You won't catch me taking my kids to see The Golden Compass. It's based on Philip Pullman's series of books subtly training children to reject God and deplore religion. Philip Pullman is probably the closest to an antithesis of C.S. Lewis that you can find and has been called The Most Dangerous Author in Britain.
I'll stick with C.S. Lewis' great classics which have entertained children and adults alike for over half a century. Speaking of which, Prince Caspian is in post-production for a release in May of next year. I'll see that instead.
6 comments:
I've read the Pullman books through once, and the Narnia books through several times. I found the Pullman books a very enjoyable read, though certainly the anti-Christian messages are apparent if one is paying the slightest bit of attention.
Though I want to equip my kids to think well and to be able to discern filmmaker's agendas, I think I will give the new Pullman movies a viewing before l let them watch so that I can have a good discussion with them about what's appropriate and what isn't therein.
I heard about one media critic who used to play "spot the lie!" with his kids, where he would give them $0.25 for each time, when they were watching TV, that they were able to identify a falsehood that the TV was pushing on them. Great way to teach critical thinking (though obviously more appropriate for kids who have the cognitive development to be able to play).
While I generally agree, I don't want to support the filmmaker by seeing the movie in the theater, or maybe even renting it when it comes out.
It's definitely wise to equip your kids with the ability to discern and it's very necessary in today's world. I've seen when sheltering a kid too much causes them to be unable to handle the temptations when they get out on their own and go to college.
The "spot the lie!" game sounds fun, but I'd go broke :)
Always a pleasure to see you lurking, Sean :)
Interesting I should just stumble across your blog today...I never remember to check anyone's blogs outside of LJ. :) But I happened to mouse over the link today and thought I might check in.
Earlier today an acquaintance of mine posted a link to this article, regarding Christianity and reaction to this movie. Her minister had emailed his thoughts and a link to the article to his congregation.
I have honestly not read the article through, because I would like to either see the movie or read the books, (if not for mere entertainment value, then to see what everyone is so up in arms about), and I hate spoilers, heh. Plus if I ever plan to get published in the fantasy genre, I have to read what's out there.
I can appreciate your opinion on not giving any more money to the cause though (maybe I'll just get the books from the library).
I might be a bit jaded by the whole outcry though, as it reminds me of when I read The DaVinci Code (about 2 years after it came out) and Greg's boss told him to tell me "not to believe what it says." I laughed, but I was honestly slightly offended that he didn't think I was grown up enough to make my own opinions (I was 26ish), and to take a work of fiction as just that. I guess some people out there "believe anything they read," but not me. I'm an aspiring writer, after all. ;)
Anyway, I have no opinion on the whole Dark Materials thing at this point, not having any familiarity with the series except that it seems to be pretty popular in the bookstores. I also have no kids yet, so I feel quite comfortable with being able to watch or read a work of fiction and make my own opinion of it without it swaying my personal beliefs. :) Someday that will probably change.
Sooo, all that to say, I totally respect your opinion. :) Just mostly thought I'd share the article, in case it was worth reading.
And hey, perhaps, if this series is as evil as critics say, the Harry Potter series will get a little more leniency. Just maybe. :)
I've started to comment on this post several times, but stopped myself because I was being too angry and sarcastic, and not really making my point. Today I finally came across a blog post that says what I really wanted to say.
Which led me to this summation: The willingness of organized religion to suppress ideas that oppose it is one of the biggest problems I have with organized religion.
Good points all around. The posted articles are also good and I mostly agree with them.
It seems to be part of human nature to want other people to see our point of view to the point where some people foist it on whomever they can. It probably also increases our awareness of people trying to do that and we react strongly to it.
This is my blog, and as such gives me some platform (however small it may be ;) ) to share my opinions. If you go back and read my original post, I'm just sharing my opinion, not telling anyone what to do (unless you count the title, which is really just supposed to be a play on words). I am all for everyone sharing their opinions just as I am.
If you want to see The Golden Compass, be my guest. I personally would actually like to read the books for myself.
I think the religious hullabaloo surrounding the books/movie is typical and unnecessary.
That said, I respect your decision not to allow your children to watch it. They are your children, and you gotta do what you feel is right!
But my opinion? I think the "Spot the Lie" game would work equally well in most churches/mosques/etc as when watching television.
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