A question about opposition versus attack?

Question

Okay, so I'm going to jump on this Golden Compass bandwagon for a moment.

Maybe the author of those books was an atheist. Maybe The Golden Compass is written from a non-christian viewpoint. But does this make it an ATTACK on christians?

I mean, are atheists and non-christians not allowed to create? Is it not possible that atheist writers gear towards an atheist audience, and simply want to entertain those who are like-minded rather than trying to secretly lead christians away from their own beliefs?

Why does it make a difference if the guy was anti-religion? Does that change his rights to create for himself and likeminded people?

Answer 1

From the several diff websites I have read I think the author was anti religion, not just opposite view. So I think that makes a big difference.

People can have differing opinions without their goal be to tear down the opposition. If the info is correct then this guy wanted religion wiped off the face of the earth. Well that is more than just a difference of opinion. It is wanting what I believe to be gone.
If he did indeed write these books to try to tear down religion then that is a specific attack against what I believe in an attempt to sway others. He has the right to do it, but its not as innocent as just entertaining likeminded individuals.

I am going to see this movie. I have wanted to see it since I saw the preview. I dont care about his beliefs, but I think there is more of a legit criticism against this movie then a movie like Harry Potter. If a person doesnt want to support or give a person that personally attacks their beliefs, their money, then I think that is very legit.

Answer 2

The Bible is all fiction as well, but they follow that, so obviously the heads of their churches are concerned that the mindless drones who follow them will be caught up by another story based on fiction and follow that.

With the church, they are so afraid of anyone that either exposes their religion as false (since that actually is very easy), or someone who is an atheist creating anything. The word is worried, they are scared, and makes you really wonder the reason behind that being afraid. Or if you are an atheist, you know why religion is afraid when we question it, because it is a house of cards only. Based on nothing more than faith that something is there that can not be proven nor observed. And the only book is the Bible which is so full of contradictions, that once again faith is the only path. But then children also have faith that Santa Claus exists too. Atheists know religion is BS, and the power holders in churches know that as well. Just too good a revenue stream that religion has.

Answer 3

I think there is a big difference between attacking religion and attacking people who believe in religion.

Attacking religion is fine, atheism by its very nature, is anti-thetical to religion and their works would attack religious dogma in much the same way that an abolitionist attacks the institution of slavery. I don't consider either to be bad, just expressions of a specific viewpoint.

I've red up on the whole Dark Materials series, and it actually looks very intriguing. The biggest controversy going through my mind about the movie is whether or not I should read the books first. :D

Edit: In regards to your update, I once saw this post on the IMDB (since removed) from a guy who was pleading for parents not to let their kids see this movie because it was anti-religion and that kids should not be exposed to it because "they are innocent" and exposing them to such ideas is irresponsible abuse. I found it amusing because the same could be said for religious indoctrination at that age as well.

Answer 4

Does it really make a difference what his goals are? It is his right to use whatever medium he wishes to try and attain his goal. By ranting and raving about this movie the Christians have given it more press that it ever would have had otherwise. The first 10 times I heard about it I ignored it but after a while I took an interest. Now I plan on giving up $10 to go see it. You see how well their opposition worked?

Answer 5

It's a fictional book/movie written for sheer entertainment value. Christians also protested the Harry Potter series....you see how well that worked for them? Christians think everything is an attack on them. They cry too much.

Answer 6

To a christian, any point of view other than their own is an attack. Just the fact that the movie exists threatens them. This just the same as homophobes beating homosexuals. They do it out of fear that if homosexuals exist, then maybe they will explore that avenue. Christians fear their own humanness more than they believe in their religion.

Answer 7

Until I've seen it, I can't really say. Obviously as an atheist I many not find offense in something which offends Christians, and may unwittingly offend them. In fact I believe I've done that here a few times.

Answer 8

I am a Christian, and I think the whole attack on the Golden Compass is silly. It is just a movie, don't see it if you don't like it.

Answer 9

honey,, thee is nothing that can be written or said that would effect the Christian belief.
Now it may effect whether or not someone who does not believe will ever believe, but once a person has tasted the goodness of God you or the anti Christ himself will not change there mind.
So you have this all wrong , its not an attack on Christians but on non believers so that they may have a strong hold not to believe

hope this helps

Answer 10

I don't know what book your talking about, but in my opinion, an opposition is when you don't agree with anothers views, an attack is when you put someone down for the views they hold. Such as calling someone stupid or ignorant because they choose to have faith in God or telling someone they are a bad person because they don't believe in God. Those are attacks. ;-)