The Golden Compass

[url=http://www.snopes.com/politics/religion/compass.asp]The Golden Compass - On Snopes[/url] Google search this as well.

THE GOLDEN COMPASS, a new movie targeted at children, will be released

December 7, 2007. This movie is based on a the first book of a trilogy by
atheist Philip Pullman. In the final book a boy and girl kill God so they
can do as they please. Pullman left little doubt about his intentions when
he said in a 2003 interview that "My books are about killing God."

The movie is a watered down version of the first book and is designed to be
very attractive in the hope unsuspecting parents will take their children to
see the movie and that the children will want the books for Christmas.

The movie has a well known cast, including Nicole Kidman, Kevin Bacon, and
Sam Elliott. It will probably be advertised extensively, so it is crucial
that we get the word out to warn parents to avoid this movie.

This movie has children killng God. The offical website has characters called "Daemons" Depicts castration and female circumcision.

I would like to ask everyone to pray for protection for the unsuspecting families that are going to go see this movie on December 7th and after. We would also like to ask for pray for the children who see this movie, thinking that it is a Christmas movie, unknowingly tricked into watching this.

Currently it is not rated, but from the feels of it, it will be rated G.

Christiaan

I've just got Pullman's trilogy, His Dark Materials (which Golden Compass is part 1) a few weeks ago in the mail and I am planning on reading it. I've heard Rowan Williams (Archbishop of Canterbury) praise it and I respect him much, so I am going to find out what all the fuss is over. Most of the criticism from what I have read seems misguided. As long as Pullman is killing the God in his novel and not the God of Christianity, I am fine with that. I'll post a review of my thoughts of it when I finish it.

Jordan

I for one will not watch it and hte Lord already layed on my heart to picket it if it comes to my little town. I pray that my grandchildren will not go. We need to all be in prayer about to go to our prayer closests... I read that the guy who wrote this a athesit (does not believe in God)... That sums it up for me....

in His service,
debbi

Jordan,

here's a review from some years ago by CRI

[url=http://www.equip.org/site/c.muI1LaMNJrE/b.2730421/k.B701/DK120.htm]Killing God: the propaganda of his dark materials[/url]

The shame about this is it seems to be only Catholics protesting it at this point..although critics are decrying the removing of the anti-Christian themes in the movie to make it more palatable to Americans (rolls eyes)

I sure do hope this fad of atheism in Britain doesn't become a fad in the States, but I really do see the groundwork being laid for it in the States. :(

Could some of the descriptions in the initial post simply be included under the word, "ungodly"? (I admit, my spirit was disturbed.) I don't think we are called to spend too much time meditating on the bad things of the world. We need to guard our heart and spirit, keep them pure and tender so that we can receive the still quiet voice of the Lord.

"Whatsoever is true...... noble...... right....... pure.... lovely... and admirable... think on these things." Phi. 4: 8

If he's an atheist, then what should Christians be doing reading or watching his material?

"And try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them." - Eph. 5:10-11 (ESV)

Jordan

HomeFree89 wrote:
If he's an atheist, then what should Christians be doing reading or watching his material?

Jordan

I empathize with atheists. For I am an atheist. I reject theism (god[s]) and put my faith in the living crucified God of Jesus Christ. The first Christians you will find were actually called atheists by pagans for this reason.

Most atheists reject the "nanny God"-- the God that is a reflection of our own selves-- the God that the Religious Right has promulgated which has his seal of approval over wars etc. (The Constantinian God with the flag draped over the cross)-- not the true God found in Jesus Christ.

Jordan

"Paganism was the biggest thing in the world, Christianity was bigger, and everything since then has been comparatively small." -- G.K. Chesterton

:)

jordanamo wrote:

HomeFree89 wrote:
If he's an atheist, then what should Christians be doing reading or watching his material?

Jordan

Look into the implications of that... you're saying we are not to read anything atheists put out, just because they're atheists? Hate to say it, but that is blatant prejudice. It is anti-intellectual-- allowing no room for proper dialogue between them.

I empathize with atheists. For I am an atheist. I reject theism (god[s]) and put my faith in the living crucified God of Jesus Christ. The first Christians you will find were actually called atheists by pagans for this reason.

Most atheists reject the "nanny God"-- the God that is a reflection of our own selves-- the God that the Religious Right has promulgated which has his seal of approval over wars etc. (The Constantinian God with the flag draped over the cross)-- not the true God found in Jesus Christ.

Jordan

Hi Jordan,

I don't think it's "anti-intellectual" not to read the junk of the world so I can see what it's all about or so I can combat it more effectively. If we know the Word like we're supposed to and are lead by the Spirit we won't need to read (watch or listen to) the world's things to be able to show it's false.

Jordan

I witness to atheists when the Lord opens the door. I will witness of Jesus to anyone whom the Lord puts in my path.. But, when it comes to watching a movie about killing God and written by a atheist then I will have no part.

As it is stated in scripture do not know where exactly it is at, but it goes like; "what does light have in common with darkness,"

debbi

HomeFree89 wrote:

Hi Jordan,

I don't think it's "anti-intellectual" not to read the junk of the world so I can see what it's all about or so I can combat it more effectively. If we know the Word like we're supposed to and are lead by the Spirit we won't need to read (watch or listen to) the world's things to be able to show it's false.

Jordan

Before I go on, I will respond to what it is you replied directly. One doesn't read what the "world" puts out to combat it or understand it-- but because we care about people and wish to maintain dialogue in the spirit of Jesus. Not to "convert" them. But even then-- there's a multitude of reasons. One could also be just pure entertainment (gasp)-- like sports! There doesn't have to always be these nice reasons for watching stuff the world puts out. Because we are in this world-- not of it! (Of course this is not justifying everything the world puts out, or saying that we should watch anything it puts out (i.e. pornography)-- This is just in general terms I speak.)

You said that you would not read or watch something if it was put out by an atheist. I ask-- what about a Hindu, Mormon, Buddhist, Muslim, or even for some Christians-- a (gasp) Roman Catholic? Will you likewise not read anything they write or produce whatever the form? Sounds like your digging a hole for yourself and only Christians are allowed to enter. A dangerous mindset, one I used to share, so I understand, but very disconcerting nonetheless.

How in the world do you expect to engage the world if you will not listen and dialogue with it? If you came across an atheist, would you just say "Sorry, I cannot listen to you, you are an atheist, apart of the world, an agent of Satan"? This is what you basically are saying, and it disconcerts me, as that is exactly the spirit of the Pharisees in the NT.

Do you think Jesus told the Prostitutes, "sorry, you are of the Devil, I cannot have fellowship with darkness!"-- Do you think he said to tax collectors "I know that some of you are atheists-- get away, I will not listen to you!"-- No. He had proper dialogue with them. They flocked to him and he hung around them. The religious people of the day scorned him for this that he would dare even try to have dialogue with such "unfruitful works of darkness"!

It is true indeed, you can find some verses to support your view-- but those you'll have to isolate from most of their contexts, and you will have to ignore the Spirit represented throughout Jesus' ministry.

I ask you again to reconsider what it is that you said. No dialogue with atheists? Muslims, or Catholics? It's a theological disaster I say.

Jordan

Greetings in the name of Jesus Christ;

Dear Brother, forgive me if I am direct, but I am compelled to warn you that you are walking on the edge of a terribly dangerous precipace. The Devil has many tools in his arsenal, and one of his more effective ones is intellectualism. You are an intelligent young man, with a keen, hungery mind. The only safe place for a intellectual mind is deeply buried in the Word of God. Anywhere else, including many(dare I say most?) christian books(particularly the newer ones) will have the distinct tendancy to pull you into the darkness of "Philosophy and vain deciet"-Col 2:8. Hold fast to the Word of God, It can never lead you astray.
1Co 2:2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.
Christ crucified is the only thing we need to know-According to the Bible-when it comes to dialogue with the unsaved. There is also a great differance between reaching out to the lost, holding out to them the goodness and severity of God, and filling our minds with the diabolical filth that they write, speak and teach.
2Ti 2:4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.
2Ti 2:15 Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
1Co 1:18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.
Co 1:19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.
1Co 1:20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? 1Co 1:21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.
1Co 1:22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:
1Co 1:23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;
1Co 1:24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.
1Co 1:25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
Col 2:8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.
Brother, the things which I put into my mind must draw me toward Christ. If it does not, then I find it to be sin. "We have the mind of Christ"
In Christ
Aaron

jordanamo wrote:
Do you think Jesus told the Prostitutes, "sorry, you are of the Devil, I cannot have fellowship with darkness!"-- Do you think he said to tax collectors "I know that some of you are atheists-- get away, I will not listen to you!"-- No. He had proper dialogue with them. They flocked to him and he hung around them. The religious people of the day scorned him for this that he would dare even try to have dialogue with such "unfruitful works of darkness"!

I understand the point you are trying to make with this, but i believe that it is flawed to a degree.

Jesus' reason for hanging around these folks was not for entertainment, it was for winning souls. You stated yourself that this was only for entertainment purposes. So to group Jesus' actions, along side your entertainment wants, is wrong. He hung around these people out of love for them. You are watching these movies for the love of entertainment.

Like you, I enjoy a good movie as well, but why the defense of this one? If this movie is a movie that depicts the killing of God, why would you want to see it? That is the question. How does seeing this movie edify the Lord? How does this movie bring the Kingdom? All I can see is that this movie will try to bring down the Kingdom.

I am not telling anyone here not to watch movies that only edify the Lord, but only to not watch movies and read books that want to see the Lord destroyed.

There is a big difference between the two.

Christiaan

jordanamo wrote:

HomeFree89 wrote:

Hi Jordan,

I don't think it's "anti-intellectual" not to read the junk of the world so I can see what it's all about or so I can combat it more effectively. If we know the Word like we're supposed to and are lead by the Spirit we won't need to read (watch or listen to) the world's things to be able to show it's false.

Jordan

Before I go on, I will respond to what it is you replied directly. One doesn't read what the "world" puts out to combat it or understand it-- but because we care about people and wish to maintain dialogue in the spirit of Jesus. Not to "convert" them. But even then-- there's a multitude of reasons. One could also be just pure entertainment (gasp)-- like sports! There doesn't have to always be these nice reasons for watching stuff the world puts out. Because we are in this world-- not of it! (Of course this is not justifying everything the world puts out, or saying that we should watch anything it puts out (i.e. pornography)-- This is just in general terms I speak.)

You said that you would not read or watch something if it was put out by an atheist. I ask-- what about a Hindu, Mormon, Buddhist, Muslim, or even for some Christians-- a (gasp) Roman Catholic? Will you likewise not read anything they write or produce whatever the form? Sounds like your digging a hole for yourself and only Christians are allowed to enter. A dangerous mindset, one I used to share, so I understand, but very disconcerting nonetheless.

How in the world do you expect to engage the world if you will not listen and dialogue with it? If you came across an atheist, would you just say "Sorry, I cannot listen to you, you are an atheist, apart of the world, an agent of Satan"? This is what you basically are saying, and it disconcerts me, as that is exactly the spirit of the Pharisees in the NT.

Do you think Jesus told the Prostitutes, "sorry, you are of the Devil, I cannot have fellowship with darkness!"-- Do you think he said to tax collectors "I know that some of you are atheists-- get away, I will not listen to you!"-- No. He had proper dialogue with them. They flocked to him and he hung around them. The religious people of the day scorned him for this that he would dare even try to have dialogue with such "unfruitful works of darkness"!

It is true indeed, you can find some verses to support your view-- but those you'll have to isolate from most of their contexts, and you will have to ignore the Spirit represented throughout Jesus' ministry.

I ask you again to reconsider what it is that you said. No dialogue with atheists? Muslims, or Catholics? It's a theological disaster I say.

Jordan

Brother, I read this before I went to church and it's been on my heart all day since then. I believe you're falling into grave error here.

I believe you can have dialogue with unbelievers, but we don't have to read their books or watch their TV programs to keep it open with them.

When I witness to people I don't just have a presentation that I rattle off, I listen to their side too. When I witness to a New Ager, I listen to what he believes and why he believes it, but I don't go out and read their books. What can we give the world through reading their materials?

What do you think it means to not have fellowship with unfruitful works of darkness?

It concerns me how you are defending an atheist and his writing so strongly. Where's the biblical model for this? Yes, Jesus ate with sinners, but He didn't follow in their activities or read what they read.

If you believe that what I'm saying is wrong, please show me from the Bible where I'm erroring and I'll give it a look.

So, you can have dialogue with unblievers, but it doesn't have to be through means of their entertainment.

Jordan

I ask you again to reconsider what it is that you said.

Jordan, I’m not sure if you grasped the sentiment of what I wrote earlier. Sure, we can get very legalistic about these things – but then we are missing the point. Let’s admit, what we think about, our idle thoughts, even what enters our minds in passing deeply shapes us. We may even find ourselves churning it while we are falling asleep. I know that if I absorb too much of the world’s refuge, I get mental indigestion, and it is harder to go to the Lord in prayer and be centered on spiritual things.

“Set your minds on things above.” Col. 3:1
There is a good reason why we are cautioned to practise good mental hygiene. This is just plain spiritually healthy for us, - but not only for ourselves. The overflow of our thoughts will spill out to others – in what we write, in what we share.

What our minds muse over in the privacy of our lives has a great impact on the wider circle of humanity! We can be sure that Jonathan Edwards, Spurgeon, Hudson Taylor, Beethoven, Einstein, etc did not get where they were without a great deal of thinking in their area of passion. They didn’t waste their thinking time and energy on distractions. Aren't you glad for that!

How in the world do you expect to engage the world if you will not listen and dialogue with it?

Here's my thought on this subject:

I use to work for Focus On The Family, and enjoyed the reviews that PluggedIn has put out about movies and such. There are a team of Christian people that watch these movies with discernment to let the public know about the good, the bad, and the ugly. The question to ponder with this is, "Should they need to?" So many Christians go to movies without much discernment, and so many parents let their kids do the same. I think, if we were careful, and truly concerned about what we see, and what goes into our mind, we wouldn't need PluggedIn, or the like.

Now, as far as the Scriptures are concerned, and Christ being an example to us all - He didn't learn about taxation to talk to the tax collector's, he didn't research prostitution, to talk to the prostitute, He didn't live the life of a homeless begger to reach the homeless begger. He didn't do research on the 100 least painful ways to die to try and convince the pharisees and the public to not kill him, or kill him a different way. Christ didn't stone a few people to understand why they did it so he knew how to talk to those who were going to be stoned, or to those who were throwing the stones.

We have a conscience, we have the Bible, and we have God - I think this is enough to give us support on what is right or wrong.

Now, does that mean we shouldn't have an understanding about things such as different religions? No, I think it is good to gain some wisdom on these such things.

I think we (especially the American Christian) have been very misguided into thinking that we should delve into anything and everything to gain an understanding as to why it is wrong, or how we can best witness to that someone who is big into that novel, movie, magazine, music, or tv show. Why pollute the mind for the supposed "benefit" of another?

Let's look through Scripture. Did Jesus Christ pollute His mind for the benefit of another, and to be a witness to them? Or did He know, through His earthly upbringing, and obviously the knowledge He had as God's Son, what was wrong, and how to approach it with wisdom?

Must I fill myself with darkness to TRY and be a bright beaken of light to those living in darkness, or can I just be a pure, solid beaken of light, that burns bright - exposing and overcoming the darkness that surrounds me?

:-o