The Golden Compass

[Laurelin]

Again, I'm not sure what the author says, and the actual content of the book (let alone the movie, which I repeat, has taken out most of the religious material) have too much in common. Also, the author, like many 'athiests' seems to be more reacting to organized religion than to religion itself . . . from my recollection of the book, which I read before I know the author is an athiest, he attacks:

1) The idea of a monolithic Church with political as well as religious power
2) Putting religious beliefs before observable facts
3) Commiting acts of cruelty in the name of faith
4) Original sin . . . not in the sense of humans being flawed, but in the sense that they are all contaminated innately, by the act of reproduction (this is completely stripped from the film)
5) The superiority of the 'innocence' of children as opposed to the learning experiences of growing up and becoming an adult
6) The heavy oppression of human freedom and human thought by religious doctrine . . . in other words, religion as a form of slavery, rather than spiritual liberation

In the books, people have souls. There is some kind of afterlife, and there is, it is strongly implied, some kind of benevolent creator or god . . . its hardly athiestic. There is a god, named with traditional names for god, who is shown as a false god . . . but I'm not entirely sure he's supposed to BE god or to be the ideas about god that many hold, or the version of god worshipped by those who use religion to oppress others.

If you are worried about letting your children see the movie, check out the book from the library (so you don't give money to anyone) and read it. Don't take the word of people who have only heard what the author says. Because I feel what he says, and what he wrote (quite a while ago) are very different. Also, remember, the movie has most of the religion taken out . .its about ideological/totalitarian oppression rather than specifically religious oppression.

This really sums up the books well.

I also encourage those of you who have reservations to go check out the books and read them yourself and draw a conclusion from them. There are ideas in them I don't agree with, but many I do. I defintely came away from the books thinking.

I think it's kind of sad that so much of the religion has been taken out of the movie, that's what the books are primarily about.

I still don't think it's a children's movie. If you've read the books, there's some heavier topics in there other than religion as well as some pretty dark imagery. It's rated PG-13 for a reason and if they were really targeting young children, it just wouldn't work.

I still don't see the big deal about them being a reaction to CS Lewis' books. People write books in response to other books all the time. There are many movements against other movements in literature. (Transcendentalism, anti-transcendentalism for example) It's only natural.

To try to clarify again, the kids do not kill god, they go to kill a being that is called god. There is a difference. The 'god' in the story is clearly no god.

On this train of thought why wasn't there a huge outcry when Dune became a movie? Didn't they include some of Dune Messiah in it? (I've never had any desire to see either versions). But that book to me delves more deeply in religion in particular the idea of the messiah.

 

[HarleyD]

Did you get the book that has all 3 stories in it. Golden Compas, Subtle Knife and the last one I haven't read and don't remember the name right now.

I could see them getting a little upset about the whole "Dust being original sin" thing...and that the "church" in the book is behind alot of bad stuff. But come on, they got upset with Harry Potter and the Chronicles of Narnia as well. No imagination IMO.

It was GREAT. I love Iorek especially and can't wait to see the first movie. You know there will be at least 2 more. Speaking of more movies, any idea when the next Narnia movie is scheduled for release?

 

[Laurelin]

Well, I'm going to see it this weekend, so we'll see if it holds up to the books.

Or if I suddenly decide to turn athiest.

 

[Kase]

I haven't read this thread but just wanted to say I sqw this movie the other night and really liked! Right up my street as I loved all the animals .

 

[Samantha's pet]

Doesn't it happen the same way? Aren't people a little ticked when Christians try and "shove" their ideals in other peoples faces?

In that case you are saying that atheists should be ticked about the Narnia books and movie. I dont know about everyone else but when religious children's movies of any sort are released it affects me in no way. If I dont agree w/ the material then I wont see it or take my hypothetical kids to see it. Making a movie isnt "shoving" anything anywhere. Its your choice to see a movie. You are saying that evryone should get upset when books and movies exist that contain beliefs and ideas contrary to their own and that is insane.

I dont see why religious groups get all upset when people express alternative ideas. I dont see why atheists get upset by it either. Unless the government is ordering that everyone see a certain movie or they must be shot then just accept the fact that everyone has a right to their opinion and move on. It affects you in no way unless you choose to see the d@mn movie! Seesh!

 

[Samantha's pet]

People seem to get upset when atheism is expressed in a way that children can relate. I dont know why. There are all kinds of stories and movies (veggie tales) that express christianity in a way that interests and speaks to children. Its like they think we are trying to "poison" children's minds w/ false information. Well to us they are doing the same thing. It can be seen as presenting an idea in a way that kids can better understand or it can be seen as brainwashing kids whether its a religious story or a athiesm story but the bottom line is that people have a right to have their own beliefs expressed to their children. I dont see why that upsets anyone.

 

[Zoom]

I went and saw this movie last week and I rather enjoyed it. Yes, there are certain religious themes presented in it, but at the same time, I also took a reading of it that could quite easily pertain to the current political situations or even politics from when the book was written. Free will vs. a government that professes to have your best interests at heart... Democracy (free will) vs. Communism (benevolent slavery). Could that be taken to mean a Church as well? Sure, in that any church has a ruling body to it and they have their own idea of what is best for everyone. So does a government.

 

[Renee750il]

Well, I'm going to see it this weekend, so we'll see if it holds up to the books.

Or if I suddenly decide to turn athiest.

LMFAO!

 

[Gempress]

Well, I'm going to see it this weekend, so we'll see if it holds up to the books.

Or if I suddenly decide to turn athiest.

That's all right. Just watch "Passion of The Christ" immediately afterward, and the two should cancel each other out.

 

[Renee750il]

But what happens if, after that, she rents Jesus Christ, Vampire Hunter?

Yes, that really IS a movie . . . opcorn:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4LRIypcaIX4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0IblzBerSFk&feature=related

 

[Gempress]

But what happens if, after that, she rents Jesus Christ, Vampire Hunter?

Ummmm.....she turns Hare Krishna?

 

[Laurelin]

LOL you two! XD

I thought the movie was good and the polar bears amazing. But it still wasn't as good as the books.