Why do religious people care if a movie is released or if people read a certain book?

Question

now religious folk want people not to go see the movie The Golden Compass why? just like with the Potter books they want to ban what they think is wrong, but don't care if other people might enjoy it

Answer 1

It is al about controlling others.
SD

Answer 2

They don't want people to see The Golden Compass or read the books because a lot of it has to do with overthrowing the church or whatever. The guy who writes it is an athiest. I'm Roman Catholic and I read the books and I want to watch the movie (which is drastically different from the book). I also read all of the Harry Potter books, and have seen all of the movies, and love HP. I guess they are just afraid that people will be influenced by that and turn their backs on faith and the church. Which is really silly. PEOPLE make certain religions or religion in general look very horrid. God is merciful, just, kind, forgiving, and understanding. I doubt he'll banish anyone to hell for watching a movie or reading a book.

People use religion, God, and the church to "promote" their own ignorance and prejudice.

And by the way, not all religious people feel the same way that a select group of narrow-minded individuals feel. :]

Answer 3

I'm religious. I don't care who goes to see "The Golden Compass" or reads Harry Potter books. I've never believed in banning books, movies or anything else, and I strongly support freedom of speech. If something offends me, I know how to use the "off" button, or to stay home from the theatre. I don't have to cause a huge scene about it. People have the right to read or watch anything they want to.

Answer 4

Not all religious people agree with banning these things. The information is out there and I see no problem with viewing it. Too many religious people try to force their religion on you and it ends up driving you away. We're not all like that. I don't want to try and make anyone change that doesn't want to change. In the Bible, it actually talks about this. When people aren't open to the religion and wont take your teachings, you're supposed to move on to someone accepting of it. Yep, I swear, it's in there. People pick and choose what parts of the Bible to follow and it's usually only the ones that are convenient to them. I'm not like that. I'm human, Christian and a sinner. I'm no better than anyone else and whatever anyone else wants to watch or read is fine with me and I don't look down on anyone for it.

Answer 5

I really don't understand the hub-bub over films that are based on works of fiction. Whether it's Golden Compass, Harry Potter, Chronicles of Narnia or the Exorcist.

What is worrisome, to some extent, are docu-dramas and crockumentaries that are designed to incite others to hatred and violence. These are often touted far beyond their value or even their level cinematic excellence.

Answer 6

I think it's ridiculous to avoid a movie because it might change your faith. Watching Independence Day didn't make me think there were really aliens out there and that they were going to attack on the 4th of July. I don't get all of my information from the media, I try to discover the truth for myself as I think all people should, especially when it comes to religion.

Imagine living a life of guilt trying to please a god that you aren't even sure exists. Not for me! If I am wrong and I have to explain myself in the afterlife I'm sure that that God would understand I am human (if he created me to be so then he would know humans make mistakes).

The movie makes a very excellent point about religion (not just Christianity) being in a sense evil and a source of power. And what movie doesn't try to interest an audience of readers? Narnia's okay for non-Christian children? There are plenty of Christian films trying to convince children that it is the "right" religion. It's all brainwashing.

I'm beginning to grow weary of Christians trying to tell the world what they can and can't do, it's truly disgusting. Marijauna, homosexuality, abortion, etc. There are some things that need to be seperated from religious ideals when it becomes a government issue.

Answer 7

"not religious people .. just closed minded people..... dont mix up" - I view this to be a very stupid statement. The religious ones are the ones wanting to ban the movie and the books. If you know of anyone else who's ONLY close-minded, and not religious and wants to band these books and movies, please state them.


They're afraid it'll brainwash their children. Too bad (in my opinion) they don't know that their children are already brainwashed from all their religious teachings (of a "God").

I think I will immensly enjoy this new movie. Any person who doesn't like the anti-christ message can get over it. They need to learn that there can be more than one accepted point of view.


"People don't like having their beliefs questioned. Religion is something from which people derive a great deal of self-worth. To even entertain (or be entertained by) something that does not adhere to their well defined moral perameters would, in effect, diminish thier perception of their life's worth."

I don't believe in "God" but I still enoy movies about God. To me, "God" is like fanatsy. So I always view the movie as if it were fantasy. oO The message of the movie is different from my view point, but I see no reason in condemning it just because of that. If it's a good movie, it's a good movie. Simple as that. I don't understand all the fear towards a movie. So long as you have a firm holding of reality, you can watch anything.

Answer 8

I think this explains it:

"When a group has staked everything on a religious belief, and 'burned their bridges behind them,' only to find this belief disconfirmed by events, they may find disillusionment too painful to endure. They soon come up with some explanatory rationalization, the plausibility of which will be reinforced by the mutual encouragement of fellow-believers in the group. In order to increase further the plausibility of their threatened belief, they may engage in a massive new effort at proselytizing. The more people who can be convinced, the truer it will seem. In the final analysis, then, a radical disconfirmation of belief may be just what a religious movement needs to get off the ground." - Robert Price, Beyond Born Again

Answer 9

Truly religious people are not afraid of contrary ideas. Challenging our minds makes us stronger.

Something can be opposed to any of our poiints of view, but still be interesting, thought-provoking and entertaining. That does not mean everything is - and some things are blasphemous just for shock value. But creative works should be judged on their merits, not on knee-jerk reactions.

But then, some allegeldy religious people are more interested in promoting agendas than God.

Answer 10

I can't speak for the entire Christian community, but I personally never said I wanted to ban it. I just said I wasn't going to see it myself.

And as for The Potter series, I really like Harry Potter actually....

Answer 11

I don't know, but if they do ban this movie, then they are no better than Hitler when he ruled Germany and dictated what was allowed and what wasn't allowed to be read. Or what the African government did when the apartheid was in effect.