By now, I’m sure you’ve heard of the controversy regarding the new movie, “The Golden Compass”, based upon the books in the Philip Pullman series, “Dark Materials”. While he may have been considered “The Most Dangerous Author in Britain” in his sinister efforts to corrupt the minds of children into effectively ‘killing God’, there are two sides to every single coin.
I’ll admit, I haven’t read the books. I haven’t seen the movie. The trailer looked magnificent when I saw it a few months ago, so I probably would have put it on my list. Yet a few days ago, I received an email from a concerned Christian woman asking me to boycott the film due to it’s anti-religious agenda.
Dismissing it as another sheep in wolf’s clothing, I was astounded to hear the same plea from someone else this weekend imploring that I not see the film, that I do not take my children to it, and that I don’t let them read the books. She had heard in church that the film was evil and was specifically made to murder God in the hearts of children.
Frankly, I don’t know what’s worse; worrying that should I go see the movie, it would corrupt me and ultimately send me to hell for being a non-believer, or being warned by a pastor that it should be banned outright and to spread the word of it’s evil undertones to everyone!
First, a little background: I have always had a problem attending church on Sundays. I found the Catholic faith to be extremely hypocritical when it came to the ’Do as I say, not as I do’ mantra. I can’t consciously call myself a part of a congregation that would rather screw its own followers than make the changes necessary to bring it’s worship into the 21st century and beyond. I’ve had numerous people tell me that Church was a place to go to celebrate your faith, to revel and marvel in the miracles of life and yet every time I set foot through those stained glass doors, no matter what the faith, instead of rejoicing in my love for my God, there is a priest or a preacher or a pastor giving me advice on how to be a good person.
While I know I’m not perfect and definitely have my faults, I didn’t think I was a bad person. I think I do a rather ‘bang-up’ job in celebrating my relationship with God without the ritualistic establishment part of the equation. I’m more comfortable without the middle man, so to speak.
Now that you know my background, I’m of the opinion that you shouldn’t really have to worry about the fantastical ramblings of a self proclaimed agnostic to kill your beliefs in a God. If you truly believe in a deity no matter what your religion, nothing can sway you. Just as I believe that no one should be able to make you believe in something against your will.
To all those Christians out there who are afraid of a fantasy, remember that last word. It’s fantasy, no matter what the hidden message may be. Make up your own minds instead of letting a figure-head of whatever make it up for you. While it may be holy man’s duty to guide his people, it is you who ultimately walks the path.
To all those parents of little children out there; be strong and guide your babies the way that feels right in your heart. If you’ve read the books, have seen the movie, and honestly feel that it’s subject matter is inappropriate for the younger generation and will aim to corrupt them past the point that your loving teachings can shelter and repair; then by all means, don’t expose them. Yet there will come a time where they will have to make up their own minds too!
But for Deity’s sake in heaven, make the choice for yourself. Frankly, on no matter what side of the coin you rest your head, a boycott by a religious organization looks eerily similar like the swaying prowess of a writer who doesn’t believe in God. They’re both impressing upon you to do something without measure of the other.
Free will was the greatest gift God gave to his followers along with the ability to question the faith.
Choice is a remarkable trait bestowed upon all those atheists/agnostics out there.
Use those tools, no matter what your preference, do what you feel is right.
