To me one of the coolest things about the series is something I haven't seen anyone else mention anywhere. But Lyra and others in her world are "plural" beings. This is obviously an integral concept for the reader to grasp in order to understand the plot, but it was difficult for me at first. The relationship is different than with a familiar and the only other place I've ever seen something similar is... God! God is triune, and that is one of the hardest concepts for most humans to grasp. The person-animal soul ("daemon" is an unfortunate term in itself) is, for me, a small mirror of what God must be like. It's a much more realistic comparision than say water or a musical chord, which are the common attempts at explaining three-in-one. Anyway, I am thankful for at least this much as one who is trying to attack the Church has helped this Christian understand God a little bit better. ;) Overall there are so many awesome things to discuss and of course it's a great read too!

Good discussion, thanks! I am a fan of the genre in general & currently half-way through the 2nd book. I have a different take on a few things, though I realize I may change my mind after further reading.

Firstly about Dust. The Magisterium says Dust = original sin. From the book's perspective, though, the Magisterium is bad and wrong about... basically everything. Therefore, Dust is *not* original sin, but something else altogether, which Lyra continues to investigate in book 2.

I can, however, understand those who see the Magisterium as right about the identity of Dust but wrong about the implication; i.e. that the author's point is that the church is wrong to call certain things "sin". I personally hope this remains vague & open to different interpretations throughout the series.

I love that an agnostic author is writing about the spiritual world, since so much entertainment ignores it altogether. And I'm out of room so see next post....

Note regarding putting money in the pockets of the author and film studio: The editors in this piece attended an advance screening of the movie, which was free. We did purchase the books, because if you intend to highlight passages and take notes for a discussion, the public library tends to frown upon that. -Ed.

I think this is one small firery dart that is aimed at the Christian Church. We need to be kept informed of movies like this but let us not just narrowly look at this only, but look at the big picture, whether politics, policies, media in all it's forms, religions that have straid away from the faith and more. I am glade that we are becoming more aware of those firery darts and when we see them comming we can take the appropriate messures.

Thank you for you thoughtful discussion and your desire to be discerning. Like the Inklings, conversation and practicing being 'one another' is profitable. To the commentator about giving money to Satanic groups, the gas you bought this week probably funded Islam. I would rather a couple of discerning believers attend and give thoughtful commentary then for many to go and have a far less audience.
How do we use this movie to engage others with questions?
Do you see the church this way?
Is your soul good or evil?
Why do you think the author used animals?
Is there an absolute like the compass that leads to truth?
Why do you think the author hates the church so much?
Do the movies you watch impact your day to day life?
How does a real compass work? How does the earth's magnetic pull work? Just happen?

For good discerment see: www.ransomfellowship.org
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Hit the Submit button to fast. Should we not see this as an attempt by Satan to entertain us? Honestly, to give us a new thinking? I suggest to those who's faith is strong, but what about thoses who faith is weak or new, and see this as entertainment? If someone who hates Christ, makes a movie, are we suppose to honor that person and support them.

If the purpose of this movie is to entertain, great. If the purpose of this movie is to fill the author with money and power, why don't those who are followers of Christ, just give the money to some Christian hate group ran by Satan and his demons (daemons). I am confused by this discussion?

On the topic of "Is this good for children?", I think that in a way it is. Children form their world view very early, and if we raise them to believe in God and believe God (two different things), then we should also discuss the why's with them as well. We don't want our children to just be spoon fed ideas. We don't want them to be building their faith upon just the idea of Christianity. We want them to build their faith on The Rock, God, and to be able to talk to people who don't share their beliefs. If we don't do so, they will grow up wondering about the why's and go in search of them for themselves, perhaps even stumbling on movies such as this and finding the opposite of what we know to be the truth.

I think this brings up a great opportunity for people to not only discuss the topics that The Golden Compass addresses about Christianity, but also to build their faith. After all, shouldn't we be able to talk to someone who has opposing views on Christianity, or should we just walk away from them? Obviously Christ wouldn't have wanted that.