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A Christian perspective on
the writings of Philip Pullman

By Thomas M. Parsons

Philip Pullman is a British writer and author of a best-selling trilogy of fantasy books for children that parallels the trilogy of Christian author C. S. Lewis. Pullman's works feature several elements of Lewis' The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, including the opening scene which features a little girl hiding in a wardrobe.

Pullman is a humanist and his humanistic beliefs form the basis for his writings. He views Lewis' works as "religious propaganda" and has produced his own works as a means of encouraging children to share his humanistic beliefs.

In December, 2007, the New Line Cinema release of His Dark Materials: The Golden Compass hit American theaters. This film version of the first book of Pullman's trilogy stars Nicole Kidman, Daniel Craig and Dakota Blue Richards.

Many Christian leaders have opposed Pullman's works for many years because of their obvious anti-Christian themes. Others, such as Kurt Bruner and Jim Ware, authors of Shedding Light on His Dark Materials, argue that Pullman unwittingly honors the God he tries to discredit in his books because of "spiritual themes within the books, which, like shafts of light, break through an otherwise gloomy universe."

Pullman's works are not new, of course. His first book was published in 1982. Television versions of his works have appeared on British television and on PBS in America. He has received several literary awards.

The decision as to whether or not an individual believer should view this movie is a personal one, of course. But those who do choose to see it should be well aware of the atheistic slant that inevitabley finds its way into the film.

Christian parents will want to be especially cautious in allowing their children to view the film, now available on DVD. The film is visually attractive to children, as was the recent film version of The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe. Pullman is experienced in writing stories with strong appeal to children. Older children might benefit from viewing the DVD, as long as their Christian parents are present to gently point out the humanistic views presented.

We have no argument with Pullman's right to write from his own philosophical perspective; all writers do that. We simply want Christians to understand where this author is coming from so that they can be discerning in the viewing, or not viewing, of his work. The articles here are based on materials from Wikopedia, the online encyclopedia. Photo is also from Wikopedia.

Highlights of Philip Pullman's life



Born in Norwich, England October 19, 1946

Lived in Africa for several years as a child (his father was a Royal Air Force pilot)

Father killed in a plane crash when Pullman was seven.

Mother remarried and the family moved to Australia where Pullman discovered comic books such as Superman and Batman.

In 1957, at the age of eleven, Pullman returned to England and continued his education at the Ysgol Ardudwy school in Harlech.

Spent time with his grandfather, who was a clergyman.

As a child Pullman became enamored with John Milton's Paradise Lost, a major Christian work. Later Pullman would use some of its imagery in His Dark Materials.

Enrolled at Exeter College in Oxford in 1963 at the age of 17, receiving a degree from the college in 1968.

Was influenced by William Blake's works, about 1970, and later works by Pullman reflect this influence.

In 1970, Pullman married Judith Speller. He is still married to her.

Pullman's early career was as a teacher and writer of plays for schools.

First published work was The Haunted Storm, in 1972. The book won an award for Pullman soon after its publication.

Stopped teaching when his book The Ruby in the Smoke was published in 1986.

Pullman taught part-time at Westminster College in Oxford from 1988-1996 while continuing his career as a writer of children's books. His Dark Materials was published in 1996. This book also won Pullman several awards.

Has been writing full-time since 1996. He occasionally does lectures, but devotes most of his time to writing.

Pullman is a supporter of the British Humanist Society. He is also an Honorary Associate of the National Secular Society.

Pullman has more than thirty books and plays to his credit, most of which are still in print.

Pullman's website is at www.Philip-Pullman.com. You can find out more about his humanistic views there.
Copyright © 2010, Thomas M. Parsons, All Rights Reserved. - 691