In early December a movie called "The Golden Compass" is being released in the US (it's under different titles in other countries, I believe). From what I understand there has been an uproar because this movie "promotes atheism" in some way. Apparently a lot of Christians are boycotting the movie because they feel it is "anti-Christian".

Have any of you heard of this movie? Are you boycotting it, or do you not care? What exactly is so "wrong" with the movie, that there is the need to boycott? I've done a little web research, but nothing I've read seems to come out and say what the specific objection to the film is; just that the movie is "anti-Christian". I know the writer of the books the film is based on is a professed atheist; is that the primary objection?

I'm not trying to cause a fight, or say the film should/should not be boycotted - I'm just genuinely confused as to what the fuss is all about.

Here's a link to the movie on imdb, for anyone who hasn't heard about it: The Golden Compass (2007)

Thanks in advance to anyone who provides an answer.

kindj

Here's a pretty good, unbiased blurb on it from snopes:

Urban Legends Reference Pages: The Golden Compass

kindj

I forgot to put in my own 2 cents, sorry.

Based upon what I've heard thus far, I can say that in all likelihood, neither myself nor my children will be seeing it. It's not necessarily an attempt to "shield" them from anything, just that as a consumer, I have the choice when it comes to where to spend my dollars. From what I've been able to discover, I don't feel that I want my money to support the author of the books that the movie is based upon. Not when there's so much more good entertainment out there that isn't offensive to my beliefs.

jillianleab

I saw that page, kindj, but I've been unable to find a link to the actual interview where the author made those comments. I'm not saying he didn't say those things, but we all know it's possible for things to be taken out of context.

I'm still left wondering, then, since the "god" in the movie isn't the "Christian god", and the "universe" in the movie isn't our universe, what's the big deal?

jillianleab

Sorry, just saw your next comment.

Certainly you have the right as a consumer to not see or spend your money on anything you choose. I don't mean to imply otherwise with my post. I'm just wondering what the fuss is all about with this movie in particular, when there are plenty of other movies which deal with offensive/objectionable themes and there aren't boycotts called for. It seems the primary reason (from what I've gathered so far) is that people are boycotting because the author is a professed atheist.

Choux

It is a movie/book about COURAGE, so I guess that courage is anti-Christian.

I read on a site that it is encouraged that teachers recommend that students read Genesis as preparation for discussing this book in class. Why don't you Google the title of the movie/book and read all about it so you know what you are talking about? Then, continue the discussion....

jillianleab

Was that directed to me, Choux? I have read about the concept of the movie, but what I'm interested in knowing is what the specific objection to it is? There are a lot of movies/shows with offensive themes/subjects and a lot of writers with non-Christian beliefs. That's why I want to know why THIS movie?

albear

the email bits seem quite biased

NeedKarma

Well if christian movies can be made then why not atheist movies? People will vote with their dollars.

Choux

jillian,

My comment was addresses to EVERYONE who planned to answer the question.....is it so shocking that an individual should know what they are talking about??? The movie is about COURAGE. I have noticed over the years that FundiEv Christians' manner of discussion is simply negative innuendo and mud slinging.