The Golden Compass

The Golden Compass is one in a trilogy of novels by atheist Philip Pullman that deals with ultimately tracking down and killing the Judeo-Christian God ("Yahweh" is used in the book). It is promoted as reading for children. Recently released in a film adaptation starring Nicole Kidman and Daniel Craig and is being advertised during Christmas specials on Lifetime. Plot summary (from Amazon.com):

• In the epic trilogy His Dark Materials, Philip Pullman unlocks the door to worlds parallel to our own. Dæmons and winged creatures live side by side with humans, and a mysterious entity called Dust just might have the power to unite the universes--if it isn't destroyed first. The three books in Pullman's heroic fantasy series, published as mass-market paperbacks with new covers, are united here in one boxed set that includes The Golden Compass, The Subtle Knife, and The Amber Spyglass. Join Lyra, Pantalaimon, Will, and the rest as they embark on the most breathtaking, heartbreaking adventure of their lives. The fate of the universe is in their hands. (Ages 13 and older)

Controversy

Allegations of an atheist agenda present both in Pullman's writing as well as the film adaptation have been raised by numerous conservative groups. Reporting on the issue has ranged from mainstream news outlets like FOX News and CNN to left-leaning blogs like 2log. While Pullman has watered down his rhetoric before the release of his movie, his interviews over the years have not been as guarded.

""I'm a great fan of J.K. Rowling, but the people - mainly from America's Bible Belt - who complain that Harry Potter promotes Satanism or witchcraft obviously haven't got enough in their lives. Meanwhile, I've been flying under the radar, saying things that are far more subversive than anything poor old Harry has said. My books are about killing God."