A Moral Dilemma ?

Fellow editorialist Pete Vere has co-authored a book which examines the controversial work of British atheist writer Philip Pullman, his Dark Materials trilogy, and specifically Golden Compass, the first book of the series. Pete and fellow author Sandra Miesal take exception with Pullman’s decidedly atheist philosophy.

I will admit, I have yet to read Pete’s book, but I do understand where he is coming from. Pete is a devout Catholic and holds strong Christian views, which he and his wife Sonja strive to impart to their children.

I find that admirable.

I also find Pete’s position admirable. I suspect there will be those who won’t.

I suspect there will be atheists who will attack Pete’s position, claiming that his own pro-Christian stance is an attack on their own beliefs. (Yes, their position that there is no God is a belief.)

There is a difference, as I see it, between advancing one’s own beliefs and denouncing those of others, and I see Pete’s position as being the former.

Still, while I understand Pete’s position, I don’t necessarily agree with it. Again, I haven’t read Pete’s book, nor do I have any exposure to the works of Pullman other than the trailers for the movie adaptation of Golden Compass. But I appreciate that Pullman has at least taken a stand, whether or not I agree with it.

As a Christian myself, I appreciate those works which reflect my personal theology, however I do not necessarily reject those works which differ. My own philosophy is one of convergence and accommodation: a ‘mix-and-match’ philosophy, if you will. I find I can subscribe to Christian theology, in general, but there are aspects of other faiths which resonate strongly within me, and which I have incorporated into my own beliefs.

Far too often artists – whether literary, musical, or visual – will conceal their beliefs from the public in order to prevent any polarization within their intended audience. It’s much like the long-standing advice to avoid politics and religion as topics for dinner conversation; by avoiding any overt reference to their own beliefs, they can also avoid offending those who disagree.

As we have seen on this site, what should be a simple disagreement on point of view can often turn into a vicious personal attack.

Also, while – had I any children of my own – I would want to raise my children in an atmosphere which reflects my own beliefs, I would not be unwilling to have them exposed to other points of view.

Really, they will be exposed to atheist views throughout their childhood, albeit in the form of writing that is not overtly identified as being atheist. Similarly, there is a great deal of Christian-influenced writing that is likewise not overtly identified as such.

I had a History teacher in high school who offered this advice at the beginning of the school year to each of her Grade 9 classes: “Love me or hate me, just don’t be indifferent to me.”

At least when we know where someone is coming from, what their stance is on an issue, we can use that knowledge to filter our own perception and response to their work.

This past summer the final installment of the Harry Potter series was released, to tremendous acclaim from fans, and contempt from its detractors.

Many of the latter claimed that Rowling’s works promoted an unhealthy acceptance of the occult, bordering on Satanism. On the other hand, many people – Christians and non-Christians alike – found the various themes embraced by the novels resonated with their own beliefs.

How could one book – or series of books – be at once embraced and rejected those who would read it?

Too often I have seen and heard comments, about writing in general and my own in particular, which claim the author has “written between the lines,” is somehow promoting some hidden agenda, or otherwise drawing inferences from what they are reading.

While I can’t speak for other writers, I can state that I do not write “between the lines.” If it isn’t in black-and-white then I did not intend to convey any other message.

Sometimes, the message people infer from a work of art – literary, musical, or visual – is more of a transference of their own thoughts and feelings than it is a message from the artist.

Having said all that, it is up to each parent to decide, in as much as they are able, what messages are appropriate for their children. My own feeling is, however, that children ought to be taught to evaluate the information which is presented to them, so that they will be able, eventually, to make their own decisions.

When I do read Pullman’s book (I believe that I will do so, just to better understand the controversy) I will do so acknowledging that his is an atheist point of view. I am not offended by those who refuse to share my religious beliefs; they are as entitled to their beliefs as I am my own.

But… that’s just my opinion.