and articulately but it is the same old lie that the ancient gnostics swallowed hook, line, and sinker. Christians and Christian children should see this and understand this immediately, but I fear we're far more concerned about being entertained than we are about engaging our minds to think God's thoughts after Him.