What is the problem with 'The Golden Compass'?

Answer 1

The Golden Compass series is written by a devout atheist. The books are written in a manner which promotes atheism and is disparaging towards organized religion. People have companions which take animal form and are called 'daemons'. There are also verses taken from The Bible and altered to fit the story line. The books are promoted as Children's Books, but really may be geared more towards adult readers. As far as allowing a child to read the books, no matter your religious view, some of the plot may be a little bit much for younger readers. It includes experimentation on children, kidnapping, cruel parents, and the death of a couple of children. If you are a young adult/adult reader that is would be bothered by some of the things mentioned above, then the story may leave a bad taste in your mouth. If you are an adult reader who can read the book, see it as a work of fiction, and not be affected by another's point of view, than it's not a bad read.

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These 'companions' are like the person's soul. It feels the pain of the person and the person feels the pain of it.

From my opinion, it doesn't matter your age group, if you don't take books to offense, read it. The story line is great, and so is the language used. Mind you, this book, along with its series, has won awards and been placed in many honorable book lists.

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The Golden Compass is a reasonable read for any child or adult that is not offended or terrified by The Three Bears, Hansel and Gretel, The Billy Goats Gruff or A Thousand and One Arabian Nights. It is a reasonable read for any child or adult who has their mind stretched by Twain's "letters From the Earth" or "Huckleberry Finn" It presents to children that they should preserve their own powers of decision and choice without kowtowing to authority. The young girl in the story is a good role model for young girls - faithful to her friends, resourceful and brave. Christer churches have gotten their tails in a knot because there are "church like" organizations in the alternate world that are not nice. There is also some concern that the whole purpose of the expedition is to kill the Authority (god). The god mentioned is the selfish and controlling power of religion which must be done away with to allow the "dust" or universal spirit of unity and love to pervade all creation. I personally thought it was overly pro-religious. and can't understand why doing away with false gods is such a concern to true believers.That was, after all the purpose of the Protestant Reformation, was it not?