The Golden Compass

I am very much confused by comments I have read lately about this movie, and I wish that whatever it is that is making folks seem to be blind to what is going on could be pushed aside for just an hour or so, just enough time to sit down and talk about this..

I have seen so many people post on board after board; heard so many news crews go on about how Christians are over reacting about this movie; read too many articles about how the stars of this said that;

"It has been watered down a little...I was raised Catholic, the Catholic Church is part of my essence,"

"I wouldn't be able to do this film if I thought it were at all anti-Catholic."

I have to admit that I used to grudgingly admire Mr. Pullman in the fact that he told it like it was. He said he purposely set out to create a series that was an dynamic opposite of ‘The Chronicles of Narnia’, one that he believed would be the counter to the concept he found despicable; trying to raise children with Christian goals. I remember hearing about his books for the first time, and the same day reading that he had made statements to any press who would hear him, such as;"Christianity is a mistake, a powerful and seductive mistake, but a mistake all the same."

I have found myself time and time again defending Christianity against this series…time and time again asked how I could defend this “crusade” (what fucking GALL), how this series is NOT an attack on Christianity, just a quasi attack on all organized religion that Christianity (specifically the Catholic church) has acted like an whiny bitch over? NOT a direct attack on Christianity?? Let me show you why that statement isn’t worth the cyber paper it was written on;

1. The series states that all angels are "Bene Elim", which is actually a Hebrew phrase for 'Sons of God'.

2. It is stated early in the series that the compass runs on dust. It goes on later to explain that Dust (notice the capital now..as in the series) is the physical remains of angels. It then goes even further, later in the series, to explain that dust is the physical evidence of the ‘original sin’. Let me make a clear point here, the concept of original sin is PURELY a Christian concept. It is NOT mentioned or even conceived in any other religion except for Islamic teachings; and only then is it mentioned in reference to Christianity and why we are wrong for believing in this idea.

3. How about the fact that Satan is mentioned in the books, which again is a Christian word for the evil antagonist of the Supreme Being or God. Now let's go even further proving that the series is anti-Christian in the very fact that it states that Satan was NOT responsible for his rebellion, but that God was responsible for his 'lies and deceits'.

Choosing not to believe in any Supreme Being, or organized religion, is everyone’s choice. All of us have been given free will, and it is a great, great gift; and curse, much like democracy. No one is responsible for anyone else's actions but themselves, good or bad. A concept we find easily breezed over in today’s society of suing and blaming them for our use of their products wrongly. Or even better, forcing the Supreme Court to have to make a ruling that companies must put warning labels on products such as "Product will be hot after heating" or my absolute favorite on a jar of peanuts that it "contains nuts".

The true question I see is whether as Christians, we should ignore, or protest against a movie based on a series that directly attacks our religion. I cannot help but think of the Islamic religious protest/denunciation of the cartoon published in the Danish newspaper last year.

I am ashamed to admit I considered it over-reaction at first when I heard about Danish newspaper issue. I remember saying to someone I knew about how I could not believe the big deal made of this cartoon; and why couldn't they just get over it. I remember his look of disgust at me. I remember being the only person at first who seemed to think the same opinions I did and being called shallow by folks because of my beliefs. I remember the news, the politicians, the leaders of that time saying that the Islamic religion was within their rights to be upset. I remember the most liberal of them being told we were wrong, and bigots because we did not agree. I remember the day that Father (Catholic priest name..which you all probably knew, but I guess I wanted to clarify) gave a sermon on why the Islamic religion was correct in what they were doing and the reasons why we should SUPPORT them. I remember my chagrin and shame...

Yet here we are now, the issue is on our lap, the message striking out against us not just an cartoon in one newspaper but a blockbuster movie slated to be shown in every theater world wide, hyped as being not a political statement/cartoon, but a CHILDRENS event. Hyped as a movie that is JUST about fun, JUST about killing God, because he is EVIL..

I am sorry, I wish I had more patience on this, more understanding, but as a Christian I only know of one person who was perfect. As much as I try to follow in His footsteps, His beliefs, I find myself falling short. I know He forgives me, but I find it hard at times to let myself accept that. I become too afraid I can push off all responsibility on that idea, and then I truly am in trouble. Knowing this all, I will not support this movie, will not sit idly by as they tell my children and my children’s friends that this movie/series is innocent of attacking the very values I am asked to forgive this movie for. The founders of our country had many phrases/battle cries they used to decry their anger at being put in their position. My favorite was always been 'Don't Tread On Me'. I cannot believe I am considering this, but given the fact that the press is glossing over this attack on Christianity (the same press whom will go on for weeks about protests by other religious organizations..and why they are right), and given the fact that if Christians whom do choose to voice their protest against this series/movie are called over reacting, and that unfortunately no one seems to have stepped up for those calling us this to ask them to think (as we have been time and time again), then I vow this; on opening day I plan on showing up at our local theater wearing my replica of the revolutionary war flag I loved so much.

'Don't Tread On Me'