This article couldn't be further from the truth. It sounds like to me the author has been sucked in to the liberal hype that is so pervasive in Hollywood.

As a Christian, why would I want to spend my hard-earned, God-given money to the cause of an atheist? Sorry, but the church isn't controlling my decision on this one, or on any other matter for that reason. Instead, the facts speak for themselves... Pullman is clearly trying to dispel Christianity and promote what is clearly an anti-Christian environment that so many other atheists are attempting to do as well.

Who's doing the controlling? Sounds to me the atheists are trying to secularize what was traditionally a Christian nation.

Nice try, but I will spend my money on a MUCH more noble and godly cause.

I disagree with this article. To spend our dollars on this filth, that exists to destroy faith, and those dollars become the fodder for future movies of the same type, is wrong. We should teach our children the truth about God and we ourselves should become so familiar with God that when anything raises itself against the knowledge of Him, we can destroy those speculations and strongholds. Yes, we do need to explain logically to our children that this kind of propaganda is out there. We can accomplish it without spending money that goes to further their cause.

I do not believe that we as christians are "afraid" of this movie. The books are evil and the movie is the lure into them. I understand what you are saying for evangelistic purposes. I however believe that is for a mature christian adult to take on not a child. We have to train them in the way they should go first. Give a good foundation before adding other elements such as this in. Otherwise confusion is a real possibility. I don't think we are trying to "control" by leaving this one alone. It just seriously does not deserve our time on a personal entertainment level. Some may be called to view it for evangelistic purposes but, not all. God will lead by the Holy Spirit in that.

I am in total disagreement with most people on the subject of popular movies and books which go against Christian values. Our kids are under extreme peer pressure when it comes to popular books such as "The Golden Compass" and the "Harry Potter Series." Unfortunately, we live in a secular world which promotes ideologies which are contrary to Christian beliefs.In public schools teachers may even read some of the books Christians strongly don't want their kids exposed to. Believe me, kids especially older kids will find a way to read or see banned movies and books. Of course I draw the line on any R rated books or movies. But, if it's age appropriate I see this as an opportunity to challenge the ideas which are contrary to Christian values and have open discussions with my child. Curiosity will drive them. I would rather be able to have the opportunity to openly discuss these issues rather than have my child sneak around without an opportunity to counter what they've been exposed to.

I absolutely agree with all of you who have commented. Ignoring it (the movie & books) may not "make it go away" but at least it will not prove the author's point that he is trying to make about we as Christians. The enemy just LOVES to "get under our skin" or incite us to riot or rally against him, to bring attention to himself. Hmmm...aren't "pride & arrogance" the very sin that begat ALL sin? Why do we as Christians not see that this is clearly his way of manipulating us into "fellowshipping" with him?! I have to wonder if the author (Mr. Edwards) isn't somehow PROMOTING this kind of behavior, by drawing undue attention to it, & asking us to support this man's (Phillip Pullman)'cause' by purchasing tickets to it. If all of us Christians REFUSE to, it will thwart his efforts to CONTINUE to promote atheism. "Let us set our minds on things above, NOT on things below"! Let's NOT give the atheists, agnostics & satanists, "food for fodder"!

To clarify my former comment:

I think the best thing we can do is NOT see this movie - especially since it is the kind of movie that Christians families could easily be suckered into (i.e., a PG fantasy movie for kids). If the target audience does NOT see this movie, and the sales are low or even under budget, then there will be no more sequels! THAT'S the best thing we can do.

Getting the book from the library is a much better route for those who sincerely want to know the story for the sake of debate with non-believers. The book will have much more of the ANTI-theists beliefs than the movie will, and getting it from the library will not put any more money in his pocket.

However, I too agree that actually showing up to boycott the movie is a bad move. It does draw more attention to it than it deserves, and it does make us look less approachable by the very people we are commanded to reach.

So, I advocate a non-vocal absence from the movie and from buying the book.

I'm sure the producers appreciate the free plug for their now "controversial movie".

I can hardly wait for the pages of books in the CBD catalog rebuking the movie, as well as knock-off T-shirts for Christians to "speak out" on the subject.

Question; When the Ravens and the Pats played last night, did New England quit with their game plan just because Baltimore was winning for a time? It seemed to me they stuck to a plan, and thanks to an ill-called time out, they came out on top.

If you know what the movie's about, don't bloviate about it, just don't go see the movie, and stick to a defense for the hope you have, in Christ.

Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to the theatre, with my sandwich board, and pamplets.

We do have to restrain our kids and not allow them to do everything they desire but we
have to be sure that we are wise in how we choose what to allow and what to prevent.
The world is going to continue to exert its pull on our children after they have grown into adults
and if our strategy was to hide them from the things of the world there is a much greater
likelihood that they will spread their wings and see what all the fuss is about.
Unfortunately we won't be there beside them to mentor or guide them at that time.
They will walk through this alone or even worse with friends that have a worldview
that is far from a healthy Christian worldview.
Certainly there are many things that need to be controlled in our lives today and the
responsibility of a parent to protect their children from things like pornography and
pedophiles goes without question. We need to make sure that we are protecting ourselves
from those evils as well!
How many "R" rated movies do Christians go and see in the movie theatres of America?
I think many people would be surprised by the statistics.
If my son's friends want to see this movie then he will want to see it and I would rather
that he see it with me so that we can talk about it and discuss what it contains.
Someday I won't be there and he will face this world on his own. When he does, I want a
part of me to be in his heart, I want what we have learned together to help guide him through
the deception and the lies that Satan fills this world with.

It seems to me that Paul Edwards has taken this time and this podium to do little more than bash Catholicism. I think this is wrong and horribly misleading. His opinions are his own, I understand that, but to voice them on an ecumenical website in an article where he more or less defends a militant atheist seems horribly wrong to me. It's one thing to promote open debate about The Golden Compass, it's another to accuse Christians who boycott the movie of being "controlling" instead of "awake." Does Christ not tell us to "be awake?" And to use this opportunity to say (but not say) that the Roman Catholic Church is a false church wrapped in the garb of Christianity... shameful Paul Edwards.

http://discerningsainthood.blogspot.com/

I agree with the others who have commented - Check the book out of the library and read it with your children so you can discuss it if you must, but I would not give that man a penny of my money. I do not believe that would be good stewardship. Too many Christians today allow themselves to me talked into things that they want to do by people. My daugther wanted to see that movie - I told her absolutely not. She is 13 yrs old and does not need anymore garbage in her brain than the world is already stuffing in at an alarming rate. Parents of youngsters that want to see that movie may bend under the guise of "not being afraid" but what will be the cost? We need to keep our minds pure and on the things of God - seems like I read that somewhere :)

Is following the advice of our spiritual leaders (pastors, et al.) burying our heads in the sand? Maybe rarely, but most often not.

On the other hand, by buying movie tickets and books, would we not be filling the "collection plate" of Satan and his minions?

Jesus said: "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money." --Matt. 6:24 (NIV) and "No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money." --Luke 16:13 (NIV)

It seems to me that all the apologists I've seen for this movie and book have a financial interest in its success, and the author denies God, so we know his master.

I disagree with the author's premise that - by avoiding or boycotting this movie - we are 'sticking our heads in the sand'. First Peter 5:8 says, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” Spiritual warfare is not a game! Romans 16:19 instructs us to, “be wise in what is good and innocent in what is evil.” It is my firm conviction that Christian parents should protect their children from the dangerous lies being taught in both these books, and the movie coming out this December.

(Chris Jordan is the lead pastor of Beausejour Community Church and has been involved in full-time ministry for 15 years).

Please take the time to read my critical response to Pullman's books and movie by visiting this webpage:
http://player.sermoncentral.com/c/chrisjordan/pdf/48206_3793.pdf