Anti-Christmas Movie? Will You Boycott The Golden Compass?

I prefer to let children go see it with their parents and then discuss the movie over a thick shake at the nearest fast food outlet. Probably it’s better for older kids than for younger but kids are smart…they get it when they have had a chance to ask their questions. I remember seeing Fantasia when I was a little kid and being very scared by the Rite of Spring sequence. My mother and father sat down with me and we talked about it. I was a fan of the music forever after.

I believe the movie releases in December, so we should learn more about it next month.

shelley

I’m almost more disgusted by his comments about CS Lewis’ books than his atheistic view. The books are classic literature regardless of the theological view. You don’t have to believe in the Greek Pantheon to appreciate Homer. I have to wonder if I could appreciate the work of someone who could so easily sneer at the works his own are built upon.

Chris –

Truly an excellent point!

I read the book and I don’t recall ever getting a anti-christain message from it. Its all fantasy and should be viewed that way

Boycott is the wrong word. Christians should choose not to see it. That’s not the same as a boycott. Parents should talk to their kids about it, but most definitely not let their children go see it. The books are subtle, deceptive and most definitely anti-theist as is the author. -jweaks

Given the results of this poll so far (roughly even for & against, with a few undecided), I have to wonder how many people answer ‘against’ just because someone else said “oooh, its anti-religious”? “Hurry children, put your blinders on!” Heaven forbid a bunch of ‘christians’ should consider things with an open mind… sorry, but living in the ‘bible belt’ of the US just annoys me to no end, and is full of finger pointing & hypocrisy. Try being objective just once as an adult! btw – if you find this offensive, I’m probably talking about you. If it doesn’t offend, congratulations, for learning to discern for yourself.

Parents choosing to boycott this film are simply saying they are not going to expose their children to the lies perpetrated in this film. Make no mistake about it– Mr. Pullman is a former teacher, and knows how to get kids’ attention.

http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog&friendID=269932937
for more information about the author, his beliefs, and the film.

Billy –

For a faith group as vast and diverse as Christianity with approximately 2 billion adherents, your comments seem a bit overgeneralized, stereotyped and somewhat “closed minded” to me. You have characterized Christians as non-thinking, blinded, closed minded, finger pointing, hypocritical, non-objective, childish, easily offended, and unable to discern for themselves.

Now, that is certainly no reason for anyone to get offended. Especially not from someone as open minded and discerning as yourself.

I think there’s some degree of overreaction, especially in the opening letter posted here. Apparently, Nicole Kidman is in the movie. As a practicing Catholic, she’s pulled out of other projects or adjusted the narratives based on her beliefs. This should quell some concerns.

I’m quite excited for the film and will definitely not boycott it. Not to sound too judgmental, but I think it’s ignorant to boycott something based on speculation or the ramblings of unnamed people on the Internet.

Children should be treated maturely and not over-protected. Well-raised children should be able to make up their own minds. That being said, parents should always ensure that their children are exposed to only age-appropriate materials.

If you tell your kids not to see it, they will want to.

If you see it first, you can explain to your kids before they see it what the ‘problems’ are with the movie. What a good opportunity to show them an example of people who try to convince them that lies are truths.
Evil is out there, we can’t bury our heads in the sand – other books will come out if this is a hit, and it looks like it will be, if only because of all this bad PR (no PR is bad PR, right?)

When we see a drunk, we use that as a chance to teach children of the horrors of abusing alcohol, when we hear a bad word, we teach our children NOT to say that word… this should be no different.

Your children don’t have to see the movie or read the book, but YOU can and explain to them what is right and what is wrong. I just hate that movie sales and book sales will soar, and this man will write more and become a millionaire.

I also hate that the author is also the one who is likely starting all this controversy, so parents will see it and children will want to… sad.

Let’s keep God out of the schools so we will can more rejects like this guy!!

* Let’s keep God out of the schools so we can get more rejects like this guy!!

As a christian, it is impairative we be open minded. As a teacher, the books are pure fantasy and when children read them, that is all they get out of it, fantasy. Now, when adults get together with too much time on their hands, the books have been looked too far into and then assumptions have been made. Children are innocent and they look at the world with true innocence. It is sad the adults can’t let that innocence carry through a fantasy movie. I ask all the people against the movie to read the books..not the emails they received about the “athiets author”. The only way our students and children will learn to “hate God” through these books is if we tell them that is the meaning the author is trying to pass. IT IS FANTASY! And very well written fantasy. Model acceptance for your child, in this day, that is what they need most in their hearts. Not a memory of Mommy and Daddy boycotting a children’s movie.

What are you going to try and ban next? (or boycott). Literature is one of our ways to freedom of speech. Again, like berkey said, it’s FANTASY. What other fantasy books are we going to condemn? Our founding fairy tales have similar plots with vile villians and evil characters. At the rate we are reading into our children’s literature too deep, we will be reverting back to when we read pure cautionary tales to our children depicting a moral virture or value we have as adult figures and ultimately, what happens to the child if they do that action; normally ending in the death of the child or dismemberment of some kind. Of coure, the adult at the end of the story is not bothered by this at all because “that’s just what happens to little boys and girls who do the wrong thing”. This book was a very wonderful novel with many different fantastical themes and plotlines as well as characters. It is not a book you can pick up and believe from cover to cover. It is a book that allows children to reach beyond the here and now and travel to another place and time with little knowledge of what the adults think this book may or may not portray. This is one of my all time favorite novels and I have read them all at least twice, if not more. I am excited to know that the movie is finally coming out and will see it more than likely, twice more than once. All I ask is for people to open their minds to the fantastical world and what imagination holds for the inner child in us. Stop taking everything so serious! However, if you find you have a problem with the novel, please keep it to your family. Stop spreading rumors and whatnot and spoil the good that can come of the book and movie for the future readers of Phillip Pullman books!

I think that everyone has a right to their own opinion. Why shouldn’t Christians be allowed to speak their minds when something does not seem right to them? Sure make your movie but I don’t have to watch it. If I do it would only to be able to defend my God to others, because more and more people will have questions.

Is it wrong that others who are like minded have alerted a problem to me? A child does not have the same sort of filter an adult has. “Fiction” can be very powerful. Reading is using deep imagination and very close to the soul. Anyone who does not see this, has never truly read a book. Reading is like being lost in another world and this one teaches – yes we learn from reading, something so treacherous to the soul. That God is nothing. I can’t think of anything more dangerous to a child. Or a nation. God is hope, faith, and love.

I’m not sure what to think about this book series. There is certainly a lot of criticm extending toward this book, but that makes it feel like it will gather a large following to go and view it in the theater rather than somes intent of having a boycott. Some people I’ve met say they will go and watch it just because it has created so much controversy.

Has anyone even read all three books? It doesn’t appear that they have. I have read them all and I did not get any kind of anti-Christian message, hidden or otherwise. And how in the world can they think the two kids are representing Adam & Eve when they have to separate in the last book and can never see each other again?

So does this ridiculous boycott apply to artists, too? If an artist is an atheist and paints Mary and baby Jesus, does that mean he’s really mocking Christianity? Does it make him less of an artist? How about a music composer? What if Handel was found to be an atheist? Would that change how anyone felt about his oratorio “Messiah”? Would they boycott his music, also?

And why would someone even need anyone to “alert” them to a “problem” book – can’t they make their own decisions? Are they really afraid of being corrupted by just reading a book? If “fiction” can be considered “treacherous reading to the soul” then I wonder what reading the Qur’an would do. Guess they might be tempted to become a Muslim.

If people are so insecure with their religious beliefs, then maybe they should just stick to their bibles and nothing else.

“If people are so insecure with their religious beliefs, then maybe they should just stick to their bibles and nothing else.”

Couldn’t say it better myself.
If you believe in a religion it is due to one of two reasons..
- You would like to think of a higher force to make your existence seem entirely more worthwhile, or
- You were brought up by the same propaganda Cristian parents are promoting by boycotting the film.

Really, if people are that scared of their religion going unnoticed, possibly they should convert to Hooliganism, they will receive nicer publicity than these pathetic ramblings.

Before I knew anything about the controversy, I read the first two books simply because my daughter loved them and recommended them and she was excited about the movie coming out. I have not yet read the third book. The first two books, The Golden Compass and the Amber Spyglass are not written from the atheist view point – they are written from the Satanist view point. First the evil church runs cruel experiments on many children to separate them from their spirit, then the main character children are led to join with witches and angels to re-fight the battle that should have been won ages ago to kill the Authority. Pullman may claim to be an atheist, but he is clearly promoting some magical/spiritual creatures over other magical/spiritual creatures. If he is not lying about being an atheist, he is surely ignorant of the side he is really fighting for. I agree with a comment by atheists that his writing is not nearly atheist enough.

Why is everyone so upset with this movie! Why do we suddenly assume that children are unable to distinguish what is right and what is wrong, or in this case Christianity and Atheism. Children are not stupid, and hopefully never will be. Kids are much more intelligent than the world makes them out to be! Granted you can look at this story in a certain way, but when I read it the idea never crossed my mind. I looked at it as a classic good and evil story. You could take any movie and add a religious subtitle to it. Even though Pullman is an outspoken athiest, I feel that his remarks are only to anger the christian crowd. The only way to determine for yourself is to actually see the movie when it comes out, and not take some overenthusiastic christian telling you what you should and should not do. I myself am a devout christian, but I tokk no offense whatsoever to the book and the story. If the author happens to be atheist that is his choice.

If a persons faith is strong enough it can withstand any thing. Yes, I would strongly suggest that if you have children and are worried about the impact this movie could have on their faith that you see it with them and then have a healthy discussion of its contents afterward. If you have instructed them well in your religious beliefs then you have nothing to fear. You will have allowed them to see that their are those in the world that do not believe as they do. Living your faith does not mean living in a vaccuum. Trust in God to lead you in the right direction.

You all act as if there is something wrong with being an atheist. All sides should be presented and a decision made that follows your own compass (no pun intended). I have to laugh at the hippocracy of the “christians” who turn out in droves to promote a christian snuff flick (Passon of the Christ) but oh no, can’t give anyone else the same consideration. Thats what they fear the most. Exposure.

I believe in God, as do my children.
I believe that Jesus died for me, as do my children.

I believe in reading a book and having a healthy itelligent discussion about that book and enjoying it for what it is, a book. A made up story put into words to take me somewhere interesting…as do my children.

I found this article to be most helpful in understanding the fear the books create among those trying to ban/censor them. It is written by a theologian who urges us all to think rather than be a knee jerk reactor. Most importantly, we are urged to actually read the books (which I have). http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/ideas/articles/2007/11/25/god_in_the_dust/?page=full

For a religeon that promotes democracy and freedom of speech you don’t seem to be promoting a very good name for your beliefs.

If you are that insecure about your ridiculous beliefs perhaps you should lock yourself in a windowless room with nothing but a bible sitting on a crucifix.

Hi Jay – In your comment (25), who are you speaking to? If you happened to be directing the question toward me, I have one for you. I would like to know why you think it’s insecure to take a poll and open a discussion about this film? I have not promoted a boycott in any way in my blog. I was curious to know what my readers had to say about this film. I was simply opening up a discussion.

Jay, I don’t know what religion your speaking of! Look at the hysteria a simple childrens book is causing. Freedom of speech FOR THEM. Freedom of religion, nah, THIER RELIGION. Where are the “boycotts” for movies that glorify murder, rape and general mayhem? Anything that promotes free thought has to be stamped out. If your strong in your belief you don’t need to fear a movie or book. Makes you wonder what they fear. By the way, as one who HAS read the book, if you read carefully you notice that John Calvin took over the Church and moved it’s headquarters to Geneva. In fact the church in question is Calvinist. Not Catholic. Look before you leap!!!

EXCELLENT quote from Pullman interview:

“Pullman: … I think these people are…it’s ridiculous. It’s very absurd. They never learn. They never learn that if you want to draw attention to a film to make everybody curious to go and see it, then make a fuss about it. It always happens, every single time they try to do this. They never learn.

And the other thing they never seem to notice is that they are behaving exactly in the way I describe the religious authorities — who have got their hands on political power — as behaving. In other words, they are repressing arguments, they are repressing freedom of speech, they are trying to prevent people from understanding things; they are doing exactly what I describe in the book. It’s not surprising that they are creating a fuss. But I do wonder that they never learn that the result is always the opposite of what they claim they want. “

Unfortunately, everyone is forgetting that this story is FANTASY. With that in mind, are we also prepared to boycott Star Trek, Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, Pirates of the Caribbean, etc, etc? Please, people, if you must find fault, at least take the time to read the books, and decide for yourself – I found them to be entertaining and thought-provoking, which is what I hope my children will also see.

-Ok, First of all, it seems to me that alot of people are jugging without reading.
-Second, This FANTASY(thank you Mary)is about religieous force, not necessarely our Christian Church, trying to wipe out all consious thought. In other words, their goal is to become a perfect tyrant.
-Third of all, the only mention in the book of God actually dying is when Lyra and Will release an infinatly old angel from a crystal cell. The angel willingly gets out, and is then blown apart by the wind. Who does die is gods regent, who promotes bigotry/polygamy, which is a very anti-christian thing to commit.

For anyone interested, here is Chuck Norris’ take on the movie:

‘The Golden Compass’ goes south – way south

I roundhouse kick atheists who try to brainwash children into hating anything about God.

You know what… I’m not happy with people that try to down something that they know nothing about. I don’t think it’s right that you haven’t read the trilogy and are saying that it’s satanic or against christianity b/c if you actually read it, you would know better. But I do belive that God gave us our own minds and our own hearts and if you don’t want to go see the movie b/c you don’t feel it is right for you, then don’t go and see it. It’s the same with horror movies and movies about killing… some people just aren’t made to watch those kind of things. I do know that I’m terribly excited about the movie coming out this friday, dec. 7th and I’m going to be there watching it with all the others who have been waiting so patiently for the movie to come out. The books were wonderful and if you’re so close minded in your christianity that you are going to listen to all the others before you even know what you’re talking about then atleast get the hell out of the way and let the others enjoy a fine piece of film making. Thank you

I wonder why we didn’t hear such a mess with Harry Potter, a young wizard which probably isn’t condoned in the Bible. But both were written by man anyway. Even the bible talks about the murder of Jesus, one brother killing the other and no one seems to tell their children not to read that. Even I do not know the difference between the Holy Spirit, God and Jesus, and I’m not a kid. I never understood that because I was told they were one, but again the Bible was written by man, most likely to confuse us.

There is more killing, terror and fiction in the Bible than anyone could imagine in a contemporary piece of literature. Imagine a boat built by a man that would hold two of every kind of living thing, plus a bunch of people too for how many months? Then the whole world flooded. Where did all that water go? That’s more than a little hard to believe. Then there’s this guy who can raise the dead, but can’t stop people from beating and killing him? Then his father watches all this happen to his son white he has the power of creation. Wow! Now there’s a story for ya.

Obviously fiction, fantasy and even the truth are quite similar. I understand the movie is rated PG-13. A 13 year old is not a child; in three more years they’ll be driving. I was completely aware of my surroundings at that age. Had I seen “The Passion” at 13 I would have asked myself, why doesn’t this guy use his powers? Let’s see, he’s a man, but no he is Divine with incredible abilities. Hum, oh well it’s just another movie anyway. I’m sure all this hype will sell an ark full of tickets and books. Some respondent said for parents to see the movie first; then take their kids to see it. Must work for a theatre; two adult tickets at 8 or 9 bucks and then two more adult tickets plus the kids? With popcorn and drinks we’re talking nearly 100 bucks. You must be joking.

I’m neutral on the whole thing. I know nothing about it. If there is wizardry or witchcraft in it, I’d probably like it. No one seemed to have a problem with Samantha in “Bewitched”, except Darrin. I won’t buy a ticket to see it, but may watch it when it comes to cable, depending upon the real reviews. I never watched “Lord of the Rings” or “Harry Potter”, so I might pass on this one, but only out of preference; not from pressure from anyone or group.

No one cares, but I consider myself a Christian. I believe in “interpreting” the Bible and not taking it so literally. After all, we don’t sacrifice lambs, burnt offerings and paint blood on our doors anymore. We don’t put bread on an alter in a tent in the desert either. These things were demanded in the Bible. I look at it overall to simply say, “Be a good person”. Plus, if we ever needed a planetary flood, now would be a good time while people are shooting each other and blowing up skyscrapers. It would also put out fires and help the drought areas. It seems like we’d have all that water if the planet was submerged for Noah and all his pets and family.

To “berkley – question #13, as a teacher you should be able to spell “atheist” correctly. Might consider composing in Word© and then pasting it onto the forum.

Interesting read:

How to Share Your Faith Using The Golden Compass

Interesting to read one group’s concern that the books are a way to “sneak” atheism into children’s minds. CS Lewis’ books were undoubtedly a way to present an analogue to the Christian myth in a setting that children would find more interesting and exciting. When I took my daughter to see LW&W, I told her those things were in there…and I don’t think that film did her any harm. Lots of atheists saw LW&W and did not make nearly this much noise; all this despite the fact that those of faith are automatically accepted in this country and atheists are nearly universally reviled. We atheists are the last group that it’s OK to hate. Read the things written in the articles about him and substitute the word “suspected commie” or “negro”. Creepy, huh? And the thing is, his atheism affects your life no more than the color of his (or my skin) or his political beliefs. Yes, he is a popular author with a book coming out. Don’t read the books and don’t see the movie. Problem solved.

PANIC!!!

I’m a Christian who is embarrassed by fear and anger of my fellow believers.

Our faith is so weak we feel threatened by a work of fiction? What would happen if our message was so compelling that kids wanted to rush out and read the Bible?

The desire to censor a fantasy movie makes Christians look just like Taliban.

You people have obviously just been feed your “beliefs” because if you really studied The Bible” you would see that the auther of this story did too. It is not about taking over and killing your god if it wrer then why were the”authority’s” in the story the ones trying to steel the childrens souls?????? What is always has benn and always will be? In the story it is called the”Dust” a true believer in the “Word knows him to be YHWH!!!” So why don’t ya’ll go back and watch it again , you’ll learn more about YHWY in that movie than you will ever learn in Your Church!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You go girl!!!Comment #38 I am sooo sure that The lyra Character is a representation of Yahshua Freeing us from the oppressors of the TRUTH…The Catholic Church. Let us Ask ourselves Who In the , What in the , How in the?
Faithfully Yahweh’s Servent!!!!

Well, I certainly agree with the remarks and comments I have heard and read regarding this movie and the series of books and about the author. Although this current attack on our faith has the appearance of carrying greater weight and potentially a greater threat, because of the unlimited resources of the media, my approach will remain the same as at other times when the world does what it does to demean our faith and the person our Christ and great King.

1) I remember these “are” the end times and Jesus and the Bible proclaim such things will come to pass.

2) I maintain my devotions, my prayer life, my Church life, and pass gospel tracts and witness as the Lord leads as best I can.

3) I assert to all that the Word of God is its own defense.

4) I remember that Jesus in Luke 16 speaking of the rich man in hell, quoted Abraham as having told the tormented soul of the rich man: “If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.” (Luke 16:31). This also includes the resurrection of Christ. If a man will not believe what Moses said…i.e. the first five books of the law including the fall of man, original sin and so on, he won’t believe even though Christ rose from the dead.

5) I don’t argue with people about such things. If they don’t want to hear the truth or are adamant in their atheistic or humanistic views, or totally entangled in false doctrine with no desire to be set aright, I leave it at that. Jesus said the fields were “white” already to the harvest. Why waste time trying to persuade one who will not be persuaded, when there are so many who want to hear the Gospel and know the Love of God through Christ. That’s the biggest thing these attacks accomplish is that they take our attention off the “one” thing that is needful, and that is finding that next soul that the Lord has prepared for us to share the gospel with.

6) God is still on the throne and…”His Kingdom ruleth over all”… (the Bible says so Ps 103:19). Let the Master take care of the big stuff. The enemies of Christ will not be allowed to have any power that isn’t given them from heaven…(John 19:11). My goal is to take care of my own little part of the Kingdom, whatever that may be. For most of us that will take more time and effort than we have anyway, let alone getting caught up in some frenzy that the world is trying to impose on us.

7) Finally, I remember the day of the Lord is surely at hand. Christ’s return is imminent, and if it seems far off, I remember, by air or by hearse I will be with Him soon enough.

God Bless and Merry Christmas!

Bro Scoles

This debate is unbeliveable. I am an atheist myself and I have never seen a single atheist bash Narnia for “indoctrinating our children.” Certainly, I don’t like Narnia as much as I would if I were Christian, and I could say that it forces all children to be Christian. But I’m not going create an army of atheists and boycott a perfectly good film! The Golden Compass is a great film and an amazingly well-writen book so where’s the problem. And why should killing God make kids become atheists? It’s their own choice, Narnia didn’t make me Christian. Pullman just wrote a very good series of books that expressed his opinion. There is no “atheist conspiracy” and forcing your child to not watch The Golden Compass is extrememist and wrong, exactly the type of organised, extreme religion that Pullman is protesting against. So just enjoy a movie, please, and stop whining, it won’t change a thing.

I first read these books when I was 10. I have been bought up in a Christian family. As a ten year old, I was able to distinguish between fantasy and reality. These books are set in many fantastical worlds. The Magisterium is from another world. In this other world, it was banning free speech and cutting away children’s souls. That shocked me. Then an imposter who called himself ‘God’ was killed. As a 10 year old, I knew this was fantasy. I knew that my own church was nothing like this and I never questioned my religion. These people wanting to boycott the movie and ban their children from seeing it are being just as bad as the villains in the book. See it if you want to, don’t stop other’s from seeing it. After all, it is just a struggle between good and evil.

What is so different between the bible and The Golden Compass, both written by man, both fictitious. The other open minded commenter’s know this. Only religion teaches to follow blindly – do this or else. I never saw such a message from God – have faith through witnessing my works.
Anyway if a mere movie will collapse your faith then you were never meant to have it. The bible is a fantasy story just like this movie. Deal with it!

Boycott it? I’ll be the first one in line.

has anybody but me noticed the absence of christmas type movies these last few years i mean usial just before thanksgiving there some christmas related movies but no more, is this the plans of the sucular humanists that run hollywood?

NO I WILL NOT BOYCOT – See my blog on this at:
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-memTq2QhaaNt0MhWx6tzKrzJLMKgnw–?cq=1&tag=atheisim