Christian groups slam new Kidman children's movie

[AYFR]

LOS ANGELES (AFP) - Christian groups are up in arms here over a new children's film starring Nicole Kidman and based on an award-winning novel by British author Philip Pullman, accusing it of being anti-religious.

"The Golden Compass" which opens here Friday is the film version of "The Northern Lights," the first book in Pullman's "Dark Materials" fantasy trilogy aimed at teenage readers.

The books by confirmed agnostic Pullman trace the fate of a young girl, Lyra, as she becomes drawn into an apocalyptic battle of good against evil, meeting a host of strange characters along the way including a polar bear, voiced in the film by Ian McKellan.

Evil in Pullman's books is represented by the church, called the Magisterium, whose acolytes kidnap orphans across England to subject them to horrible experiments in the frozen northern wastelands.

"The Northern Lights" won Pullman the 1995 Carnegie Medal for children's fiction in Britain, and the final volume in his trilogy, "The Amber Spyglass" was the first ever children's novel to be awarded the prestigious British Whitbread Book of the Year award in 2002.

With its 180-million-dollar big budget movie, New Line studios is hoping to repeat the box-office success of its "Lord of the Rings" series.

And it aims to tap into the young audiences of cinema-goers who flocked to the five "Harry Potter" films making them big earners for Warner Bros.

But already "The Golden Compass" is whipping up the same controversy which saw the "Harry Potter" series based on the novels by British author J. K Rowling, accused by some on the religious right of promoting witchcraft.

The author's attack on organized religion has been toned down for the film, in a bid to attract as wide as audience as possible, something director Chris Weitz has acknowledged.

"In the books the Magisterium is a version of the Catholic Church gone wildly astray from its roots," Weitz wrote in the British Daily Telegraph.

But "if that's what you want in the film, you'll be disappointed," he warned.

However, the sanitized version of Pullman's book has failed to appease the Catholic League, which gathers some 350,000 members, and which has already been sending out leaflets denouncing the film.

"The Catholic League wants Christians to stay away from this movie precisely because it knows that the film is bait for the books," said president William Donohue.

"Unsuspecting parents who take their children to see the movie may be impelled to buy the three books as a Christmas present. And no parent who wants to bring their children up in the faith will want any part of these books," he added.

The League already took on the movie world in 2006 to denounce the blockbuster "The Da Vinci Code" and its central tenant that Jesus Christ had a child by Mary Magdalene whose descendants still survive today.

The US Conference of Catholic Bishops however has been more nuanced in its approach warning in a review of "The Golden Compass" of its "anti-clerical subtext, standard genre occult elements, character born out of wedlock, a whiskey-guzzling bear."

But it adds that "taken purely on its own cinematic terms, (it) can be viewed as an exciting adventure story with a traditional struggle between good and evil, and a generalized rejection of authoritarianism."

"The Golden Compass" will be released in some 3,000 cinemas and only 60 have so far refused to screen it, according to the industry daily Variety.

"It's this undisguised anti-religious theme that has numerous groups in a lather, but perhaps more of an issue for some ... will be the film's lack of exciting uplift and the almost unrelievedly nasty treatment of the young characters by a host of aggressively unpleasant elders," Variety added.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20071204/ennew_afp/entertainmentfilmreligionusbritain;_ylt=AgDKKcdhIv OgqqpLa2rR6pgDW7oF

[Saguaro]

:roll I am so sick of the religious right stomping on children's fantasties

[Oceanbreeze]

We're Catholic. BUT...if you raised your children in faith or not and you are secure in it as a family, a book, a tv, a movie, will not waiver your child. Family values. My 7th grader has read all the Harry Potter books and Narnia books, would I let her read "The Golden Compass". Yes, we require them to read the book before they see the movie. :snicker


Funny true story happened tonight. :snicker My 7th grader was talking about writing class and they had to write what they were afraid. She has had the "go around" with a Baptist telling her Catholics aren't Christian. ANYWAY...the 7th Baptist girl tells the class she is most afraid of WALT DISNEY WORLD. My daughter said the class laughed and finally said "what is so scarey about WDW?" She said "they allow gay marriages". :sad Again, using the masses to conquer and divide. :sad I'm glad we raised our daughters to treat EVERYONE equal.

[AYFR]

:roll I am so sick of the religious right stomping on children's fantasties

Um Sag the series of books this moves is made form are anti-religious.

http://www.snopes.com/politics/religion/compass.asp

[Cookie Parker]

We're Catholic. BUT...if you raised your children in faith or not and you are secure in it as a family, a book, a tv, a movie, will not waiver your child. Family values. My 7th grader has read all the Harry Potter books and Narnia books, would I let her read "The Golden Compass". Yes, we require them to read the book before they see the movie. :snicker


Funny true story happened tonight. :snicker My 7th grader was talking about writing class and they had to write what they were afraid. She has had the "go around" with a Baptist telling her Catholics aren't Christian. ANYWAY...the 7th Baptist girl tells the class she is most afraid of WALT DISNEY WORLD. My daughter said the class laughed and finally said "what is so scarey about WDW?" She said "they allow gay marriages". :sad Again, using the masses to conquer and divide. :sad I'm glad we raised our daughters to treat EVERYONE equal.

Great post....

[Cookie Parker]

Um Sag the series of books this moves is made form are anti-religious.

http://www.snopes.com/politics/religion/compass.asp

So? Even if that were so, the religious are anti-gay, anti-women's rights, anti-democrat, anti-poor....let's see; when comparing the list of antis, I'd say the religious win!:Q

[Kurtz]

We're Catholic. BUT...if you raised your children in faith or not and you are secure in it as a family, a book, a tv, a movie, will not waiver your child. Family values. My 7th grader has read all the Harry Potter books and Narnia books, would I let her read "The Golden Compass". Yes, we require them to read the book before they see the movie. :snicker


Funny true story happened tonight. :snicker My 7th grader was talking about writing class and they had to write what they were afraid. She has had the "go around" with a Baptist telling her Catholics aren't Christian. ANYWAY...the 7th Baptist girl tells the class she is most afraid of WALT DISNEY WORLD. My daughter said the class laughed and finally said "what is so scarey about WDW?" She said "they allow gay marriages". :sad Again, using the masses to conquer and divide. :sad I'm glad we raised our daughters to treat EVERYONE equal.


:paclap :paclap


However WDW is scary. :scared

[AYFR]

So? Even if that were so, the religious are anti-gay, anti-women's rights, anti-democrat, anti-poor....let's see; when comparing the list of antis, I'd say the religious win!:Q

That statement is BS. The religious help the poor, are not against womens rights, there are plenty of democrat religious people. Next time you want to make a statement make an accurate and factual one, that you can back up by a little proof.
As for anti-gay not all religious people are anti-gay either.

[Kurtz]

That statement is BS. The religious help the poor, are not against womens rights, there are plenty of democrat religious people. Next time you want to make a statement make an accurate and factual one, that you can back up by a little proof.
As for anti-gay not all religious people are anti-gay either.

While there are plenty of democratic religious folks, there
are also a LOT of persecutory religious folks too and I
can prove that, but I'm tryin' to stay in a good mood. :lol

[AYFR]

While there are plenty of democratic religious folks, there
are also a LOT of persecutory religious folks too and I
can prove that, but I'm tryin' to stay in a good mood. :lol

Not saying that some religious aren't fanatical and extremist BUT I was responding to Cookies claim that religious poeple are anti-whaterver as a group.

BTW I will be seeing this movie and probably taking my kids to it as well. If your faith is strong enough anti-religious crap shouldn't bother you.

[Kurtz]

Not saying that some religious aren't fanatical and extremist BUT I was responding to Cookies claim that religious poeple are anti-whaterver as a group.

BTW I will be seeing this movie and probably taking my kids to it as well. If your faith is strong enough anti-religious crap shouldn't bother you.

BUT Cookie is right!
Religious groups ARE anti whatever as a group. :lol
And some are as you claim, charitable 'n humanitarian.

FYI: Semmy said the movie wasn't all that good.

[Semantics]

BUT Cookie is right!
Religious groups ARE anti whatever as a group. :lol
And some are as you claim, charitable 'n humanitarian.

FYI: Semmy said the movie wasn't all that good.

It really wasn't.


They also left out any anti-Christian/ pro-Atheist elements that may be in the book.


What the movie does do is illustrate how people in power abuse it and why it is important to look at the WHY of things instead of just following orders blindly.

If Christians or other religious groups are threatened by that, maybe they should take a closer look at why.

[AYFR]

Religious groups have come away from that Kurtz and are still moving foward but you are right. There are some things that religious groups are anti.
Cookie was just taking the opportunity to bash religion when I was posting a fact about this movie.
Not even related to the OP

Thanks I will probably wait till it comes out on video.

[Saguaro]

:paclap

[AYFR]

It really wasn't.


They also left out any anti-Christian/ pro-Atheist elements that may be in the book.


What the movie does do is illustrate how people in power abuse it and why it is important to look at the WHY of things instead of just following orders blindly.

If Christians or other religious groups are threatened by that, maybe they should take a closer look at why.
I don't agree with the protesting of this movie. It doesn't thresten me at all for I know that
A)religioun has and does on occasion abuse it's power (more in the past then now)
B) Movies can't shake my faith
C) I do look at the why which is why I am a Christian


I did heard that they did not take out all anti-religious stuff but they did water it down a lot.
Different sources, different prespectives

[Oceanbreeze]

Rev;
It's the point that the religious right BAN entertainment from their masses. I can think of a few;

1. Harry Potter
2. Walt Disney MOVIES (sexual themes, remember Lion King? When Simba laid down and an artistic hand had dust spell SEX.
3. Walt Disney World was off limits because they paricipate in gay pride week?
4. Barnes and Nobles; they deemed an art book pornographic and told followers not to go there. I believe it was around 1997. I was acquainted with someone who refused to go Barnes and Nobles story hour with her 2 year old because of the book. But when the ban was LIFTED she hightailed in it there. Odd.
5. Teletubbie; Come on, if your threatened by Tinky Winky you got some serious issues going on. :mw


Semmy; Did you like the movie? Nicole Kidman is a mother and was/is a Scienotogist...she knows her children will see the movie.

[Kurtz]

Tinky Winky :lmao

[Partyless]

My co-room parent forwarded me this mass e-mail about Christians unite and boycott an anti-religious movie shit.

It's a movie - well first it was a book but still - work of fiction - entertainment value? As if seeing this will suddenly wipe away everything I've believed my entire life?

Wow, my faith isn't that fragile. Says a lot for the people who get their panties in a wad about shit like this - maybe they need to take some time to really explore THEIR faith and belief systems before they force them upon others.

[Deadshot]

Listen, Religions do a lot of good in the world. From their relief efforts in Katrina to the Tsunami to caring for the poor and those whom are hurt. Let's not paint all religious people as nuts, etc.

If you want to protest this movie, fine. There was a movie that was shown when I was a kid that substituted something called "The Force" in place of religion and that movie did just fine. I'm taking my kids, also daughters, to see that show this weekend. The number of movies that have a strong female child lead are too few to count. If the movie sucks then it will bomb. If it's good then we'll see the sequals. As to whether my daughters, 10 & 12, will pick up on the evil that is the religion in this film, I doubt it. They will simply just pick up on the evil.

History will show anyone plenty of examples of evil relgious activities and evil churches. If they did pick up on the religious overtones, I would tell them this. But I would also point out that the vast majority of religious people try to do good things. Do they do some things that I think are wrong, like how they treat homosexuals, yes I do. But they're not Nazis, simply misguided on a few things, but they are good people all in all.:theman

[Kurtz]

Listen, Religions do a lot of good in the world. From their relief efforts in Katrina to the Tsunami to caring for the poor and those whom are hurt. Let's not paint all religious people as nuts, etc.

If you want to protest this movie, fine. There was a movie that was shown when I was a kid that substituted something called "The Force" in place of religion and that movie did just fine. I'm taking my kids, also daughters, to see that show this weekend. The number of movies that have a strong female child lead are too few to count. If the movie sucks then it will bomb. If it's good then we'll see the sequals. As to whether my daughters, 10 & 12, will pick up on the evil that is the religion in this film, I doubt it. They will simply just pick up on the evil.

History will show anyone plenty of examples of evil relgious activities and evil churches. If they did pick up on the religious overtones, I would tell them this. But I would also point out that the vast majority of religious people try to do good things. Do they do some things that I think are wrong, like how they treat homosexuals, yes I do.

But they're not Nazis, simply misguided on a few things, but they are good people all in all.:theman

:paclap
Great Dad!!

[Deadshot]

:paclap
Great Dad!!


Who's your Daddy? :love

[Kurtz]

Who's your Daddy? :love


:rofl

[AYFR]

Rev;
It's the point that the religious right BAN entertainment from their masses. I can think of a few;

1. Harry Potter
2. Walt Disney MOVIES (sexual themes, remember Lion King? When Simba laid down and an artistic hand had dust spell SEX.
3. Walt Disney World was off limits because they paricipate in gay pride week?
4. Barnes and Nobles; they deemed an art book pornographic and told followers not to go there. I believe it was around 1997. I was acquainted with someone who refused to go Barnes and Nobles story hour with her 2 year old because of the book. But when the ban was LIFTED she hightailed in it there. Odd.
5. Teletubbie; Come on, if your threatened by Tinky Winky you got some serious issues going on. :mw


Semmy; Did you like the movie? Nicole Kidman is a mother and was/is a Scienotogist...she knows her children will see the movie.
Those are not the main-stream religious. Just the ones that like to yell and scream to get attention. They are the minority.

[cassandra]

Here is a great blog post by a Mormon regarding their feelings on the books and impending movie.

http://www.brandonsanderson.com/article.php?id=52

et me introduce myself. My name is Brandon Sanderson. I have a Master's Degree in English from BYU, where I now teach creative writing. I'm a practicing member of the LDS church, and am a best-selling fantasy novelist.

A couple of weeks ago, I received an email regarding the movie "The Golden Compass," a movie which is being released this Christmas. The email was very critical of the movie and the books it is based on, warning people NOT to go see the movie or read the books because of their anti-religious content. They explained that Philip Pullman, the author of these books, is an atheist, and--with these books--is trying to convert our children away from the worship of God. At the same time, I've heard of local libraries and schools being asked to remove these books from their shelves.

When I got that email, it bothered me quite a bit, though at first I couldn't decide why. I've read the Pullman books, and--indeed--there are some philosophies expressed in the books which deal with atheism and the dangers of religious totalitarianism. The later books go so far as to be rather anti-religion. So, the email is correct on that point. I also don't mind if parents are warned about this content, as it may influence how they react to the movie or how they respond to questions their children might have. It may even make them decide not to let their children see the movie, which is their right. I have no problem with the email being sent in any of these regards

What bothered me, then, was the tone of the email. It didn't seem informative--but COUNTER-informative. It didn't try to explain ideas, but instead tried to get people to avoid listening to those ideas. In short, it didn't seek to promote understanding or learning, but instead promoted exclusivist and censorship. There is a difference between 1) acknowledging and arguing against content you might disagree with and 2) attempting to suppress that content.

THE POWER OF FICTION

As an author, I think one of the greatest things that fiction can do is let us see through the eyes of other people. When you read a book--particularly, in my opinion, a fantasy book--it allows you to experience things you'd never otherwise be able to experience. Part of that is the ability to see through the eyes of characters who are radically different from yourself. One of the benefits of this is that, in my opinion, you become more understanding of those around you. Perhaps, to use a Christian term, you more charitable toward others, since you've experienced life through the eyes of a variety of people struggling with a variety of problems you haven't encountered.

I had this experience. When I read DRAGONSBANE by Barbara Hambly as a teenage boy, I had very little experience with the fantasy genre. At that point in my life, actually, I didn't enjoy reading. A wise teacher handed me this book, and I read it. It filled me with wonder at the epic scope and fantastical worlds. At the same time, it presented a main character who was a middle-aged woman. She had chosen to raise a family instead of studying her magical powers in their fullest.

Through the course of the book, she struggled with her decision, feeling guilty for giving up on her magical potential--which she could never truly realize, since she'd devoted herself to her children. Yet, at the same time, she loved her family, and didn't regret the time she'd invested in them.

At that time in my life, I knew that my mother had given up a very valuable scholarship which would have trained her to become a CPA. She had instead moved with my father to Nebraska and had chosen to bear and raise me, her eldest child. She still worked part-time as an accountant, but would speak wistfully of the career opportunities she has let pass her by.

After reading this book, I was stunned to realized that I understood my mother better. I felt like I KNEW what it was like to be a middle-aged woman struggling to balance family and career. And it all happened in the framework of a story that was exciting, fun, and imaginative.

This is what fiction does. How much better was it for me to read a story about someone DIFFERENT from myself? That is not to downplay stories which star teenagers like I was, but I feel that if every book we read is about people exactly like ourselves--and who believe exactly like we do--then we're missing out on one of the great humanizing powers of fiction.

THE GOLDEN COMPASS

And so, this brings me to the works of Mr. Pullman. No, I don't agree with his philosophy on life. However, I read these books and enjoyed them, and think that he was sincere in his beliefs. The religious themes are only a small part of the first book, and overall seemed less like a point that was being driven into my brain, and more like a 'What if' aspect to the world. The God he is trying to kill is not, by his own words, the creator--but a creature who represents all that is bad and evil in organized religion. (And, I'll quickly admit that there is a lot to point a finger at. I place the blame for these atrocities in a different place, but the problems are there.)

I was intrigued by the ideas presented--not because they made me want to change my own beliefs, but because I felt I came to understand what it was like to go through life believing as he does about religion. The books are beautifully crafted, and deal with real and important issues--such as religious tyranny and Machiavellian thinking. They do not include mature content or anything else I would want to steer children away from.

I believe that Truth is eternal, and that sincere arguments against that Truth from well-meaning people are not a threat to us. It would be different if I saw a pernicious or two-faced attempt at spreading lies in these books. However, I see sincerity--misplaced sincerity, true, but that is beside the point.

Either way, I do not believe the correct response to different ideas is to censor or boycott them. This makes it seem like the ideas are a threat to our own ideas. Are your beliefs so weak that they cannot stand to listen to someone offering a different opinion? Are you afraid they might be right? If not, why are you so afraid--or angry--about these books?

I would find it a shame if people were to boycott and remove my books from schools because I speak of worlds where it's implied that there IS a deity. My goal would be to let my books and his books sit on the shelves beside one another, and allow the people who read them to see both opinions and make their own decisions.

You may not want your children to read the books. That's your right. (Personally, I think tour children are not as stupid as you imply that they are. They will no sooner read these books and become atheists than they'll read Harry Potter and become wizards.)

If you are worried about them reading these books, talk to them about the books. And, again, if you want to forbid your children from reading them, that is certainly your right as a parent. However, I have a problem with you trying to remove them from libraries or schools. That is where you stray into attempting to censor and ban ideas, suppressing them, instead of arguing against them.

I'm not trying to say that you should go see these movies or read these books. I'm not even trying to endorse them. I just believe that people should make their own decisions on this, and I respect the decisions you make--and, if your decision is to not see the movie, then I can understand why and part of me agrees with your moral stand. However, to imply that others shouldn't see or read the books is, in my opinion, an attempt to foster ignorance.

As always, the best way to promote your ideas is to argue for them in an intelligent, respectful way--as opposed to trying to stamp out the other person's ideas before others can hear them.

I personally can only speak for the books but I never found them overly anti-God.

[toxic]

I would say almost any magical fantasy story is Pro-Religion, as it subliminally supports the notion of magic, superstition and religion.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subliminal_message

[Kurtz]

Those are not the main-stream religious. Just the ones that like to yell and scream to get attention. They are the minority.

American Family Association is mainstream.
http://www.afa.net/disney/

AND:

DALLAS (CNN) -- Leaders of the Southern Baptists, the nation's largest Protestant denomination, voted Wednesday to boycott Walt Disney Co. and its subsidiaries for what it called the company's "anti-Christian and anti-family direction."

An overwhelming majority of delegates voted in favor of the measure at the Southern Baptist Convention...

http://www.cnn.com/US/9706/18/baptists.disney/


Boy, ya better get ya facts right!
You can't be Texan if ya don't know Baptists! :lmao

[AYFR]

You are talking about leaders and small groups of people.

I am talking about those normal people that go to church. The average everyday religious person.

That is main stream.

[Oceanbreeze]

You are talking about leaders and small groups of people.

I am talking about those normal people that go to church. The average everyday religious person.

That is main stream.

The "average every day "normal" Christian" doesn't consider Catholics to be Christian. Discriminating within ones own blanket religion leaves it wide open for discrimination amongst the masses by the "average every day "normal" Christian".

Deadshot's post hit it right on the head.

[Oceanbreeze]

Those are not the main-stream religious. Just the ones that like to yell and scream to get attention. They are the minority.

I am/was friends with them, they are alive and well and MAINSTREAM in VA, OK, GA, and AZ.

[Kurtz]

"Normal" people don't attend church! :lmao

I'm just teasin' y'all...kinda. :para







I don't want Mormons in the gov't,
I don't want religious folks in govt.
:kurtz

[Kurtz]

AND don't discount those folks that are shut ins or
homebound that watch that PTL crap all day, they count.

[Oceanbreeze]

"Normal" people don't attend church! :lmao

I'm just teasin' y'all...kinda. :para







I don't want Mormons in the gov't,
I don't want religious folks in govt.
:kurtz

:paclap

[patriotsblade]

As someone who once took regular criticism from both Christian 'friends' and family over my own religious beliefs, I went through a period of being critical of Christianity. I have since opened up to the fact that there are Christians out there that can accept the fact that I'm not 'one of them' and refrain from judging me on those merits alone. I see the outrage by the people who are going nuts about this movie as a prime of example of them being very insecure in their own beliefs, (the irony being that these are the ones usually proclaiming their beliefs the loudest.) Some people just can't deal with the fact that there are other ideas out there and that maybe someone will listen to them.

When it comes to kids, I wonder if people want well-rounded individuals that receive information and ideas from many sources and form their own conclusions, or they just want a 'mini-me' who ends up parroting the ideas that have been impressed upon them from birth.

[kaaryn]

I think movies like this, and Harry Potter, and Lord of the Rings too for that matter, are fine if (a) you don't have a Christian belief system in the first place or (b) you're old enough and confident enough to think critically and separate fact from fiction.

What I don't like is the number of little kids who get taken to these movies by parents who want to see it themselves. They can't tell what's real and what isn't, and it just scares/confuses them. :(

[Oceanbreeze]

I think movies like this, and Harry Potter, and Lord of the Rings too for that matter, are fine if (a) you don't have a Christian belief system in the first place or (b) you're old enough and confident enough to think critically and separate fact from fiction.

What I don't like is the number of little kids who get taken to these movies by parents who want to see it themselves. They can't tell what's real and what isn't, and it just scares/confuses them. :(

I agree you on that. They can afford the movie ticket, popcorn and the works, but not a babysitter for the 5 year old. Priorities. :sad

[Partyless]

I agree you on that. They can afford the movie ticket, popcorn and the works, but not a babysitter for the 5 year old. Priorities. :sad

We rarely go to movies anymore because of all the idiots who bring kids into inappropriate films. I fault the theater management for not enforcing their age requirements and that nice little blurb at the beginning about crying babies should be taken from the theater.

[Semantics]

We rarely go to movies anymore because of all the idiots who bring kids into inappropriate films. I fault the theater management for not enforcing their age requirements and that nice little blurb at the beginning about crying babies should be taken from the theater.

When I went a saw the last Harry Potter movie there was a young couple in there who brought their two toddlers.

It was a scary (and long) movie for kids that young and of course both kids cried on and off throughout. Not once did the parents take them out. Some woman ended up telling them to "shut up" and instead of leaving they argued.

It was a scene. :no

[Oceanbreeze]

I've asked and gotten a refund before. :snicker I paid to see the movie not listening to some kid crying.

[Kurtz]

I like kids...deep fried. :grub