So, what's everyone's thoughts on this movie. I wonder why churches are so threatend by a movie that promotes free will. Are they afraid of their congregation thinking for themselves? If what they teach is logical and correct, then wouldn't it take more than a movie or a book to completely change people's firmly held beliefs? Please, don't judge the story if you haven't read the books or seen the movie.
2007-12-09 03:20:25 · 20 answers · asked by skeptic 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I think yahoo should give the Golden Compass it's own cathegory, as it's such a popular subject. They could substitute bullfighting with it.
2007-12-09 03:30:54 · answer #1 · answered by The Loiterer 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I believe the church feels threatened because people who see the movie may feel inclined to go on to read the books in order to see what the rest of the trilogy is like.
The problem is that there are people whom are easily influenced by what they see around them, and don't give certain things the benefit of the doubt.
As such, if one were to read something that was clearly logical and correct, that person may feel inclined to research and find out more about the issue, perhaps going so far as to create a new personal belief without realising that it is merely a book with words in it.
Some people do not realise that it is unnessary to attain some sort of epitome of personal perfection, and so go on to read everything they can and form their own ideas on what 'the perfect belief' is*.
Which is totally naive, imho.
P.S: place your bets on a 2nd and 3rd golden compass film naow.
*I do realise it's difficult NOT to do this, and i have my own personal belief that everything religious and scientific can be explained in a perfectly rational way.
And i leave it at that.
2007-12-09 11:27:23 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
My personal boycott for the movie has to do with the agenda to get kids to read books that kill God than the movie itself. Why, as a Christian, would I do that? It is silly. I have made a choice for me and my children based on many reasons. Maybe when they are old enough to read the story and understand the agenda put forth by the author and what they author was trying to do...then maybe we will read the books together, watch the movie, and have lots of discussion. Until then, as a parent, I am making a discussion not to watch the movie or read the books at this time. (My children are 4 and 6)
Hope that helps you understand my point of view.
2007-12-09 11:35:18 · answer #3 · answered by LDS~Tenshi~ 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I saw the movie last night. I thought it was a little slow at times. But when the action started it was done very well.
"I wonder why churches are so threatend by a movie that promotes free will. Are they afraid of their congregation thinking for themselves?"
I think so. Specifically, the Roman Catholic Church - the inner workings of it, is named and portrayed in the movie. It would be natural for them to feel threatened. Yet I agree that they are the evil organization portrayed in the movie. So they ought to be portrayed as controlling and dominant in the political world. That's what they are doing when they attempt to demonize Philip Pullman. They are attempting to portray Pullman as being evil, yet are evil themselves.
So I understand what is going on I think with the media, as the Roman Catholic Church has sway over them. They speak and the media listens, though some media outlets are discriminating when they pose two sides of political thought - like Foxnews is.
Oh, by the way, the Roman Catholic Church being named specifically is done many times in the movie because of the word chosen to represent the religious/ political power 'magisterium' :
–noun Roman Catholic Church.
the authority and power of the church to teach religious truth.
n. Roman Catholic Church
The authority to teach religious doctrine.
[Latin, the office of a teacher or other person in authority, from magister, master; see magisterial.]
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/magisterium
2007-12-09 11:32:55 · answer #4 · answered by Christian Sinner 7 · 3⤊ 2⤋
The movie is not a "threat to Christianity". The Christian Church is here to stay, and will never be defeated. The problem is that many unsuspecting people will be deceived by the atheistic view that Pullman is pushing.
I am not going to the movie. Why give money to an atheist who is thumbing his nose at God? I'm not "boycotting" anything. I prefer to do something more meaningful than watch a movie about a little girl who is a compulsive liar. I read the books. They were a waste of time.
By the way--those of you who say this is "just a movie" are deluding yourselves. It's a vehicle for Pullman to push his atheistic views on an unsuspecting public. It's Pullman's agenda.
2007-12-09 12:06:01 · answer #5 · answered by Polly P 2 · 1⤊ 3⤋
I just saw the movie tonight. WONDERFUL!! I thought it was great. I failed to see what the fuss is all about, though I suppose there is some (dubious) reference to the Catholic church, but it could also refer to government. I also just bought the books and will be reading them ASAP.
I'm going to buy the book and when my son is old enough I'll let him watch it. Good movie. More for older kids though- a bit scary and some deeper themes (free will, etc).
Blessings to you.
2007-12-09 21:46:20 · answer #6 · answered by phoenix4404 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Knowing that the movie is based on books written by an Atheist who is cynical of Christianity or religion in general is enough information for me to save my money and invest in other things of more interest to me. Goading Christians into spending their money on a story that chips away at their belief system just isn't going to work. Atheists should flock to this movie to support their "guy" just as they did with the Last Temptation. Or those who did so with Michael Moore's films and supported his propaganda. Me - I will not spend my money supporting these ideals.
2007-12-09 11:37:05 · answer #7 · answered by JohnFromNC 7 · 1⤊ 4⤋
I haven't seen it or read it. To tell you the truth, I don't really want to see it. But your right, people should think for themselves. I doubt a movie will change years of beliefs.
2007-12-09 11:26:03 · answer #8 · answered by Little Miss Sunshine 3 · 2⤊ 3⤋
The book is better than the movie.
2007-12-09 11:23:46 · answer #9 · answered by Supergirl 3 · 1⤊ 2⤋
They dislike the idea that people are putting
money into a movie which might give them ideas
about reality, when they could instead be putting
that cold, hard cash into the tip jar at the church.
Who's gonna pay for the preacher's Lexus?
2007-12-09 11:27:05 · answer #10 · answered by wuvie 3 · 2⤊ 3⤋