Dear Friends,
First, I would ask that those of you reading this that do not share my faith to know that I love my brothers and sisters very much.
CNN says that some
Christians are calling out against the soon to be released “
The Golden Compass“. Here is why some Christians will stay away from the movie:
1) The work from which it is derived is written by an atheist.
2) The money you spend on the movie will benefit that atheist effort.
3) Your beliefs are being challenged.
4) Your children will be influenced towards a worldview that you do not share.
5) You can’t talk about it at Sunday school without being ridiculed.
The only one of these that I can accept without qualification is #2. Spend your money wisely. Also, don’t pirate it, that is wrong and bad.
I am sympathetic to #4. Parents need to be careful about how their children see the world.
BUT, how much better would it be if Billy goes to the movie, sees some sweet polar bear wars, and then returns how to talk about the battle for the cosmos with his parents, and his parents ask him questions about how the Bible was similar or different from the movie?
My point is this: Don’t write off art because the artist is trying to ruin our faith. Paul’s polemics often cited pagan sayings and rituals, and understanding some one else’s opinion does not mean that you agree.
My other point is this: this movie would be a great discussion starter for our friends outside the Church. It would be worth my $7.50 to be able to explain my God to someone who needed it.
One more point: Go get more friends who are outside the Church.
2 Quotes:
“To doubt everything or to believe everything are two equally convenient solutions; both dispense with the necessity of reflection.” Jules Henri Poincare
“He who will not reason is a bigot; he who cannot is a fool; and he who dares not is a slave.” ~William Drummond, Academical Questions
