The Golden Compass... Satanic?

[Guest Levy]

The author, Phillip Pullman, is an atheist and British writer. He has written a trilogy called His Dark Materials. The three books in this trilogy are The Golden Compass, The Subtle Knife, and The Amber Spyglass. This series has won more awards than the Harry Potter series, but unfortunately, these books also move in a very strong direction to lead children toward darkness.

 

In his trilogy, Pullman is out to destroy all levels of authority: parental, government, church, and God. The movie is a sanitized version of the book series, but the message is clear. Pullman has been quoted as saying: "I want to kill God in the minds of children...I want them to decide against God and the Kingdom of Heaven." While the movie itself may be mild compared to the books, Pullman's intent is for people to see the movie with their kids & then run out and buy the whole series for their kids to read because the movie "wasn't so bad."

 

Basically, Pullman is trying to do the opposite of C.S. Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia. C.S. Lewis used the Chronicles of Narnia to represent the message of God & Jesus Christ, that good always wins, etc.

 

But Pullman's books encourage us to embrace the dark side. For example: The book starts out with each child having a demon and this demon is the child's best friend. The Catholic Church is portrayed as the enemy of children, the enemy of all human goodness & happiness...

 

WE MUST BE ALERT to what is going on with this book series and this movie. Christians MUST not remain silent.

Remember, the Bible warns us "The devil is prowling like a roaring lion." (1 Peter 5)

 

Since Nicole Kidman is a main character, the movie will draw many viewers. I have been watchng the previews on tv and they are doing a good job of making it seem like just another fantasy movie, along the line of Narnia.

 

Regardless of how interested you are to see what the movie is all about, I URGE YOU to not go see this movie. We need to make a stand - do not put more money into the pockets of everyone involved with this movie. And, please, pass the word!

 

for more info check out

 

www.sothotf.org click on "movie info"

www.catholicleague.org

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

www.familylifecenter.net

 

I got this email from someone at my church near the beginning of December. (I don't check my old email account often)

Check her sources if you want, I aggree with her.

[*princess*]

I have heard that this movie was pretty bad, but never so detailed! People told me it was making evil look like the good guys, but I had no idea it was that bad! (Demon as a child's best friend? :weird: )

[Loc]

This has been a controversy in my school, they were passing around a petition to rid the book's from the school.

[Meeptroid]

I agree with that woman completely.

At first when I saw that trailer, I actually had the urge to go see the movie and maybe even pick up the book.

The thought of it just sickens me now.

 

It's funny though.

Neopets had the Golden Compass as a sponser game. =/

I wonder if they were aware or didn't think about it...

 

In either case, C.S. Lewis pwns Phillip Pullman.

(Random opinion, I know.)

[Fable]

Personally in my opinion, Philip Pullman is a great Author. I'm reading His Dark Materials (a.k.a The Golden Compass) and it's a really superb book. I'm not an Atheist even though my favorite number is 666 LoL but nether less people are just getting in their mind about a book that is not in the direction of God and worshiping him so they simple neglect the book. As I said before I'm not an Atheist and I don't mind Philip Pullman being one also I do believe in God but the Trilogy is a work of art in my opinion, with their sense of direction and artistic ability. The only thing that pops up in certain people when they hear about this Trilogy is "Ohhh! Killing God, thats insane!". But you guys have your opinions and I have mine and I'm A-Okay with that. ^_^

 

On a side note however I do agree that they should of made the book into a Young Adult Rating since I've found some of the events in the book not suitable for young children.

[Ruto]

I agree with Metroid. I thought the Golden Compass would actually be a good movie to see, until I discovered it's actually promoting atheism. I don't want to get too religious, but it really sickens me that Pullman will try to shove the elements of anti-Christ into children's minds.

 

Another reason why The Chronicles of Narnia is a better choice any day.

[Creeper unidog]

oh my o_O i thought it was like narnia D: -is 11 years old- but i won't see the movie anyways. -sticks with animated, action non-fantasy stuff except its okay if i read the book XD-

 

random comment: its like BTT again!

[Ellie_Penguin]

I agree with the article. The problem here is that the author's intent is to actually convert people to Atheism. Narnia and Lord of the Rings are based on the Bible; however, if you take a deep look into the books, the message is about doing good and overcoming your own struggles. Those books are not really trying to convert people into Christianity. So when a non-religious reads the books of watches the movies, s/he will be able to look at them in both ways; a religious way or a good moral way. The Golden Compass pretty much tells you that you shouldn't believe in God and you should follow the devil. I think the reaction would've been different if they author's intentions were not to convert people, but to write the books so that BOTH parties (religious and non) can take lessons from them. The author also has a bad concept of what free will means. Free will in the Golden Compass is to do whatever you want no matter what, as long as you are happy. He has a completely distortioned opinion of what the Christian teaching is all about. In Lord of the Rings, I would say Boromir represents a non-religious person, but is he portrayed as being so evil that he should be killed? No, instead Tolkien makes the character repent and in the end he is forgiven. I think that's why the Golden Compass sends a hatred message. While movies like Narnia and Lord of the Rings teach us that even non-religious can be forgiven, The Golden Compass only teaches that if you believe in God, you have no hope and should therefore, be killed. Funny thing is that if the author of the Golden Compass doesn't believe in God, then why on earth would he kill Him? Killing a God that in Christian views is full of love? I would say that's a criminal mentality.

 

I know some of you might not agree, but this is just my opinion so don't take it personal XD. I think the author of the Golden Compass is a bad image for Atheists. I might not agree with their beliefs, but there are Atheist out there who respect religious people and are very corteous and I don't think they deserve to have that kind of image.

[Ithil]

I disagree. Completely. I read these books and they are really good.

What's this story about Devil and Atheism? People in the books and movies have daemons (not demons). They are a representation of their soul, nothing similar to red men with horns and hooves. <_< I dislike people that criticise without knowing what they talk about (don't take it personal ;) ). There is nothing about "convert" somebody to atheism, it's a great and epic adventure in other worlds than our, nothing more. And I really don't remember that they speak about God in the first book/movie. :sad01_anim:

Children need some imagination and fantastic stories. I really don't see anything bad in these books. At contrary, they tell about love, friends, importance of truth and especially courage.

I know what's Catholicism, all my family is catholic, I'm baptized, I've make my communions (unsure about this translation erf). So, I'm not a kind of anti-catholicist or so one, but I try to stay open-minded (yes I'm a scientist after all :P).

 

PS : I don't think that the Lord of the Rings have nothing to do with Bible. Tolkien criticised C.S. Lewis because he used too many the religion in his books. Please don't see Bible where it's not!

[The Big Cheese]

I have all three books (and they came in a fancy box) but Ive never read them yet... are they good books that just have a... bad message? Or is it done in a more... as if atheism is the norm point of view? Does it actually say that you MUST be an atheist?

[Ithil]

Does it actually say that you MUST be an atheist?

 

I read the books some years ago, but I don't remember that the autor said that in any manner. I don't remember anything that was rude against the Church.

I really enjoy the story, I love this kind of books (fantasy and SF books are my favorite readings). Some people don't like this kind of literature, and I respect that. Maybe they take this story to a too literal way? o_O

[Guest HBK]

I disagree completely with that email. It's first - quite disingenuous and second, outrageous. C'mon, Christians must not remain silent?! Oh, gawd, if Christians were fighting for human rights and something just a tiny little bit more important than one (awesome) trilogy, then maybe some political leaders might listen to the population that cries (in the sense of protesting) for this or that.

 

Now, the movie DOES NOT contain, I repeat, does not, contain any kind of anti-Christain values. Sure, there are demons, but those are characterized as being friends of children, as a part of their soul. Ah, that's Satanic! WHAT? You have got to be kidding me. Ok, so Supernatural (a TV series) has demons in them, and those are really from Hell, as stated on there, contains horrific Satanic values, and I don't see people complaining about it. Simple, you know why? Because it's something called entertainment and fiction, meaning NOT real. I don't see demons taking over the world? Why? 'Cos it's fantasy. Yeah.

 

So, please, give your church community my message, and despite me being Christian and attending church, I don't see TGC as a matter so urgent.

[Anime]

This topic has been edited by a member of staff (Anime Heart).

The topic was posted in the wrong area.

Please check your user inbox to see if you have been contacted regarding this topic.

Per the reason above, this topic has been MOVED from ‘Random Chit Chat’ to ‘Debate and Dicussion’.

 

It's getting to be a debate- The move is jsut a reminder to keep tempers, ect.

 

 

I've yet to see the movie or read the books (thought I do want to), but from what I've read here and heard from a few other people, it looks to me like some of the Christians are overreacting. Again. I've nothing against Christanity or any other religion, but some of their followers are insanely close minded.

 

I'm sure I'll have a better opnion of this once I see/read the series, but I'm inclined to agree with HBK and Ithil. It's just entertainment. A demon doesn't need to be satanic, just like an angel doesn't need to be heavenly.

 

And just so I don't get bombarded with questions later, I'm non religious. It's just not the way I think or feel.

[Guest Levy]

((Good call with the move Brittney, I was just about to ask you about that. I originally posted it in the Random Chit Chat forum because that's where all the Medias and Entertainment forum topics ended up. So I figured it was the right place to post it at first.))

[Ellie_Penguin]

Here's a link to one of his interviews. The problem with him is that he has a really wrong concept of Christianity. All he does is generalize and is completely ignorant to what the actual teachings are. The only way to know is if you actually go into a Faith Study at a church. He clearly didn't do that. He's only basing himself on the PAST and getting conclusions out of the PAST. Christians killed, Atheists killed, there is good and evil in this world, but you can't generalize. Or would it be fair to say all Germans are Nazis because of their past? Or that ALL Americans are dumb because Bush is not doing a great job. Would that be fair? I don't think so. This author clearly doesn't even know where he is standing. He says there is no God, yet he says he doesn't know. I just wish people would just leave others alone. Like I said, he just gives Atheists a bad name. All he does is bash religions and assume things that are not true. I'm religious and I wouldn't burn someone because they don't believe in God. That's one sentence that contradicts his own statement. No one at my church would ever do that either, so there. We also don't follow a religion because we want to do bad things. We follow a religion because we believe in God and His teachings, which send a message of LOVE. Now where in the Bible does it say to go kill whoever doesn't believe in Him? Where does it say to go be inmoral? He just needs to get his facts straight.

 

Sorry if this post is a bit angry, but this author is just being disrespectful. I don't care if he's an Atheist as long as he doesn't spread lies and insults religions.

 

 

http://www.thirdway.org.uk/past/showpage.asp?page=3949 (beware there are SPOILERS of the books in the interview)

[antiaircraft]

Quite frankly, I don't care how Satanic or whatever people say the story is. His Dark Materials is a fantastic work of art that I would recommend to most others without hesitation (the exceptions are younger children that might be confused by the plot). The plot is great, the settings of the books are incredibly well done, and the characters have the kind of depth that makes me want to laugh and cry with them (I know that sounds corny, but that's how it is).

 

Remember, writing is an art. An author can try to put all sorts of influences into his books, but when it comes down to it, the interpretation is up to you. Philip Pullman may have been trying to turn people away from religion, but he cannot do anything to your faith and beliefs unless you are incredibly stupid. I have read his trilogy many times and I remain a solid Christian, while I am still able to appreciate the beauty of his story.

[Ellie_Penguin]

I agree with you AA, but sadly there are kids out there who are still growing in their faiths or who are beginning to get involved. People in the Art industry are always telling us that you should be careful about how you portray your work. You can voice your own opinion, but if you put hatred in it and you go on interviews and promote that hatred, then that's when it gets complicated. You can write a book without having to kill God or without God at all. You can write a book based on moral conflicts not related to any religion. So the whole "let people interpretate" is not an excuse because, the message is clear. Why do you think Narnia and Lord of the Rings didn't cause a controversy and even Lord of the Rings won an Oscar? After all they're all based on the Bible. Because the authors didn't write the books thinking they will convert people into Christianity. Their intentions were only to promote a moral message. In the books, only evil is killed. Not Atheist, Christians, or people from other religions.

[antiaircraft]

Random note: It's not 'interpretate', it's 'interpret'.

 

I'm not saying this is an excuse for the writer. I doubt there is really an excuse for his behaviour anyway. I'm saying that it's pointless to bash the trilogy itself. The trilogy is a masterpiece.

[Ellie_Penguin]

Sorry, bad typo >_<. I think most people agree it is well written. The only problem is the message that sends and the way he tries to promote his books. The movie didn't do as well as people had hoped. Only grossing 67 million since its released, and it's supposed to be a best seller book.

[antiaircraft]

I never liked the idea of the movie anyway.

 

The books promote a strong set of positive values in people, such as courage, endurance, a respect for other creatures/people, and love. I can see and understand the strong atheist themes. I can also choose to look at them and laugh. It's a story, a creative and wonderful thing to appreciate, but it's not a rule book.

[Ellie_Penguin]

I never liked the idea of the movie anyway.

 

The books promote a strong set of positive values in people, such as courage, endurance, a respect for other creatures/people, and love. I can see and understand the strong atheist themes. I can also choose to look at them and laugh. It's a story, a creative and wonderful thing to appreciate, but it's not a rule book.

 

 

The series didn't change my beliefs. Like I said before, there are people out there who get inspired by the wonders of a book (like me). So it is sad to see a book that promotes that kind of hatred, whether it has courage or edurance, the general message isn't good. I was inspired by Lord of the Rings even before I knew it was based on the Bible. Not everyone knew it was based on the Bible until people started posting often on forums. Even my friends who are not religious were surprised it was actually based on the Bible, which made things better for them because one of them said to me (and I quote) "it's a good thing the books didn't tell me to go read the Bible." That says something comparing to His Dark Materials. Everyone knew right away, the message was anti-Christian.

[antiaircraft]

Really? I didn't pick up on the anti-Christian theme until it was specifically mentioned here. I just found those elements some odd twists to the plot.

[Guest Levy]

What's this story about Devil and Atheism? People in the books and movies have daemons (not demons). They are a representation of their soul, nothing similar to red men with horns and hooves. <_<

I looked that up, it is dæmons. Pronounced the same as demons. To a child, to which this book is intended to reach, they could interpret that as demons being a good thing. Therefore, possibly putting their faith into question. It's not meant to be a visual, but a psychological interpretation, and if you aren't old enough to know any better then...

Though the idea is good, the wording is most definatly not.

 

((Sorry about this post, I haven't been keeping upto date with what you guys have been saying. It was just that this post caught my attention.))

[Stephé]

this series did not make me change any beliefs at all.

Or maybe it depends on children to children. Everyone is different in a way so it may come to different understandings.

 

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