Big Books of 2026
Gemma asked this question about The Golden Compass (His Dark Materials, #1):
I've read a lot of reviews on this book, and some people say it's very christian, then other people say the author was an atheist. What would you say?
Boy Blue The author is an Atheist and a massive fan of Paradise Lost. This series is definitely not christian though it does use christian iconography and them…moreThe author is an Atheist and a massive fan of Paradise Lost. This series is definitely not christian though it does use christian iconography and themes. One of the major arcs of the narrative involves Asriel travelling across multiverses, to kill the god that rules them all and free the world from his cruel order. Lord Asriel is a version of Lucifer hence the similarity in name to the Azrael of the hebrew, islamic and christian faith. If you want further proof you could look at Asriel's basalt fortress, his opposition to the church or think how hard the Catholic Church worked to make the film adaptation a flop and try to stop a sequel being made. It is in many ways an Anti-Narnia.(less)
flag
More questions about The Golden Compass…
Image for The Golden Compass
The Golden Compass
by Philip Pullman
Rate this book
Clear rating
1 of 5 stars2 of 5 stars3 of 5 stars4 of 5 stars5 of 5 stars

About Goodreads Q&A

Ask and answer questions about books!

You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.

See Featured Authors Answering Questions

Learn more