The current edition of Big Issue Scotland features an article about the religious aspects and impacts of the upcoming Golden Compass movie. However, the article is something of a rarity, covering not the controversy, nor the opponents of the film (e.g. The Catholic League) – rather it discusses the themes of atheism within the books and film and whether they are appropriate for a Christmas movie.

The scientist, God denier and friend of Philip Pullman, Richard Dawkins, is quoted as saying

“Censoring a story like this is completely deplorable. I think it’s pathetic to change a story just to suit religious sensitivities.”

The article also features input from the president of the national secular society, Terry Sanderson, who argues that despite the lack of religion found in the movie, it will promote Pullman’s values as people are driven to read the novels.

Perhaps most interestingly, are a number of quotations from Richard F. Holloway, the retired Bishop of Edinburgh and current head of the Scottish Arts Council (and was paired with Pullman for a book a festival debate a couple of years ago). The highlight of the article is his response to ‘all the fuss’ surrounding the movie:

“I don’t think God’s that bothered to tell you the truth.”

To read the article in full, click on the thumbnails below.