Nun-critic offers media literacy guide for 'The Golden Compass'

Published: 2007-12-05

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Sister Rose Pacatte, a Daughter of St. Paul who has written books on spiritual themes in movies, has developed a "media mindfulness strategy" for the new film "The Golden Compass." "'The Golden Compass' film challenges believing adults to articulate their faith and values and to brush up on church history, theology, and literature and literary forms to do so -- not because the film deals with these issues but because of the culture surrounding the release of the film," Sister Rose said in her guide to the movie. "This film is an opportunity for us to develop our critical thinking skills: to ask questions and seek and articulate the answers: the answers to 'why?'" she added. The movie, which was to debut in theaters Dec. 7, stars Nicole Kidman and Daniel Craig. It is based on the first book of British author Philip Pullman's trilogy of fantasy novels for young readers, titled "His Dark Materials" and considered by many to be an overtly anti-Christian work. Pullman describes himself as an atheist. The complete guide can be found online at: http://journals.aol.com/rosepacatte/MyMovies/.

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