Traditionally, fantasy literature has been full of Christian tropes and themes. Classic works in the genre such as C.S. Lewis’ The Chronicles of Narnia and J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of The Rings are rife with Christian symbolism. From Aslan’s Christ-like self sacrifice in C.S. Lewis’ series to Tolkien’s depiction of an Elven afterlife, the theological implications are quite clear. In an interview conducted by Alona Wartofsky for The Washington Post, Philip Pullman, author of The Golden Compass (originally Northern Lights in the UK), laid out the Modus Operandi for his own literary work, “I’m trying to undermine the basis of Christian belief. Mr. Lewis would think I was doing the devil’s work.” In contrast to Tolkien and Lewis’ Christian underpinnings, Philip Pullman’s novel concerns itself with the danger of religious dominance over scientific development and free thought. But how do the heretical themes from the book translate to film? Read more…