The Golden Compass (atheists, before, proof, society)

[willowthewhisp]

At the end of the last school term my 13 year old daughter's class were taken as a group to see this film in the cinema as a treat for 100% attendance and excellent work at school. No parents were informed beforehand of what film they were going to see. I wonder what would have happened if anyone had objected?

[buildings_and_bridges]

Originally Posted by willowthewhisp

At the end of the last school term my 13 year old daughter's class were taken as a group to see this film in the cinema as a treat for 100% attendance and excellent work at school. No parents were informed beforehand of what film they were going to see. I wonder what would have happened if anyone had objected?

My guess is the child of the parent who complained wouldn't have gone on the trip. It happens all the time. I went to school with kids who weren't allowed to see anything but Disney movies. The whole school didn't change plans for all the other children just for them.

[movingtohouston]

In our children's school before any movie is shown we are sent a permission slip so that we can decide if they can attend. The children who can't are sent to another class for the duration of the movie.

[chielgirl]

Originally Posted by willowthewhisp

At the end of the last school term my 13 year old daughter's class were taken as a group to see this film in the cinema as a treat for 100% attendance and excellent work at school. No parents were informed beforehand of what film they were going to see. I wonder what would have happened if anyone had objected?

I find it interesting that the school didn't inform the parents, maybe the child just didn't bother telling the parent because they knew the response.

So, is the child now going to hell, has their life been destroyed for seeing a movie? What happens if the child's mind is open and they start to question things? (Although I didn't get any of that from the movie, it wasn't anything to fear).

Would the parent have felt that way if it were the Narnia Chronicles? Has the parent read the books or seen the movie or is the parent just looking for trouble where there is none? Is the parent trying to get the school board to punish the teacher for providing a treat? That would probably be the xian way to go about it.

[willowthewhisp]

My daughter just wasn't particularly impressed. Because of all the hoohah she'd been expecting something incredibly controversial. But then again we've seen all the Harry Potter films together and read the books, can't wait for the next film to come out, and yet some people have thrown their hands up in horror at leading children astray with tales of witchcraft and wizardry.

[chielgirl]

I know. It's insane. The movie would have been a nice, simple movie if not for the hurrah around it.

The only reason I saw it was because xians were so fearful. I hope they make lots of money, if for that reason alone.

[irishmom]

Originally Posted by Hope101

If no child should be taught that any beliefs are evil or wrong, than wouldn’t teaching that atheist beliefs are evil and wrong be doing the same thing? Isn’t that promoting bias and prejudice?

Originally Posted by Mooseketeer

Bravo. I wish people would trust and respect their Children enough to make their own minds up and think for themselves. Give them as wide a knowledge as you can and the rest is up to them.
Kids are intensely curious by Nature and they will find out what their parents don't want them to anyway.

Sorry I haven't been here for a while but yes teaching that atheists are evil and wrong wouldn't be good in my opinion either, that's why I don't teach my children that. I teach them that everyone is entitled to their own beliefs and that right is to be respected.

But a book (from which the movie comes and the movie is a gateway to the book series for young readers) that advocates the killing of God as the enemy is attacking my beliefs directly, and this I do not feel is appropriate to introduce to my young children. Just as I would imagine a book that shows God striking down all atheists wouldn't be something an atheist would share with their young children, unless of course they would like their children confused at upset.

[Alpha8207]

Originally Posted by irishmom

Sorry I haven't been here for a while but yes teaching that atheists are evil and wrong wouldn't be good in my opinion either, that's why I don't teach my children that. I teach them that everyone is entitled to their own beliefs and that right is to be respected.

But a book (from which the movie comes and the movie is a gateway to the book series for young readers) that advocates the killing of God as the enemy is attacking my beliefs directly, and this I do not feel is appropriate to introduce to my young children. Just as I would imagine a book that shows God striking down all atheists wouldn't be something an atheist would share with their young children, unless of course they would like their children confused at upset.

Great post, Irishmom. You've gotta get out....er.....stay in more!

[smallnmighty543]

Originally Posted by HistoryasIS

wow as a christian my self I find this the perfect way to turn off people from christ The good old hell preach.

Not that the I do not believe in hell but have we word things is very important.

i do agree tht i messed up. i was not tht mad and am sry about it. i did not meen to sound mean Sorry.

[Mooseketeer]

Originally Posted by irishmom

Sorry I haven't been here for a while but yes teaching that atheists are evil and wrong wouldn't be good in my opinion either, that's why I don't teach my children that. I teach them that everyone is entitled to their own beliefs and that right is to be respected.

But a book (from which the movie comes and the movie is a gateway to the book series for young readers) that advocates the killing of God as the enemy is attacking my beliefs directly, and this I do not feel is appropriate to introduce to my young children. Just as I would imagine a book that shows God striking down all atheists wouldn't be something an atheist would share with their young children, unless of course they would like their children confused at upset.

I understand what you are saying but I'm afraid I respectfully disagree.

If I had kids I would take them to Christian "slanted" movies even if it showed them smiting Atheists ( as long as it was not violently graphic) and would take it as a perfect opportunity to explain what I believe and that millions do believe something completely different.

I would see it as a chance to explain that my beliefs are my own and that everyone is entitled to theirs. Including my child.

My father who was an atheist took me to churches services ( different nominations), I went to Catholic schools and was given books and taken on lectures about world religions from an early age. I remember going to Hindu and Shinto temples and to the public areas of Mosques.


He never tried to shield me even from things he found uncomfortable or ridiculous.

I felt in that sense he respected me enough to make my own mind up.
I became an atheist because of ME not him.

Why not explain to kids that some atheists ( not all of them ) are extreme in their thinking and would like god to be a thing of the past. Explain that philosophy and still enjoy the movie.

It's a movie nothing else. Philip Pullman is a strong opponent of organised religion and yes his books are clearly anti-established religion ( the movie in a typically cowardly Hollywood fashion has watered it down so much you can barely see any of his philosophy left anyway). So what ?

Don't kids deserve the chance to think for themselves with a bit of unbiased guidance from their parents ?
I think we owe them that.

Parents may shield their kids momentarily but I can't help feeling it is ultimately futile. Kids are curious, they will seek out the truth , and might be even more confused as to why their parents were so bothered when they find out.

Kids are not going to turn into Philip Pullman ( a lovely man by the way) because of the Golden Compass.
Books and now a movie about love, and friendship, loyalty and resilience. About good winning over evil , about the triumph of the human spirit and the beauty of strength of a little girl who refuses to give in to evil.
How bad a message is that ?

I just do not get it . It seems to me the best potential message one could give a child . Be good, be strong and be loyal. Love your friends and fight for a just cause. Stand up for vulnerable people's rights and don't be afraid to raise your head above the parapet. Never give up. Be resilient and never ever give up.
Does that sound like a negative message to anyone ?