First it was the “Davinci Code,” now it’s the “Golden Compass”…
With the highly anticipated release of the new film “The Golden Compass” Christian groups and Atheist groups are both speaking out, but they are saying two different things.
Several Christian groups oppose the film while atheist all across the world are praising its release, though they are saddened that New Line Cinemas has removed anti-religious themes throughout the film. Still not all Christian groups are lining up behind their fellow believers in criticizing a film they have not watched solely because of the pro-atheist views of the books author. Just as there was much controversy against the “Passion of the Christ” from secular society, twice there has been controversy surrounding a film that derives from anti-Christian elements (Davinci Code and Golden Compass). Are these films truly bad for our society or are they actually healthy for Christians to know what questions and doubts that the world we are trying to reach actually have? I believe films such as these provide a great opportunity for the church to open up to people who have opposite views, have a dialog, so that people can be heard…because we all want to be heard…but to also have an avenue in that dialog to share the truth. I believe if we want people to hear our message, we cannot totally silence them when they want to speak. Would you listen to someone who said, now I want to talk to you, but I don’t want you to talk back…I want you to hear my message, but I could care less about your views. Didn’t Jesus allow Nicodemus to ask questions while he was seeking for the truth?
What do you think? Choose for yourself… Here is an excerpt from a recent article:
“The writing of his ‘Dark Materials’ is so masterful that it is bound to spark the spiritual imagination of anyone who reads it,” said Craig Detweiler, co-director of Reel Spirituality, a pop culture and religion think tank at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, Calif.
“In this era of the messy marriage of politics and religion, we desperately need more imaginative expressions of faith and doubt.”
Detweiler accused conservative Christian activists like Baehr and Donohue of cashing in on the controversy for their own gain, just as they accuse Pullman of doing. And he thinks the controversial author could actually have the opposite effect on readers than the one he or his critics think — and lead people to find faith in a true higher power instead of merely a dogmatic, power-hungry establishment.
“It undoubtedly makes people question, but inspires them to look harder for more authentic religion,” Detweiler said. “Pullman takes license in pointing out the scary, false gods and destructive idols we’ve created. In that sense, I think he’s doing a great service.” [Read Entire Article]
Nick