Philip Pullman's imaginative series has entertained millions of readers, yet some of the issues that he addresses have caused concern among Christians. A mortal 'god' deceiving others into believing that he is the creator God, misunderstandings about biblical principles, and humanist philosophies are just a few of the problems raised within the intriguing narrative. But Tony Watkins, himself "unashamedly a fan", carefully extracts elements and themes from the books (and through Pullman's own words by way of articles and interviews) that shine light through the darkness to give the Christian reader (or any reader wanting a deeper understanding of the more spiritual aspects of the tale) the context on which to base the emotions and answer the questions raised by the reading of the books.
Dark Matter by Tony Watkins is a fascinating book looking into the life and writings of author Philip Pullman, specifically his work His Dark Materials. The book is separated into three sections: the first is about Philip Pullman, the second is a summarization of His Dark Materials, and the third is an explanation/interpretation of this work and some of Pullman's other works. Tony Watkins wrote Dark Matter from a Christian viewpoint because he believes both Christians and non-Christians should know the complete background information that Pullman draws from. However, Watkins also writes from a scientific perspective clarifying the many scientific references used in Pullman's trilogy His Dark Materials.
Watkins is a fan of Pullman's work but disagrees with his views and treatments of the church and Christianity. Watkins is a speaker, writer, editor and physicist; he is also an avid reader. The book is a fairly easy text to follow since it is organized well and takes on an almost story-like quality in some spots. Watkins researched his information thoroughly and quotes extensively from Pullman's works and Pullman’s public talks.
Pullman blatantly proclaims that he is an atheist and is trying to kill God or the idea of God. Watkins praises Pullman's writing abilities and good sense but flushes out the inconsistencies in Pullman's logic regarding the church and Christianity. In the book when asked by an interviewer where the sense of ought came from in a world without God,Pullman is quoted as saying:
“I'm amazed at the gall of Christians. You think that nobody can possibly be decent unless they've got the idea from God or something...Isn't it your experience that there are plenty of people in the world who don't believe who are very good, decent people?...It comes from ordinary human decency. It comes from accumulated human wisdom-which includes the wisdom of such figures as Jesus Christ. Jesus, like many of the founders of great religions, was a moral genius, and he set out a number of things very clearly in the Gospels, which if we all lived by them we'd all do much better. What a pity the Church doesn't listen to him!”
Watkins points out that while Pullman rants against the Church for being intolerant and fanatical, he seems to be what he is ranting against. I found the book to be quite thought provoking as both Pullman and Watkins make good arguments and statements about their beliefs. Watkins beautifully balances his praise and criticism of Pullman so as not to turn off his readers. I would recommend this book to anyone who has read His Dark Materials and enjoys thinking. Becky Mosolf, www.ChristianBookPreviews.com
Average Rating: 5 out of 5 stars(5 out of 5 stars)
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5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Kathy (Racine), December 12, 2007
This past week I received a disturbing email in regard to the upcoming movie release of "The Golden Compass" based on the novel of the same title by Philip Pullman. Upon the recommendation of a friend I checked out "Dark Matters" from the library to read.
Watkin's book covers the topic of this controversial trilogy and movie in three parts:
1. The Storyteller - This gives you a biographical sketch of Philip Pullman, explaining how life experiences have shaped the person/author he is today.
2. Synopsis of the books in the "His Dark Materials" trilogy: The Golden Compass, The Subtle Knife and the Amber Spyglass.
3. Shedding Light On His Dark Materials
Here the theological message of the series is examined from a Christian perspective.
Watkins had Pullman's full cooperation and assistance in the writing of this book.
I highly recommend Watkins book for those who have concerns about Pullman's trilogy.
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