Golden Compass against cruel theocracies? Whats wrong with that? Why do Catholics think it's about THEM?

Answer 1

Long, long ago, in the days of the Silents, they protested movies. And, certain members of the public continued singling out movies, actors and actresses for condemnation.

Every once in a while, a movie comes along that is targeted for an uproar from various groups, totally confusing the public and likely boosting attendance at that movie since everyone wants to know what all of the fuss is about. This has been going on for decades! I know of films in the Fifties that were condemned, but it didn't stop them from becoming hits. Or, maybe it helped!

"Walk on the Wild Side" and "God's Little Acre" were two that were "condemned", as were "Baby Doll", "Texas Chainsaw Massacre" (original) and "Night of the Living Dead" (original). The practice continues. Others on the list have been "The Last Temptation of Christ" and "The Passion of the Christ".

Oddly, no one threw fits about "Rosemary's Baby" and "The Omen"! And, I often note the lack of concern about "The Devil's Advocate".

So, there is no rhyme or reason for the protests. Do they know the religion of every writer whose works are translated to the screen? Suddenly, the word "atheist" is being bandied about. But, do they know any other writer's religious practices? You see why this doesn't make sense to me.

Nicole Kidman has announced that she had no problems dealing with the subject matter. But, that doesn't soothe the protests.

Answer 2

How can a story set in a fantasy world be attacking Catholicism?? I mean, maybe it is, I don't know. I know nothing about the Golden Compass, but I just find that a little ironic. Is the dude that wrote the book like the nemesis of Tolkein and Lewis or something?

Answer 3

The Catholic leadership in the US agrees with you.

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' Office for Film and Broadcasting gave the film a rather warm review. It said, "The film is not blatantly anti-Catholic but a "generalized rejection of authoritarianism."

The review said Lyra and her allies' stand for free will in opposition to the coercive force of the "bad" Magisterium is "entirely in harmony with Catholic teaching."

Here is the entire review: http://www.catholicnews.com/data/movies/07mv242.htm

With love in Christ.

Answer 4

The author is an atheist who not only dislikes organized religion but has vowed to dismantle it, especially Chritianity. Sounds to me like he painted a target on his own back.