I saw the Golden Compass last night. As a Christian, I still enjoyed the fantasy of the movie, and was not offended by anything as so many other Christians were.
A good website for concerned Christians to go and visit:
http://www.christianitytoday.com/movies/commentaries/fearnotthecompass.html
My question about the movie is:
If we cast off all "authority" and set up "free will" as the ultimate source of guidance, where will that get us? And, If the heroes accept the "truth" of the alethiometer (the compass itself), aren't they letting themselves be guided by just another source of truth—another "Authority"? But didn't the story tell us "Authority" is bad and we should only follow our own hearts?
2007-12-07 15:05:37 · 11 answers · asked by The Desert Bird 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Eves777 and Jenn: Great answers! I'll wait a few hours before I choose who gets the 10 points.
2007-12-07 15:54:39 · update #1
John and Carrie. You obviously haven't checked my website link.
2007-12-10 04:20:47 · update #2
Thanks Isabella I agree.
2007-12-10 04:23:12 · update #3
I'm Christian too... I haven't seen the movie yet, but I've had to tell all my christian friends that I won't because they think it's evil. However, I feel the need to see for myself... (after I see it, I'll tell them so, but I don't want to make them anxious by saying I plan on seeing it).
I've always liked to come to my own conclusions on secular things and I've always been right in doing so when I've allowed myself to.
The content of the movie seems interesting. Though, apparently not something to live your life by.
To answer your question, yes... it is good to follow our hearts when we desire what is right or good. When we unite our will and desires to those of Christ's, then all authority He places over us can be accepted and can ultimately be followed with trust, because all things work together for good for those who love the Lord. Bowing before His authority then becomes a pleasure and the humility with which it is done, makes us one with Him and His divinity.
If your free will is to follow God's authority, then there is no conflict. Using your free will to embrace God's authority makes His authority and your free will, one in the same. It is then that God can honor His word and protect you from evil. He can then also bless you...
2007-12-07 15:30:33 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
It will get us where we already are since "free will" has dictated human movements from the dawn of humanity. Free will has been dictating our actions for millenias before we created religion in an attempt to direct and control people's free will.
No, the truth of the alethiometer is not what guides the characters. At any crossroads, they can choose whichever path they want, with or without consulting the alethiometer or following exactly what it dictates.
And, finally, no, the story does not tell us that "authority" is bad and we should only follow our own hearts. The story, itself, tells us that the way human beings interpret Authority and use it suit their own purposes is wrong and inherently harmful to most human beings. The story is a warning for people to use discretion when it comes to the edicts of organized religion or really any mass group of human beings along dogmatic lines. It is encouragement for people to THINK through what they are told, to use reason to come to the least harmful solution to our problems.
And, the children do not kill "God" in the story. They kill an angel masquerading as god and thus, kill a false idol. Those who claim otherwise are ignorant and have never actually read the books.
Peace,
Jenn
2007-12-07 15:46:26 · answer #2 · answered by jenn_smithson 6 · 4⤊ 1⤋
I never saw the movie but I accept your reasoning.
Some use a similar argument knocking free will be stating that your subconscious thought pathways if looked at can predict your thoughts before you consciously think them. Such issues should perhaps, not be looked at too closely, except by professional philosophers.
One point however: It is pretty much a law of nature that any point of view or argument will have flaws. Socrates was a master of poking holes in other's arguments but wisely, seldom made statements others could attack.
2007-12-08 00:30:38 · answer #3 · answered by Graham P 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its this simple- we don't want to see the movie. An outspoken atheist made the film and freedom of speech is an awesome amendment, but why why why as Christian do you want to see this movie.
There are enough evils in this world to pull us away from our faith and our God. I do not want to endorse anyone or anything that tries...TRIES to take away the glory of the God.
I'm following my heart, my mind my God and my obligation as a Christian to tell everyone.... this kind of message... even if it is slight can slowly unravel the goodness we are trying to keep in our children.
Take them to see another movie. Do NOT see the movie . IT came out at Christmas time, the time that we celebrate the birth of our Savior. Honor HIM this time of year and JUST SAY NO TO THE GOLDEN COMPASS.
From my understanding in the later series of the actual book is when they kill their "god:". A bad message. My church mentioned in a seminar, (catholic ) or daughter's church school (Presbyterian) said it was not a good film for Christians, and our friend's church (Methodist) also condemned the film.
That's enough for me to say NO.
2007-12-08 01:30:54 · answer #4 · answered by john&carrie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The first book in the series is well written, and does simply present an stand against "authority". (A whole other issue as the Bible says to obey those in authority.)
But if you continue into the other books, you will find that the author makes it very plain what "authority" he is talking about, as he includes scriptures and twist them mean the opposite of what they mean in context, and uses them to show that God is evil, and to have the children slay God in the end.
Don't judge the series until you have seen or read them all.
2007-12-07 15:14:32 · answer #5 · answered by dewcoons 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Well, I haven’t seen the movie yet but your last question is still answerable:
That is why there is no compulsion in religion, and every other individual actually practices the religion, a little bit of it, the way s/he feels comfortable - definitely, digression on a tangent is not allowed or accepted by clergymen.
2007-12-07 23:08:58 · answer #6 · answered by Habib 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No our hearts are evil even from our youth. God's word is the only truth.
Man is frail and weak and can do nothing of himself.
God is all about the concept of authority. Not ALL roads lead to the same place/destination.
This is the very reason we're to be careful what we put before our eyes and allow our ears to hear.
This is what satan did in the garden of Eden...Caused Eve to doubt God.
Jesus is the way,The Truth & The Life and no one comes unto the Father except through Me (Jesus).
God's ways & thoughts are higher than ours. Not ALL roads lead to the same destination.
2007-12-07 15:19:15 · answer #7 · answered by Isabella 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Oh dear - here we go again.
The children do NOT slay God in the trilogy. They slay an angel who has set himself up as God.
Why can't people just read the books and not rely on hysterical preachers who haven't read the books themselves.
If the trilogy tries to teach anything, it tries to teach the importance of MAKING UP YOUR OWN MIND and not listening to anyone in authority who imparts their own dogma.
Read the books first and THEN comment on them.
2007-12-10 02:29:07 · answer #8 · answered by skywise012000 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
that's a good piece of fictional artwork. i'd take what he suggested with a grain of salt. I watched it and observed no longer something to rope human beings into Atheism. that would desire to be like asserting that the Wizard of oz..ropes young ones into witchcraft, or Cleopatra ropes human beings into worshiping the classic Egyptian gods and goddesses. tell him to get a existence.
2016-11-14 01:06:14 · answer #9 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Great idea to use a fictional movie to answer questions on spirituality
2007-12-07 15:20:02 · answer #10 · answered by hotclaws 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋