The Golden Compass

[grumpygils]

Originally Posted by ruaround
the reverse is true too... people that are athiest get sick of people pushing their christian views... i dont have a problem either way... my beliefs are mine... its not like a freakin childrens story is going to change that...
why wouldnt you suggest researching a christian author???
No way I would let my 11 and 4 year old see it. The movie might not affect you and me, but certainly would send a message that I am not comfortable with to my kids.
Mc

 

[jmick]

Originally Posted by grumpygils
No way I would let my 11 and 4 year old see it. The movie might not affect you and me, but certainly would send a message that I am not comfortable with to my kids.
Mc
Have you even seen the movie to know what message it sends?

 

[jerthunter]

I doubt I will watch it, I don't see many new movies these days and so I have to be picky about the ones I watch. It seems like lately that the movie companies are getting lazy and turning any fantasy story or comic book into a movie. There are just to many of these movies and they all are the same.
As far as the intent of the author, I can fully understand why certain people would choose not to watch a movie is the stated intent disagrees with personal belief.

 

[jmick]

Originally Posted by Jerthunter
I doubt I will watch it, I don't see many new movies these days and so I have to be picky about the ones I watch. It seems like lately that the movie companies are getting lazy and turning any fantasy story or comic book into a movie. There are just to many of these movies and they all are the same.
As far as the intent of the author, I can fully understand why certain people would choose not to watch a movie is the stated intent disagrees with personal belief.
Does anyone has an actual qoute from the director that explains his intent or are people jumping to conclusions from his past works?

 

[jerthunter]

Originally Posted by Jmick
Does anyone has an actual qoute from the director that explains his intent or are people jumping to conclusions from his past works?
Not me. My knowledge of this movie entails seeing two trailers on TV and reading this thread.

 

[lovethesea]

the book was pulled from my kids "Book Fair" last week.

 

[lovethesea]

Originally Posted by spyder78
And how exactly does this pertain to salt water fish??????

it doesn't, that's why its in the Aquarium section.

 

[ric maniac]

I think its sad when people relate these things so greatly to church. I loved the series, and this series is one thing i can attribute my love of reading to. I read them when I was like 10, and I'm a proud christian. Sure, you might not want to see it because could be taken the wrong way, and thats your choice. But just because something has a part to it that can be related to anti-christian beliefs doesn't mean it was intended that way.
As for kids seeing the move however, that might not be the best idea. Even though I don't believe they are saying to kill god or anything of the sort, kids' brains are like sponges and could take it wrong.
However, tell me this, if this movie is so terrible just compare it to popular horror films. I can give you three sadistic, and plain anti christ movies. 1. the omen.... 2. the exorcist...... and 3. black christmas. yet somehow making a child possessed by the devil, a teenage girl possessed by a demon and making a horror film out of Christ's birthday didn't have as much of an uproar as The Golden Compass. (I'm not trying to offend, but simply trying to express my feelings)

 

[juice_1080]

How many of you can actually say that your religious beliefs were changed by a movie, music, TV show, etc.? Not many regardless of how old you were when you saw it.
Also from the way that I see it only about 10-30% of people (at least all the ones I know) actually still believe the same religion that their parents pushed on them if they believe in any at all. A kid watching this movie is more than likely not going to grasp the concept of Atheism or decide they want to choose Atheism because of it. Besides if they do does it really matter?
Everyone has the freedom to believe whatever religion they want. Whether its Christianity, Atheism, or Hinduism. Whether they are 20, 89, or 4 they are going to believe what they want to believe because thats what the feel is right. It doesn't matter if you as a parent thinks it right. Its the child's decision.

 

[jmick]

Originally Posted by lovethesea
the book was pulled from my kids "Book Fair" last week.
As a parent did you investigate why and did you read the book so you could make your own informed choice? There have been many great books that have been pulled over the years...
I am not saying this is a great book, haven't read it just making a point

 

[lovethesea]

When I read the note that they were pulling it (they gave no reason at the time) I was a little angered. They pulled the Clique series of books also last year. My daughter loved them. But they were based on some "mean girls" blah, blah......like my daughter didn't already go to school with girls just like them.

They finally stated Monday (I am guessing after many inquiries) that they pulled it because of the whole killing god thing. They went on to explain that they would let the decision be left up to the parent to buy it elsewhere.
Can't wait to see what they take out next year. I am trying to figure out why Scholastic would place such a controvesial book in their book fairs?

 

[daayda3]

Its rated PG-13
Really guys, pg-13? Kids movie? Killing God?

didnt think so
EDIT: its not my chice to pick out the movies you let your family watch... that was just MO

 

[lovethesea]

daayda......are you not believing what the content of the books/movie is?
I am confused on your comment.
This book/movie is geared towards 13 up. I believe kids are the ones who ultimately kill god. I am not bashing the books/movie just stating the facts and why it was pulled from the book fair.
And sadly most PG and PG-13 movies are geared towards kids. Very few if any G ratings anymore. They don't get the ticket sales.

 

[daayda3]

Originally Posted by lovethesea
daayda......are you not believing what the content of the books/movie is?
I am confused on your comment.
This book/movie is geared towards 13 up. I believe kids are the ones who ultimately kill god. I am not bashing the books/movie just stating the facts and why it was pulled from the book fair.
And sadly most PG and PG-13 movies are geared towards kids. Very few if any G ratings anymore. They don't get the ticket sales.
i understand what its about... but a pg-13 movie really isnt for a kid... i wouldnt want to watch it cause im a christain, and that just goes agaisnt what we belive
i dont mind anyone who does watch it... just throwing in my 2 cents

 

[ducky]

I have read all of his books in this series and it did not once occur to me that they had an "atheist" theme. While it may coincide with the author's belief system it is wrapped in allegory and I believe far beyond the comprehension of most children. I am surprised that anyone would make such a premature judgment of this work without having read it before. It is a fantasy novel and a very entertaining one at that.

 

[jerthunter]

There are plenty of movies in the past that have had some sort of religious theme and have been enjoyed even though not everyone agreed with the theme of the writer. The whole Starwars series was heavily based on Hinduism and it was still enjoyed by people of all different faiths.

 

[rylan1]

Originally Posted by ric maniac
I think its sad when people relate these things so greatly to church. I loved the series, and this series is one thing i can attribute my love of reading to. I read them when I was like 10, and I'm a proud christian. Sure, you might not want to see it because could be taken the wrong way, and thats your choice. But just because something has a part to it that can be related to anti-christian beliefs doesn't mean it was intended that way.
As for kids seeing the move however, that might not be the best idea. Even though I don't believe they are saying to kill god or anything of the sort, kids' brains are like sponges and could take it wrong.
However, tell me this, if this movie is so terrible just compare it to popular horror films. I can give you three sadistic, and plain anti christ movies. 1. the omen.... 2. the exorcist...... and 3. black christmas. yet somehow making a child possessed by the devil, a teenage girl possessed by a demon and making a horror film out of Christ's birthday didn't have as much of an uproar as The Golden Compass. (I'm not trying to offend, but simply trying to express my feelings)
Because those are obvious movies and are not packaged for children. But I have not seen a horror movie in a long time either.

 

[rylan1]

Originally Posted by juice_1080
How many of you can actually say that your religious beliefs were changed by a movie, music, TV show, etc.? Not many regardless of how old you were when you saw it.
Also from the way that I see it only about 10-30% of people (at least all the ones I know) actually still believe the same religion that their parents pushed on them if they believe in any at all. A kid watching this movie is more than likely not going to grasp the concept of Atheism or decide they want to choose Atheism because of it. Besides if they do does it really matter?
Everyone has the freedom to believe whatever religion they want. Whether its Christianity, Atheism, or Hinduism. Whether they are 20, 89, or 4 they are going to believe what they want to believe because thats what the feel is right. It doesn't matter if you as a parent thinks it right. Its the child's decision.
I disagree. It is true that the movie has been watered down and that they have changed some names to hide the symbolism. But after the Harry Potter movies, how many kids went out and read the books? I also choose not to have my kids see that movie because of the witchcraft, which is real and a religion/way of life that people still practice. So maybe kids won't pick it up in the movies... but the movie will lead to the book, which is much more clear to the authors views.

 

[rylan1]

Originally Posted by ducky
I have read all of his books in this series and it did not once occur to me that they had an "atheist" theme. While it may coincide with the author's belief system it is wrapped in allegory and I believe far beyond the comprehension of most children. I am surprised that anyone would make such a premature judgment of this work without having read it before. It is a fantasy novel and a very entertaining one at that.
I am not opposed to your reading or enjoyment to the books. I myself have not read it but it is said that this first book, of which the movie is based on is the most watered down, and that the themes increase (get worse) in books 2 and 3.
In the third book, does it mention the name YAHWEH as God and that this is who is killed by the children in the book. And after HE is killed they are free to do whatever they want to do?
For those that don't know this is the true name of God, according to my beliefs which are Christian/Judaic.
Here is a website describing the themes.
http://www.snopes.com/politics/religion/compass.asp
Here is another site that gives a summary of book 3.
http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/hisdar...section3.rhtml

 

[jmick]

Originally Posted by Rylan1
I disagree. It is true that the movie has been watered down and that they have changed some names to hide the symbolism. But after the Harry Potter movies, how many kids went out and read the books? I also choose not to have my kids see that movie because of the witchcraft, which is real and a religion/way of life that people still practice. So maybe kids won't pick it up in the movies... but the movie will lead to the book, which is much more clear to the authors views.
OMG, you have too be kidding! You're worried your kids will want to become witches and warlocks after seeing Harry Potter? Magic is make believe, it's something fun and exciting for kids to imagine, yes imagine and there is nothing better for young ones to develop then a great imagination! There are so many bad things in this world they will become exposed to as they get older so why not let them enjoy being young and carefree? A little Harry Potter isn't going to scare them for life and if anything it might help them develop a love for reading which is wonderful thing.
I think young ones do need to be sheltered from things like ---, violence, hate, intolerence, radical idea, drugs but not the land of make believe...I don't think you are in any danger of them running off to Hogwarts to become young wizzards.
On a side note, for the longest time I thought Harry Potter was a little girl...untill my wife rented the movie.