Are you going to see the Golden Compass?

Question

http://www.snopes.com/politics/religion/compass.asp

Answer 1

I haven't decided.

I'm going to screen the film and decide for myself whether or not there's anything not suitable for my children to see.

I'm not going to listen to what OTHER PEOPLE say about it. I am reminded of a movie that came out in 1988 called "The Last Temptation of Christ." All manner of bible-thumping "Christians" came out against it because they had heard it was blasphemous. They said it showed Jesus having sex with Mary Magdelene and that was just unthinkable. The Southern Baptist Convention even boycotted Universal Studios for awhile over it.

Well, they should have looked at the movie instead of listening to other people. I watched it to see what the controversy was all about. And it's true, it DID show Jesus having sex with Mary Magdelene, but the POINT of that scene was that it was Jesus, on the cross, imagining what life would be like if he had decided NOT to go through with the crucifixion. He thought, "I'm God...I could just come down off this cross and live a normal life if I wanted to." And he thought about what life would be like if he married Mary Magdelene and became a carpenter. It was, in essence, the last temptation of Christ, so the movie was aptly named.

I don't care that the author of the Golden Compass is an atheist. So was Douglas Adams, one of my favorite authors, and there is fun poked at theism throughout the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, and yet I allow my children to watch that.

If I do not choose to let my children view The Golden Compass, it will be a decision based on my firsthand viewing of the film and because it contains something I don't want my children to see, and NOT because some chain email tells me so.

EDIT: Ben, to what are you referring? The only answerer who said they were "Christian" was me, and I didn't knock it. So, what Christians are you referring to that need to get over themselves?

Answer 2

yes i'm going to see it, and for those with that stupid idea put into their heads that its anti-christian or anti-god or whatever can read this:

The books do walk a fine line when it comes to the whole religion thing. I've just finished the whole trilogy because I was curious about those same rumor and wanted to decide for myself. I am not a religious person so the risk of being offended for me was a non issue. The children do not set out to kill the actual GOD, they are after an imposter pretending to be GOD who is making their world/s very problematic for some very malevolent reasons. A lot of people have also said the books are supposed to be anti christian, sort of the ante thesis of Chronicles of Narnia, this is not so, they warn against churches taking too much liberty with DOGMA.
DOGMA are laws that churches make on god's behalf on earth. Taking too much liberty with them leads to things like The Inquisition, The Crusades, The Witch Trials. Basically doing things to per serve their self interest. It's actually pretty precocious stuff for a kids novel. But if it puts your mind at ease the movie companies have opted to remove almost all the theological qualms people are having with the books from the movie. They want a big draw for their Christmas release and they know what is preceived to be an anti religious movie wouldn't set to well with concerned parents.
I doubt who ever sent you that email bothered to actually read the books and I don't know if my opinion holds any more weight for you as I have, but the story was excellent and I truly enjoyed it, so even if the books issues give you some concern a little research will tell you all you need to know about the movie and I think your children would enjoy it.

Answer 3

yeah, Nicole Kidman's in it. I really can't say I care about the anti-Christian message; I'm Christian, but that won't stop me from watching a movie or reading a book. I've been a huge fan of Harry Potter since I was 11, I didn't care about it having been banned by Catholics.
Anyway, I read recently that the Christian church is currently going through one of its worst crisis, because people in general are starting to doubt of things that can't be scientifically proven. It's like it's all relative and people are skeptical now, so I don't think it will matter much the Christian warning, I don't think it will stop many people from watching the movie.

Answer 4

Yeah, I read the book so now I want to see the movie. I really don't see why everyone is against this movie. Its only a movie (or the book), so I don't really see the problem. Plus you have a choice if you want to read or see anything.

Answer 5

Heck YES, I read the books. They are very good books. As for you religious people why are you offended. You keep saying god is killed. He isn't in this movie or book. God is killed in the Amber Spyglass the last book. Besides he isn't a real god! There is no god in these books, it is an angle that tells everyone he is.

Answer 6

Yes and I'm bringing my smurf dolls

Answer 7

Definitly. I've been waiting for months, but I've read the books. :)

Answer 8

No, I don't care to.