IRJ-QR#17
Power: A Church’s Greatest Advantage
In Phillip Pullman’s The Golden Compass, and in our world today, religion plays a major role in society. In the novel, the church epitomizes power. Lyra, the protagonist hides in a closet and discovers that “Ever since Pope John Calvin had moved the seat of the Papacy to Geneva and set up the Consistorial Court of Discipline, the Church’s power over ever aspect of life had been absolute.” (Pullman 30)
Ever since religion existed, people have always looked to it for guidance, giving it power and making it significant in their lives. Pullman tries to show its power in the novel by making religion part of the main character’s life. Not only does he show its significance in the world, but he also shows how corrupt religion can become. In a sense, he encourages people to test the limits of religion and to give it less power. I agree with this stance because people often take the bible literally when they should not. These people often follow the church’s power and do not have opinions for themselves.
Although religion allows people to feel safe and express themselves, I believe religious leaders should teach the bible as a metaphor. The church can use the power that it has to guide people into making better choices, without for example discriminating against other religious groups. If this occurs, our society, along with the society in The Golden Compass, may flow as a free, non-discriminating society.
