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) (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0385752/)

Thanks in advance to anyone who provides an answer.

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

Urban Legends Reference Pages: The Golden Compass (http://snopes.com/politics/religion/compass.asp)

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.

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?

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.

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...

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....

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?

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

Urban Legends Reference Pages: The Golden Compass (http://snopes.com/politics/religion/compass.asp)
The email bits seem quite biased

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

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.

Well, this goes along the lines with Harry Potter, I am christian, but I believe Harry Potter gives THE BEST MORALS EVER! It shows the power of friendship. Yet the church finds some flaw. Seeing as the movie hasn't come out yet... I don't know how anyone can say anything;

Good!

Good!

Not Good!

Good!

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.

I just wanted to be sure, Choux; I wasn't sure if by your post you meant; "If you would read about the movie and book you would know why people have a problem with it you stupid woman!" or, "If everyone knows the premise they will be able to make a better post regarding this movie." Thanks for the clarification, and I'm glad it was the latter option! :)

Mylittlesunshyne; the Harry Potter movies are another example I don't understand the need for protest. I had forgotten about it, thanks for reminding me of that.

NK; I agree, people will vote with their dollars. To be fair, however, I THINK the call is to boycott, not to ban the movie from release. I'm sure there are some out there who want to movie banned and never allowed to see the silver screen, but most of what I have read/heard has been Christians telling other Christians the movie is anti-god and to not see it.

The only thing I have heard about it is that the director is an atheist and he hates C.S Lewis.

Based on what you've heard, fallen, have you decided if you will or will not see the movie?

I hadn't heard he hates C.S. Lewis; I had just heard people compare him to C.S. Lewis and say they are opposites. I'm not saying your info is wrong, just that it is different to what I had heard, by the way.

Kinji,

You think too much about what I say and do, and not enough about your faults and shortcomings.

Work on yourself, dude.

I loved the Pullman books.

I ALSO loved Harry Potter, Narnia, and the Wrinkle in Time books. I was extremely disappointed that the movie based on the Susan Cooper books had such a short run time this fall, because I very much wanted to support that movie.

That being said--I don't remember anything specifically anti-Christian reading the books, and my 10 year old nephew is currently reading them, and he's quite the religious little boy, and HE hasn't said anything about it.

I believe that Piers Anthony kills off God in his Incarnations series, too. I hope they make movies of THOSE, too. Not because he kills god--but because it's a good story.

I had no idea about the religious debate about Golden Compass--but you can bet your rear that I'll be at that movie at least once now, because if nothing else, it was a good STORY, and I support good stories being made into movies.

Kinji,

You think too much about what I say and do, and not enough about your faults and shortcomings.

Work on yourself, dude.


Actually, I constantly think about my own faults and shortcomings, and it doesn't take much research of past posts to find many admissions of my own personal failings.

I am a work in progress, and readily admit to being so.

Thus the difference.

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....

There are an infinate number of movies about courage christians will go see but it is the about what the underlying subtext is all about. It seems like this guy is just trying to present another side of The Chronicles which is fine with me but I am not going to pay my money to support that. I watch secular movies but I will not support a movie that is anti-God. Nope.

Based on what you've heard, fallen, have you decided if you will or will not see the movie?

I hadn't heard he hates C.S. Lewis; I had just heard people compare him to C.S. Lewis and say they are opposites. I'm not saying your info is wrong, just that it is different to what I had heard, btw.


I don't think it would influence my desicison much. Maybe a bit. But I haven't heard a lot about it. I don't think I want to see it. It doesn't really appeal to me.

Townhall.com::The Golden Compass Has no Moral Compass::By Matt Barber (http://www.townhall.com/columnists/MattBarber/2007/11/15/the_golden_compass_has_no_moral_compass)


Family and I actually don't go to the movies that much. Not with the plasma, home theater, rental dvds available.

I had not heard of this movie until scanning the news.

From the linked article and the direct quotes taken from the movie, I will spend my time and money doing something else, like maybe watching this

Welcome to Bellathemovie.com : Home of Bella, Winner of the People's Choice Award at Toronto Film Festival (http://www.bellathemovie.com/)

Thanks for the link, inthebox; I hadn't seen that article. I disagree with some of the conclusions the author has made, but from the quotes, if they are in fact from the movie (since it's not out we don't know 100% but I'm assuming they are correct), I can see why there is opposition to the film.

Townhall.com::The Golden Compass Has no Moral Compass::By Matt Barber (http://www.townhall.com/columnists/MattBarber/2007/11/15/the_golden_compass_has_no_moral_compass)


Family and I actually don't go to the movies that much. Not with the plasma, home theater, rental dvds available.

I had not heard of this movie until scanning the news.

From the linked article and the direct quotes taken from the movie, I will spend my time and money doing something else, like maybe watching this

Welcome to Bellathemovie.com : Home of Bella, Winner of the People's Choice Award at Toronto Film Festival (http://www.bellathemovie.com/)


Wow. I had no idea. This has taught me a lesson. To research whatever I watch. 0_0

Are you all aware that the Golden Compass is also a novel that is taught in many schools?

I do not want to chose a side on this, just wanted to make you aware.

Are you all aware that the Golden Compass is also a novel that is taught in many schools?

I do not want to chose a side on this, just wanted to make you aware.


Really? I didn't know that.

Well in The Ten Commandments can hit the big screen without fanfare then surely this can to.

Club's new fall book: 'The Golden Compass' - Al's Book Club - MSNBC.com (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20412545/)

Here is one link

Good link Tuscany, within the article is an interview that fits perfectly with this thread: Pullman not promoting atheism in 'Golden Compass' - Al's Book Club - MSNBC.com (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21595083/)

Good link Tuscany, within the article is an interview that fits perfectly with this thread: Pullman not promoting atheism in 'Golden Compass' - Al's Book Club - MSNBC.com (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21595083/)


I saw that ;)

Thanks for the link, inthebox; I hadn't seen that article. I disagree with some of the conclusions the author has made, but from the quotes, if they are in fact from the movie (since it's not out we don't know 100% but I'm assuming they are correct), I can see why there is opposition to the film.

I remember back in the 90s I took a date to see "The Crying Game," and since that time, I try to find out what a movie is about before I just go see it. ;)

Exactly , it's just ridiculous, in my rating of my answer you said that your kids love harry Potter, Well, I'm 14 and my dad, my brother, and I all love Harry Potter, and personally I think it probably teaches the best morals in any movie that I've watched.

This whole thing the Church is doing, is a little bit whacky, the whole thing about Harry Potter encouraging witchcraft, or using it to hurt others is ridiculous. I don't agree with it at all.

There's a discussion about this going on on the Movies Board too. I don't want to repeat what I've already said there but if anyone cares to take a look at the viewpoints being discussed over there here's the link (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/movies/golden-compass-160815.html)

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".

As I understand, they call for the boycott because the books promote atheism. The movie itself does not. I've never read the books nor seen the movie so I don't know.


Have any of you heard of this movie?

Who hasn't? The trailers are pretty awesome.


Are you boycotting it, or do you not care?

Since I don't want to promote atheism, I will follow the course we have followed in the past with this type of material.

1. We won't go to the theatre at full price.
2. If we go at all, we'll go to the dollar movies to see it.
3. But more than likely, we'll wait for the movie to go to the "used" market.
4. My wife and I will view it with the kids to make sure we answer any questions it brings up.
5. We'll probably forgo the books based on the Christian reviews.

What does that accomplish? It minimizes the profit that the company makes for the movie.


What exactly is so "wrong" with the movie, that there is the need to boycott?

I don't remember anyone mentioning anything wrong with the movie. But all the sources I encountered considered the books a treatise against organized religion. The books written by this author have a strange title also, "His Dark Materials".

Which supposedly comes from this poem:

... His dark materials to create more Worlds,
Into this wilde Abyss the warie fiend
Stood on the brink of Hell and look'd a while,
Pondering his Voyage...
His Dark Materials - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/His_Dark_Materials)


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?

No. The primary objection is that the books are anti-Christian.


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.

Ok


Here's a link to the movie on imdb, for anyone who hasn't heard about it: The Golden Compass (2007) (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0385752/)

Thanks in advance to anyone who provides an answer.

You're welcome.

Sincerely,

De Maria

I read the following article this week and decided not to take my children. I have to admit I loved the Harry Potter series and supported them but I will not support anyone who openly opposes Christianity. With that being said, it may a good story but I won't add my money to the pocket of anyone who is trying to turn the hearts of our children from God.

"With good reason, Christian groups are claiming that this is a pro-atheist stealth campaign, disguised as a fantasy film.

Pullman himself has always been open about his beliefs, or I should say non-beliefs, and his reasons for writing the children's novels. He has said in press interviews that “His Dark Materials” books are in response to C. S. Lewis' “The Chronicles of Narnia” written by Lewis to teach Christian ideals to children: “I loathe the 'Narnia' books; I hate them with a deep and bitter passion...”

He has called the series “one of the most ugly and poisonous things” he has ever read. (As quoted in FoxNews.com article of Oct. 29, 2007 by Catherine Donaldson-Evans)

The film is the story of a girl named Lyra from Oxford, England, who travels to the edge of another universe and becomes caught in a battle between good and evil. But the evil organization in the book is the church, and in the movie it is the Magisterium, a term for Roman Catholic authority to teach doctrine. While director Chris Weitz said he had to cut some controversial religious material from the first film for commercial reasons, he plans to be truer to the books in upcoming films.

In the third book of the Pullman series, the children essentially kill God. The worry that permeates parents who are concerned about The Golden Compass is that the film is insidious, that while the director cleansed the first film to lure viewers, children will want to read the books, which are overtly hostile to religion.

Young minds are vulnerable, and Pullman seems to have an aggressive idea about how to affect the rising generation."

Yes, the it is a fact that the author of the movie has stated his purpose is to get rid of Christianity, and in doing to kill god.

I am just shocked that every denomination of christian has not banned and not instructed their members not to see this movie.

If there is that many christians in the US, this movie would and should be a flop and movie places take it oiut since they are losing money.

Christians need to control what "THEY" watch and do, to support opening anti christian activities is a disgrace.

Yes, the it is a fact that the autor of the movie has stated his purpose is to get rid of Christianity, and in doing to kill god.

Do you have a link for the actual quote showing where he said this--to a reporter or interviewer for a real news outlet? I haven't been able to find him saying anything this strong and I read in one place that he never said it; that it's just rumor forwarded by mass emails and then posted on some religious sites. At Pullman's own website, the strongest thing I can find is him saying is he doesn't know if there's a God or not and, also, that he thinks God might be ashamed of some of the things that his followers sometimes do in his name (like terrorism, I guess). (I haven't seen the film or read any of the books... )

Thanks,
Asking

Here's his website:
http://www.philip-pullman.com/about_the_writing.asp

How abouit snopes, they are about as trusted as you can get, and have no religious agenda at all

Urban Legends Reference Pages: The Golden Compass (http://www.snopes.com/politics/religion/compass.asp)


Plus you can merely Google the movie and find 100's of related pages,

Now in general they are no better or worst than 100 other TV shows or movies that advocate a anti religioius life style.
Now personally I think we would be better off without most of them, but again, as long as parents teach their children proeprly to tell the difference in movies and real life.

Now in general they are no better or worst than 100 other TV shows or movies that advocate a anti religioius life style.
Now personally I think we would be better off without most of them, but again, as long as parents teach thier children proeprly to tell the difference in movies and real life.

I don't doubt Pullam's an atheist, but I guess the question in my mind was how explicit the "anti-religious" message was, whether it was as filled with hate as people are saying or whether (at the other extreme) it's just a secular story that lacks a religious message and people don't like the author. It's hard for me to tell. I checked Snopes and agree with you about their stance. They don't confirm the comment about him wanting to destroy religion or "kill God." So I guess he didn't actually say that, but I guess for a lot of people it feels like that's what he's saying.

I'm not religious myself, but I feel strongly about what's on TV, in movies, too. I hate the way degradation of all kinds is treated as acceptable. So many people on TV have no boundaries, ethics, or self respect; and ordinary people will watch things on television that they would never go do in person and somehow it's okay because it's just TV, or just a movie, not real. I agree about sitting with kids when you watch anything questionable and checking in with them about what kind of message they are getting. I've always done a fair amount of that, although it never feels like enough... Sometimes the off button is the best choice.
Asking

You can go to the EWTN website and read some articles there. Some links:
EWTN.com - Golden Compass, Daniel Graig, and the Guardian (http://www.ewtn.com/vexperts/showmessage.asp?number=522335&Pg=Forum12&Pgnu=1&recnu=5)

EWTN.com - Golden Compass (http://www.ewtn.com/vexperts/showmessage.asp?number=523026&Pg=Forum10&Pgnu=1&recnu=1)

Golden Compass Anti-Catholic and Anti-Religious; Anti-Semite Sedevacantists Got Something Right « Fish in a Barrel (http://willcubbedge.wordpress.com/2007/11/14/golden-compass-anti-catholic-and-anti-religious-anti-semite-sedevacantists-got-something-right/)

Vatican blasts 'Golden Compass' as Godless and hopeless - Topix (http://www.topix.com/music/pop-rock/2007/12/vatican-blasts-golden-compass-as-godless-and-hopeless)

If you are concerned, just go and talk to a local priest or an evangelical minister. If you take the time to actually read the books, you will not have any questions as to the author's intent.

Yes, the movie is very anti religious from all the reading I have done, and it makes evil what we have basically as the church today, and the entire theme of the movie ( using fighting bears of course) is to show that man needs to kill god in order to succeed.

Now will many "get it" most likely not, It is like the original star trek had some of the first interracial kissing ( along with skimpy clothes) I had no idea it was helping to change peoples view points and society.
So the hope of the movie is to slowing get peoples mind to accept that god is not good and needs to be done away with.

Now in America god haters have as much right to make a movie as anyone else, and the author has not even tried to hide the fact of what he is trying to do, ( at least honest about it) What is funny is how the we hate god group will not just admit this is what they want and go on with life.

But I am the most offended by the churches thierself that have not came out hand in hand against this movie.

I watched it. I didn't see anything in it that was anti God, at least not any more anti God than Lord of the rings. Maybe the next 2 will be, but this one wasn't.

In any case, God gave us brains for a reason right?

Did you think it was any good? From the people I have talked to they say it was lacking?

Yeah they obviously cut a lot of stuff out and mixed it round a bit. You're surprised when it ends because you want more, kind of ends abruptly.

I enjoyed it and would like to see the next one.

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.


Chou,

The ruckus is because Pullman, the author, is an atheist. People believe that he is expounding his religious beliefs in the Compass trilogy. He is not. The author does not mention religion one time not even in his books.

He is a prolific wirter of children's books whose popularity rival the Narnia trilogy by C. S. Lewis

If the trilogy had been written by a Christian there would be NO mess and no fuss.

It is, after all, just an entertaining story full of adventures which appeal to all, children as well as adults. that is it!

I read his books which were published years ago, and saw th movie which was stupendous. Hope the rest of the trilogy is also made into films.

Here is a list of Pullmans books.

Writings
"Sally Lockhart" Series; Young Adult Historical Fiction

The Ruby in the Smoke, Alfred A. Knopf (New York, NY), 1985.
The Shadow in the Plate, Oxford University Press (Oxford, England), 1987, published as Shadow in the North, Alfred A. Knopf (New York, NY), 1988.
The Tiger in the Well, Alfred A. Knopf (New York, NY), 1990.
The Tin Princess, Alfred A. Knopf (New York, NY), 1994."His Dark Materials" Young Adult Fantasy Novels

Northern Lights, Scholastic (England), 1995, published as The Golden Compass, Alfred A. Knopf (New York, NY), 1996.
The Subtle Knife, Alfred A. Knopf (New York, NY), 1997.
The Amber Spyglass, Alfred A. Knopf (New York, NY), 2000.
Lyra's Oxford, illustrated by John Lawrence, Alfred A. Knopf (New York, NY), 2003.Other Young Adult Fiction

How to Be Cool (humorous fiction), Heinemann (London, England), 1987.
The Broken Bridge, Macmillan (London, England), 1990, Alfred A. Knopf (New York, NY), 1992.
The White Mercedes (realistic fiction), Macmillan (London, England), 1992, Alfred A. Knopf, 1993.
(Editor) Detective Stories: Chosen by Philip Pullman, illustrated by Nick Hardcastle, Kingfisher (New York, NY), 1998.For Children; Fiction

Count Karlstein, or the Ride of the Demon Huntsman (picture book), Chatto & Windus (London, England), 1982, edition with pictures by Patrice Aggs, Doubleday (London, England), 1991, novel illustrated by Diane Bryan, Alfred A. Knopf (New York, NY), 1998.
Spring-Heeled Jack: A Story of Bravery and Evil (graphic novel), illustrated by David Mostyn, Doubleday (London, England), 1989, Alfred A. Knopf (New York, NY), 1991.
The Wonderful Story of Aladdin and the Enchanted Lamp (retelling), illustrated by David Wyatt, Picture Hippo, 1995.
The Firework-Maker's Daughter (fantasy), Corgi, 1996, illustrated by S. Saelig Gallagher, Arthur A. Levine Books (New York, NY), 1999.
Clockwork, or All Wound Up, illustrated by Peter Bailey, Doubleday (London, England), 1996, illustrated by Leonid Gore, Scholastic/Arthur A. Levine Books (New York, NY), 1998.
I Was a Rat!, illustrated by Kevin Hawkes, Alfred A. Knopf (New York, NY), 2000.
Puss in Boots: The Adventures of That Most Enterprising Feline, illustrated by Ian Beck, Alfred A. Knopf (New York, NY), 2000."The New Cut Gang" Series

Thunderbolt's Waxworks, illustrated by Mark Thomas, Viking (New York, NY), 1994.
The Gas-Fitter's Ball, illustrated by Mark Thomas, Viking (New York, NY), 1995.Other

Ancient Civilizations (nonfiction), illustrated by G. Long, Wheaton (Exeter, England), 1978.Plays

Sherlock Holmes and the Adventure of the Sumatran Devil (produced at Polka Children's Theatre, Wimbledon, England, 1984), published as Sherlock Holmes and the Adventure of the Limehouse Horror, Thomas Nelson (London, England), 1993.
The Three Musketeers (adapted from Alexandre Dumas's novel), produced at Polka Children's Theatre, Wimbledon, England, 1985.
Frankenstein (adapted from Mary Shelley's novel; produced at Polka Children's Theatre, Wimbledon, England, 1987), Oxford University Press (Oxford, England), 1990.
Puss in Boots, produced at Polka Children's Theater, Wimbledon, England, 1997.Adult Novels

Galatea (fantasy), Gollancz (London, England), 1978, Dutton (New York, NY), 1979.
Pullman is also the author of scripts for television. Author of introduction, John and Mary Gribbin, The Science of "His Dark Materials," Hodder & Stoughton (London, England), in press.Adaptations
How to Be Cool was televised by Granada-TV in the United Kingdom, 1988.
The Golden Compass and The Amber Spyglass were made into sound recordings. The first three books in the "His Dark Materials" series have been optioned by New Line Cinema for production as motion pictures. Two plays based on "His Dark Materials," adapted by Nicholas Wright, were produced at the National Theatre, London, 2003-04.
Work in Progress
A novel, The Book of Dust, in the "His Dark Materials" series.
Biographical and Critical Sources
Books

Children's Literature Review, Volume 20, Gale, 1990, pp. 185-88.
Gallo, Donald, editor, Speaking for Ourselves, Too, National Council of Teachers of English, 1993.
Silvey, Anita, editor, Children's Books and Their Creators, Houghton Mifflin (Boston, MA), 1995, p. 544.
Something about the Author Autobiography Series, Volume 17, Gale (Detroit, MI), pp. 297-312.
Squires, Claire, Philip Pullman's "His Dark Materials" Trilogy: A Reader's Guide, Continuum (New York, NY), 2003.
Twentieth-Century Young Adult Writers, St. James Press (Detroit, MI), 1994, pp. 543-544.

Why are people upset you ask, a rather huge case of paranoia mixed with a large dose of fear.

;-)

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) (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0385752/)

Thanks in advance to anyone who provides an answer.


Not only am I NOT boycotting it. My students have read this books and am recommending for them to see the movie... it teaches many things we should teach our children: courage, strength of character, loyalty, etc...

The only issue that I can see which may cause concern is that Pullman is an atheist, however, his books are NOT about religion, they are children's fantasy which rival C. S. Lewis Narnia trilogy.

Contrary to what some articles have written Pullman does NOT hate Lewis' books, he merely presents another type of adventure... both authors champion the same values... loyalty, courage, strengh of character, etc.

The point is that anyone can interpret what they see or read any way they wish... the same way the bible is interpretef.. many see it one way, others see it differently... it is a question of prefernece, prejudice and ignorance.

What is ridiculous is that people discuss and repudiate the books and or the movies without persoanly reading or viewing the movie... this smacks of bigotry, prejudice and extreme ignorance.