Have you heard about this little gem? It's a new children's movie coming out in December (you know ... Christmas time) titled The Golden Compass. The movie is based on a book by Philip Pullman titled The Golden Compass (Northern Lights outside the U.S.). In the style of The Chronicles of Narnia, the story is about a young girl in a fairy tale world that battles the evil "Magisterium" to wrest away control and free her world. How nice!
Unfortunately, Pullman is a devout atheist. The "Magisterium" he wishes to destroy is none other than God Himself. Pullman himself says, "My books are about killing God." His goal is to indoctrinate children against theism. At worst, he's "selling atheism". At best he's objecting to "ideological tyranny and rejection of this world in favor of an idealized afterlife". In other words, the best he gets is to fight against the Christian claim of truth and exclusivity.
I would urge caution from Christians. Outrage is pointless. "The word of the cross is to those who are perishing foolishness" (1 Cor. 1:18). On the other hand, we are to "be shrewd as serpents, and innocent as doves" (Matt. 10:16). You will undoubtedly hear cries of boycott and righteous indignation. Remember, we are to be lights in the world. Angry attacks are not likely the best method of doing that. On the other hand, it is essential that we let people know, without the expected ire, that this stuff isn't kid's stuff; it's dangerous.
Now, I know I have a vast readership (all 12 of you) and I'm quite sure that I can affect the Christian world with this blog (not), so it's up to you readers to 1) recognize the insidious danger and 2) avoid the anger people are anticipating. What good does it good to rage against something promised by our Savior (John 15:19)? When we express that kind of outrage for the world being what it is, we simply look like the Moslems when someone insults their prophet. Lies are not overcome by banning them; they are overcome with the truth. So let's speak the truth in love and be prepared for this new attack on children.
5 comments:
The plot seems to correlate perfectly to Matthew 4: Satan offers us the whole world (as long as you accept that this world is all there is.)
The idea of going on a journey to kill God is laughably stupid. But this movie is aimed at nominal Christians mostly [the ones who send their daughters to see Fergy in concert]. If it sells, its the nominals who will make it successful.
The "anti-religion" segment of society is growing in popularity these days. I suppose they'll like this movie, too.
Also, the wording (such as "Magisterium") is specifically aimed at Catholics, so some anti-Catholics might buy (meaning economically) into it just for that reason.
The bulk of our society, I suppose, is more ambivalent and see it as "a movie -- who cares as long as it's interesting!"
Is it still a "boycott" if I don't go to a movie I have no interest in seeing in the first place? If so, man, I've been a busy boycotter! ;)
I've never read any of Pullman's books, either. Frankly, with the attitude he exudes during interviews he put me off his work years ago. I appreciate C. S. Lewis and am reasonably fond of his "Narnia" series (I like his more "serious" work better). Lewis certainly deserves better treatment than he has received at Pullman's hands.
From what I've heard the movie adaptation of "Golden Compass" really downplays the anti-God theme, easier to do because the book is purportedly the least egregious in the series on this issue. Pullman is reportedly OK with this, although I've read reports that some of his more committed readership is angry at the film's producers for "caving" to fundamentalists.
I have no intention of seeing it either. Not interested, thanks.
The difference between a "boycott" and "I'm not going to see it" is the level of organization. When you say, "I have no interest in seeing it" it's simply a personal choice. A boycott says, "And you mustn't see it either!!!"
I personally do not see where a boycott has every really worked (gas wars as an example; Disneyland boycott?). Although if one were to read the AFA sight the Ford boycott seems to be affecting sales.
I choose also not to see this and many other movies out there. FREEDOM. I think its our duty though when we come across something so contrary to our beliefs that we must get the word out and let the people decide. We are after all, capable of making insightful decisions are we not? Hummmmmmm.
Post a Comment