Connecting the Disconnected: Writer’s Strike, “The Golden Compass” and the Religion of Atheism

Since we haven’t mentioned the Hollywood writer’s strike yet, here’s a quick overview of its logistics. Basically, the writers union is understandably upset that its representees are not receiving royalties from the networks, which are capitalizing upon the writers' work through new media outlets (see the bourgeoning world of internet commerce for an example).

While Slate weighs in on the situation with a tongue-in-cheek look from the writers’ perspective, prominent religion-in-culture blog Idol Chatter takes the situation on as it stands.

I understand that this may be a strange topic to cover from a religious perspective, but fear not, that segues into another recent Hollywood controversy.

Earlier yesterday, the same blog addressed a current uprising regarding the new film "The Golden Compass," which apparently is under fire for "selling Atheism for kids."

Having not seen the movie (it’s not out yet), nor having read Philip Pullman’s novel upon which the film is based, I can’t make too much of an argument for either side. However, even if Pullman is evangelizing Atheism, it doesn’t seem like this should raise any bigger questions than "The Chronicles of Narnia," which, in conjunction with its acknowledged Christian theme, remains a delightful fantasy, enjoyable as such by itself. Again, I can’t say for sure, but I’d imagine that the film "The Golden Compass" can function similarly, depending on how the viewer understands its greater meaning. And, in my experience with children — which is admittedly limited — it seems to me that they’d be much more interested in the cute dragon than the philosophical implications of a world without a monotheistic deity.

(and, for the record, Pullman denies any atheistic leaning whatsoever)

Just for reference, Christianity Today covers the same topic in this review.

Finally, this situation pinpoints something about which I’ve been thinking for a while, that being Christianity’s relationship with Atheism.

I’m not sure if this is a new concept, but I find it interesting how this particular writer engages with Atheism, denoting "mean Atheists" (see her example, Richard Dawkins, below) and "nice Atheists." The overriding theme here (and with those protesting the film) suggests that Atheism is a religion in its own right, and it is addressed just as evangelical Islam or Hinduism might be.


I think this is perfectly appropriate, as Atheism is a religion in its own right, though I’m not sure many Atheists would agree with that. On principle, atheists (note the lowercase "a") would be autonomous from any movement, but, as is generally the case, most philosophical ideals mobilize easily within a group of common believers. Therefore, Atheism (capital "A") has become for some an anti-theism (and in the West, anti-monotheism), and in that case, the targeted enemy of most religious groups.

The ironic part for Atheism, though, is that it becomes a monotheistic concept when it is dogmatized, as South Park so aptly showed in its episode “Go, God, Go” from last year. If you care to read the synopsis, it’s here.

I know that's a lot to jam into one post, but it gave me plenty to ponder on this bright Tuesday morning.