The Golden Compass

“The Golden Compass” and the Bold New Atheism
Tim Haile

Satan is always busy, scheming of new and effective ways to win new followers and keep existing ones. Paul said that we should follow God’s instructions so that we will not be “outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs (devices)” (2 Corinthians 2:11). These “devices” are the things that the devil uses to capture and destroy souls. Peter describes the devil as our “adversary” who “as a roaring lion, prowls around looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). Those who are unsuspecting and unlearned are “captured” by Satan’s devices (2 Timothy 2:26), and they are spiritually killed by Satan’s ways. We are not without hope, however, for God’s word enlightens our vision (Ephesians 1:18) and lightens our path (Psalm 119:105). We can learn how to “resist the devil,” and he has no alternative but to “flee” from us when we do (James 4:7). I must add, however, that this resistance must be be “stedfast,” and it must be “in the faith” (1 Peter 5:9). Since faith comes by hearing the word of God (Romans 10:17), then our defense is God’s word. That word is described as “the sword of the Spirit” (Ephesians 6:17), and it must be effectively wielded against the “schemes of the devil” (verse 11). If “knowledge is power,” then the knowledge of God’s word gives us GREAT power.

Satan knows the advantage of starting early in developing an anti-God mentality. This is why he targets children. The very concept of “God” is under heavy attack in our country, as it has been in other “revolutionized” countries throughout the world. Let us not ignore what is happening. Youth oriented movies and other media are more and more incorporating an anti-God agenda. And as parents must protect their children against physical dangers, such as prohibiting them from playing with poisonous snakes, they must also prohibit them from being exposed to things that will poison their minds. New and perfected computer animation technology allows for the production of sense-captivating films, which can be used in a wholesome and entertaining way. Sadly, such technology can also be used as propaganda, embedding poisonous messages and concepts that will destroy faith and good conduct.

Since it is is a folly to answer a matter before hearing it (Proverbs 18:13), I will not now speak directly to this movie’s content, but New Line Cinema’s “The Golden Compass” is about to be released to theaters. The movie is based upon the first book in a trilogy written by proclaimed atheist, Philip Pullman. Interviewers have reported that the movie is bait for the books, which have the agenda of “promoting atheism, and denigrating Christianity.” Given current trends, I am not surprised by the effort. More to come on this…

Please join us for worship and Bible study at our building located at 125 Hilltopper Ave, Bowling Green, KY 42101. We meet each Sunday at 10:00AM and 6:00PM for worship, and Sundays at 9:00AM and Wednesdays at 7:00PM for Bible study. Our radio program is aired each Sunday morning at 8:00AM on the WKCT 930AM band. Phone: (270) 842-2049 – Email: parkwaychurch@yahoo.com or timhaile@mac.com.

Tim Haile, for the Parkway Church of Christ