FOOD FOR THOUGHT

The Golden Compass

The Golden Compass , starring Nicole Kidman and Daniel Craig, opens in Australian Cinemas on Boxing Day. It is being hailed as the "must-see" children's movie of the season, complete with tie-in merchandising. However, you would have to be living on a different planet to have missed the stir it has created amongst Christians. So what IS all the fuss about?

The film is based on the first of three novels in the His Dark Materials series by acclaimed British novelist and atheist, Phillip Pullman.

The Story

The story begins in a parallel universe ruled over by a dogmatic and dictatorial global church called the Magisterium. Young orphan Lyra, and her daemon Pantalaimon, travel to rescue her best friend, one of many kidnapped children who are subject to cruel experimentation. They are guided by a truth-telling device called an alethoiometer (the "golden compass") and are gradually embroiled in plans to overthrow the Church. The latter books for the trilogy take place in both Lyra's world and our own, and end with Lyra and another child (the new Adam and Eve) helping to dissolve "the Authority" and killing the senile and oppressive God, Yahweh, who portrayed himself as the creator of the universe.

The Concepts

Due to its fantasy genre, a number of terms and concepts in The Golden Compass require explanation. The term "dæmon" will induce raised eyebrows from most Christians. Pullman 's dæmon is an external, shapeshifting manifestation of a character's soul. Pullman asserts that this character concept arose purely from the literary necessity of having a constant companion for Lyra. However the dæmons, which act rather like a witch's familiar, feature strongly throughout the storyline.

Pullman 's anti-theocratic stance is evident in his use of the term "Magisterium" as the name of the dogmatic ruling Authority. Non-Catholics may be unaware that this is the Catholic term for "teaching authority".  Pullman insists that the Magisterium represents all theocratic belief systems which attempt to quash freedom of thought, however, the books are sufficiently anti-Catholic to have provoked high level requests for Catholics to boycott the movie. Pullman does not reserve his ire for Catholicism alone, but has a sympathetic character, an ex-nun, describe Christianity as "a very powerful and convincing mistake".

The Author

Ultimately, an author's work will reflect their views, and as Pullman is a self-confessed atheist and agnostic, who has admitted that he was "trying to undermine the basis of Christian belief", Christian parents are right to be wary.  Pullman has tried to downplay the anti-God emphasis, stating that he is condemning powerful, political religions, however, this doesn't discount his earlier assertion that "My books are about killing God". This stance has prompted one conservative columnist to describe Pullman as the writer "atheists would have been praying for, if atheists prayed".

Further concerns

The film on its own may not be overtly harmful. However, according to Bill O'Donohue, president of The Catholic League, the movie is based on the least offensive book of the trilogy, and has been suitably expunged of the nastier elements. Of greatest concern is that the movie will create interest in the books, which are far darker and more sinister. It is worth noting that not even Hollywood would begin the movie with an attempted murder by the "good guys", nor end it with the sacrifice of a child, things which DO feature in the book. Finally, of most concern is the books' rejection of religion: "Every church is the same: control, destroy, obliterate every good feeling".

By all accounts, The Golden Compass is an enthralling movie with a talented cast and spectacular visual effects. However, its dark content and anti-God themes should encourage Christian parents to research and prayerfully consider whether, or to what extent, they want their children to be exposed to it.

Ed's Note: Special thanks to Footprints Team member Nicola Saad for her report on this latest Hollywood offering.

IF CHRISTIANS ARE SUPPOSED TO BE JOYOUS - HOW COME I HAVE DEPRESSION?

Depression seems like a taboo subject for Christians. Recent research has shown that over 20% of Australians will be diagnosed with depression at some stage in their lives - I have no doubt many more will fall victim to it without ever being formally diagnosed! It is quite likely that someone you know is suffering right now; it may even be you.

I have learnt through my own experiences with this illness, that there are some issues which are particularly difficult for Christians. We are often taught that we should be "living victoriously" (which we often do), but somehow this has been distorted to "once you are a Christian your life will be perfect; if not, then you must be doing something wrong." To admit to depression can be a huge hurdle for a believer.

Unfortunately, many Christians just don't know how to assist others caught in the grip of depression. They may ignore the subject altogether, or give glib (though well-meaning) advice: "Count your blessings", "Just pray about it", or "Claim the promises of God, remember - The joy of the Lord is our strength!". While obviously meant as encouragement, suggestions such as these do very little to assist the depressed person and may in fact make them feel worse.

So you think it can't happen to you? That's what I thought too! My life was "perfect"- a wonderful husband, beautiful children, comfortable home, all the externals; plus, I was a Christian! Then I fell into the valley of despair; it was such a gradual descent, I didn't even realise. I now calculate that I had severe depression for nearly 3 years before I sought medical help or even acknowledged my problem to anybody. Although those years were difficult for me personally, my main regret is that I didn't seek help earlier. Unfortunately, my husband and my children suffered along with me and I wish I could have saved us all that pain. If for no other reason than the sake of your loved ones, please get help if you suspect you may have depression.

In response to the growing incidence of depression, I have written several articles explaining the symptoms, stigma, problems with relationships, treatment, side effects of medication, and many other facets of depression. It is based on my own personal story, and while perhaps most relevant to Christians, will also be helpful to anybody who has, or wants to understand more about, depression.

My goal is to assist others to realise that Christians DO get depression, that it's a physical (or "biological") illness - and not necessarily a spiritual condition. Also, I want to show others how to love and support those with mental illness. Currently I am (slowly!) preparing a book on the topic.

To receive the information on depression, simply click on the email address below and write "Depression" in the subject line of your email, and I will be delighted to send it to you as soon as I am able.

THE HEARTACHE OF INFERTILITY

EMPTY ARMS?

If you and your husband long to have a family, but it just doesn't seem to be happening, you are not alone. According to ACCESS, Australia's infertility network, 15% of Aussie couples of reproductive age have a fertility problem. Medical journals report that the rate of infertility has reached epidemic proportions.

Perhaps someone close to you is the one with empty arms, and though you long to comfort them, you're not sure how best to go about it. I know this feeling only too well, as Team Members Anissa Jones and also Joanne Brinsfield waited many years before finally conceiving.

Here, Anissa shares a little of her experiences and plenty of helpful hints. 

MY INFERTILITY JOURNEY
August 1992 is a date I will never forget as it was the month that my husband of 5 years and I commenced trying for a family. I stopped taking the pill, optimistically anticipating the pitter-patter of little feet in the near future.

Six months and just one period later however, it dawned on me that my body wasn’t functioning normally, and that our dreams of parenthood might not be realised as quickly as I first thought. Tentatively, I sought consultation with my GP, thus commencing my infertility journey. 

THE ROLLER COASTER RIDE BEGINS
Over the next two years, I experienced a wild ride an emotional roller-coaster, as my specialist commenced treatment with temperature charts and timed intercourse before proceeding to blood and hormone tests, fertility drugs and finally, surgery.

At long last I received my diagnosis – polycystic ovaries and endometriosis. Surgery corrected the problem in the short term, but to say I was devastated when my old problems recurred just 2 months later, would be a gross understatement! At this point, my specialist estimated my chances of conceiving were less than 2% and recommended that we consider IVF treatment through the GIFT program.

GIVING UP OUR HOPES AND DREAMS
After much soul-searching my husband and I decided against pursuing further treatment due to moral and ethical concerns, and the weakened state of our marriage. (This is not to say that others shouldn't have IVF etc, just that personally we had some concerns). Releasing a dream is never easy and both of us struggled with circumstantial depression as we withdrew from church activities and gave up hope of ever having a child.

Slowly we struggled to adjust to our new reality, never imagining that 12 months later, I would be pregnant! Without my knowledge, my dear sister and a close friend had been constantly interceding on my behalf and God saw fit to answer their prayers affirmatively. 

THE POWER OF PRAYER
23 April, 1996, is another date that is permanently etched on my memory – my daughter’s birthday! Statistics estimate that 1 in 7 couples will experience difficulty in achieving pregnancy. If you are currently travelling your own infertility journey, some of these suggestions may help.

WHEN IT ALL SEEMS TOO MUCH

• PRAY! Pray before seeking treatment, and before making decisions about alternatives.. Cover your marriage with prayer so it can withstand the pressure of magnified intrusion into the most intimate aspect of your life together.
• Tell your pastor, family and close friends. Infertility is too hard a burden to bear alone. You need their love, support and prayer!
• Don’t be surprised if your relationship with God gets rocky. Immerse yourself in Him and His Word, renewing your mind as it will be under attack.
• Use your moral and ethical beliefs to screen all potential treatment options.
• Limit the length of time on treatment if your marriage is suffering. We’ve all heard stories of couples who just cannot give up. No matter how desperately you want children, nothing is worth wrecking your marriage.
• Try not to plan your life around the possibility of pregnancy. Live in the present and don’t put off planning things because you "might" get pregnant.
• Have a general answer ready for when casual acquaintances ask when you are going to have children. Something like "soon, hopefully" to "in God’s timing" or you could just be honest and say "we haven’t been able to have any yet".
• Finally, accept the reality that some couples will never conceive, despite treatment, and that includes Christian couples! Consider options of adoption, foster parenting, or even making a conscious decision to be more involved in the lives of children around you (like an honorary aunt or uncle). Hard as it is, try to remember that God has not forgotten you; He has other things in mind for your life.