Review: Anti-Catholicism in - The Golden Compass'?

[fed up with the mess]

Vista Sux wrote:

If I had kids I would take them to see this. Anything to counter the brainwashing effects of religion. I hope if I have kids they don't fall for that religious BS.

That is why you and your kids are lost!!! God is going to hold you accountable one day...don't worry.

[ricc]

The basic problem affecting our youth is that no one talks to them. Go to see this film with your kids and have a good old discussion about faith and religion.

[ricc]

Oh dear, what an uncharitable comment, fed up with the mess. You almost seem delighted at the prospect of Vista Sux and her kids going to hell!
Are you sure you're a christian?

[Mad Mick]

Gema wrote:

<quoted text>

As for THE HOLY TRINITY, Jesus states in the Bible that He and The Father are ONE and that when He departs He would stay with us in Spirit.

And were in the Bible do you get this quote from? I know but do you?

Maybe he was simply saying that he and the Father work and think alike, and that to deal with one is to deal with the other. They operate in perfect unity.

[Mercy]

Mad Mick wrote:

<quoted text>
And were in the Bible do you get this quote from? I know but do you?
Maybe he was simply saying that he and the Father work and think alike, and that to deal with one is to deal with the other. They operate in perfect unity.

Mad Mick in regards to Gema's comment here is just one of the many websites I found that state Philip Pullman being
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philip_Pullman
(scroll down to Religious perspective)
Also like Gema said there might more things that you don't believe in and are not in the bible but are true. I pray that the Holy Spirit enlightens you, the Virgin Mary to covers you in Her Mantle, and Jesus covers you with His Precious Blood.

[Mad Mick]

Mercy,

I have read that Wikipedia about Pullman but no where does it say that Pullman says he in an Atheist. Also have yet to find anywhere where he admits to it. We just have people saying he is.

I believe in the Bible but am not Catholic so Mary was only the vessel that carried Jesus and thats about it.

Maybe instead of saying things like "its in the Bible", Book, chapter and verse could be quoted to help your arguments.

And yes there are things not in the Bible that are true but you probably would not believe them because of your upbringing.

[Minette]

Mad Mick,

Thank you for your passionate replies to Gema and Mercy. It truly shows that you feel strongly about your beliefs and you feel it important to back them up with proof. I think that’s great- however St.Paul reminds us in 1 Cor 11:2 that we are not to follow the Bible alone, but tradition as well. Nowhere in the Bible does it say that God’s revelation is to be found in the written Scriptures exclusively. It needs to be interpreted just like any other piece of older writing. Even the U.S. Constitution cannot interpret itself and, thus, we need a Supreme Court to guide us in our understanding of what the document is really supposed to mean. But I do understand where you’re coming from so for that sake of “proof” I’d like to touch upon some of the things you mentioned in your (I’m sorry to say) attacks on Gema and Mercy.(That really is what they seemed like to me when I read how you implied their being “blind” and how you insulted their “upbringing”).

First of all, I, too, was interested in confirming Pullman’s stance on Atheism so I simply Googled it and found countless articles (from secular, non-secular and Atheistic communities) addressing Pullman as a “proud Atheist”,“militant atheist” and a “very vocal atheist”. These names, however, seem to be a bit off because when I found a true quote from Pullman I realized that he may not be an outright Atheist, but he’s not too far from it.

“Atheism suggests a degree of certainty that I'm not quite willing to accede. I suppose, technically, you'd have to put me down as an agnostic. But if there is a God, and he is as the Christians describe him, then he deserves to be put down and rebelled against.”–Phillip Pullman (http://www.pluggedinonline.co m/cultureclips2/a0003495.cfm)

Regarding your questions or statements about the Blessed Trinity, I’d just like to remind you that, although the word “Trinity” is not used, it is understood in John 14:25-26 when Jesus says “I have told you this while I am with you. The Advocate, the holy Spirit that the Father will send in my name- he will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you.” Similarly, it is mentioned in Matthew 28:19, Luke 3:21-22, Corinthians 13:13 and Jude 1:20-21.

(continued on next post)

[Minette]

(continuation)

About the Blessed Virgin, you have touched a sore spot there because she is my mother (and yours as well though you don’t yet understand that) and just like it is an insult to most to hear someone talk about their mothers, multiply that times infinity and you will then get a glimpse into the understanding of the feeling of hurt that enters my heart when someone talks about Mary how you did. But… all feelings aside- by honoring Mary (notice I said honoring, not worshipping) we are simply imitating Jesus who faithfully “honored His father and mother” throughout His life. In simply reading just a few of the times Mary is mentioned in the Bible it is clear to see that she is not, as you say,“the vessel that carried Jesus… and that’s about it.”(Luke 1:28-38). The Canticle of Mary says it all (or at least a lot of it: Luke 1:46-55). A commenter on a Q & A site I once visited said it best:

“We honor Mary as the Mother of God. She was special and chosen to be His mother. It is her flesh that gave Christ his humanity.

We only worship God. Only God is deserving of worship. The Church is, and always has been, adamant about this.

We pray to Mary and ask her to pray for us. We believe that her petitions to Christ are special because she is His mother. On the cross Jesus gave John his mother and by that, he gave his mother to all of us. She is our spiritual mother.

A mother is special. You can go to her for anything, she loves you and will do anything to help you. That's what Mary does for us.

She does not (and never could) compete with Jesus. As his mother she glorifies him. She said "my soul magnifies the Lord." Think about that, she magnifies him...she's not struggling with him for top position. Most mothers are happy to stand in the shadows and let their children have all the attention...they don't clamor for top billing.

At the same time Jesus followed the commandments...honor your father and your mother. Mary is due that honor by the very fact that she is His mother.

We worship the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit as one God. Only that one God is deserving of worship...”

Again- I do appreciate your comments and insight. However I hope that you will open your mind a bit more to what the Bible and Jesus’s teaching has to offer. The Holy Bible is so rich that it is such a shame how some people read it like they read any other novel or book, cover-to-cover. And even though I know you may (or may not, I don’t know) find this to be condescending or patronizing (although it is absolutely NOT intended to be) I will continue to pray for you and your questions so that God may enlighten you to understand Him how He deserves to be understood.

p.s. I am not in any way trying to seem better than anyone. I am an unworthy sinner, but God had truly blessed me and I don’t plan to throw away what He has given me because I’m afraid someone will think I am arrogant.(Matthew 5:10)

Blessings,
Minette

[Zoompad]

I've just been reading one of Philip Pullman's interviews. He sounds pretty angry about the Inquisition and the torture that the church has dished out over the ages. I can't help but think that he does have a point.

But I won't be going to see this film. I am going to save my cash until a really good film hits our screens. I am waiting for the film makers to tell the story of Elijah. COME ON, HOLLYWOOD! Or failing that, BOLLYWOOD!

[Mad Mick]

Minette,

Thank you for your reply and looking back at my post it is definitely harsh and that was partially intended. My "attacks" had the desired response - someone who could speak their beleifs without the "Blind Faith" approach.

I am not a Catholic and do not put as much emphasis on Mary as the Catholics do. Her part was really played out when she gave birth to Jesus and as such we do not honour her as we do Christ. And I by no means mean to offend with that statement, it's just the way we look at the Bible.

Yes the Bible needs to be interpreted but you would agree with me that there are different interpretations depending on what Church you belong to and who you read. Yes the basic message is there but each Church puts a different spin on it.

A post like yours was a pleasure to read and I thank you for it.

[Ducky]

Vista Sux wrote:

Excellent! Sounds like a great movie!!!=D

Are u freaken kidding me! Do u not know what horrible thing killing GOD is? I respect your beliefs and all but if u are a TRUE christian u will not go and see this movie!! If you do, God will be shaking his finger at u from heaven and u will not like where you're going in the afterlife. Nichole Kidman used to mbe mu favorite actor. But now she is just a waste of my movie time.

[ricc]

The basic problem affecting our youth is that no one talks to them. Go to see this film with your kids and have a good old discussion about faith and religion.

I am convinced that you will end up with a deeper and more thoughtful Faith than before.

[Grammar Freak]

WITNESS OF JESUS CHRIST wrote:

ITS POOR INTENSIONS OF THE SICK MINDED TO PUT SUCH GARBAGE INTO OUR CHILDREN'S MINDS, AND ITS OBVIOUS THAT SATAN IS BEHIND THAT. IF YOU CARE ABOUT YOUR CHILDREN'S SOUL AND ABOUT YOUR SOUL, SAY NO TO SATAN!!!THANKS AND GLORY TO JESUS CHRIST GOD ALMIGHTY!!!!!!!!!!
GOD BLESS!!

Do you think Satan can use syntax, grammar and spelling? If so, I'm on his side.

[leo]

i'm a christian but i'll watch this movie, i must know thy enemy. this seems like another senseless movie/book like da vinci code attacking religions to get popular and have an easy money.

[Mad Mick]

Ducky wrote:

<quoted text>
Are u freaken kidding me! Do u not know what horrible thing killing GOD is? I respect your beliefs and all but if u are a TRUE christian u will not go and see this movie!! If you do, God will be shaking his finger at u from heaven and u will not like where you're going in the afterlife. Nichole Kidman used to mbe mu favorite actor. But now she is just a waste of my movie time.

Oh dear, another crazy.! Have you read the books or seen the movie? Or have you listened and read the garbage that the Catholic League and others have put out.

After you have read the books (3 of them) then come back and try to put your feelings in English that we can all understand.

No wonder Atheists etc think Christians are crazy if they read posts like yours and others who don't use the brain that God gave them!

Maybe you should have a read of Minettes post above and see how to reply so that people will at least think you are a thinking Christian.

Sorry about the attack but if you want to expand Gods kingdom, drivel like yours is not the way to go about it.

[Ducky]

maybe i did over react a little but i still am not going to see this movie. Besides, it looks really boring in the previews.

[ricc]

I would urge everyone to return to the original link which began this thread, Michele Thomas's Review of The Golden Compass (Northern Lights). There they will see how a thinking Catholic Christian engages with controversial topics without hysteria or "craziness".

[Sylvia]

IF this guy admits to being an atheist and also writes childrens books, I'm sure that his own personal beliefs will somehow be a part of his stories. And since I am a Christian (but this could apply to others who believe in God), then why would I want to financially support something that I do not believe in. Just as an atheist would not financially support someone's church or temple. What's so hard to understand about that?
Freedom of speech works both ways.

[ricc]

Sylvia, do you inquire into every author's personal beliefs before reading their books? What about film directors, TV producers, actors, actresses, musicians etc? If you restrict your reading/viewing/listening to people who agree wth your religious beliefs you're going to have a terribly restricted cultural life!

Be more open-minded, read Pullman and think about your responses. I did and as a believing Christian I found my intellectual understanding of my fath was greatly enhanced.(see my first posting in this thread)

[ricc]

Read this excellent review:

http://www.reporter.net/archivesearch/local_s...