Here’s my opinion on the stink surrounding The Golden Compass. Catch up on Snopes if you haven’t heard about it yet.
I’m addressing Christians who debate whether they should see it or not. I’m not addressing whether Hollywood’s trying to indoctrinate our children or any of the other arguments.
First, I hope this isn’t a dilemma for many Christians. I hope that we aren’t so desperate to be entertained for 2 hours that it would be a tumultuous moral struggle.
I could understand if it was a rare thing, like I have backstage passes to a Red Hot Chili Peppers show, but I’m wary of what goes on back there. Or I can make $250k/year doing photography… at Maxim.
But, hundreds of movies come out every year. If you’re worried about this one, don’t see it. If you must see a movie, see a different one.
Maybe it’s easy for me to say this because I don’t have a 7 year-old tugging at my leg pleading
Can we go see The Golden Compass?
Can we go see The Golden Compass?
Can we go see The Golden Compass?
CAN WE GO SEE THE GOLDEN COMPASS?
I could see how sanity would be at stake then. Maybe someone can give us that perspective.
- – -
So, let’s just say that the movie is playing on a flight. I have time to kill with limited options. Would I watch it?
In two interviews, Pullman provides some insight into the books:
I’ve been surprised by how little criticism I’ve got. Harry Potter’s been taking all the flak. I’m a great fan of J.K. Rowling, but the people – mainly from America’s Bible Belt – who complain that Harry Potter promotes Satanism or witchcraft obviously haven’t got enough in their lives. Meanwhile, I’ve been flying under the radar, saying things that are far more subversive than anything poor old Harry has said. My books are about killing God. – Sydney Morning Herald
Referring to what C.S. Lewis would think of the books:
I’m trying to undermine the basis of Christian belief. Mr. Lewis would think I was doing the Devil’s work. – Washington Post
Honestly, I’m not horrified by these statements. It’s not good that he feels that way, and for his sake, I wish he didn’t. But I don’t consider them more offensive to God than “Christians” who interpret Scripture towards their personal gain or just ignore God in their everyday lives altogether.
So mainly, I wouldn’t watch it because of my love for God and out of respect for Him.
Say there’s a guy who knew my wife from high school and for some reason, he really disliked her. Maybe they dated and had a bad break-up. Maybe he thought she was Miss Perfect and couldn’t stand her. Maybe it was her fault and she was a jerk to him.
Whatever the situation, if this guy wrote a drop-dead hilarious play or movie based on those experiences, out of respect for her, I wouldn’t see it. No matter how loosely it was based on her – just knowing that his spite had some influence would make me avoid it.
It would be same if it was about my brother or mom or friend. So what about my God?
By Pullman’s admission, though he’s backed off lately, disdain for God provides some, if not much, basis for these stories. I don’t want to see something where the creator was fueled by hating / emasculating / mocking my God, even it only fueled him a little.
I’m passing on this one. No dilemma here.
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Great post! I felt the same way recently. I sometimes feel as though I need a opinion on something regardless of my own decision to participate or not. I rarely see movies, thus wouldn’t go out of my way to see this one (just like The Da Vinci Code) because it’s controversial. However, I still felt like I needed an opinion on it. Then I came to the realization that…nobody cares what I think. I’m not a critic, so I’ll just pass too. Thanks for the encouragement to do so! You are cool. +3 cool points (for great thinking and efficient communication)
I’m hardly the philosophical type, that’s Cool Mum’s arena.
It’s the just the grace of God that gave me something worthwhile to say in this case!
New reader, here, over from brody’s blog…
Thanks for this post. I completely agree with everything you said, and the way you said it was perfect.
Thanks Annie! Drop by anytime!
I usually don’t go to movies upon their release. I watch a dozen or two every month on dollar theaters or DVDs… but this movie is one I’m really wanting to see at a theater, asap.
Partly bc I’m intrigued by all the fuss, partly bc if the book’s author motive were anger I completely identify, partly bc I disliked The Lord of The Rings so I’m anxious for a neat fantasy movie, partly bc two fantastic actors are on-screen, but mostly, bc if this movie is truly as anti-theist as it has been portrayed, than I really want to be exposed to whatever the rest of the world that I’m interested in reaching out to is being exposed.