The Golden CompassI told myself I wasn't going to get involved in this, but my friend just posted on his blog theearthcanbemoved: http://theearthcanbemoved.blogspot.com/ And I found I could not stop myself. Over the past two months, I have time and time again receive emails warning me of the dangers of a new movie due to hit the theatre screens this December. I have been asked to boycott the movie and stand for my faith, instead of supporting something that will truly destroy the hearts and minds of Christian and non-christian everywhere. For this movie, is about killing God. It’s based off of a book written by Philip Pullman, who is getting about as much attention as the movie these days. The book is from “His Dark Materials” trilogy, and the movie is based off the first one. “The Golden Compass”. This book received reviews such as “Glorious… The Golden Compass is one of those lyrical suspensions like Alice in Wonderland and The Lord of the Rings that crosses all age lines and intertwines mythologies and legends with seamless beauty.” – BookPage And From Lois Lowry Newbery Medalist for The Giver and Number the Stars (I read this book, it was awesome) “A completely absorbing fantasy… because of the many-layered and suspenseful plot…An original and fascinating novel.” And “Readers who open the cover of The Golden Compass will open the door to a rare and wonderful world… a rich and intricate tale of adventure, courage, and betrayal, which will keep readers on the edge of their seats, fingers clamped onto the next page.” – Sunday News Ok. So, here’s my big point. Its fiction, everyone of those reviews say so. NONE of them talk about religion. But Pullman himself said, “My books are about killing God.” Yes. They are, but as I said recently in a conversation… In the third book they do in fact kill "god" but it is not the God as we know it. It is an angel who has taken up the name and has no authority at all, really. Nor does Lyra kill her mother to be free from authority. Her mother dies in the third book to SAVE her daughter. I was speaking with a friend over gtalk, and we spoke on this issue. Here is some of what we talked about (with his permission). theearthcanbemoved: I've got nothing against a good reading what I've got against it is the fact that they target an audience that doesn't know any better you know better Malorie: that's not necessarily true ( I started reading these books at a very young age…) Malorie: I knew better I was in the targeted audience And even if they don't already believe or even if they do most people won't get their religious views from a fantasy book! theearthcanbemoved: no but if you hear something enough you will beleive it Malorie: I didn't Malorie: Do you see my point? Malorie: This is why I get so aggravated with all the christians going wild about this The simple fact that they are making such a big deal about it GIVES it more weight and power its MAKING it a symbol of unchristian beliefs when before it was just a book Malorie: Stealing is a big deal whether or not we make it one A book is not, its inanimate it only has as much weight to change people as we give it Malorie: Now that everyone thinks this book is like the archenemy of Narnia and the view that god is dead its gonna be Da Vinci code all over again people are going to read it to TRY and get something out of it, like God is fake. It's changed the whole point It's gone from an intruiging book with interesting views, to something for non-christians to rally behind, and christians to fear and hate! So where does that leave christians like me, who like the book? I find the story of the Golden Compass, The Subtle Knife, and The Amber Spy glass to be very intriguing. And I’ll say to you all what I said to one of my friends.
I am getting very tired of Christians talking about it as if they know anything about the book besides what fanatics have written, and the few quotes they have heard or seen Philip Pullman say.
Before you criticize it, read it.
Then say what you have to say.
And if Christians can't take a little competition without going over the deep end, then something is sorely wrong with us. A lot of people share my friend’s view however, which is the following.
theearthcanbemoved: the problem I have is when he tries to push that world view on kids wich is what he's trying to do In a conversation with his own friend, the earthcanbemoved said this, and passed it on to me. I believe it is worth reading. Yes,
I'm taking with her about it now.
I think she brings up some good points.
My problem is the viewpoint Pullman is trying to push on the kids.
Now I understand that to some people it's just a good story,
And I'm not saying people should not go to see it.
I just think that people should be aware of the world view of the author so they can watch it as just what it is,
A story.
That world view is not truth.
I have a soft spot for kids.
I tend to get particularly mad when kids are the vitcims.
Be it of a neglect, a crime, or lies.
So I just feel that parents should be armed and ready to discuss it with their kids.
I know a few families that are going to see it.
And they are informed and prepared to discuss it with their kids.
I applaud that.
What I don't want is this kids walking in they blind,
And coming out with new ideas about reality.
You've seen kids these days.
They all want to be spiderman.
Especially recently,
They have released three spiderman movies recently.
This is not by chance.
Kids want something to look up too.
A super hero with great values like Peter Parker will sufice for now.
But I don't want them looking up to a character that thinks she can kill God.
You and Malorie have brought up several good points,
And I think I may add a post note addressing what I have just explained here.
I have nothing against a good story,
But I will not stand for a blatent attempt to lead these little ones away from God.
This is my reply, and something that I truly believe. Malorie: But I disagree with you Seeing this movie is just like going to see Narnia God is NOT a lion kids don't believe that when they read Narnia or see the movie it’s like any movie or fiction book Kids KNOW what fiction is theearthcanbemoved: right Malorie: we don't give them enough credit so this is just ANOTHER fiction book and movie but christians have made it into something it’s not It's OK for Pullman to say “ my books are about killing god” BECAUSE THEY ARE but not the God in the sense we believe in Malorie: I don't beleive that is what Pullman is trying to do at all This is where I believe that if Pullman is pushing kids to believe this stuff than anyone who talks to a kid or any author who writes a book for kids or even their parents (who raise them) are pushing their views on these children theearthcanbemoved: fair Malorie: You could say that we LIVE in a world where kids are constantly haveing views pushed onto them and none of their views are their own Malorie: and you know what big deal kids are going to have to make their own decisions everyone has to theearthcanbemoved: good point . /I/ AM going to see the movie, hopefully the day it comes out. I first read this trilogy when I was around 10 years old. I grew up reading it, and loved it. Do I have any less faith in Christ? No! Do I still believe Jesus died to save me? Yes. Do I have any doubts about God, or the fact that he exists as the bible says? Absolutely not.
I am not scarred in any way from reading, and enjoying these books. They bring forth some interesting topics to talk about and debate with close family and friends, and they give you a view of what some people do in fact believe. Besides, if our God is who he says he is, then he can stand on his own two feet. And if our faith is what we say it is, then what are we so worried about? Don’t we trust God? Faith is only faith when you own it. So own it and don’t be so afraid of what other people say! But know even then that we can’t really get rid of our own tinted lenses, we will always see through those, and as my friend said. theearthcanbemoved: ah, that is a very fair assessment. Do you see now why alot of people are so concerned about this movie now? Malorie: only because they have heard only fanatical raving and haven't looked into it themselves theearthcanbemoved: right it would seem that having the correct info ahead of time is becoming more and more and issue Malorie: yes it does. Please, stop reading frantic posts of Christian fanatics, and adding to the uninformed, doom and gloom rantings and ravings. Read the book yourself or see the movie, and make an educated decision and then give and educated, clear, logical reason for it. I enjoy Philip Pullman's work, and will continue to read the books over and over again.
That is all I have to say. | 
