Nicole Kidman and Dakota Blue Richardsin 'The Golden Compass'
At least two Racine Catholic churches are speaking out in opposition to a new children's movie, starring no less than Nicole Kidman and Daniel Craig, the most recent James Bond.
Three weeks from now, on Dec. 7, "The Golden Compass" is due to hit a silver screen near you. The film is an adaptation of the first novel in a trilogy called “His Dark Materials” by English author (and atheist) Philip Pullman.
Proponents and critics alike compare it to "Harry Potter," "Lord of the Rings," and "Chronicles of Narnia." (Not such a stretch: there's a search for a unique elementary particle that could unite the world, journeys to strange lands and the protagonist, a 12-year-old girl, hides in a wardrobe.)
Fox News summarized the plot of "Compass" and the controversy like this: "A children's fantasy film that stars Nicole Kidman and features a little girl on a quest to kill God has some Christian groups upset over what they believe is a ploy to promote atheism to kids."
Christian groups are afraid the movie, however watered down, will encourage children to read the books. "These books denigrate Christianity, thrash the Catholic Church and sell the virtues of atheism," said Bill Donohue, president of the Catholic League.
Last weekend's parish newsletters at both St. Rita's and St. Lucy's Catholic Church's exhorted parishioners to avoid the movie.
St. Rita's Principal's Newsletter said this: "The movie story is against Christianity. Philip Pullman is a proud atheist who detests C.S. Lewis and writes his books as an antithesis to "The Chronicles of Narnia." In the end the children kill and defeat God. School parents should know about this book and movie and should not support this author's work."
In St. Lucy's newsletter, Sandy Gottfredsen, pastoral associate, wrote: "The movie has been watered down, but seeks to get into the minds of children and parents ...to go out and buy the books where in the end the children kill God. And this is what Pullman's strategy is: to kill God in the minds of children."
UPDATE, 11/15: This weekend's issue of St. Rita School principal's newsletter has a followup: Principal Diana Lesnjak looked deeper into the issue, and was surprised to find the book in the school library, and in its book fair flyer. After confirming the book's anti-religious, anti-Christian elements and themes, she decided to remove it from the school.
She writes: "Because of this honest debate going on, on, since we are a Catholic school, we will remove the Pullman book or books from our school library and we will not sell the book at our book fair.
"If any parent wishes to pre-read this book (it's recommended for adults) you may decide it is fine for your child. At school, we won't make that choice for you by having it here. I am aware that I may now be declared a book-burner, if parents disagree with me about losing this book. I can only do what I'm hired to do, and part of that is maintaining the Catholic identity of this school- that’s as simply as I can state it. I’m not proud of this, or sad about it -- it is what it is."
Kudos to St. Rita's and St. Lucy's for taking a stand against this deplorable book and movie. I would suggest that Hollywood be ashamed of itself, if I hadn't learned long ago that Hollywood knows no shame. Promoting this sort of militantly atheist viewpoint (read Pullman's own interviews if you take exception with the characterization) to American children is a premeditated act of assault against God and religion; not simply Catholic or Christian religion, but any faith of the Judeo-Christian tradition. Glad to see some in Racine won't put up with this blather.
ReplyDeleteI am always amazed at how afraid christians are of the competition. Is the belief in god so fragile?
ReplyDeleteTo anonymous,
ReplyDeleteWhy would any Christian/religous person want to take their child to see a movie in which children kill God? Don't be so amazed! Would a black parent want to take their child to see a movie in which the main point of the movie is to glorify the killing of black people?
Put any race into that question. When you believe in something, you are passionate about it. Of course, a movie about killing God would upset religous people.
I didn't realize that Catholism is a race?? Great analogy- could you seriously be that ridiculous!??? Let's see - ever hear of the movie ROOTS!
ReplyDeleteCatholism is a choice we made and if we are never challenged how will we or our children ever learn how to defend our beliefs or better yet, understand them. Pullman has a right to say what he wants. Don't go to the movie!! Our family will --because it is a brilliant opportunity to discuss our viewpoints and perceptions. I want my children to learn tolerance--- of other peoples faith or lack of it- not intolerance based on fear.
People actually do go to movies and read books solely for the purpose of entertainment and not to look for some subliminal message or to try to read into the mind of the author who penned it. I find the comments of Bill Donoghue and his Catholic League of Bullies --- more appalling than anything I have read of Mr Pullman. If anyone should be ashamed it should be Donoghue.
I find it ridiculous for these schools to remove books that they have had in circulation for 10 years- now suddenly these books are so dangerous. Now that is protecting our children- give me a break!
It's just a movie. A movie is fiction. So what if it promotes an atheist viewpoint? I can't step outside with a bunch of idiot Christians who don't even follow the Bible explain to me how I'm going to Hell.
ReplyDeleteMaybe it's about time you all just open your eyes and see that we don't need God anymore.