I’ve got a golden compass…
Libraries, be forewarned: In the past couple of weeks, I’ve received several variations of the following e-mail from friends passing on the chain:
The Golden Compass with Nicole Kidman……. The link below to Snopes confirms its true. Really unbelievable.
http://snopes.com/politics/religion/compass.asp
You may already know about this, but I just learned about a kids movie
coming out in December starring Nicole Kidman. I believe it’s called
The Golden Compass, and while it will be a watered down version, it is
based on a series of children’s books about killing God (It is the
anti-Narnia). Please follow this link, and then pass it on. From what
I understand, the hope is to get alot of kids to see the movie – which
won’t seem too bad – and then get the parents to buy the books for their
kids for Christmas. The quotes from the author sum it all up. I’m
going to tell everyone about this movie.
Rest assured that I’m not going to take my 5-year-old to see a somewhat dark movie meant for adults and teens — but beyond that:
- The Golden Compass is an excellent book (and series) that challenges readers to think (God forbid!).
- Since when did we get so afraid of differing points of view? I’m pretty sure that Nicole Kidman won’t inspire anyone to “kill God.”
- I read, and saw, and enjoyed The Chronicles of Narnia, despite the fact that I’m decidedly not Christian and the underlying themes reflect a worldview very different from my own. How is The Golden Compass any different?
- How secure in your faith are you, really, if you are concerned that a single book or movie will turn you or your children to the dark side?
- How do you engage in informed dialogue, if you shy away from everything that doesn’t match your own beliefs?
That is all.
Angel:
Now it just makes me want to go out and read the books. I read the Narnia books as a child, and I had no idea about the Christian worldview in them. I enjoyed them, but I will admit that I probably would not pick them up today (I like more adult fare). I definitely agree with the points you make, especially #4 and #5. The Harry Potter books drew similar “hysterics” when they came out, and they did just fine. I always wonder what is it with people who simply feel a need to try to shut out the world or cover it with one hand. Anyways, if they don’t want to read it, I suppose that would be their decision (their loss in my view, but hey, their decision). As long as they don’t try to deprive those of us who may want to read it or see the films. But you are right, it must be someone with a pretty insecure faith if they think one book will suddenly make them do X or Y.
Makes me glad I thrive in my heathenism. I could not imagine being told I can’t read X or Y because it would turn me into something “evil.”
Oh well, best and keep on blogging.
27 November 2007, 1:20 pmrachel:
Exactly, Angel — when I first read the Narnia series, I had no conception of their worldview either — but they neither converted me on the spot nor made me more susceptible to evangelism later. Conversely, I don’t see Pullman’s books (or the movie) spurring a mass exodus from organized religion.
27 November 2007, 3:34 pmAndrew:
I read and own the Pullman series. I think they are fantastic books. I didn’t get anything out of them about wanting to “kill God.” I just saw a great adventure series that was absolutely amazing to read.
It greatly disturbs me that people don’t’ want to challenge themselves because of what they perceive to be a plot of a book, whether real or imagined. People didn’t want to read Harry because it promoted witchcraft. Next they’ll be challenging some of the greatest authors the world has seen, Twain, Wadsworth, etc because someone will dig up that they were agnostic, racist, or whatever.
I’ve always thought of books as a way to challenge ourselves and grow…I guess anyone reading this blog though knows that. One day perhaps the world will get over its “stupidity” in not wanting others to have their view point.
27 November 2007, 5:56 pm