, I read the Christianity Today article about it, and I really had second thoughts about the books and movie, and I really didn't think it was the sort of thing I wanted my kids to see. But I also can't stand people and organizations who see conspiracy behind everything.Today I read Dr. Jim Hunter's blog post about the Golden Compass. Dr. Hunter is a United Methodist minister in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. I feel a lot better about it now, and I might even read the book if I can find the time.
If he didn't see any hidden athiest agendas in it, then I doubt I would, and my kids definitely wouldn't! Dr. Hunter's blog post is very down-to-earth.
There may not be any hidden atheist agenda in the book... the author is pretty open about it! His stated intent of the book series is to "kill God."
ReplyDeleteHere is a good article on Philip Pullman and the book series: http://www.snopes.com/politics/religion/compass.asp
Don't you think though, that if someone's faith is so weak that a book series or a movie would cause them to turn away from God, then that is a person who shouldn't read anything but the Bible?
ReplyDeleteAnyone so easily swayed should make sure they avoid Adolph Hitler's book Mein Kampf, or they could turn Nazi.
I just feel very strongly that people should check things out for themselves, rather than just taking what is given to them (even in MySnellvilleBlog) - they should have the gumption to check things out, consider all sides to a story, and think for themselves.
I read your post, and the article from Christianity Today, and I found them both interesting. Let me say right up front that I am agnostic. I have not raised my children in any particular religion.
ReplyDeleteThroughout their childhoods, they have attended church/temple services with other relatives and friends of theirs. They read books with a distinctly Christian slant. They read the Bible. I don't see anything wrong with this, nor do I feel threatened by it.
Do you honestly believe that your children are only going to see your viewpoint through their lives? Are they really going to be that sheltered and insulated? Somewhere along the line, when they can think for themselves, (and I hope they can!) they are going to start being curious and questioning. My children are = they ask why I feel the way I do, what led me to it (I used to attend church and enjoy it as a child), and why I left it. I will not feel offended if my children decide Christianity is for them. I just want them to keep an open mind about their lives and the world.
In my mind, there is no one correct viewpoint. We are all God's children, and I believe He will welcome us all home. I cannot accept that only a small portion of us go back to him, while the rest of humanity will stew wherever their religion puts them.
Linda