Collideoscope

Posted by: David Bunch

The Golden Compass, a movie from New Line Cinema, is causing quite a stir from both Christians and non Christians alike (and it is not even out yet).


The movie releases this December and is based "on the first novel in a trilogy called “His Dark Materials” by English author Philip Pullman". Pullman is an avowed atheist.


Consider these points.

"These books denigrate Christianity, thrash the Catholic Church and sell the virtues of atheism," said Bill Donohue, president and CEO of the Catholic League. The film itself is unlikely to offend — because New Line Cinema has tried to keep religion out of it, focusing on the story of a little girl named Lyra and her journey to a strange, parallel universe. "

Which is another reason Christian groups are upset. The fear is that the film will seem harmless enough so parents will flock to buy the books for their kids, and in the process feed them atheist drivel.

"They’re intentionally watering down the most offensive element,” Donohue said. “I'm not really concerned about the movie, [which] looks fairly innocuous. The movie is made for the books. ... It's a deceitful, stealth campaign. Pullman is hoping his books will fly off the shelves at Christmastime."

But then atheist groups are upset because the anti God fare has been left out of the movie.

Says Pullman:

"This must be the only film attacked in the same week for being too religious and for being anti-religious — and by people who haven’t seen it," he said. "I have very friendly and happy relations with the filmmakers, and I'm very happy with what they are doing. "