Are books like The Golden Compass a dangerous influence on our children?

I have solved crimes with budding sleuths Thomas and Charlotte Pitt in the drawing rooms of 19th-century England. I have travelled with amateur archeologist Amelia Peabody Emerson to unlock the secrets of the Pharaoh’s tomb. I have disappeared through the wardrobe with Narnia’s children. And I admit to being swept away on a broomstick for the occasional quidditch match. Perhaps my most daring trip was with Frodo Baggins to cast the one ring into the fires of Mount Doom.

If you haven’t guessed already, I’m a fan of fantasy fiction and mystery novels. I regularly immerse myself in the realm of make believe. Every day in my job as a frontline Salvation Army officer, I hear real-life stories of tragedy and abuse. I listen as people tell of addiction, prostitution, rape and other horrors. When I go home I try to leave it all behind. I don’t want to watch a tearjerker movie or read a depressing novel. I figure, with all the tragedy in the world, why make myself cry on purpose?

My son, Nathan, likes fantasy as well. One of his first fantasy books was The Spiderwick Chronicles by Holly Black and Toni Di Terlizzi (a movie based on the novels was released in February). These stories of the Grace children and their adventures in the fairy realm captivated Nathan’s imagination and started him reading at an early age.

Some parents, however, are concerned that fantasy and Christianity don’t go together. Aside from C.S. Lewis’ The Chronicles of Narnia and J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, some Christians feel that books about magic and wizardry are dangerous influences on children. Harry Potter books were the first to stir up controversy. Last year, Christians were outraged at the release of The Golden Compass, the first movie in His Dark Materials, a fantasy series by avowed atheist Philip Pullman. In Pullman’s allegorical work, God does not exist and the Church-represented by the Magisterium-is evil. Some have seen the books as a direct rebuttal to C.S. Lewis’ Christian writings.

I recently spoke to a Christian mother who was concerned that her son’s Grade 5 teacher was reading The Golden Compass aloud to the class. What should she do? I suggested she take the opportunity to read the book herself and discuss it with her son. In so doing, she could guide him through the potential pitfalls, share her own beliefs, and then let him decide for himself. Often we think that if we teach children the Bible they will automatically follow its commands. But we are much more effective when we apply those biblical principles and let them see God at work in our lives.

I also suggested to the concerned mother that she approach her son’s teacher and propose that she read The Chronicles of Narnia to the kids next, to present another viewpoint. Consider it an opportunity to discuss different belief systems, freedom of religion and respect for other faiths. Tell the teacher that it would be a great tool to help the children develop their “critical thinking” skills. Then offer to volunteer in the classroom. Who knows? By capitalizing on their love for literature, this parent may be able to introduce her son’s classmates to the gospel message for the first time.

Of course, each situation is different, and any learning opportunities must always be age appropriate. But where possible let’s teach our children to think for themselves and recognize what is pure, noble and worthy. With God’s help, we can encourage them to make safe, healthy choices.

How to Engage Your Kids
• Take time to read the things that your children are reading. Sit down together and discuss the material. Help them think critically about what they are reading.
• Monitor what your kids watch on TV. Depictions of violence and mature relationships can negatively impact younger viewers. Even programs on “family channels” aren’t always appropriate.
• Look for opportunities to discuss current events. Give kids the chance to express what they’re learning in Sunday school in light of issues such as poverty or the environment.
• Pray with and for your children that God will show them the right information and help them to understand things in light of his love for them and for the world.

by Major Kathie Chiu
Corps Officer and Executive Director of The Caring Place Ministries, Mountain View Community Church, Maple Ridge, B.C.