Anti-Christian Anti-God
By Ambur25
@Ambur25 (1006)
United States
November 14, 2007 3:24pm CST
Let me start this discussion first off by saying, I am a Christian. I don't pretend to be perfect nor do I think anyone else should be.
But, seriously. What's up with "The Golden Compass?" This movie is allowed to be shown as a "children's" movie as well as the book. But, we're not allowed to pray in schools because it could "offend" other religions? This movie can be advertised and allowed to profit from unknowing parents and children?
For those of you who haven't heard I'll clue you in on a few details. (Yes, I checked Snopes.com). Here is a small piece of the email I received.
"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."
And WHY is this movie allowed to exist?! I, for one, will NOT be taking my kids to see this movie. I wouldn't take my kids to see a movie in which Budda was killed by his followers. I wouldn't take my children to see a movie in which ANYONE was killed! Let alone God or any other character relating to religion of ANY kind. What are your thoughts?
Snopes: http://snopes.com/politics/religion/compass.asp
3 people like this
8 responses
@blueunicorn (2401)
• United States
14 Nov 07
I don't know anything about this movie specifically, so I can't comment on the movie specifically. I do have one thing to say about this, though, as I have seen a lot of negativity about this movie. No one jumped up and down arguing about "The Chronicles of Narnia" when it came out. And that is CLEARLY a Christian movie disguised as a children's film. What is the difference? If someone doesn't like the idea behind a movie they should choose not to let their kids see the movie. But they shouldn't stop others from allowing their kids to see it. And they shouldn't judge others for seeing it, either. I'm sorry, but I just see this as a double standard for Christians. It is okay for Narnia to be hyped the way it was, but it is not okay for this movie to show it's view. I have a problem based on principle.
2 people like this
@blueunicorn (2401)
• United States
14 Nov 07
That is awesome that you are fair and balanced. That makes this discussion completely different. I think this is a hot topic for a lot of non-Christians because we are so used to Christians shoving their believes in our faces but they won't allow for opinions outside of their own. I have been reading a lot about this topic (not on myLot), and it is super frustrating. The very same people who begged Christians to take their non-churched friends to see Narnia are the ones telling people to boycott this movie.
In the end, I don't think my kids will be seeing this movie. The whole premise does seem weird. But, I don't think that decision should be based on the fact that the author is an admitted atheist. I think it should be based on what each individual set of parents decides is right or wrong for their individual kids. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I don't agree with any group telling any other group what is right or wrong.
1 person likes this
@Ambur25 (1006)
• United States
15 Nov 07
Exactly! Personally, I think Christians who try to force the religion on others are extremely wrong. We as Christians are supposed to "tell" others about the love of God and let God do the rest. We're not supposed to "convert" people to Christianity. Christianity would then be a cult, not a religious belief. I don't believe in pushing my beliefs on anyone. Sometimes my opinions my seem strong. Lol. But, I don't mean to be "pushy" about it. I still stand by my discussion starter - "my" kids won't be seeing The Golden Compass OR The Chronicles of Narnia.
1 person likes this
@blueunicorn (2401)
• United States
15 Nov 07
Actually cheesehater, Ambur does have a good point. As long as they are her kids she can shelter them. My kids are only 5 and 6 years old, but they know what I find appropriate and inappropriate. They have told friends before that they are not allowed to listen or watch something, and they have asked to come home when the friend insists on keeping it on. Sure, eventually the kids are going to rebel and start listening or watching these things, but by then they will be old enough to explain WHY we don't agree with certain things. I believe that kids should be sheltered up to a certain point. That is how, as parents, we raise them with the values that WE want them raised with- not what other people agree with.
1 person likes this
@4monsters4me (2569)
• United States
15 Nov 07
You should really check out the website for the movie. It explains more about the plot. The people in this story do not live in our world--it is an alternate world where god is senile and not taking care of his creation. (Actually I got that from lovely ladies that have actually read the books--many whom are Christian and never noticed the anti-god thread of the book).
In the books Lyra (the little girl in the story) ends up going to confront the evil religious leaders that are kidnapping and torturing children. Torturing as in removing their souls which live on the outside of people in this world (as animals). She wants to stop this. I'm not sure how they kill god or why other then I have heard he was senile and uncaring for his creations and was letting them suffer.
This isn't about killing "your" god it is about killing an uncaring god of another world. Yes the author made a comment about his books being about killing god but did anyone ever stop to think he was just trying to get publicity for his books. And in the end, even if that was his intention that doesn't mean you have to interpret the story that way. I know the Chronicles of Narnia was written by an avowed Christian to hopefully teach Christian values to children but I have seen the movie (haven't read the book yet, though) and didn't see any of that. It was just a fanciful tail of talking animals and brave children.
Again, this isn't "your" god, it is "a" god that happens to resemble your god.
And I don't see your point about it being "allowed" to be shown. It is a children's book (for ages 12-17--I looked on the cover myself) and was made into a children's movie. Why? Because not everyone in the world is Christian and believes in the Christian interpretation of morals. I, for one, am looking forward to seeing this movie with my children just like we watched Narnia together. I am also going to buy the books when I get some money.
2 people like this
@Ambur25 (1006)
• United States
20 Nov 07
I have no idea why I'm even responding to this comment. But, I'll humor it. Again, I don't like watching "any" movies where anyone is called "God" or anything or whatever. I'm not even sure my sons have ever watched Hurcules. Not because I didn't allow it, but because it just didn't interest them. There's a complete difference in fictional movies that have "A" God in them, versus a fictional movie in which GOD is "senile and being murdered by Adam and Eve."
We'll just settle on a difference of opinion. You allow your children to watch this and any other movie you wish, and I'll keep my kids away from anything that depicts our GOD as senile, not taking care of his creation, and being murdered by the first humans He'd ever created. =)
@Ciniful (1587)
• Canada
19 Nov 07
So why didn't you protest or throw a fit when movies came out that discussed Hercules, or Appolo, or Zeus, or Isis and Osiris ... ?
Throughout history there has been MANY Gods, and they've often shown up in fiction. This is just one more movie with "A" god depicted. Unless you felt the same way when egyptian gods, greek gods and other gods of the past were mentioned or depicted in film and fiction, you're being a little hypocritical.
2 people like this
@Riptide (2756)
• United States
14 Nov 07
I think it should be up to an individuals discretion if they want to go see a movie or not.If They feel it's offensive,then don't go watch it,but hpw can you ask if such a movie is allowed to exist?
Every movie will contain something that will be offensive to a group of people. You can't just expect them to ban movies left and right. Nobody forces you or anybody else to go see a movie you find despicable.
I do respect your choice to not want to have anything to do with this movie,but give people that want to see it a choice. By banning it, that choice would be taken away.
2 people like this
@barehugs (8973)
• Canada
15 Nov 07
I don't believe in Anti-Anything. We should Learn to see the Perfection in all things in God's world.To this end children need to be shown and taught the full picture. The Catholic Church routinely brainwashes kids in their religious schools and will say publicly," If we can get them by 6 we can keep them for life!" This is not a teaching where kids can see both sides of an issue and join in a discussion, rather its an indroctination. Its very obvious where the church is coming from, what with the problems they are having recruiting new priests, and the coverup of the child molestation scandles. We all abhor murder and bloodshed, and most would shield their kids from it, but its important that both sides of every issue be shown and discussed. Christian faithful will not be duped forever. More and more are rebelling every day, (hense the critical shortage of Priests) I thought the article you included was quite one-sided as well. I for one, think all relgions including atheism, should be introduced and debated by children and unbiased teachers. Remember there ARE 2 sides to every story, and more than one way to get to Heaven!
@Ambur25 (1006)
• United States
18 Nov 07
I do not agree, whatsoever. I don't know any parent that would practice one religion, abiding by God's (or whomever's) Word, but introduce atheism to their children. I don't know any parent who practices atheism, who would introduce God to their children. Children are raised just as their parents wish, and as the child becomes a young adult, they will then start to view other aspects of their lives and make their own decisions. ;/
1 person likes this
@blueunicorn (2401)
• United States
18 Nov 07
Actually, I was raised by parents who did just that. I was always taught that my parents are believers in Jesus. However, they are NOT believers in religion. My brother and I were free to choose our religion. As young as 3rd grade I can remember going to church with Christian friends and neighbors. I think I've been to about every denomination of Christian church there is. As a teenager both my brother and I leaned towards the atheist side. My parents talked to us and would ask questions about why we felt the way we did but never told us we were wrong. I have an uncle who was raised very Catholic that became a Buddist. After awhile of that he decided he just didn't belive in any religion, either. I think there is nothing wrong with allowing kids to explore religion or lack of it. "Kids" should decide for themselves as they become adults. I am 33 years old and I am still exploring my beliefs. I tried the Christian thing for a couple of years and found that I just don't believe in the absolutes of the church. That doesn't mean that I have discounted God and Jesus completely, just that the church structure doesn't fit my beleifs. I have found that I find it more important to be true to myself then try to live a life that feels like I am being an imposter. Just like my parents did before me, the kids have all the bible stories and access to a bible, but if they ever ask for a Koran or to be exposed to other religions we will gladly help them find the information they are looking for.
1 person likes this
@BethTN81 (564)
• United States
14 Nov 07
I do not like the idea of any childrens book, movie, or whatever killing God. The best way to portest this is have nothing to do with it. Do not go to the movie!
Honestly, I would like to see the movie, but do I think my 5 year old is going to want to kill God if I take him to see this movie? No. I seriosuly doubt I will see it. I am broke. Anyway, There has been many religous movies in the past few years. I guess Hollywood feels they need to kill it.
2 people like this
@Ambur25 (1006)
• United States
18 Nov 07
I believe BethTN81 was telling 'me' if I want to protest this movie, the best way would be to not go to it at all. No one is in this discussion trying to get everyone on a boycotting bandwagon. We're discussing opinions. Yours has been noted. Thanks.
1 person likes this
@rockvixen (894)
• United States
14 Nov 07
You know, it's not really something I actually think about. I do believe in God, but you have to remember that a movie is fictional as well as the story. All you have to tell your kids is that it's a make believe story. I think it's up to the parents to tell the kids what is real and what is not.
Freedom of speech still exists and always will. If you don't like what the story or movie are about then don't bother with it. It's ok to feel what you feel, but not everyone will see it the same way.
2 people like this
@Ambur25 (1006)
• United States
14 Nov 07
I totally agree. But, at the same time, why is everyone reading my discussion as saying, "YOU SHOULDNT TAKE YOUR KIDS TO SEE THIS!" I'm not trying to get anyone on a bandwagon. These are just my opinions. My goodness, it's Mylot. This is my opinion.
1 person likes this
@Ambur25 (1006)
• United States
15 Nov 07
It does make sense. And I know what you mean. I really hate it when Christians (or anyone else for that matter) try so desperately to shove the Christian beliefs down everyone's throats. They're making it "cult-like" and it's just wrong. If they're such Christians as they claim to be, they wouldn't be doing that. That's what I have to keep in mind when I see people doing that. I hope that no one takes the "faith" of these bible thumpers at face value. ;/
1 person likes this
@blueunicorn (2401)
• United States
14 Nov 07
There are several e-mails going around urging people to spread the word about how bad this movie is. I think maybe your post came at a time that might have struck a nerve for some people. I don't think they are frustrated with you, but just frustrated with the Christian community trying to shove their opinions in the faces of others. I hope that makes sense!
1 person likes this
@southernpixie (741)
• United States
2 Dec 07
People can say that it's "just a movie" all they want, but it's not. If you read what the author of the book says, you can see his intent behind the books and movies. I have no problem with movies that are fantasy (in fact, it's one of my favorite genres)but when someone starts trying to turn children away from God, then that's where I draw the line. I will NOT be taking my children to see it, nor will I rent it. They will be told that they are not allowed to watch it and I will explain why. I think it's underhanded that this is being marketed as a "children's movie".