|
Post by Brick on Dec 17, 2007 10:48:02 GMT -5
I saw it. So what? What's the big deal that everyone is talking about? I didn't see anything that spoke against Christianity. There was a pretty witch in the movie. Is that what the ruckus was all about? A helpful witch? The daemons?
Anyway, it was a cute story with some really cute children characters and nice, but not overdone special effects. There was beautiful scenery footage, neat animated Ice Bears, and Nicole Kidman. Nicole K's role was pretty central to the story, and she did a magnificent job. Daniel Craig's part is minimal, and he keeps his clothes on, so if that was why you wanted to see it, don't bother. I was reminded of Narnia when watching this film, which is really a fantasy story, not set in our reality, but in another reality where our rules of physics/spirituality do not apply. Unfortunately, the end of the movie did not coincide with the end of the story, so there is still unfinished business for the characters to take care of in the sequel.
|
|
|
Post by juliette on Dec 17, 2007 16:10:16 GMT -5
I was wondering about this. I've received those "very concerned" group e-mails warning us not to bring our kids to this movie (my daughter is very interested in seeing it). The warnings I received were about the fact that the watching the movie could lead kids to want to read the books which are apparently atheistic.
I personally think that kids should be exposed to different ways of thinking (age appropriate, of course), and that as a parent, we should be there to help them think through what they've read. My 10 year old daughter a few months ago was thinking out loud to me that believing in God doesn't make sense because there's no proof. My mom would have had a heart attack on the spot!!! But it was an interesting conversation... I think that thoughts like this are perfectly normal and I'm glad she feels free to tell me about them.
Brick told me an interesting thing today... the bad witch in the "Golden Compass" (played by Nicole Kidman) is named Miss Coulter. Pretty apt, wouldn't you say?!
|
|
|
Post by freespirit on Dec 17, 2007 23:15:48 GMT -5
Thanks for sharing, Brick. I've been wanting to see that movie.
peace, freespirit
|
|
harborlight
Junior Member
"For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace"...1 Cor 14
Posts: 159
|
Post by harborlight on Dec 19, 2007 11:02:43 GMT -5
FYI: I received this forward regarding THE GOLDEN COMPASS: PRESS RELEASE October 31, 2007 THIS IS A PERSONAL MESSAGE FROM DR. BRYAN CUTSHALL
Yesterday, I was handed a children's book by a staff member who said, 'I think you need to see this.' The book is published by Scholastic and is part of a collection of books. The book I was given is called The Golden Compass. This children's book is one of the most alarming things I have ever read. What makes it worse is that a movie based on the book premieres in December. Both the book and the movie introduce atheism to children. The story ends with Adam and Eve killing God.
THIS IS A MOVIE THAT WE MUST PROTEST AND OPPOSE AS CHRISTIANS. Please educate yourself on this by checking out the links I have provided below and help me spread the word. Do not remain silent on this issue. This is a time for the family of GOD to stand together.
Dr. Bryan Cutshall Senior Pastor, Twin Rivers Worship Center Founder and CEO, Churchtrainer, Inc.
Focus on the Family has several notices written about it. You can click on this link to see one of them: www.citizenlink.org/content/A000005672.cfm
You can also read more about it below. I checked this out at snopes.com; unfortunately, it's true... There will be a new children's movie out in December called 'The Golden Compass.' The movie has been described as 'atheism for kids' and is based on the first book of a trilogy entitled 'His Dark Materials' written by Phillip Pullman. Pullman is a militant atheist and secular humanist who despises C. S. Lewis and the 'Chronicles of Narnia.' His motivation for writing this trilogy was specifically to counteract Lewis' symbolisms of Christ portrayed in the Narnia series. Clearly, Pullman 's main objective is to bash Christianity and promote atheism. Pullman left little doubt about his intentions when he said in a 2003 interview, 'my books are about killing God.' He has even stated that he wants 'to kill God in the minds of children.' It has been said of Pullman that he is 'the writer the atheists would be praying for, if atheists prayed.' While 'The Golden Compass' movie itself may seem mild and innocent, the books are a much different story. In the trilogy, a young streetwise girl becomes enmeshed in an epic struggle to ultimately defeat the oppressive forces of a senile God. Another character, an ex-nun, describes Christianity as 'a very powerful and convincing mistake.' In the final book, characters representing Adam and Eve eventually kill God, who at times is called YAHWEH. Each book in the trilogy gets progressively worse regarding Pullman 's hatred of Jesus Christ. 'The Golden Compass' is set to premier December 7, during the Christmas season and will probably be heavily advertised. Promoters hope that unsuspecting parents will take their children to see the movie, that they will enjoy the movie, and that the children will want the books for Christmas. Please boycott the movie and the books. Also, pass this information along to everyone you know. This will help to educate parents, so that they will know the agenda of the movie.
The Golden Compass
A movie to avoid, We need to get the word out about this movie - it is coming out in December - an atheist produced it, it is marketed for children and in the end they kill God. Send this to everyone you know. snopes.com/politics/religion/compass.asp Harborlight
|
|
|
Post by Brick on Dec 19, 2007 16:36:19 GMT -5
The only harm that I see in the series His Dark Materials is the interpretation of events done by adults. I haven't read any of the books, but Wikipedia gives a very detailed outline of each of them. Critics analysis are rife with anti-Christian themes that are present in the story, but it is only there if you look for it. Otherwise, it seems to be a rather charming tale, not unlike C.S. Lewis' Narnia stories. Most people think of Narnia as pro-Christian, but personally, it seems as fantastic as Pullman's. For many, the Narnia tale begins with The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. However, that is not the true beginning of the series. The Magician's Nephew is the chronological beginning of the Narnia series, although it was written five years after The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. The only reason I bring this up is that in The Magician's Nephew we see the lion, Aslan, create the world of Narnia. One might say that this is a parallel to God's creation, but in the story we have a LION singing a world into existence. How Christian is that? Isn't that a bit far off the Christian creation story? Do you want your kids thinking that God is really a lion named Aslan? Are your children so naive that they confuse fiction and movies with reality? If so, fantasy is not for them. Or fairy tales. Stick to the reference section of the library. If, however, they can discern the difference between what is real and what is fantasy, then The Golden Compass is harmless.
|
|
|
Post by freespirit on Dec 19, 2007 16:54:52 GMT -5
I personally find it as ignorable when some "authority" group decides they need to think for me as I do when the workers decide to do it. I guess that's what makes me a freespirit. ;D
So, I went. I thought the movie was an entertaining way to spend a couple of hours. If there was some anti-Christian message tossed in there beside the fighting polar bears, flying blimpmobile and the compass of truth... well. Okay. I didn't get that. But, okay. It seemed pretty much like any other fantasy good vs evil flick to me with weird characters out to save the world.
Maybe there was something about control vs free will there at the end. I dunno.
peace, freespriit
|
|
|
Post by Brick on Dec 19, 2007 17:01:53 GMT -5
So it didn't turn you into a God-hating atheist? Wow. You must be something special.
|
|
harborlight
Junior Member
"For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace"...1 Cor 14
Posts: 159
|
Post by harborlight on Dec 19, 2007 23:43:50 GMT -5
Hi friends,
I just want to comment....
All of you that have commented on the "Golden Compass" are believers as far as I can tell. If so, you have the protection of the Holy Spirit, and a spiritual understanding already.
Please keep in mind, that the message in the movie will mostly affect unbelievers who may be seeking God, or children who are forming their religious beliefs and are not secure in their own faith yet.
The film leads to the book and also the sequel of the movie; which will likely lead into much worse and may be much more damaging. Children who see the first, will want to see the second....Satan can get a stronghold in the subconscious, which can kill a weak faith.
If you believe in spiritual warfare, and "truth" existing outside or inside of the F&W, please take this seriously. Especially in regard to our children.
Sincerely, Harborlight
|
|
|
Post by Brick on Dec 20, 2007 20:54:55 GMT -5
But doesn't all fiction do the same? God is not present in Wallace and Gromit, or any of the alternate reality "children's" media. The only fiction that I have read in years that included a solid belief in a Christian faith are Oliver North's fiction series. I'm reading "A Wrinkle in Time" as an ongoing bedtime story to my child and while the concept of good and evil are definitely present in that novel, it is strictly secular.
Point taken, Harborlight. I just feel that people are making a mountain out of a mole hill. No--more like a mountain out of a lily pad. I just don't see it.
|
|
harborlight
Junior Member
"For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace"...1 Cor 14
Posts: 159
|
Post by harborlight on Dec 20, 2007 21:47:53 GMT -5
Well, I just want you all to know my intention is not to be a Killjoy here...I've raised kids of my own, and had to learn a few things the hard way! There is a lot of fun in fantasy land, and much of it is harmless. The entertainment industry is producing more and more material that is sexually graphic, corrupt, and openly hostile to authority. It's showing in our kids behaviors. I worked around children for many years, and have seen the product of too much TV & movies. It's never good. When a movie or book is openly hostile to God, or introduces glamor in evil, I believe it can give Satan an open door into a person's imagination. This is sometimes how people become "possessed" and end up in violent and corrupt crime, and promiscuous lifestyles. At the very least, it can plant doubts about God authority. Sometimes people don't realize how powerful satan is. Good kids are getting more and more desensitized to the Holy Spirit because of what they watch. Stephen King and Ann Rice are examples of authors under the control of evil forces. I'm not meaning to lecture you, just sharing an opinion. Harborlight
|
|
|
Post by degem on Dec 20, 2007 21:51:59 GMT -5
;)I think I will stick to watching movies like Mr. Bean's Holiday..
|
|
harborlight
Junior Member
"For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace"...1 Cor 14
Posts: 159
|
Post by harborlight on Dec 20, 2007 22:00:37 GMT -5
That otta be a gas! ;D
H
|
|
|
Post by degem on Dec 20, 2007 22:08:05 GMT -5
;)Thanks for reminding me Harborlight that I need to buy some more beano ;D gem
|
|
|
Post by calmrainydaze on Dec 20, 2007 22:14:27 GMT -5
ok i downloaded the movie. do i have to watch it too? lol is it worth watching? and most of all, is it good? or is it boring?
|
|
|
Post by Brick on Dec 21, 2007 8:43:06 GMT -5
Worth a watch.
|
|
|
Post by ranman77007 on Dec 21, 2007 11:42:50 GMT -5
yeah it was... it was good... see my comments on the other thread.. can't wait for part 2..... and i wanna ride a polar bear !!!
|
|
3
Senior Member
Posts: 206
|
Post by 3 on Jan 2, 2008 10:43:08 GMT -5
Harborlight: have you read the books or seen the movie?
I am reading the book and watched the movie yesterday.
(BTW, I am not a 'believer' so let's see if this book/movie causes me to spiral deeper into the dark abyss of heathen-hood!)
So far, the only parallel I've found to Christianity is the "Magisterium, an authoritarian organization that restricts freedoms in order to impose its own systems of belief upon the populace" (description provided by Wikipedia). Harborlight's post containing the letter from a senior pastor of a christian organization warning christians NOT to read the books/watch the movie is our Magisterium of today....
Admittedly I not far into the book so perhaps I'll find something hugely anti christian written therein.
I enjoyed the movie. I cannot watch violence of any kind, even though its staged (!) and as the movie contains alot of violence I don't think it's appropriate for young children. In addition, the plot is rather fast moving and confusing, too advanced for under teenage years, in my opinion.
Juliette:
I think it's AWESOME that you are having open conversations with your children regarding their perceptions of God. One of my best friends is a strong christian woman who, when her teenager decided he no longer believed in the christian God, went out & bought him books & sacred texts of other religions to help him on his spiritual quest (her son is an avid reader).
Back before I knew better, when my son would express his confusion about God & Jesus, I'd simply 'shush' him & feed him some parroted christianese. I'm not proud of that & wish I could re-do that portion of my parenting.
|
|
harborlight
Junior Member
"For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace"...1 Cor 14
Posts: 159
|
Post by harborlight on Jan 2, 2008 11:38:43 GMT -5
Hi 3...
No, I haven't read the book or watched the movie. So far, I haven't felt the desire to. Like you, I cannot tolerate violence very well; so I'm not much of a movie buff, personally. Maybe someday I'll want to see it. I am very interested in spiritual warfare, and how it is being fought in the spirit world, so I pay attention to what the Christian community says about movies and such.
I realize not everyone is concerned about this, and I respect that. My biggest concerns as I stated earlier, is for our children, and those of weak faith, or of no faith. I don't believe that watching the movie would cause me to become an unbeliever, or lead me into sin, it just doesn't seem like God would be very pleased with me feeding on that. I'm more concerned about whether or not I would grieve God.
My son was agnostic for a while when he was a teenager. Then for a while he was atheist. Now he is Christian, by his own choice. During these years I respected his need for discovery, and didn't bother him about our differences in beliefs. I just would encourage him to consider scripture, prayer, and let him know what God has done for me. When he was struggling, I often told him I was praying for him, and left it at that. Actually, being agnostic or atheist is at least stating an opinion. Many people don't even bother to look at the issues. My prayer for all is that they would experience the same love and grace from God that I have, and know the joy of worshiping him.
Blessings,
Harborlight
|
|
3
Senior Member
Posts: 206
|
Post by 3 on Jan 2, 2008 14:55:21 GMT -5
Thank you for your kind post, harborlight.
I was told so long what to do/not to do that I bristle when I read a letter such as the one written by the pastor, making claims that are without merit.
How do you know that God wouldn't be pleased with you 'feeding' on the movie or book without watching it or reading it??!!
|
|
harborlight
Junior Member
"For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace"...1 Cor 14
Posts: 159
|
Post by harborlight on Jan 3, 2008 23:08:16 GMT -5
Thank you for your kind post, harborlight. I was told so long what to do/not to do that I bristle when I read a letter such as the one written by the pastor, making claims that are without merit. How do you know that God wouldn't be pleased with you 'feeding' on the movie or book without watching it or reading it??!! Hi 3, I've been thinking about how to explain to you how I feel about pleasing God (or not) with the movies I watch, books I read, etc. These verses came to my mind: Romans 1 28Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done. 29They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, 30slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; 31they are senseless, faithless, heartless, ruthless. 32Although they know God's righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them.These verses tell me that not only doing these things displeases God, but also entertaining myself with these things displeases him also. To go to a movie and pay for a ticket when I know the content is evil is like my stamp of approval on the movie. They've got my money, and I have supported an evil cause. My experience with the Holy Spirit has been, that when I am aware of evil content in a movie or book before I read it or go to see it; that I feel warned, or "troubled" by the Holy Spirit about the prospect of watching it. I know these verses sound a little radical, or harsh, but the reality for me is, that the more I get to know God, the more sensitive I am to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Through reading and prayer, and the leading of the Holy Spirit, I am learning what pleases God and what doesn't. Simply knowing that I have disappointed God in what I am enjoying grieves me. I find joy and peace when I obstain from entertaining myself with things that I know anger or grieve God. 3, I have made horrible mistakes in my life. I am a sinner. The worst mistakes I have made have been when I have not listened to God's word, or the promptings of the Holy Spirit. I have learned the hard way that dishonoring God with what I partake in is, to me, like spitting in God's face. So that's the long version Harborlight
|
|
3
Senior Member
Posts: 206
|
Post by 3 on Jan 4, 2008 15:38:42 GMT -5
Harborlight:
Thank you for your post and within the context of your christian belief system, I totally understand what you are saying.
I guess I was told for too long what to do/not to do and more importantly, WHAT TO THINK (and I blindly accepted these edicts). So, when someone does my thinking for me, the hair on the back of my neck stands straight up!
There is ALOT of darkness in our world and I'm not interested in any part of it. When I see a preview to a movie and its theme appears to be darkness & evil, I shy away from it. The same with books.
I just wonder if, having not been warned by a pastor's letter (or an organization supporting Christianity), you might have bought a ticket to The Golden Compass and enjoyed the movie for what is it - an adventure story where good triumphs over bad.
Back in the 80's the workers told my family (we were fairly recent converts to the 2x2 way) that if someone gave us a copy of 'The Secret Sect' to burn it in the fireplace without reading it or Satan may find away into our hearts and undermine our faith.
In my opinion, this pastor's letter falls into the same category of 'fear tactics' as the worker's abmonitions.
|
|
|
Post by freespirit on Jan 4, 2008 20:41:43 GMT -5
when someone does my thinking for me, the hair on the back of my neck stands straight up! Me too. Nothing makes me want to read a book more than when someone claims to have gotten holy edict that I shouldn't read it. And...based on the way sales go up when a book is banned or condemned, I think I'm not alone. freespirit
|
|
juju
Senior Member
Posts: 263
|
Post by juju on Jan 22, 2008 0:47:19 GMT -5
Thanks for all the info....think I will take the munchkins!!!!!!
|
|
Claire
Senior Member
Posts: 489
|
Post by Claire on Feb 15, 2008 1:48:36 GMT -5
Anyone made their way through the trilogy? I found it unexpectedly heavy going (though admittedly I had a 3-in-1 copy which doesn't encourage recuperation time between the books ;D ) I also hadn't realised it was marketed at 12-18 y/olds (or so wiki assures me ...) - the bookshop had it shelved with books that seemed for the 10-12s. The intention was that my daughter could chew her way through it (seeing that Harry has been pensioned off) but now I really don't think that would work. The language is just a little too difficult, the story-line stretches things out for too long, who really cares anyway ... and things like that. Worth reading by an adult? LotR was my first, early-teen experience of Fantasy and after that very little is worth reading caff
|
|
|
Post by Brick on Feb 15, 2008 2:58:39 GMT -5
You need to meet Robert Jordan, Robin Hobb, and Terry Brooks, then.
|
|
Claire
Senior Member
Posts: 489
|
Post by Claire on Feb 15, 2008 3:18:19 GMT -5
Meet? I need to meet Daniel Craig . Robert who? .. ok, ok ... just joking ... And point taken. I will search the shops forthwith ... how have I missed him (she asks, knowing full well she avoids bookshops these days) ...
|
|
|
Post by Brick on Feb 15, 2008 3:29:34 GMT -5
But Daniel Craig's ears stick out too much--Oh! I get it! That is why you want to meet him! Nice handles, eh?
|
|