Religious activists at the Catholic League have urged Christians to boycott Philip Pullman’s movie-adaptation The Golden Compass, due to be released this Christmas, over fears children seeing the movie will give up on God.
The film, starring Nicole Kidman and Daniel Craig, is a creation from one of the stories of the atheist author Pullman's controversial His Dark Materials Trilogy.
Catholic League officials have condemned the film and books by Pullman, which they claim “bash Christianity and promote atheism to kids”.
League president William Donohue told America's Entertainment Weekly magazine: "Parents might be inclined to say, `Hey, our kid really enjoyed the movie, why don't we buy him His Dark Materials for Christmas?'
“(It) introduces the kid to atheism. (It's) a stealth campaign.”
However, rather than take offence to the criticism, the movie director Chris Weitz has welcomed the attention offered, pointing out that the Catholic League also boycotted the movie adaptation of The Da Vinci Code, which went on to become one of 2006's biggest cinema hits.
He said, "It will make more people see the film".
Have your say on this article
The comments below are readers' personal opinions and are in no way intended to reflect the editorial opinion of Christian Today.
Added: Sunday, February 3, 2008, 22:19 (GMT)
I love Jesus and no one will ever take me away from him! People become a christian is't not as hard as it looks!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Cait, Heaven
Added: Thursday, December 13, 2007, 16:14 (GMT)
The boycotting of films only increases natural child-like curiosity for people of all ages. Rather than simply throw this movie in the closet alongside countless other "Blasphemies" people should take their children to see this movie and explain to them, in a comprehensive manner, why the worldview expressed in the film is incorrect.
You cannot hide these things from children, one way or another he or she will learn these things. This is a matter of what channel you want this communicated to your children in. Ignorance of the beliefs of others will ultimately destroy you. Pullman has always been candid about the purpose of his writings.
Rather than screaming about what is unacceptable say which parts of films you appreciate. Nobody wants to be told over and over again what they've done wrong. This, for lack of a better term, "Holy Roller" mentality doesn't encourage non-believers to learn more about Christianity. It merely increases the "Angry Christian" stereotype the secular world holds towards Christians.
Bryan, United States
Added: Thursday, December 13, 2007, 3:40 (GMT)
Christians, why are you troubled about these minor things?... It is just a movie. Christian life is not about movies, It is the life that you live for God. Even if you would not see this great movie, and still living with your secret or private sins, God's wrath is even multiplied,
You are no less than the Pharisees. You are more concerned of the external things, you are living in hypocrisy. Why, most of the Christians avoid these kind of movies; Davinci Code, Harry Potter, blah, blah, blah... but usually cannot stop themselves to see XXX movies?..wow! isn't that great?...have you forgiven your neighbor? have you helped the poor? some would say, "It is not the issue", no Christian faith is the major issue here, right?..
You Christians who do not live the way Christ did, and just hidiing yourselves by the name Christians are the TRUE Atheists! seeing a movie doest not destroy your faith, just like eating pork does not defile you. It is your responsibility to teach your children (Prov 22:6). It is not this kind of movie which destroyed long ago your child's Christian belief, it is you, parents who destroyed your child's belief...and what is that?
Are you aware parents that Santa Claus is not real? So, why are you still teaching them about Santa?.the magic sleigh ride? where is Christ there?Santa and other Santa-related movies, strictly has no difference to the Golden Compass...live the true Christian faith which is unshakable with all external things, which is in Christ alone!
Byron Lumauag, Bacolod, Philippines
Added: Sunday, December 9, 2007, 4:06 (GMT)
Why is ok for Christians & Catholics to use deceptive methods to get religion into peoples homes, but when an atheist does the same thing the religious get all upset. If you want to live in the past and believe in an invisible man in the sky then that is your right, but for God sakes why don't you just let people choose what they want to believe. I think parents teaching kids religion is one of the most disgusting things a parent can do. Teach them to believe in themselves not FAIRYTALES!
Hopefully all religion will be wiped out the planet in a few hundred years. Intelligence will ultimately be religions downfall!
Lucas, US
Added: Saturday, December 8, 2007, 18:18 (GMT)
I just want to say that this same thing happened to all the Harry Potter books, and Movies, The Da Vinci Code, and numerous other movies. They were all smash hits, tons of people went to see them, and thanks to the Catholic league you have just made this movie even more popular and hyped. When I was in High school and I saw a movie advertised that had groups protesting it and boycotting it I'd say, "Oh cooool I gotta go see that movie now!" Your not helping your cause by boycotting this movie, your helping to sell more tickets.
It's just sad that these movies and books are put down by these people that HAVEN'T EVEN READ OR SEEN THE MOVIE YET!!! If you want to comment or boycott the movie, read it or see it first. Then you can comment on it. Without seeing it first you don't truely understand what you are trying to boycott in the first place. It's amazing how some organizations can become so closed minded.
Oh and by the way, Hell MI is a real place to all thinking I just made it up to tick people off, go look it up on a map if you don't believe me.
Jenn, Hell, MI
Added: Friday, December 7, 2007, 5:22 (GMT)
Thank you Catholic League! Your closedmindedness has helped to propogate the atheist message! I'm delighted that you have helped we atheists expand our agenda to a greater audience than we could have hoped for without your protests. Halleluja!
Scott, Riverside, CA, USA
Added: Wednesday, December 5, 2007, 18:28 (GMT)
seriously, why are people making such a big deal about this movie? not everyone is out to undermind the christian faith. sure the author is an admitted atheist, but before all this hubbub how many people were aware of this? not many, i assure you. by calling on the masses to boycott this movie you have done the exact opposite of what you wish. controversy creates hype and hype generates ticket sales. rest assured that 99% of people who read these books or sees the movie will not convert to atheism or whatever else the world seems to be deathly afraid of. will i go see it? most definately, looks fantastic, and is a great story to begin with. because the author claims his hatred of god doesn't mean anyone who sees this movie feels the same. isn't there more important things in the world to worry about than a movie? people are dying all over the world from diseases and starvation and war and god knows what else. funny how folks priorities change when their own beliefs become offended by outside sources.
jeff, Louisville
Added: Wednesday, December 5, 2007, 18:10 (GMT)
Thanks, I'll save my money for something else.
Allison, Wixom, USA
Added: Monday, December 3, 2007, 20:50 (GMT)
This debate is absolutely ludicrous, firstly being christian and having read all three books several years ago at about 12 years of age i never once got the inclination that these books were trying to convince me to desert my beliefs or turn away from God in any way. We cannot protect the youth of this world by blindfolding them to other views and perceptions instead we have to allow them the freedom to view such things for it is only when our faith is tested that we can show it as strong. Also if we are gonig to boycott a film why not make it one that glorifies war and shows the killing of many innocent people is this not more disturbing and anti christian than a fictional fantasy story.
Jemma, London
Added: Friday, November 30, 2007, 1:44 (GMT)
I am a Christain, I watch any movie I chose to. I agree if you don't want to watch it, Don't Go. I have seen Davinci code, Harry Potter and all of them. However I do want to say.Why don't people(non Christains)say the same when it comes time for prayer in schools and the word Christmas. If they don't want to say it, if they don't want to pray, don't. Live the room. No one is forcing them to pray or believe. This is a free country, we won't talk about movies, live us alone with our God.
josi, Pensacola Fl. usa
Added: Thursday, November 29, 2007, 20:11 (GMT)
It's absolutely impossible for a fantasy movie about a 'god' and angels to be part of a conspiratorial "atheist agenda" plot, since atheists don't possess ANY theistic beliefs at all. How can any atheist movie about gods and angels propound atheist ideas? It's good to remember that these comments are coming primarily from an org that sponsored the killing of people accused of stabbing sacrement crackers in the 14th century.
The Dhampire LOGOS, Nashville, TN, USA
Added: Thursday, November 29, 2007, 18:24 (GMT)
If you want to boycott a film that is anti your religion, feel free. However, this book and film is about a lying, evil "God" character that you shouldn't relate to at all. Why do you wish to boycott a film that kills a lying, tyrant of a God? That isn't your God is it? If it isn't your God than why do you have issues, as it shouldn't be offensive to you. If is is how you see your God, you are not Christian, as that is not how my Christian God is
Mark Bell, Nottingham, UK
Added: Wednesday, November 28, 2007, 2:30 (GMT)
Katie if you think kids dont believe things they read in a book or see on tv; then how do you explain kids killing eachother because they saw it on a movie or in a song they heard or performing a WWF stunt on there brother and killing him. Kids believe there cops,princesses,superman ect. Kids have wild imaginations so you should really think before you speak and look at the real world facts.
Stephanie, usa
Added: Wednesday, November 28, 2007, 1:37 (GMT)
Honestly. Where have all the thinking Christians gone? Faith that is not questioned, religious history that is chockful of opression, perscution, wars, crusuades, as well as perscution of human beings and making christian warriors in our military deserves to not only to be questioned, but exposed, examined, and atoned for by the inheritors of that religion.
And, it is indeed a weak faith that cannot tolerate what amounts to one man's fantasy, let alone one that condemns said fantasy without actually seeing it.
rowan, North country USA
Added: Monday, November 26, 2007, 19:34 (GMT)
First of all, no one is making anyone see this movie or read the books. If you don't want to see it, fine, but don't ruin it for everyone else. Secondly, I think you are seriously insulting the intelligence of your children if you think they are going to take every book they read and everything they see on television as fact and truth.
Lastly, if a mere book , a FICTION book, can turn someone away from their religion, then their faith must not have been very strong to begin with.
Katie, John's Creek, USA
Added: Thursday, November 22, 2007, 17:27 (GMT)
When did our religion become so weak that a two hour movie or a kids book can undermine a lifetime of Christian teaching? This behaviour by the Catholic League is ridiculous.
Raymond Deluse, Calgary, Canada
Added: Tuesday, November 20, 2007, 20:56 (GMT)
I choose life and hope ( not death ). I believe in God. The evidence that God exist is overwhelming. (e.g. How can an "accident" create beautiful earth and beautiful faithful people?.) I refuse to accept that I am just 180 lbs of water and limited solid. My spirit moves my body and it goes beyond the limit of my body ( into my friends, other people's mind and books). My spirit/soul is from God and it will live forever. Thank you God for having created me and having saved me by your Graces.
fred pepito, co springs, co
Added: Friday, November 16, 2007, 10:48 (GMT)
I am nowhere near an atheist and when I read the His Dark Materials trilogy, I was extremely pleased. I think, rather than endorsing a hatred or ignorance of God, the series (and, I'm assuming, the movie) is a story about a child's struggle to find herself and her family amidst the pressures of a highly religious society. I think it is important, as Christians, to recognize the evils and pressures that some portions of our religious system impose on those who would willingly be evenly informed.
As a Christian, I think I am obliged to see a movie or read a book that challenges my views so that I can further educate myself and therefore know God and Christ better. Besides, like the Chronicles of Narnia and Lord of the Rings, it is a brilliant piece of literature, and great literature should never be ignored or avoided.
amanda, Atlanta, Georgia
Added: Friday, November 16, 2007, 8:50 (GMT)
John sounds angry that anyone should believe in God, "a make-believe character just like Jesus".
Certainly, we do not know Jesus' real date of birth and yes, there is a link in choosing to celebrate that birth close to the winter solstice and at the time of an ancient celebration. But that is totally different from saying that there is no evidence that he ever existed - I do not know the date of birth of my own great grandparents, but I know they existed!
There is in fact overwhelming evidence of the existence of the historical figure of Jesus Christ. The Jewish and Muslim faiths certainly acknowledge his existence. Most atheist websites do not deny the existence of Jesus as a real person. The Roman historian Tacitus, writing within about 40 years of Christ's death, makes reference to Christians and to "Christus, from whom the name had its origin [who] suffered the extreme penalty ... at the hands of Pontius Pilate." Another well known writer, the Roman governor Pliny, makes reference to the large numbers of Christians.
The establishment of Christianity throughout the world did not happen by chance. There is good historic evidence of the work of most of Christ's 12 apostles. Undoubtedly scared beyond measure after the death of Jesus, something extraordinary must have happened to persuade them that it was worth giving their whole lives - and ultimately dying - for the cause that they embraced.
Add to that the fact that people from every time and every culture of the past 2000 years have found comfort and a deep personal faith in the risen Christ. Add also the overwhelming evidence of supernatural occurrences in our own time that are occurring in the name of Jesus Christ and of the Holy Spirit, and there is - to put it mildly - a case to be answered.
John: I have no axe to grind here. I am a lay person who has worked hard to decide whether or not I believe in God. Two years ago, I was highly sceptical so I went on a search for evidence. The existence of God can never be either proved or disproved by reason alone but you obviously feel passionately about the issue and I would challenge you to look with an open mind at the evidence that is available. You just might be surprised!
I wish you well.
Ray, UK
Added: Monday, November 12, 2007, 20:36 (GMT)
Although, I'm sure I don't have every last detail about his movie, I definately won't be seeing it. From what I've heard, this movie deeply disturbs me. I'm a Christian and I think that it is really sad what this movie portrays. Obviously when someone doesn't have a personal relationship with Christ, they won't understand what the big deal is or they will simply get angery. The only thing I have to say to other Christians is to be firm and cling to the truths of God. I think we should all boycott this terrible movie.
Christine from Texas
Christine, Texas
Added: Wednesday, November 7, 2007, 20:12 (GMT)
I would have thought the Catholic Church had enough on its plate without worrying about the content of some books which are mildly against Catholicism. It has always been an evil, vicious, power hungry organisation since it's birth and shows no sign of changing.
As for 'god', it's a make-believe character just like Jesus. The bible is also a work of fiction drawing heavily on Pagan beliefs. Nazareth is not mentioned once in the Old Testament and did not exist until the beginning of the fourth century. Jesus is supposed to have been born in the first century although there is no historical evidence indicating he existed. His birthday was not written in to the plot until the fourth century. The twenty fifth of December was chosen because it was near to a Pagan ceremony, the Winter Solstice. In fact there is nothing remotely Christian about Christmas or any of the other 'Christian' holidays.
The director of the film is right, the Catholic Church is just giving it loads of free, high profile publicity.
John Doe, UK
Added: Wednesday, November 7, 2007, 18:05 (GMT)
For more information on the lies perpetrated in this film:
http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog&friendID=269932937
Jennifer Brown, Fort Bragg, NC God Bless the USA
Added: Wednesday, November 7, 2007, 13:47 (GMT)
The "faithful" really must be on shaky ground, judging by the way they throw a hissy fit every time a book or a film comes out, that might........just might, make some of them take a closer look at their insane beliefs.
Alan Crowe, Shetland
Added: Wednesday, November 7, 2007, 3:02 (GMT)
It is time for all believers in God to take a STAND. Is has become acceptable to let our goverment leaders to force their views and oppinions.
We need to band together and say enough!! Have we forgotten In God We Trust. I don't know about you but when I am in trouble I call on God and he is faithful and true to his word. The devil has never answered with anything good. Psalm 23
Teresa Novak, Grand Rapids, USA
Added: Tuesday, November 6, 2007, 7:19 (GMT)
Moive writters who make movies like this don't deserve to contiune to write with out GOD in your life. They are try to take out the one true GOD of the readers. The writters who do this kind of stupitidy are hurting this generation to children and others.Hey if you want to write to your pers,write how you are a lonly person when life hits you and there is no one to help you and no GOD to pray to. You will suffer when the truth hits you in the face when life hits you in the face. "SO GET A LIFE AND FIND GOD BEFORE IT'S TO LATE".
Jeremy Keown, Willimson/USA
