Ask Me Help Desk - The Golden Compass

The Golden Compass - New Movie

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.

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

Urban Legends Reference Pages: The Golden Compass

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...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Choux

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?

Quote:

Originally Posted by kindj

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

Urban Legends Reference Pages: The Golden Compass

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;

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Quote:

Originally Posted by 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.

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.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Choux

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.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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....

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.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jillianleab

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

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

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.

Quote:

Originally Posted by inthebox

Townhall.com::The Golden Compass Has no Moral Compass::By Matt Barber

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

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.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tuscany

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

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

Quote:

Originally Posted by NeedKarma

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

I saw that ;)

Quote:

Originally Posted by jillianleab

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

Quote:

Originally Posted by jillianleab

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.

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Have any of you heard of this movie?

Who hasn't? The trailers are pretty awesome.

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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.

Quote:

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

Quote:

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.

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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

Quote:

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.

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.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fr_Chuck

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