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The Golden Compass
Posted Wednesday, November 28, 2007, at 7:38 AM<< Previous | Read comments | Respond | Email link | Next >>
http://www.onenewsnow.com/2007/10/perspe...
This is another attack on the Christian faith and parents should be careful about just dropping their children off to see it. The world has the right to make whatever ar write whatever they want to I guess. As Jesus said on the cross" Forgive the father for they know not what they do. Comments Showing comments in chronological order [Show most recent comments first] |
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Just read the book from which this movie is made, and read the comments from interviews with the author. He is a man of no faith, has never ever put any study into faith, and therefore has no real word on the subject. In my opinion this does not even warrant my attention as a believer. God is not so small that He exists or does not exist because some mere mortal said so. If you want to be an authority on faith and the existence of God, then put in the effort. Start by reading A Case for Faith by Lee Strobel, and if you want to further your education there is A Case for the Creator and A Case for Christ. These are books that will expound the case for God presented by the greatest scientific minds of our century. Walk the walk, not talk the talk. This movie does not change wether God exists, it just hinders God's work, and for those that do that there are consequences.
I go to see a movie for entertainment and I will go to see this movie for the exact same reason . . . not to confirm my belief as a Christian or any other religious belief. I equate this hysteria to the same kind the Baptists show when the Harry Potter movies come out . . . they think it's of the devil because it protrays magic and the like. Come one . . get a grip and join reality.
The movie looks really good from the preview so I am going to see it. Also, its better to not pass judgment on something that you have not seen or read and just have based your opinins on what "some other person told you."
The movie looks AMAZING!! Can't wait to see it!!! My kids are soooo excited. This will most likely go right up there with Harry Potter, LOTR and The Narnia Series.
I just wonder when everything that is written or filmed STOPS being an attack on Christian Faith. Never,I am thinking, you people are so touchy.
Let me get this straight.
1. The writer of this three book series is an atheist.
2. Atheist do not believe in God or that there is a God.
3. In his third book of this series he kills God.
QUESTION:
If the atheist author of this series does not believe in God or that there is a God; then how does he destroy or kill something in his books that he claims doesn't even exist?
Sounds pretty stupid to me. I guess thats why this movie is purely fiction.
Ok, first off it's a fictional story so what the heck is everyone worried about?
Secondly they don't kill god, there never was a god in this story, just an angel that was the first and told all that came after him that he was the creator(Just a pretender). That angel is killed by monsters from a different world.
The church is cast in a negative light because in Lyra's world the church takes away the power of the people through oppression and lack of free will which has happened throughout our own world's history as well.
But then again who cares? The religious aspects of the books just made it more entertaining to read. If someone ever asked me what the point of this trilogy was I would tell them it was about first love not that its point is to knock religion. There are two kids, a girl and a boy, who meet and fall in love. That is the story in a nutshell.
Why do people take this fictional story and pretend he wrote it as a non-fictional story? U don't need to get worried about a fictional book because it never really happened. This is why I despise some ignorant Christians. They like to point the finger and throw some rocks at anything that looks "bad" without really doing any research. It makes us all look like idiots. I'd rather be open to all ideas and accept people with any beliefs. Try not to be afraid of change. Be confident in our faith and know that you don't have to talk bad about people to make yourself feel like your making a positive difference.
I've read the trilogy 3 or 4 times now and it's great. It's on par with Harry Potter and your kids will love it. I read this in High School and my brain didn't explode so I think it's safe to see in theaters.
Michael, my suggestion to you would be not to go see the movie.
Honestly, I will not go see the movie not because it is an attack on my faith, b/c it does no such, but b/c it is hard for me to wrap my mind around a pretend world. Same reason I haven't seen or read a single Harry Potter story or even so much as Star Wars. It's just not the thing I like to watch.
If you feel it is an attack on your faith (which I feel as though is a stretch of the truth) then simply don't be a supporter of the movie!
Well Johnson, I think you may well be one of those "ignorant Christians" or just ignorant. I have not read the books but it doesn't take much research on them to understand that they are anti-christian polemics written by a "evangelical atheist" whose mission is to draw people away from Christianity and belief in God and convert them to radical atheism. I understand that the movie has been toned down in these attacks which makes it even more dangerous because it will entice people to read the books. This is why Michael is doing a great service pointing this out so that people won't be misled.
I have read the trilogy and if your faith is so unsteady that it can be swayed by a FICTIONAL story, then you need to reevaluate your beliefs and your faith. These books are just a good read. And haven't you "christians" realized that the more controversy you stir up, the more people will go and see the movie?
I'm not concerned about my faith but about children who are the main audience. This movie is a Trojan horse. Once its inside the gates all sorts bad influences will be released. Your argument that its "just fiction" is ill informed. Fiction has just as much, and probably more, power to influence one's thinking as does non-fiction. Its all about ideas and how they influence our perceptions.
As far as controversy drawing a bigger audience, this may be true but to be silent would be unconscionable. That's like saying if you see something evil just ignore it and maybe no one will notice. At lease maybe some of those who see the movie will at least understand the underlying motives.
I know that these movies can and will not be stopped. My intentions are to point out the underlying effect it could cause.
If a movie were made about somebody killing Mohammad or some other religious leader there would be all sorts of uproar because of it being offensive to them.
I as a Christian am tired of being a stepping stone to the rest of the world and will be silent no more.
If it means getting in trouble for what I say then so be it.
People are to concerned with being "politically correct instead of morally correct".
Christian's are not stepping stones for the rest of the world, neither are the Jewish nation during these peace talks I Israel should demand everything that God promised them and not give an inch.
Shame on the U.S for trying to push peace and take away what belongs to God's chosen people.
The Christian voice will be heard and shame on these so- called churches who have quit preaching against sin for fear of losing their meal ticket.
All you hear is messages on wealth and other cotton candy stuff.
If God blesses you with wealth then praise him, but the bible says to first seek the kingdom of God, not the wealth then include God in it.
For a pastor to know of sin in the church and not rebuke it is wrong for leadership roles in churches will be held at a higher judgment that rest of the people.
I am glad that my Pastor tells it like it is, he does it with love , but he will call sin for what it is sin.
The bible should not be some watered down social club it should be a place of rebuking, correction and salvation and repentance, not just a good place to go.
So I say ask again would true believers in Jesus Christ or God go and set through this movie and applaud it , I would hope not.
That was supposed to be church as a watered down social club, if the word of God is taught the way it was intended it would not be the way 75% of todays churches of today are.
Devan, you just admitted you haven't read the books so how would you know what message it is sending out? The purpose of fiction is to be unreal. Don't form opinions on things that you haven't taken the time yourself to properly understand/look into.
Why don't we burn books that offend certain people... I mean Hitler did. Why don't we take Catcher In The Rye out of schools because the main character has no Christian morals? Who cares if the story is good literary material?
There is no GOD in these books, GOD does not die in these books. It is a fictional world, a fiction situation, a fictional religious order, and a fictional race of supernatural beings.
You would have to very dim to take a fictional kids story as motivation to change your views to atheism. I know plenty of Christians that enjoyed the books young and old, I just don't see what everyone is afraid of.
jesuslovesevery1, I understand your concern about wanting people to see the way you do, but I think people should make their own opinions of the books and movie before a group of strongly opinionated people bash it. When the bashers are ignorant about the topic it doesn't help the situation. This is America where we have religious freedom, so expect to have clashing ideas.
Fiction does motivate people I agree, but a kids movie motivating kids to become atheist? Thats a bit of a stretch. Bad influences? The story has bravery, loyalty, love, understanding, kindness, and caring. Go read the books.
Mr. Bell, I think church should be about focusing on love rather than sin. Talking about sin all the time is oppressive and takes away free will. If you talk about love there are no boundaries of making people come together. I think god would enjoy a world with the focus of love rather than not committing sins.
In what way was the word of God intended to be taught? It's changed every decade for 2,000 years. Everyone has an opinion on what is the right way.
If people went and read these books 24% of Christians wouldn't care and 75% would say, "What a great book", and 1% would go crazy because the books are stomping on their conservative views.
AMEN Johnson... Absolutely AMAZING... I have no idea what this story is about, but I am glad to know at least you have read the book(s) and can safely have an opinion on them.
These Christians that love to hear about Sin and an Angry god are the same people who don't want us saying negative things about the Bible because they say most of us haven't read it. Yet, they have never even flipped the pages of this book and immediately get filled with hatred and ignorance. The fact that they get so wrapped up in trivial non-issues instead of worrying about the greater good of humanity is baffling. God will not ask Michael and Devan why they chose not to read this book, he will ask them why they chose to be concerned with something so minisucal. As far as attacking faith, he still hasn't mentioned how this harmless issue is weakening his faith. If he isn't grounded enough in God to not let the simple things bother him, then I can only question how strong his relationship is. I am not saying Christians should shut up and be quiet, but why aren't they raising cane about real issues like saving oppressed nations, freeing falsely accused prisoners, eliminating the poverty issue. Why? Becuase of course, that would actually take action, something that speaks much louder than their words.
You know Michael, it would be amazing to see you express some of the joy god has brought to your life, instead of slaving away at trying to isolate yourself into some fantasy life by taking the simplest fictional book/movie, etc and making a mountain of a molehill...
I am not even going to try to read all the long dialogs in the responses to this article and I won't go see the movie anyway and may watch parts of it when and if it comes out on TV. I did Harry Potter the same way and I love those movies now and don't have a problem with any kind of 'magic'.
I was raised in a strong Christian family, but am not a 'touchy' Christian.
I did read in one of the shorter comments that God is killed in the last book.
Sorry, but I do have a problem with that.
I also did not go to see 'Passion of the Christ' and would not let my kids see it--even though the Church wanted to take everyone.
[I think that was what the title was.]
God has done great things in my life , but as a Christian I stil have to call sin what it is .
Michael, I think the point is that it is ok for you to feel this entire work was a sin. It's fine really, I don't mind what you think. BUT it's also important to realize that MOST of the world really doesn't care. Most of the world doesn't mind if this guy wants to kill God. Do you know why I don't care? B/c as much as he wants to, God (in my heart) can't be killed. Most of the ppl who don't approve of the movie simply won't watch it. I'm not asking you to be silent, if you feel strongly about it then toot your horn. Just know that you can't always believe what you read about someone or something.
I took Michael's post as being a warning to cautious parents about letting their kids see this movie without knowing more about it...It looks like some others are taking it a little more personally.
As a Christian mom, I teach my children there is one God and that he is good. This movie (from what I've read about it and heard) has an oppressive god and is eventually killed.
Am I the only who sees that this could be confusing to influential kids who see a movie (fiction or not) that is conflicting to the beliefs that they are taught?
While I see from some of the posts, this is not an issue for you and that's fine too. But I appreciate Michael and his warning to those who want to hear it.
"Devan, you just admitted you haven't read the books so how would you know what message it is sending out? The purpose of fiction is to be unreal. Don't form opinions on things that you haven't taken the time yourself to properly understand/look into."
In additon to admitting that I hadn't read the books I also said that I had done research about them, and not just from conservative Christian sources. After looking at a range of sources I still stand by my assertion that people need to know more about this movie and the books it is based on than what will be given in the popular media.
I did not state or even imply that this or any other work of fiction should be banned. I would just like for everyone to know where the author is coming from and that children especially should be educated about the anti-Christian themes expressed.
Lastly, I think God would enjoy a world with the focus of love "and" not committing sins. I think the definition of sin is something that is unlovely. By not talking about the damages that sin does in ones life you are not loving you are being indifferent.
Amen pleasebenice, you have expressed the essence of this entire argument as only a mom can. Bless you.
I'm going to see it, probably wont be as good as the books because of the watering down but oh well.
Sorry if I've made anyone angry, I just think that you'd enjoy it if you didn't take the books/movie as a personal attack on your faith. I don't care if the author was an atheist, he rights a good story.
I am not telling anyone to not go and see it just be wary of dropping your kids off to see it.
I won't be "dropping" my kids off to see this movie, I will be sitting happily beside them and be as excited as they are. I realized that Harry Potter didn't make them wizards(much to my dismay) so I am thinking this won't make them atheist either.
Funny thing, Christians came out in support of The Chronicles of Narnia, because the author was a christian man and it was filled with magical Wardrobes, talking lions, and wicked magical witches. Seriously, make up your minds. Let's not forget the overwhelming christian support of Lord of the Rings, I mean, is there a middle earth with Hobbits? I certainly hope so, they are so cute :)
Many movies have killed off "evil gods" what makes this one so different? Because the author has different beliefs than you?
ThE "NARNIA" series glorifies God, and the Lord of the Rings shows that no matter who or what you are with faith you came overcome temptation.
Bible says in all that you do give God the glory, I don't see these movies doing that.
"the Lord of the Rings shows that no matter who or what you are with faith you came overcome temptation."
Posted by michaelbell on Thu, Nov 29, 2007, at 9:54 PM
Well, with faith, elves, talking trees, giant elephants, wars, and a mutant creature you can overcome those things in the LOTR, you can also learn that same lesson from Harry Potter, he was and is tempted time and time again to go to the dark side and he fights the temptation and remains good, kind and loyal to those he loves. He fights off evil and stays on the good side. But you wouldn't know that, you just read about it on your little websites and never actually took the time to learn what the books teach. That good hearts always conquer evil black hearts.
I really wouldn't know what any of these authors believe or don't believe and don't care. The Lord of the Rings is the only one of these series that I have actually read and that was when they were first written decades ago. I can honestly say that faith and religion did not even come into my thoughts. I just thought they were entertaining.
I don't have a clue what this movie/or this series is even about.
I simply say that it would bother me if the God I believe in was being portrayed as being killed. If it is an evil god being killed then no problem. Although,I don't really like watching any movies, etc. where anything is being killed.
What about all the fairy tales we were all raised on and are being taught from preschool up. Are they anti-religious?
I am a Christian, but I do want my kids to know what is waiting for them in the real world, so I try to expose them to the evils of the world while guiding them.
Many movies have killed off "evil gods" what makes this one so different? Because the author has different beliefs than you?
-- Posted by jesuslovesevery1 on Thu, Nov 29, 2007, at 8:48 PM
That is precisely the reason that this movie/book needs a different evaluation as opposed to LOTR and Narnia. We have seen the Harry Potter movies and my wife has read all the books (not really my interest at this time)and we very well may see this movie. I do not think that the presentation of any of these as fantasy, regardles of the "witches and wizards", is a problem to the religious community as long as we do what good parents should do in educating and monitioring our children's understanding of these issues.
This movie and the books, however, come with an overt atheistic viewpoint that should not be overlooked.
People, why must we always bicker about the fact that God does or does not exsist? I am a Christian. For that fact alone, I put Bibles next to these books at wal-mart. And for the same reason I will not permit them in my home nor the movie when it comes out on dvd. We ALL have to face the final judgement. I don't want this on my hands. God is real. Face it and get over it.
yeah having these books will send you to hell... Yeah I read that in the word of god... ROFL geesh you guys really need a break from the fantasy world. And yes I am being way sarcastic.
CharlotteGail, I don't think anyone said that God wasn't real, I just wish people wouldn't blow things out of proportion. IT'S A BOOK AND A FANTASY MOVIE DEPICTING A FAKE GOD, not the God we believe in...
Before we all start judging things, we really should take time to read them and not base our decisions on who said what and who wrote it. It's a great series.
and Evil Monkey even though you are being sarcastic (and it was hilarious) sadly some of these people think we are on a fast train to hell for reading these books or the Harry Potter series. TOO FUNNY!!
I discovered soon after this blog started that my wife was just finishing up the last book in this trilogy. We discussed the books at length. At the same time I continued to search through the web for information about the books and the author. After a few days of reflection I have to admit that I agree with Johnson, jaxspike, darrick, jesuslovesevery1, and evilmonkey - great books, should be a great movie and we shouldn't hold the author's philosophy against him.
No I'm not going over to the "dark side" Michael. I still would recommend that Christian parents be aware of, and be prepared to talk to their children about, some of the anti-religious ideas that underly the fantasy. On the other hand, I understand that in the realm of ideas we should pay respects to all those that lift up, as Johnson so well said, "bravery, loyalty, love, understanding, kindness, and caring". If we Christians would spend more of our energy in being Christ-like and less practicing "Christianity" we wouldn't have to continually justify ourselves to the world. That said, I also wish we could express our ideas in these blogs with a little more kindness, caring, and understanding. For an interesting take on the authors beliefs and background go to this link: http://www.thirdway.org.uk/past/showpage...
I welcome people thinking and talking about Pullman's works and any films derived from them but I wonder how much will be left of any message (pro or anti-God) after Hollywood gets through with it.
I don't think many people remember the principles of Matthew 6:14 from watching 'Magnificent Obsession' nor have hordes turned to Ayn Rand's Objectivism by watching watching 'You Came Along' or 'Love Letters'.
Rand's 'The Fountainhead' or LLoyd C. Douglas' 'The Robe' may have sold their authors' agenda a bit more but,ultimately,the audience has to contribute at least as much to a didactic piece's success as the lessons an author or film-maker tries to instill.
If Pullman's message is too subtle,it will be ignored or easily counteracted.
If it is too blatant and cohersive,it will turn people off as thoroughly as any other propaganda piece that underestimates the public's ability to discern a screed from a story.
A culture that has grown up filtering t.v. and radio programs,blogs,comics,songs and newspapers for bias might just detect a taint even without a heads-up from pre-release discussion.
If Pullman's audience bothers to read his books and interviews like the one linked above,they might find him more of a seeker who objects to the lies and cruelty of any tyranny rather than the sort of scenery-chewing infidel typified by Madlyn Murray O'Hare or Anton LaVey.
Pullman's rejection of religion reminds us how nearly the excesses of Man's hubris can overcome what can be learned of God from simple rationality and kindness.
This goes back to the witch hunts, the heavy metal music, the Dungeons and Dragons crap that alot of the Zealots were saying were causing alot of the problems in the society. Every decade they look for additional fodder to add to the list of Satanic material.
Honestly, the minute they do I know that movie, game, or music group is probably going to be fun, entertaining and add a little to think about. Because the only reason they want you NOT to see it is because you aren't filling their coffers with your hard earned cash.
Christians like Jerry Falwell said the same thing about Queensryche, I bought their album Operation Mindcrime, Wow. Simply Wow. It was the most incredible thing I heard in a long time. They said that JR Tolkeins because of the Balrog looking demonic... (Um yeah so does some of the angels in Revelation), How would any of these Christians know what demons look like?
Basically they are paranoid people that think they see something that just isn't there. Most are unhappy, stress-out, and unhealthy because they are so hell-bent on taking what little freedom we have left. If God gave us a free-will, why are some Christians so pushy about what is (in their opinion) right or wrong?
Simply put, How dare anybody tell me what I am allowed to see, read, or do unless it is just plain immoral, illegal or wrong.
We should think of our minds and souls as we do our bodies.
What we feed them affects how they function.
If they get the right sort of sustenance,they can work properly-including withstanding various stresses and traumas and healing themselves.
They can handle a certain amount of deliberate ingestion of junk.
The healthier they are to start with,the more resilient they will be.
But,we don't all have the same level of stamina and sensitivity.
What would cause great harm or discomfort to one person won't faze another.
Thus,we give out ingredients lists and information on possible hazards and let people make their own choices.
The analogy breaks down when we ask ourselves whether certain ideas are akin to wheat,egg,peanuts,salt,transfats,capsaicin or other ingredients that can be safe and pleasant or are they more like toxic substances like salmonella or cyanide.
In either case,if people know what their food contains and the potential effects,they can err on the side of caution or take on the risks.
If people resent self-appointed nannies choosing what they do with their inner and outer selves,perhaps they should ask whether they'd prefer to be ignorant of potential dangers or if a reckless choice might harm people other than themselves.
A little common sense and courtesy on all sides would help balance personal liberty and responsibility.
$28,000,000 in 4 days... not too shabby