Catholic bishops give thumbs-up to ‘Golden Compass’

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It is entirely possible that this is a wonderful film that really is in line with Christian morals and Catholic teaching. In fact, it is more than just possible, it is probable. We already know that the first book in this series is not very objectionable. We already know that it is a hook to get readers involved in the story. So they buy the second and third books which are increasing anti-religion/anti-Christian/anti-Catholic/anti-God and Pro Lucifer. Yes God is evil and Lucifer is good in this series.

There really is no debate about the fact that the books become progressively worse so it shouldn’t be hard to accept the fact that the same will hold true for the movies. The first movie serves the same purpose as the first book. They are a hook to lure viewers into this series.

That being said, some have stated that the movie should stand by itself and should be judged by its own merit. But this is faulty logic. The movie was made as the first part of a series of movies. A sequel is the expected result of the ending given, which is just like that of the books, an unfinished story.

Now, some may state that it is unfair to assume that the next movies in this series will be any more anti-Christian than this one is. They may say that the first movie was toned down, so the same may be true of the second and third movies as well. My response to that, is this: Even if it is possible to tone down the movies to a degree that would make them acceptable, I still think there are two good reasons that this film should be boycotted.

First, adolescents who watch and enjoy the movie will be more likely to purchase the books in the series, especially books 2 and 3. Think this is mere speculation? Consider: the Lord of the Rings books sold less than 1 million copies per year between 1965 and 2001. But after the release of the first film they sold 14 million copies in less than 2 years. (usatoday.com/life/movies/news/2003-12-12-lotr-main_x.htm)

Secondly, I don’t think that 1 cent of my money or any Christians money should go into the pocket of such an outspoken atheist and anti-Christian such as Pullman. And yes, the money that this movie takes in determines how much he will receive for the rights for his next two movies.

Thank you and God Bless,

In Jesus through Mary
Steve
 
I’m all for boycotting this movie and books. I just don’t see what is so deficient in the USCCB movie review. They seem to address many of the objectionable components (including the fact that the trilogy gets progressively more anti-Christian). Do you really think they should have called for a boycott in the movie review?
 
It is highly likely that most, if not all, of the anti-Christian message has been removed from this film. I mean, Hollywood has to be conscious that a large percentage of the movie going public is Christian. (In the wake of the Passion, they really can’t ignore it.) It is even likely that they would be able to remove most of it or alter it somehow in the next two films enough to satisfy most Christians.

However, I think the danger of His Dark Materials goes far beyond the overt Crusade-against-Heaven, Evil-child-mutilating-Magisterium, and God-killing parts. I’m sure that a well educated Child could discern the evil in that. I know I could have when I was a child. It’s the more subtle and insidious aspects of the story that we should be concerned about.

If the movies are at all accurate to the books then we have to worry about a main character whose compulsive lying is portrayed as a good thing, an adulterer/child murderer who is the main action hero of the story and whom all the other characters support in his quest, rampant moral relativism, emphasis on sexual knowledge being the supreme good and much more. These things are threaded through all three books and these are the things that pose the most danger to our children.
 
Until one can defend the Catholic faith completely they shold not see this film. Children do not yet have the tools needed and will be swayed. Some adults do not have the tools either.
 
Before I would let my children or grandchildren see the movie, I would like to read the books first and then make that determination for myself. I do not like anybody else to make those decisions for me. I do respect the Bishop’s stance and the laity’s view but I would like to make the final decision by my own research. May God Bless you all.
 
This whole discussion about this movie or any other movie is ridiculous, in my opinion. As far as I know, the parents are still the boss. I you have any reservations about this movie or books, then don’t let your children see or read them. Most children are not mature enough to tell the difference between fantasy and an attack on the church. That’s the parents job, and I think it’s about time they started doing it. Enough whining and hand wringing. If you have any doubts at all, keep them away from the Golden Compass. End of opinion!!
 
ernievalencia said:
Before I would let my children or grandchildren see the movie, I would like to read the books first and then make that determination for myself. I do not want anybody else making those decisions for me. I do respect the Bishop’s stance and the laity’s view but I would like to make the final decision by my own research. May God Bless you all.
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I saw The Golden Compass.

It is no wonder why The Chronicles of Narnia made 65.5 million on the first weekend and The Golden Compass only made around 25 million.

It was a shallow response to Chronicles. Rather boring as compared with Chronicles.

The Golden Compass the movie is blatantly anti-Catholic to those of us who know our faith. However, the anti-Catholicism in the movie may go over the heads of those who do not know their faith as baptized Catholics.

There is a bigger problem behind the movie.

As Mr. Donohue revealed: it is the trilogy of books selling atheism to children that is the problem. “Unsuspecting parents will take little Johnny to see the movie. Johnny likes the movie. Johnny gets the trilogy for Christmas.”

The other big problem is The Golden Compass website where a child can answer some questions and get assigned a personal “daemon”. I answered these questions and I was assigned a daemon named Alvin. I think it was a fox. Catholic parents should beware of this website that uses animal figures to draw the children into a world of atheism.

~ewelamb
 
Thank you for your response and I agree that parents should be aware of all the web sites that may promote doubt about our faith. We need to be more pro-active in teaching our children about our Catholic faith. I don’t think that a 13 or 14 year old is mature enough to decide whether or not they should be confirmed. Nor do I believe they should be able to choose to see such a movie as the Golden Compass. I do believe that the parents or grandparents should become aware of what is out there and educate and prepare their children to make choices that are consistent with our faith.
 
ernievalencia said:
Thank you for your response and I agree that parents should be aware of all the web sites that may promote doubt about our faith. We need to be more pro-active in teaching our children about our Catholic faith. I don’t think that a 13 or 14 year old is mature enough to decide whether or not they should be confirmed. Nor do I believe they should be able to choose to see such a movie as the Golden Compass. I do believe that the parents or grandparents should become aware of what is out there and educate and prepare their children to make choices that are consistent with our faith.
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goofyjim said:
There have been those who have said that Star Trek is antiCatholic which is totally unfounded. So unless one points out to me the antiCatholicism in this trilogy I see it as just another fantasy genre entertainment film. And as for your two points I am under obligation to obey my bishops not my fellow Catholic laypeople. I am equal with the laypeople and there is no ranking of authority there.
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You are only under obligation to obey your bishop in matters of the Faith – ie, doctrinal teachings, etc.

They have no official capacity from the Vatican or from God to review movies. There is no obligation to obey them when it comes to movies.
 
davy39 said:
This whole discussion about this movie or any other movie is ridiculous, in my opinion. As far as I know, the parents are still the boss. I you have any reservations about this movie or books, then don’t let your children see or read them. Most children are not mature enough to tell the difference between fantasy and an attack on the church. That’s the parents job, and I think it’s about time they started doing it. Enough whining and hand wringing. If you have any doubts at all, keep them away from the Golden Compass. End of opinion!!
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And just where, in your opinion, do you expect parents to get the information they need - they can’t possibly read every single book and/or watch every single movie - other than through discussion with other people who may have read the book, seen the movie, or at the very least have seen reviews or interviews with the author?

Discussion is how we learn, my friend.
 
In all fairness to the bishops, Bill Donahue of the Catholic League, in a recent appearance on EWTN’s “The World Over Live” with Raymond Arroyo, stated that Forbes is pretty much a one man show with his movie reviews. The bishops do not directly approve his reviews. In fact, Donahue stated that the bishops he had spoken with about this issue were not in favor of the movie, or Pullman’s books.
 
MomOSix said:
And just where, in your opinion, do you expect parents to get the information they need - they can’t possibly read every single book and/or watch every single movie - other than through discussion with other people who may have read the book, seen the movie, or at the very least have seen reviews or interviews with the author?

Discussion is how we learn, my friend.
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I would get my info from the Catholic League, EWTN, or a movie revue board with your diocese. Find somebody that has some expertise and is not opinionated or slanted. My friend, that’s is what I do when I’m confronted with such an issue. God bless!
 
This is true, a parent cannot watch or read everything that is out there. However, they should become familiar with as much as possible and yes, get involved with a discussion group. If they are not satisfied with the recommendations from the group, then they should do further research. Parents need to get more involved with their children’s activities and make a difference in their lives. When a child ask what are you basing your decision on, the parent must be able to say because I thoroughly researched it and not because someone told them that it was wrong to watch this movie or read that book.
 
Hello Everyone,
I grew up reading fantasy novels (not just Lord of the Rings or Narnia. Fantasy novels was my main genre selection.) I just got out of seeing the movie. To me it gave me the impression of going either way. Yes the “Magisterium” is portrayed as the evil tyrant of an organization. One person even carries the title of Friar. It looks to sap children of their free will.
The protagonist does lie. She lies to survive. She even lied in the first big discussion scene. She lied to a gang that looked to bully her younger brother.
She also swore an oath that should he be kidnapped, she would come look for him. She was good to her word.
She also found a polar bear who was being moral abused by keeping him drunk with whiskey. She reminded him of his dignity. That he is more than a drunkard. She took him away from that.

I am remembering that it is written:
“Be not like a horse or a mule, without understanding,
which must be curbed with bit and bridle,
else it will not keep with you” Psalm 32: 9

“Before you speak, learn” Sir. 18: 19a.

Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it." Mark 10: 15
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The movie does carry valid point on remembering the need for creativity. The organization could have been called something else rather than “Magisterium” and the movie would still have worked. (This does not speak well for the movie’s intent).
So my final view of the movie is good with explanation.

If the movie really is going to speak out against the Catholic Church and God, then isn’t it good to teach people how to recognize these blasphemies at some point.

Considering what people are saying about this film, it is ironic that a main theme/ lesson of the film is to not take things at face value. I just seek to apply this lesson the film teaches to the film itself. The film series may hang itself (given enough rope and time), or it may redeem itself. Either way, I will let the films do it of its own accord.
 
I think most of the movies nowadays don’t mention God, but this doesn’t mean these movies are anti-God. Brokemountain was not anti-Jesus movie. It was a movie about two gays and the destruction that their relationship brought to their families and to them too. Some catholics liked it, others don’t.
Star Trek or Harry Potter are not anti-God too. They just try to cheer up children, I am sure none of them will grow up believing those stories are true. What happen with Golden Compass is that his author is an atheist who hates Christianism. Knowing this, it’s quite obvious everything he does, is bad. A bad tree cannot give good fruits. I don’t think that watching that movie is a mortal sin, but we should be careful to whom are we giving our money.

If the US Bishops say ok to the movie, let them say what they wish. Since their opinion is not dogmatic, I prefer to act according to my opinion.
 
twath1 said:
In all fairness to the bishops, Bill Donahue of the Catholic League, in a recent appearance on EWTN’s “The World Over Live” with Raymond Arroyo, stated that Forbes is pretty much a one man show with his movie reviews. The bishops do not directly approve his reviews. In fact, Donahue stated that the bishops he had spoken with about this issue were not in favor of the movie, or Pullman’s books.
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I saw “The World Over” with Raymond and I’m all for the firing of Harry Forbes and John Mulderig. This movie is just the gateway to Pullmans religion. Young minds are very impressionable and why waste you time and money on a movie/books that go against what you know is the truth? The truth is there is a God and we should pray for Pullmans conversion. Atheism is a religion and they hate Catholics and anything christian. You can read in the newspapers everyday that the ACLU and the atheists are trying to omit God from our country.
 
Darnok said:
SIDE ISSUE: To respond to the Lord of the Rings comparison, Frodo lied saying he knew naught of such matters as magical rings. He also lied, at Gandalf’s instructions by giving the name last “Underhill” when his real name was Baggins. Frodo also lied by purchasing some property in Brandywine to make it seem like he was going to settle down there quietly. He lived in the Shire. All a deception so he could get out and on to the quest without spies realizing what’s going on until he was well away.
If the movie really is going to speak out against the Catholic Church and God, then isn’t it good to teach people how to recognize these blasphemies at some point..
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These are not blasphemies. I do not even know that they are sins in the context give. But they definitely are not blasphemies in any sense of the word.
 
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