CEDAR FALLS - A new fantasy movie soon to be in theaters - criticized by Christians and atheists alike - is drawing attention to a popular trilogy by award-winning British author Philip Pullman.

New Line Cinema's "The Golden Compass," based on the first of three volumes in the series "His Dark Materials," will open Dec. 7.

Filmmakers draw on hot names in Hollywood and utilize computer-generated imagery to tell the adventures of Lyra. The preteen orphan is on a quest to the North to save a kidnapped friend - and her world - from controlling and torturous religious authorities.

Concerns levied by faith-based organizations are less about the movie, which, according to the trailer, promises grand scenes of fighting polar bears, flying witches and talking animal spirits. Rather, some predict a compelling movie will follow in Harry Potter's footsteps, prompting young readers to consume Pullman's trilogy in its entirety.

"The Golden Compass," published in England in 1995 as "Northern Lights," is an increasingly hot commodity as word of the movie spread in the U.S.

" … I can't keep it on the shelf," said Sean Masters, teen and young adult librarian at the Waverly Public Library.

It is within the pages of "His Dark Materials" that controversial religious themes are more pronounced, according to literary reviews. Many consider the books, particularly the latter two, as critical of the church and traditional Christian theology.

Articles on the controversy and film frequently reference a years-old quote attributed to Pullman, a well-known atheist in Europe. "My books are about killing God," says Pullman according to a 2003 addition of The Sydney Morning Herald.

That was apparently enough to raise the eyebrows of some in the Cedar Valley faith community. Concerns about Pullman's work are prompting at least several pastors and a priest in Northeast Iowa to caution parishioners about the film and the books.

"I'm not one of these folks who screams that we should boycott everything that comes along," said Pastor Tommy Rucker of First Baptist Church in Dunkerton.

A mass e-mail outlining concerns about "The Golden Compass" prompted Rucker to do a little research. After reading various commentaries and reviews, including a supportive article by a liberal theologian, Rucker decided to write a cautionary letter to parents in his church.

"Anything, any assault on the Biblical standards and Christian truths has to be addressed," Rucker said. "It should not be taken lightly."

Director, author defend

Bill Donohue of the Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights has called for a boycott of a film he sees as part of a "stealth campaign" to sell atheism to kids. Donohue believes Pullman wrote "His Dark Materials" to "denigrate Christianity, especially Roman Catholicism."

Film director Chris Weitz has said he adamantly disagrees. In an online blog for MTV, Weitz addresses the criticism.

" … Pullman asks us to question a lot of cherished and engrained beliefs," he writes, "but if I had to boil it down, I would say that Pullman is against the abuse of religion for political power. He is against forcing people to believe what you believe, and against accepting something you are told without thinking about it."

Various quotes from Pullman published in newspaper articles seem to support this perspective. And Catholic actress Nicole Kidman, who plays the villain in "The Golden Compass," has also defended the film against anti-religious accusations.

Which disappoints some atheists, secularists and some Pullman fans, who see anti-religious themes as central in Pullman's work and necessary to preserve the integrity of the literature.

Terry Sanderson of the National Secular Society expects "The Golden Compass" to be intentionally watered down, according to the BBC News.

"We think this is a great shame," Sanderson said.

Fantastic fiction

Some readers of Pullman say religious elements are only part of the story. And such elements do not necessarily detract from what these fans feel is a solid story, regardless of one's religious sensibilities, they say.

Elizabeth Cozart, 17, of rural Denver, respects Pullman for helping young readers tackle heady topics like religion, science and philosophy. Cozart says the books have challenged her thinking, yet she doesn't see in Pullman's words sweeping generalizations about faith or organized religion.

"I think the church (in the books) just represents how organized religion can go wrong," Cozart said.

Cozart, introduced to Lyra around the age of 10, raves about the brave, unstoppable character and her fantastical world where each person's soul is manifested as an animal companion, called a daemon (pronounced dee-mon).

"I really like her because she's not perfect and she's really tough," Cozart said. "And kind of angry. And she's really curious and determined."

Cozart finds morals and lessons throughout "His Dark Materials."

"The message is not to follow along like a sheep and to always do what you know is right, even though the adults might not be saying it's correct," Cozart said. "If you know what's right, that's what you should do."

Steve Carignan of Cedar Falls is proof that Pullman also appeals to adults. His 12-year-old also enjoys "His Dark Materials."

Carignan appreciates how the reader, through the eyes of Lyra, sees others through unassuming eyes. Lyra judges people simply on how they treat her, he observed.

Religious commentary, which paints an unflattering picture of church authorities, Carignan says, is an unfortunate snapshot of periods in church history. But it may fly right over the heads of younger readers.

" … So much of it has to do with what you look for," he said.

Overall, Carignan sees Pullman's books as a unique mix of reality, history and fantasy.

"There's a sense of realness to it, of early science that sort of blends with mysticism," Carignan said.

Elements of fantasy and allegory in "His Dark Materials" have led to comparisons of the work to C.S. Lewis' "Chronicles of Narnia" and J.R.R. Tolkien's "Lord of the Rings."

The movie industry is expecting "The Golden Compass," rated PG-13 for scenes of fantasy violence, to appeal to lovers of talking fawns and hobbits.

"It's very similar in it's look, in it's grand storyline," Carlo Petrick, communications manager for Marcus Theatres, which oversees Waterloo and Cedar Falls cinemas.

Masters, the Waverly librarian, knows a well-made movie can send kids running to the bookshelves. Especially when the picture is part of a series, and impatient fans can read ahead.

Teaching opportunity

Pullman's novels have received recognition and attention, apparently from the film.

To date, "His Dark Materials" have sold more than 12 million copies. And this year, "Northern Lights/The Golden Compass" won the Carnegie of Carnegies, awarded to the best past Carnegie Medal winner in the contest's 70-year history.

The predicted popularity of "The Golden Compass" may leave some religious parents with a dilemma. Or a teaching opportunity, religious leaders say.

"My belief is it will be taken a lot of different ways by a lot of different people," said Pastor Bruce Boyce of St. John's Lutheran Church in Reinbeck.

Young readers may feel they can read the novels simply as fiction, but the books may plant doubts and fears about faith that hold unforeseen ramifications, Boyce said.

" … My attitude on these is we don't help our members by saying hide from this stuff, but we do want them to be aware of what it's all about," Boyce said.

If parents do sign off on the movie, Rucker hopes the viewing becomes a family affair.

"Parents, don't send your kids to watch it," he said. "Go watch it with them and make sure you discuss the thematic elements in it … "

Amy Hoyer, director of religious education at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Cedar Falls, said any popular children's book with controversial content is any opportunity for communication. If parents determine their children are mature enough to handle it, she added.

"Literature like this always opens up the possibility for discussion and discussion is always good," Hoyer said.

Contact Karen Heinselman at (319) 291-1581 or karen.heinselman@wcfcourier.com.

{M3Breakout

What: "The Golden Compass," a fantasy/adventure/drama/science fiction movie

Rating: PG-13 for sequences of fantasy violence

Starring : Nicole Kidman, Dakota Blue Richards, Daniel Craig, Sam Elliott, Eva Green, Tom Courtenay

Synopsis: "The Golden Compass" is based on the award-winning and best-selling novel by Philip Pullman, the first in "His Dark Materials" trilogy. "The Golden Compass" tells the story of Lyra, a preteen orphan on a quest to save a friend and her world. She is aided by flying witches, fighting polar bears and a truth-telling compass. She is thwarted by oppressive and controlling religious authorities.