How do you feel about the religious controversy with the upcoming film "The Golden Compass"?

Question

As I haven't seen the movie yet and haven't read any of the stories, I won't comment on what might be in the movie. But I'm curious to know if people have any strong feelings about the movie either way.

Answer 1

I'm annoyed. I wish some people would chill. We have a terrible rep already. When people think of Christians they should think "Jesus, grace, love, service", not "pro-life, anti-Golden Compass, religious right, take over."

I am a Christian and I read those books as a child. For me, they were great for my skills in practicing discernment, catching the messages. My parents didn't pay any attention to what I read, so I read everything from Stephen King to The Bible, and this. Here's what I think about boycotting this.
- First of all, they kill God at the end of the third book, so that will not be present in the movie
-An interview I read with the director said that he didn't put the anti-Christian stuff in, because he didn't want to alienate the Christian crowd.
-Nicole Kidman is Catholic and she said that she couldn't be in the movie if it was anti-Catholic.

So now the only danger will be in kids reading the books. Possible solutions:
-don't let your kids read the books. Tell them what is in them and say that the movie is better (the books were slow to me, especially the first one, so this is probably true)
-Read it with your child and point out the offensive material so that in the future when they read theologically offensive things, they will catch it and not fear it. Use them to teach them about God.

I don't support a boycott because we shouldn't just be advocating Christian material in the world. This is not a Christian state, and we can use this as a springboard to witness to others. Plus, I believe that the shadow proves the sunshine. God allowed evil in the world as another option, and as a comparison. They made the movie because they wanted to make money, and have courteously watered it down for us. I would reward the makers for that, so instead they don't make a fiery political movie in the future, because those are just not entertaining at all. Anyway, I will see this movie, because I'm not afraid of other ideas in the world. They provoke thought and lead to clarity. This movie and the books have as much right to thrive as Narnia.

Answer 2

The religious controversy is nothing more than over-reacting & does nothing to keep me from going to see it or not. I don't see what the problem is... someone is telling a story - just because that story does not conform to the religious beliefs of a particular group (or challenges those beliefs) is not enough of a justification to call for any sort of nationwide ban on the project.

If nothing else, the "controversy" and hype that is being raised from these groups speaking out against the film is only serving to increase the interest in the film & to provide "free publicity" to this product that they don't want to support.

I'll go see it... but not because it's annoying the religious right - but rather because I think it has an interesting story to tell.

Answer 3

i almost peed my pants i was so excited when i saw the preview for this movie.

The His Dark Materials series is my all-time favorite series of books. (Even above HP)

I've heard that they've cut the anti-religious content out, but I highly doubt it--the series culminates in a war against god.

I think it's silly that the religious right or whatever name you want to give them are screaming out against this movie...i think if you think seeing a fictitious movie like this or reading a series like harry potter will land you in hell you need a reality check.

There are adult themes in the books, so it's really not as much of a children's story as it appears to be, but that doesn't mean that what the book discusses is wrong. IMO it's more about how religion shouldn't be the ruling power not how religion is wrong. I'm effing STOKED to see this movie.

*edit* I can understand people not supporting the film but I'm talking about people who tell you not to see it because it's a crime against god and you'll suffer eternal damnation etc etc.

Answer 4

I'd like to see it. I like Nicole Kidman, esp. in the Others, Moulin Rouge, etc. Besides, last I heard, this IS America and I can see what I like (or don't like :-).

As I said on a similar yahoo post, the controversy is the movie's best and cheapest publicity.

If a movie or a book can shake my faith or my foundation, I've got more problems than I even want to know!!

Answer 5

whilst the books have been relished a clergyman from wales i think of began to jot down books which observed god in a competent gentle the priest suggested that the GC books have been satanic and besides how dare Christian communities say that the action picture is merchandising atheism to childrens with the aid of fact if something its only exhibiting a diverse view on issues which i think of is incredibly healthful for childrens i'd desire to form of comprehend in only sixteen and that i became atheist whilst i became into thirteen with out observing this action picture or reading the books

Answer 6

Well the previews look amazing.

I think the contraversy is just going to make the movie more popular and it's going to make more money in the box office.

People are too sensitive when it comes to things like Harry Potter, Davinci Code and now this movie.

I think everyone should remember it's not there to teach you anything, it's just for entertainment.

I don't know if I will watch it or not.

Answer 7

I am really not one to judge something that I've never seen...but from what I've heard about the movie, I will not see it.
I loved CS Lewis's "The Chronicles of Narnia". I think the stories are great and so is the symbolism. From what I understand, this movie is the exact opposite of the "Narnia" series and as a Christian, I cannot support such a film.

Answer 8

I may or may not see it. My choice will be made on a couple of different levels, none of which will be if it might offend my religious beliefs. All the anti-GC hooraw reminds me of the British teacher who has been convicted of blasphemy and who may be beaten because her class named a teddy bear "Mohammed". As much as some people would like it, we do not live in a theocracy - thank God (so to speak).

Answer 9

i hate reading and i hate fantisy stufff like the golden compass . but the book was really good . i dunno about the movie because i havent seen it but the book its always better . so ive heard. . but u should see it =]