His Dark Materials by Phillip Pullman

Controversy is good for book sales. Yet Pullman’s atheistic declarations should be considered in the same light at Asimov’s presidency of the American Humanist Association. It puts both authors’ in the realm of believing that science will always trump religion. Both spheres of influence say they are concerned with reaching Truth. So at some future point, they will merge. Sadly there are those in both camps who belabor that point and refuse to believe there is any cross-over in the fields. Unfortunately, it is that minority in both camps who rant and rave over Pullman’s work.

In reading these, I tend to do the same thing I do when reading Asimov, skip over the scientific treatises that don’t appear to add to the storyline. Asimov does a better job of explaining the science than Pullman does.

Also, since my religious upbringing differs from that religion Pullman is familiar with, there are some points in the books where we agree. First, I was raised to honor Mother Eve, since without her sacrifice in the Garden of Eden (and her ability to explain the truth to Adam) mankind would not exist (Birth and Death did not exist before the Fall). I was raised to believe that the concept of Original Sin was an evil man-made idea designed by wicked priests in the middle ages to oppress people. Second, any being created of pure spirit who professes to be God is a minion of evil and belongs in league with Lucifer since Heavenly Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ, have corporeal bodies which can be seen and can be touched (as Christ did with the apostles following His resurrection). So, the Authority can not possibly be God and the destruction of the impostor is a good thing.

Where I disagree with Pullman is when he states that all religions are designed to oppress and control mankind. A true religion draws mankind closer to the truth of the universe and helps them to understand the power that controls the cosmos. Yes, there are rules to be obeyed but in an eternal sense those rules are there to free and protect. No rule against learning should exist and the religion should encourage education. Abraham studied the stars and the heavenly messengers he received didn’t seem to have a problem with that. I also think that Pullman fails to realize that a science without morals can be even more dangerous than a religion which forbids scientific discovery.

I think the lure of the books for teenagers is the daemons – a physical manifestation of your soul to be your companion. What angst ridden teenager wouldn’t want an extension of themselves to talk with? Having some creature that would only talk to them and wouldn’t share their secrets with anyone? What could be more frightening than an organization that attempted to sever that relationship and in the process killed you or turned you into a zombie?

Like many things, this is one that can be a great talking point with your kids. Use these opportunities to educate them on your beliefs. Discuss where you agree and disagree with the author, or director, or producer or video game designer. It’s a great chance to be a parent!